Lucian awoke to the sound of rhythmic hammering and the occasional creak of wood.

  He blinked slowly, realizing the warmth pressed against him on all sides, and as his vision cleared, he noticed Dylan curled up against his chest, his small fingers clutching tightly to Lucian's robe.

  On his left, Matthew sprawled out, his arm thrown carelessly over Lucian's stomach, while Luke snored softly on his right, his face nestled against Lucian's shoulder.

  "Right," Lucian mumbled to himself, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "I was sleeping with the boys."

  He gently shifted, careful not to wake them. Dylan stirred but quickly settled, mumbling something unintelligible before snuggling closer.

  Lucian sighed, his gaze drifting to the ceiling as the events of the previous night replayed in his mind.

  ---

  The villagers had returned late in the evening, their voices echoing through the village as they escorted Theo and the beast boy back.

  Lucian had rushed to meet them, his heart hammering as he caught sight of Theo.

  "Theo!" Lucian called, his steps quickening.

  Theo waved weakly, standing upright despite his disheveled appearance. "I'm fine," he assured, his voice gruff. "I guess you healed me already."

  But the villagers' attention was not on Theo. Their gazes fixated on the beast boy who followed meekly, his hands bound with torn cloth.

  The boy was no longer the rabid creature from earlier. His fiery red hair hung limply over his face, and his glowing green eyes, now dulled, darted around nervously. He looked small, almost pitiful.

  Yet the villagers' fear was palpable.

  "That's the beast?" someone muttered.

  "Look at its claws! Its fangs!" another exclaimed, pointing accusingly.

  "He shouldn't be here!"

  "He's dangerous!"

  Lucian stepped forward, raising his hands to calm the crowd. "Everyone, please! Let's not act in haste. The boy is under control now. There's no need for alarm."

  "No need for alarm?" Gregory, the village chief, scoffed. "Father, that thing nearly killed you and Sir Theo! What reason do we have to keep it here?"

  Agnes, Gregory's wife, stepped into the circle, her sharp gaze silencing the murmurs. "And what reason do we have to kill a child who no longer poses a threat?"

  The crowd hesitated, their eyes flicking to Agnes. Despite Gregory's title as chief, it was Agnes who held the villagers' respect. Her word often carried more weight than her husband's authority.

  Barret, one of Agnes' many godchildren, spoke up next. "Look at him," he said, gesturing to the beast boy. "He's just a kid. He's scared."

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  The boy flinched at the attention, his gaze darting to the ground. Agnes crouched in front of him, her voice soft. "Child, can you speak? What's your name?"

  The boy remained silent, his shoulders hunching as if to make himself smaller. His silence only deepened the tension among the villagers.

  "See?" Gregory sneered. "It doesn't even speak. Who knows what it's plotting?"

  Agnes stood, her gaze turning icy. "It's a child, Gregory. Children don't plot."

  "I'm just worried, my dear. It's too dangerous to keep him here." Gregory suddenly went soft after noticing his wife's cold demeanor.

  Theo, finally spoke. "I'll take responsibility for him."

  The villagers erupted in small protests.

  "What?"

  "You can't be serious."

  "But. He's dangerous."

  Theo met their objections with a firm glare. "I have protected this village, and I'll continue to do so. Keeping an eye on him is part of that duty. He won't hurt anyone under my watch."

  Lucian stepped beside Theo, his voice calm yet authoritative. "For investigation purposes, and for everyone's safety, we'll keep him under Theo's care for now. This is the best course of action."

  He softened his tone, looking directly at the crowd. "I understand your concerns. But remember what we agreed to before, this isn't just about fear—it's about justice. And justice cannot be served without understanding the full truth."

  Agnes nodded in agreement. "Father Lucian is right. We must act with wisdom, not blind fear."

  Barret nodded, stepping forward to assist.

  Despite their grumblings, the villagers began to disperse, their protests quelled by the unanimous decision of four pillars of the community.

  Lucian watched them leave, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

  One crisis averted… for now

  ———

  The air inside the convent was heavy with tension, despite the soft murmurs of the children preparing for bed.

  The earlier scuffle with the villagers still lingered in Lucian's mind, but it was the presence of Theo, ever-watchful and now uncomfortably perceptive, that occupied his thoughts.

