Mutation Abyss-Chapter 25: Breath of Fresh Air

Calix rapidly blinked at him. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am dead serious. I need someone who will protect my sister, and you've proven yourself by looking after her without even leaving her for a second while I'm not around. I will triple your wage from what you're getting from the hospital. Also, if the house and lot you're recommending is good enough and I happen to buy it, I'll let you and your parents stay with us as well."

Theo's offer was tempting, not just because of the pay and the good and secure shelter, but because it meant he could finally go home and be with his parents to make sure they were safe too. Not to mention...

His gaze unintentionally drifted to Aries, and without realizing it, his cheeks flushed a deep red. He'd never believed in love at first sight. Not until he saw her. Those soft, blue-gray eyes, the way her messy auburn bun had loose strands framing her face... she looked adorable.

"Hey!"

Calix nearly jumped as Theo snapped his fingers right in front of his face.

"Why are you ogling my little sister?" Theo said, glaring. "Don't you dare think of anything malicious-"

"I'm not! My intentions are pure!" Calix blurted out defensively.

"What?!" Theo barked back, almost offended.

"I said my intentions are pure!" Calix repeated, standing straighter, though his ears were burning red now. "I swear I'm not trying anything funny. I just... I think she's, I mean... she's pretty, okay? But I respect her. I respect you."

Theo crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at him. "You've known her for a day, and you're already making that face like you're picking out wedding rings."

"It's not like that!" Calix said quickly, throwing his hands up in surrender. "I just noticed her, that's all. I didn't mean to stare. I'm just... being honest."

From the side, Aries was already hiding behind her palm, half-embarrassed and half-amused. "You guys are embarrassing," she mumbled, cheeks pink.

Theo exhaled sharply and rubbed his temples. "You better stay professional, Calix. I'm trusting you with my sister's safety. That comes first. Understand?"

"Crystal clear," Calix said with a firm nod. "I'll prove I'm trustworthy."

"Good. Because if you try anything-"

"I won't!" Calix interjected, panicked. Calix cleared his throat and quickly changed the topic. "Right. I'll call my parents now, get in touch with the landowner, and arrange a visit. If everything's good, it's yours."

"Thanks," Theo said, his tone turning serious. "Let's move quickly. I want her safe before nightfall."

He couldn't afford to lose Aries, not after what happened to their mother. He had to protect her, no matter what.

Calix nodded and took his contacts, saving them in his mobile phone before stepping aside to make the call.

Meanwhile, Aries looked at Theo and asked softly, "How about Dad? I know he always brings trouble, but still... he's our dad. I'm worried. I tried calling him, but his phone couldn't be reached."

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"I'll look for him, Aries. But right now, your safety is my priority." Theo's voice was steady, but there was a flicker of conflict in his eyes. "Honestly, I'm still torn about letting him stay with us... I don't know if I should bring him in or just find him a separate place to stay," he admitted, letting out a deep sigh.

Aries didn't respond immediately. She just sighed as well, her eyes cast downward, mirroring his conflicted thoughts.

Then Theo's gaze shifted to Calix, who was still on the phone, speaking in low tones with someone on the other end.

"Do you think we can trust him?" Theo asked, his voice dropping a little as he turned back to Aries. "I'm assigning him as your personal bodyguard when I'm not around. I believe he's a good person, my instinct says so."

He remembered what he'd seen at the hospital. Calix had stayed behind to help survivors, risking his life instead of fleeing like many of the other guards. That spoke volumes. Not everyone would do that, not when survival meant leaving others behind.

"He seems like someone who doesn't just do what's easy," Theo added quietly.

Aries looked at Calix, who now seemed to be wrapping up the call.

"Then let's trust your instinct," she said with a wide smile, her eyes lighting up.

Theo raised a brow, side-eyeing her. That smile, radiant and oddly familiar, almost made him forget where they were. He was just about to tease her for it, but stopped when Calix walked back toward them.

"Good news," Calix said, slightly out of breath, but with a hopeful glint in his eye. "The owners are available for a quick video call tonight. We can head there now if you're ready. They're also willing to finalize the sale online tonight if everything checks out."

Theo nodded without hesitation. "We're ready."

Calix's expression lit up even more. "Great. I'll drive."

Theo gave a firm nod. "Let's go."

But the moment they reached the car, Calix paused and stared in awe at the parked vehicle.

"Can I drive?" Calix said with a grin.

"Sure," Theo simply answered before heading to the passenger seat, while Aries quickly entered the backseat with their mother's urn.

"I've never even touched a car like this before, let alone driven it. This is next level. Please don't judge me if I look like I'm about to cry," Calix muttered. The man was like a breath of fresh air despite the heavy hearts Theo and Aries both carried.

"Just don't crash it," he simply said.

"Never!" Calix adjusted the seat like he was preparing for a space launch, hands reverently on the wheel. "I'll drive like a saint, I swear."

As Calix carefully pulled out onto the road, trying not to look too excited, he cleared his throat and glanced at Theo. "By the way... I, uh, sent you my biodata just now. Figured you'd want to know more about who you're hiring. Just in case."

Theo gave him a quick look and pulled out his phone. Sure enough, there was a new email from Calix with the subject: Calixto Moore - Personal Info & Background.

"I thought you might want to know more about me," Calix said, eyes on the road. "I mean, if I'm going to work for you and be around your sister, I want to be upfront. No secrets. And-"

He suddenly slammed on the brakes. The car jolted slightly, and Theo let out a small gasp from his seat.