Sunlight spilled through the tall nursery windows, casting warm light over the colorful toys scattered across the floor. Ariya sat upright in her chair, her tiny fingers twitching in anticipation, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Today, we'll start some lessons, my lady," Lilian said softly, kneeling beside her. "Nothing too difficult—just exercises to help you grow."
I blinked rapidly, excitement bubbling in my mind. I want to learn everything… as fast as I can.
Nolan bounced nearby, his little hands clapping. "Can I help?" he asked eagerly. "I want to teach her too!"
"Of course, Young Master," Lilian said gently, though her eyes flicked nervously toward Ariya. She had noticed something that worried her—the subtle shimmer of power that occasionally danced around Ariya's tiny hands, her ability to steady objects without touching them.
This child… she's not like any other infant, Lilian thought, her brows furrowing. If her abilities are discovered too soon… it could be dangerous for her. And for everyone around her.
She watched Ariya stack a few blocks, holding them carefully in her tiny hands. When one block wobbled, Ariya's concentration alone kept it steady. It was almost imperceptible, but Lilian had seen it.
She's already using her power instinctively…
Lilian knelt in thought. I need to protect her… I need to hide this until she is ready. Until she can understand it and control it herself. She's only a baby—she won't survive if someone notices now.
Later that day, Lilian found herself in the Duke's private study, where the Duke's sharp blue eyes were already fixed on her. He didn't speak immediately, merely watched her approach.
"Your Grace," Lilian began, bowing slightly. "There is… something about the Young Lady you should know. Ariya possesses a power far beyond her age. I've observed it carefully, and it's subtle—but it is there."
The Duke leaned back, expression unreadable. "I've seen it too," he said calmly. "I sensed it during the celebration. She isn't just clever… she's unusual. Raw talent, yes—but untamed."
Lilian nodded. "Exactly. If the wrong people learn of it… it could bring her harm. I propose we hide her abilities until she is older. Perhaps until she reaches three years of age, when she can understand and control them better."
The Duke's gaze sharpened. "And how do you propose to do that?"
Lilian carefully reached into a small pouch she carried and brought out a delicate bracelet, its metal faintly engraved with runes. "This… is a containment device. Worn around her wrist, it will dampen her abilities and prevent her from accidentally revealing them. It will not harm her, only help her manage her power until she is ready to control it herself."
The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing the consequences. "You trust it will not stifle her growth?"
Lilian nodded firmly. "It will not. It merely acts as a safeguard, to protect her—and those around her. When she is older and stronger, the bracelet can be removed, and she will have control over her abilities. Until then, it must remain secret."
The Duke's lips curved just slightly, the faintest trace of a smile. "Very well. If she is to survive and thrive, we must ensure no one knows… for now. I leave it to you, Lilian. Do not fail her."
"I will not, Your Grace," Lilian replied, her voice steady. I will protect her, no matter what.
Back in the nursery, Ariya giggled, stacking blocks with quiet concentration. Lilian knelt beside her, smiling softly, her mind already planning the subtle ways to keep Ariya safe.
We have time, Lilian thought. But only if we are careful.
And somewhere in the shadows, the Duke watched, silent and calculating, knowing that the day Ariya would truly understand her power was coming—and that when it did, the world might never be the same.