  The beast boy sat quietly in a corner, his eyes downcast, his bound hands resting limply in his lap. Despite his subdued demeanor, Lucian noticed Theo's ever-present vigilance, the paladin's gaze never straying too far from their unusual guest.

  "We'll keep him in my room for the night," Theo suggested casually, breaking the silence.

  Lucian blinked. "Your room?"

  Theo nodded. "It's secure enough, and I'll be close to monitor him."

  Lucian crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "And where do you plan to sleep? Surely not in your room with him."

  Theo shrugged, his expression as neutral as ever. "The hallway will do."

  Lucian's brow furrowed. "No, that's—" He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's a bit much. Even if you're strong, how can I possibly let a guest sleep on the floor? In the hallway, no less."

  "Then how about your room, Lucian?" Theo suggested, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

  Lucian froze, his eyes narrowing.

  Look at him. He's not even calling me 'Father' anymore.

  The memory of their argument in the fields flickered in his mind. Theo had seen through him. This sudden shift in their dynamic—it wasn't just casual banter.

  Theo is testing me.

  He's probing me.

  Trying to confirm if I'm still the man he remembers.

  But Lucian wasn't without his wits.

  Sucks for you, Theo. You've already fallen on my trap. By tomorrow, you'll be on your knees.

  His gaze shifted to the group of children already chattering amongst themselves.

  "Children," Lucian began, his tone light and warm. "How about we let Brother Theo stay in your room tonight?"

  "Ehhh?" Marcus was the first to object, crossing his arms indignantly. "But we're already crowded as it is!"

  Lucian chuckled softly. "Of course not, Marcus. After all, the kids will be staying in my room tonight."

  The children's eyes lit up with excitement, their earlier complaints forgotten in an instant.

  "Read us books!" Matthew demanded, his face alight with enthusiasm.

  "Yeah! Teach us letters!" Luke chimed in, practically bouncing on his heels.

  Lucian smiled brightly, leaning down to scoop up Dylan, who wrapped his small arms around Lucian's neck. "Of course. Let's have fun tonight," Lucian said, his voice warm and full of affection.

  But as he lifted Dylan, Lucian's arms trembled slightly, his muscles protesting the strain.

  "Father?" Dylan looked up at him, his small face scrunched in concern. "Am I heavy?"

  Lucian opened his mouth, but Theo's voice cut in smoothly.

  "That's not it, Dylan," Theo said with an almost teasing lilt. "Father's just tired from running so much today."

  The children gasped in unison, their wide eyes filling with worry. They remembered how Lucian had arrived in the village earlier—bloodied, fatigued, and desperate for help.

  "We'll take care of you tonight, Father!" Dylan declared, his tiny hands patting Lucian's shoulder reassuringly.

  "I'll massage your back!" Matthew offered, puffing out his chest with determination.

  "I'll sing you a lullaby!" Luke added enthusiastically.

  Lucian's heart swelled at their earnestness. For all the chaos and uncertainty surrounding his situation, these moments of unfiltered affection reminded him why he should fight harder to protect this place.

  He pulled the children into a tight hug, his voice soft. "Thank you, my little guardians."

  "Now, now," Theo interjected, his tone cheerful but his gaze sharp. "You kids should all get some rest. Father Lucian's been through enough today."

  As the children scampered off to prepare for bed, Theo stepped closer, his cheerful facade melting away. His hand clamped onto Lucian's shoulder, his grip firm but not painful.

  "And you," Theo said, his voice low and edged with warning, "I suggest you don't run anymore. Look at you—completely fatigued. It's bad for your health."

  Before Lucian could respond, Theo's hand glowed faintly with a soft golden light, the warmth of healing magic seeping into Lucian's muscles. The fatigue that had weighed on him moments ago lifted almost instantly.

  "Nonsense," Lucian replied, schooling his features into an expression of feigned ignorance. "Running is a healthy form of exercise."

  Theo shrugged, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "If you say so." He turned on his heel, heading for the hallway. "I'll see you tomorrow, Father."

  Lucian watched him go. Smiling in victory.

  For now, he turned his attention to the children, their bright voices pulling him back to the present.