Although the servants were standing at Ileus’ disposal to pack his things, Adrianna did it herself. She could have wielded magic and it wouldn’t have taken much time for her to pack her son’s belongings, but she was choosing everything one by one. She didn’t want him to leave anything behind. 

Ileus was sitting on his bed and watching his mother packing. Seashell was sitting by his side. He stroked Seashell’s mane and said, “Mom, would you come to see me every evening?” 

​​

Adrianna was already tearful. She hated the day she agreed to Dmitri’s decision. Her throat choked. “Yes darling, I will try my best,” she said and folded a shirt. She placed it nicely in his suitcase and walked to him. Embracing him tightly, she said, “I will be there every evening to check your progress. So be a nice boy. Don’t allow your magic to flow unnecessarily. Practice it nicely. Don’t use it unless required and never, never, NEVER use your time traveling gift. That is one thing that needs a lot of experience and training.”

Five year old Ileus listened to his mother attentively. “Okay,” he said as he pressed his face in his mother’s tummy, which was now bulging a little. Suddenly he heard the baby inside. It kicked. “Mommy, I think the baby kicked.” 

Adrianna chuckled through her tears. She was four months pregnant and she couldn’t feel the kicks of the baby but Ileus was too enthusiastic about it. According to him, the baby would tumble and kick and even talk to him. Although she had decided that she wouldn’t have another baby, Dmitri insisted. At first she was wary, but seeing Ileus’ enthusiasm about having a small sibling encouraged her. When they first announced him about his sibling, he had stared at her. He didn’t speak and word for the rest of the day and had closed himself in his room with Seashell. Finally when he came out, he just said, “Mommy, this is unfair. I want the baby. Put her in my tummy. I want to play with her.” He had cried a lot and both the parents had no explanation as to why couldn’t the baby be transferred to his tummy. “And that could be a baby boy,” Adrianna had chuckled. Ileus shook his head. “I want a sister.” It took a few days to console him. 

Pinching his rosy cheeks, Adrianna replied, “Silly, the babies don’t kick so soon.” 

Dmitri came inside the room. He saw the two of them talking to each other and shook his head. “Adri, we need to leave early. Meeting with the school’s principal will begin at 10AM. It is already 8. If you have packed everything, we should get going.”

The first realm that Ileus had to go was that of Humans. He was being sent to an elite boarding school in Switzerland. 

Even though Howard, Isidorus, Fleur, Liam and Darla were going with him, the White Witch, Enya had declared that she would be his local guardian. Adrianna and Dmitri were overwhelmed. 

None of them were allowed to visit Ileus during the weekdays but it was more for his protection. Adrianna had instructed Isidorus to stop Ileus at every time he would misuse his magic. He was too young to understand control. 

Adrianna sighed. “Okay,” she said and then waved her hand in the air. All the clothes that she had chosen flew around, folded themselves and got packed. 

They took Ileus out of the royal palace where everyone was waiting with their things packed. 

“Ileus!” Darla squealed and ran to him. She held his hand and blinked with both her eyes, which was the closest to a wink she could form. “I am bringing one full packet of candies for us. We can eat them any time,” she whispered. 

Ileus’ eyes’ shone. “Okay!” he said. “Don’t tell anyone.” 

“No!” she almost shrieked. 

The werewolves around them shook their heads. 

Haldir was standing with the group. He smiled at Ileus and created a portal using the coordinates he was given. They stepped in it. Seashell also entered but when he stepped out, he was a cat. Ileus picked him up and said softly, “I will smuggle you inside the school. Stay there with me in my room.” 

The golden yellow cat, Seashell purred, looking into his Master’s golden yellow eyes. 

Weather was beautiful in Salzburg. Soft breeze was flowing. It was so quiet and balmy. As soon as the wizards stepped out, they disappeared. Adrianna, Dmitri, Liam, Fleur, Darla and Ileus walked to the school, which was only five minutes away from their location. 

Ileus left the cat on the ground. He scurried inside the school. 

The meeting with the Principal went well. Ileus and Darla were asked to join the school immediately. They were sent to their first class. Adrianna and Fleur accompanied the kids there. It was a new world for both of them. It was a new adventure for Ileus. His eyes were wide when he saw so many children of his age. On the other hand, Darla was ecstatic. She left his hand and rushed to meet them. 

“Go Ileus,” Adrianna coaxed. 

“Leave him there,” the teacher said with a smile. She came and held his hand. “Come Ileus,” she said, “The whole world awaits you and your potential. This is where you start.” 

Ileus looked up at her and the teacher thought she would never be able to leave this child. 

Adrianna and Fleur left the kids with heavy hearts. While returning, Adrianna was in tears. She didn’t know how to express herself. 

Dmitri and Liam had already talked to the Principal. An hour later, after completing the formalities, they saw a group of children coming out in the garden. Ileus and Darla were there. Ileus turned to look at his parents. He stopped and waved them goodbye and then ran to join his group.

Dmitri caught Adrianna’s hand and squeezed it. He will be fine, he communicated with her mentally. They went to the cottage that was bought for the group to stay. Surprisingly Enya was also there. Adrianna hugged her warmly. Seeing her in tears, Enya said, “Don’t worry.” She caressed her tummy. “Wish you all the best for your second baby.”

“Thanks,” Adrianna smiled. 

Dmitri came next to her and wrapped his arms around Adrianna’s shoulders. He kissed her head and then looked at Enya. “Thanks Enya. I am sure Ileus would love to have you as his local guardian.” 

“My pleasure,” she nodded. “Ask all here to get a valid passport and visas if they want to reveal their faces. This is the Human World and we have to live by their norms.” 

There was a sigh from the back. Isidorus didn’t like the idea. He was already playing chess with Howard. 

They were assured that their son would remain protected as long as no one knew where he was. 

Adrianna and Dmitri left soon after. They had pressing matters in their Kingdoms. 

A new era was about to begin. 

—

“Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for completing this journey with me. Your comments and reviews made it possible for me to come this far. I am a little nostalgic ending it but I was exhausted. I am sure you will understand it. 

I am writing a new novel, The Silver Crescent Prince and I hope you all are reading it. Support it with your love. 

My other novel, The Blue Butterflies – I am still rewriting it and making changes. I hope to update it soon. Sequel of this novel will soon follow. 

See you on the other side. If you have any questions, you can always join me on Instagram, Facebook or Discord. 

Much love,

MishaK