.Chapter Three: My Star, My Soul, My Life 🌠
Alex's POV
I was in the middle of class when my phone rang. My mother never called me — she always called Alan. Just as I reached for the phone, my history teacher stopped me. "Alex, the principal wants to see you."
My heart raced. I never got into trouble, and besides, the principal was my aunt. I liked talking to her. But when I entered her office, her expression was grave.
"Your mother called," Aunt Helena said, her voice trembling. "Alan went into his room and vanished without a trace."
To anyone, it would sound insane. But in our family, powers were real. Every generation, one child was born with an ability. This time, both of us inherited more than we should. We used them only when needed.
Her eyes searched mine, worried yet sharp. "Alex, you must watch your brother closely. His powers are tied to his emotions. If he loses control, he could destroy himself — or worse."
I nodded, though inside I felt the weight of her words pressing down on me. I'm not just his twin. I'm his shield. But who shields me?
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The Confrontation
I left school immediately, grabbed my bag, and rushed home. Mother was in a panic, convinced Alan had been kidnapped. But when I entered his room, Alan was there — his eyes burning, his fists clenched, his aura shifting like a storm.
"Alan…" I whispered.
He looked at me like I was his enemy. His breathing was heavy, his hands trembling. I could feel the danger rising.
"Don't look at me like that!" I shouted, loud enough for everyone downstairs to hear. "I told you about Bianca, but you never listened!"
The family rushed upstairs, finding us locked in a tense atmosphere. Suddenly, Alan lunged forward, his hands wrapping around my neck. His grip was iron, cold, unrelenting.
I gasped for air, clawing at his arms. A guard tried to pull him off, but Alan's strength was terrifying. He could have killed us both.
"It's alright!" I rasped. "Stay back. I'll be fine."
Alan's eyes blazed with pain and fury. My vision blurred, but I forced out the words:
"Alan, please… calm down. Bianca doesn't love you. Did you forget Astrid — the girl who promised she would return? Give me three years to find her for you. If I fail, you can do whatever you want with me. But for now… calm down."
At those words, Alan's grip loosened. He released me, his body trembling, and then collapsed, fainting from exhaustion.
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The Secret of Astrid
I know you're wondering who Astrid is. Let me tell you.
In middle school, Alan fell in love with a girl named Astrid. She loved him too. I remember seeing them together — her hand in his, her laughter soft and warm. Once, Alan gave her a sketch he had drawn of the two of them. She kissed his cheek and whispered, "I'll keep this forever."
But the gift that meant the most was a bracelet. A simple silver band, engraved with the words "My star, my soul, my life." She slipped it onto Alan's wrist and said, "Whenever you look at this, remember me. I'll come back."
At the end of middle school, Astrid transferred to another high school. Before she left, she promised Alan: "We'll meet again. No matter what."
But she never returned.
From that day, Alan changed. He stopped smiling, stopped talking, and spent hours locked in his room. The family asked me what was wrong, but I never told them.
When Bianca came into his life, Alan began to heal. He laughed again, he opened up. But now, Bianca's betrayal had shattered him, and Astrid's absence haunted him still.
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Aftermath of Alan Fainting
I carried Alan to his bed. His body was limp, drained of strength. Mother and the guards crowded the doorway, their faces pale with fear.
"What happened?" Mother demanded.
I shook my head. "Ask Alan when he wakes. He won't tell you, but I can't explain it now."
Inside, my thoughts churned. How long can I keep protecting him? How long before his powers consume him? And what about me? I'm not just his twin. I have my own battles — the pressure of being perfect, the weight of expectations, the loneliness of being the 'angel brother.' Everyone sees me as strong, but inside, I'm breaking too.
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One Week Later
Alan's POV:
I woke up late, around 10:30 in the morning. After brushing my teeth, I went downstairs. The moment I entered the dining room, everyone stared at me like I had committed a crime.
"Did I kill someone today?" I asked.
Alex smirked. "Yes. You almost killed me because of your trash — Bianca. I was nearly killed by my devil brother."
The family gasped softly, exchanging worried glances. Mother's hand trembled as she set down her teacup.
I glared at Alex. "If I'm the devil's son, then you must be my devil brother."
"Not true," Alex replied calmly. "I'm your angel brother."
The tension broke, and laughter rippled faintly around the table. But beneath it, I could feel their fear. They all knew my temper. They all relied on Alex to keep me from losing control.
And so, the day carried on as normal. But deep inside, I knew nothing was normal anymore.
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✨ pearly