Chapter 5
Knock, knock, knock.
"Jinn? Are you alright in there?" a voice called from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of the doorknob turning.
Jinn froze, splayed on the floor. His heart pounded, a frantic drum against his ribs. The abrupt end of the time-stopping phenomenon had caught him off guard, sending him tumbling. He scrambled backward, trying to distance himself from the opening door, his mind racing. What would he say? How would he explain the glowing amulet, the strange circle, the frozen clock?
The door clicked open, revealing a boy. He was about Jinn's age, with messy, dark hair similar to Jinn's own, but his eyes were a startling, vibrant sapphire blue that seemed to take in everything at once. He was dressed in casual, comfortable clothes, a stark contrast to the formal wear Jinn had seen on Elara earlier.
"Oh! You're awake," the boy said, his voice friendly, a hint of surprise in his tone. He glanced at Jinn on the floor, then at the slightly dishevelled bed, before his gaze settled on the grandfather clock across the room. "Did you fall? My name's Kael. Mom said you might be up." He stepped fully into the room, his movements easy and confident.
Jinn pushed himself up, still a bit shaky. "Uh, yeah. Just… trying to get out of bed." He quickly shoved the glowing amulet under his pillow, hoping Kael hadn't noticed its brief flicker. His mind was still reeling from the strange temporal anomaly. Had Kael seen it? Did he know what had just happened?
Kael's sapphire eyes lingered on Jinn for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable in their depths, before he offered a small, knowing smile. "Right. Well, dinner will be ready soon. Mom wants you to join us. She says you've had a lot to process."
Jinn nodded, grateful for the change of subject, though the mystery of the amulet and his own bizarre power still churned within him. "Okay… thanks."
Later that evening, Jinn found himself at a long, polished dining table, the scent of a rich stew filling the grand dining room. It was a stark contrast to the small apartment he'd shared with his father. Elara sat at one end, composed as ever, while Kael was opposite him, occasionally catching his eye with a curious glance. At the other end sat Lord Caspian Valerius, Elara's husband. He was a man of imposing presence, with a strong, noble face and eyes that held a piercing intelligence, much like Lyra's. He had a quiet, authoritative air that commanded respect without needing to speak.
The empty seat beside Elara, Jinn realized, was for Lyra. He remembered her distraught exit that morning. He knew the feeling. His own grief for his father was still a raw wound, but the new realities Elara had unveiled were starting to overshadow the immediate pain.
"Jinn," Lord Caspian's voice was deep and measured, breaking the comfortable silence. "My wife has informed me of your situation. And of your… unique experience during the incident. We are deeply sorry for your loss." His gaze was direct, empathetic. "Your father, Alaric, was a good man. A brother to Elara, and a valued member of our family, though he chose a different path for many years."
Jinn looked up, surprised that Lord Caspian already knew his father's name. "You… you knew him?"
Elara nodded gently. "He left our realms many years ago. It was a difficult decision for him, but he believed it was the only way to protect you. He had a… unique gift himself, one that could attract unwanted attention from those who seek to exploit such powers."
"Our family possesses a rare bloodline," Lord Caspian continued, leaning forward slightly, his eyes holding Jinn's. "It manifests in various ways, often tied to temporal or spatial abilities. What you experienced with your amulet, the freezing of time… that is a clear sign. It is a dormant power within you, passed down through your father's lineage."
Jinn stared, trying to absorb it all. Time manipulation? His amulet? It suddenly made sense, in a terrifying, exhilarating way.
"The Bloodline Academy," Lord Caspian explained, his voice softening, "is a place where those like us learn to understand and control these gifts. It is a sanctuary, a training ground, and a community. When you are strong enough, we would be honored if you considered joining."
He looked at Jinn, his gaze unwavering. "We believe your father left you the amulet for a reason. He always knew, deep down, that you would one day need to embrace your true heritage. He entrusted you to us, even if indirectly. Here, you will not only learn about your powers, but you will also learn about the history your father tried to shield you from. The threats that exist, and how to defend yourself and others."
Jinn thought of the fleeting images in his subconscious void—the ancient battles, the shadowed figures, the glowing eyes. He thought of the teacher talking about vampires. It wasn't just stories anymore. It was his reality. And his father, his seemingly ordinary father, had been a part of it all.
A million questions swirled in his mind, but one stood out. "What about Lyra?" he asked, remembering her distressed exit. "And Kael? Do they…?"
Elara smiled softly. "Lyra and Kael are both exceptionally gifted. Lyra's abilities are focused on elemental control, particularly wind, and Kael has a natural affinity for kinetic manipulation." She glanced at Kael, who gave a slight, acknowledging nod. "They will both be enrolling in the Academy when they turn eighteen, just as you will, should you choose to."
The conversation continued through dinner, weaving in details about the Valerius family, their ancient lineage, and the protective role they played in their world. Jinn listened, a strange mix of shock and wonder settling over him. He was no longer just Jinn, the high school kid who hated history. He was Jinn, heir to a mysterious bloodline, suddenly thrust into a world of hidden powers and ancient conflicts. His life, as he knew it, was irrevocably over. His new one was just beginning.
After dinner, Kael offered to show Jinn to his room. As they walked down a long, ornate hallway, Jinn's mind was a whirlwind. He looked at Kael, this seemingly normal teenager who could control kinetic energy. He glanced at the amulet, now tucked securely beneath his shirt. He was stepping into a new life, a world of untold secrets and unimaginable possibilities. And though the grief for his father still lingered, a new sense of purpose, a strange excitement, began to stir within him.