Aiden didn't sleep that night.
Even with his enhanced mind, even with the calm discipline the system had granted him, his thoughts were a storm that refused to settle.
Emma had nearly been kidnapped.
Not by coincidence.
Not by random thugs.
But by men who insisted she was "the key."
The key to what?
Aiden didn't know.
But he knew one thing with terrifying clarity:
Someone out there could sense Emma's power.
Someone knew.
And that meant time was running out.
He sat on the balcony of their apartment—what used to be their apartment. Because after Emma's accidental "inheritance lie," even this broken, cramped place was no longer technically his home. A mansion waited for them. A life he didn't know how to accept yet.
A life built on lies.
No… built on Emma's words.
Her imagination.
Her faith.
Aiden exhaled slowly.
He had to take control before everything spiraled out of control.
Inside, Emma slept peacefully on the couch, wrapped in the soft, expensive blanket Aiden had bought earlier that day using the sudden inheritance funds that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He still didn't dare move them to the mansion. Not yet. Not until he understood what threats were closing in around them.
The system pulsed faintly in his vision.
[NEW THREAT CATEGORY RECOGNIZED]
[Priority Shift Recommended]
[Protect Emma Cross — High Priority Objective]
He rubbed his forehead.
"I know," he muttered. "I don't need a reminder."
But the system continued.
[Emma Cross is the Source]
[Emma Cross is the Trigger]
[Emma Cross is the Foundation of All Manifestations]
Aiden clenched his fists.
He didn't need the system to tell him that. Emma was everything. His entire life. His entire reason for breathing.
He stood and walked back inside. Emma stirred slightly but did not wake.
Aiden knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Em," he whispered, "I will keep you safe. I promise."
But promises weren't enough anymore.
He needed power.
He needed strategy.
He needed clarity.
And unfortunately…
He needed Emma's help—even if she didn't know it.
⸻ The Morning After
Emma woke early, rubbing her eyes. "Aiden? Why are you up already?"
"I never went to sleep," he admitted softly.
She frowned, worry clouding her small face. "Because of yesterday? Because those bad people came?"
Aiden hesitated, then nodded. He wouldn't lie to her. Not about this.
Emma hugged her rabbit plushie tightly. "Aiden… am I causing trouble again?"
He felt his heart crack.
"No," he said firmly. "You saved us. You always do."
Emma blinked. "I save you?"
Aiden forced a smile. "More than you know."
Her cheeks warmed with pride. She stood and walked to the tiny kitchenette.
"I'll make breakfast today! You sit!"
Aiden froze.
"Emma—wait—maybe I should—"
But she already proudly declared:
"My brother can fix anything! He's stronger than any bad guy!"
Aiden felt the system tremble around him.
Oh no.
Another accidental activation.
[System Reaction Detected]
[Source: Emma Cross]
[Verbal Assertion Detected: "My brother is stronger than any bad guy!"]
[Ability Manifestation: Enhanced Combat Instincts — Level 1]
A wave of sharp awareness slammed into him.
His senses exploded outward—footsteps in the hallway, distant conversations outside, vibrations of passing cars… he could hear and feel everything.
He inhaled sharply.
This ability was strong.
Dangerously strong.
Emma had no idea what she had done.
She set down two bowls of cereal proudly. "Breakfast!"
Aiden sat across from her, still trying to steady his breathing.
"Em," he said gently, "I need to talk to you about something important."
Emma blinked owlishly. "Okay…"
He chose his words carefully.
"You know how sometimes you say things about me? Things that sound… amazing?"
Emma tilted her head. "Like you being smart? Or strong? Or awesome?"
Aiden chuckled. "Yes. Those."
Emma smiled proudly.
"Well… I want you to keep telling me when you say those things. Just so I know. Not because you're in trouble, but because I want to understand everything that's happening."
Emma nodded slowly. "Okay… but why? Is it because grown-ups need to know everything?"
"Something like that."
She seemed satisfied with the answer.
For now.
⸻ A Dangerous Discovery
By noon, Aiden felt the new ability pulse through him again—sharp and instinctive, like something primal awakening inside him.
He tested it.
A car honked two blocks away.
Aiden knew exactly the model, distance, speed.
A couple argued in the apartment below.
He could hear every word.
It was overwhelming—
But controlled.
Refined.
And it would help him protect Emma.
He took a deep breath.
"Okay," he muttered. "One step at a time."
But the system interrupted him.
[Unidentified Surveillance Detected]
[Location: Building Rooftop]
Aiden's blood froze.
Surveillance?
He rushed to the window—
And saw it.
A small black drone hovering far above, nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Aiden's enhanced senses zoomed in instinctively—micro movements of the blades, faint hum, heat radiating off the battery.
Someone was watching them.
And they were good at it.
Aiden ducked back from the window.
"Emma," he whispered urgently, "get your backpack. We're leaving."
Emma blinked. "But… why?"
"Because it's not safe here."
He began packing necessities—documents, emergency money, essentials.
The drone shifted slightly in the air.
It was tracking them.
Emma clutched his sleeve. "Aiden… I'm scared."
Aiden pulled her close.
"You don't need to be. I'll protect you."
But the system pulsed sharply.
[WARNING]
[Threat Level Escalating]
[Countermeasure Required Immediately]
Aiden gritted his teeth.
He had no choice.
He needed a lie.
And only Emma could create one.
He turned to her gently.
"Em," he said softly, "can you tell me something? Just anything good about me. Anything big that pops into your head. Anything that makes you feel safe."
Emma hesitated, nervous. "Like… a promise?"
"Yeah. A promise."
Emma looked up at him, small hands trembling.
"I… I think…"
She swallowed.
"I think my brother will always find me. No matter where I am. Even if someone bad takes me far away… my brother will always come for me."
Aiden's vision exploded with golden light.
[System Activation]
[Ability Manifestation Triggered: "My brother will always find me."]
[New Ability Acquired: Absolute Tracking — Level 1]
[Effect: Aiden can locate Emma anywhere on Earth]
[Bond Strength Increased]
Aiden felt a shock run through his soul.
He could feel Emma's presence—not just beside him, but as a glowing thread connecting their very beings.
He exhaled shakily.
"Thank you, Em."
She hugged him, unaware of the world-changing power she had just given him.
The drone outside shifted again—
as if realizing something enormous had just awakened.
Aiden slowly stood.
His eyes were colder.
Sharper.
Determined.
"Come," he said. "We're leaving."
⸻ The Last Moment of Peace
As they stepped out of the apartment, Aiden felt the system hum beneath his skin like a silent storm.
Someone wanted Emma.
Someone was watching.
Someone knew too much.
But now?
Now Aiden had something they didn't.
He could find her.
He could protect her.
He could fight back.
And for the first time—
He wasn't afraid.
He carried Emma in his arms as they walked swiftly down the stairwell.
Emma rested her head on his shoulder.
"Aiden… everything will be okay, right?"
Aiden tightened his hold.
"Yes," he said. "Because no matter what happens next…"
His eyes sharpened.
"I won't let anyone take you from me."
But the moment they stepped out of the building—
A black car pulled up across the street.
And three men stepped out.
The same men from yesterday.
"Aiden Cross," the leader said. "We need to talk."
Aiden's heartbeat slowed.
His instincts sharpened.
His new ability pulsed like a weapon ready to strike.
He positioned Emma behind him.
"No," he said. "You don't."
But the man smiled coldly.
"You don't understand… We're not here for you."
Aiden clenched his fists.
His eyes burned.
"You're not touching my sister."
And the air around him seemed to tremble—
as if reality itself listened.