The outdoor terrace was bathed in bright daylight, string lights hanging uselessly above white marble tiles that sparkled like glass under the midday sun.
Lord Arthur sat motionless in his customized wheelchair, staring blankly at the garden horizon.
Arthur: Bring me my water, Thomas.
Thomas: Right away, sir. It’s right here beside you.
A sudden, desperate sound shattered the calm quiet of the terrace.
Rapid footsteps thundered across the marble, heavy and breathless.
A young boy in a torn white t-shirt ran frantically around the stone pillar, his eyes wide with absolute panic.
Leo: SIR, PLEASE HELP ME! PEOPLE ARE CHASING ME!
Arthur: What on earth... boy, slow down!
Thomas: Stay back from His Lordship!
Leo didn't stop. He dropped directly to his knees right in front of the elderly nobleman, bowing his head in complete desperation.
His small, trembling hands reached out, gently touching the leather of Arthur's dark shoes.
Leo: I CAN HEAL YOUR LEGS! JUST PROTECT ME!
Arthur: Heal my legs? Boy, I haven't walked in twelve years!
Thomas: Sir, I'll remove him immediately!
Arthur: Wait, Thomas... look at his hands.
A blinding, radiant light suddenly surged from the boy's palms, illuminating the entire wheelchair area in a warm, glowing pulse.
Arthur gasped, his entire body jerking as a sudden wave of heat rushed up through his lifeless feet and into his spine.
Arthur: My God... my feet... I can feel my feet!
Heavy boots thundered toward the terrace entrance as three muscular men rushed into the open area, holding metal pipes.
Thug Leader: THERE HE IS! GET THAT KID NOW!
Leo scrambled backward, clutching Arthur's suit jacket from behind as he hid his face in terror.
Leo: SAVE ME, PLEASE!
Arthur slowly pushed himself up from his chair, standing tall on his own two feet for the first time in over a decade, staring down the armed intruders with pure rage.