Chapter 2*

Harden rushed to Lucius's side, finding his son slumped on the floor, his body wracked with sobs. Lucius's usually composed demeanor had shattered; his pale face was flushed, his eyes red and swollen from crying. He was clutching his chest, each breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.

"Why me? I didn't want this!" Lucius choked out, his voice breaking. "Why is this happening?" He clung to Harden's robes, his fingers trembling. "I didn't ask for this, Mom! Please, make the pain in my chest go away!" His eyes were wide with fear, his breathing erratic as he struggled to control his rising panic.

Harden knelt down, enveloping Lucius in a tight embrace, his heart aching at the sight of his son's distress. "Lucius, breathe with me," he said softly, his tone both gentle and commanding. "Deep breaths, in and out. You're okay. I'm here. We'll get through this together." He demonstrated slow, deep breaths, one hand resting on Lucius's back, the other gently cupping the back of his head, guiding him to mirror the calming rhythm.

Lucius tried to follow Harden's lead, his breaths shaky but beginning to slow. His hands clutched Harden's shoulders as if they were his lifeline, his body trembling. "Mom, I'm so scared," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "Please, don't let go. I can't do this alone."

"I'm not letting go," Harden promised, holding him close. "You're not alone, Lucius. We'll figure this out. Right now, just breathe. Focus on my voice." He continued to soothe Lucius, his voice a steady murmur of reassurance.

Gradually, Lucius's breathing evened out, the immediate panic subsiding. He sagged against Harden, utterly spent, his eyelids heavy. The weight of his fears and the overwhelming uncertainty of his situation left him exhausted.

Just then, Abraxas entered the room, his brow furrowed with concern. His eyes widened at the sight of Lucius, still trembling in Harden's arms. "What happened?" Abraxas asked urgently, kneeling beside them. He reached out, his hand resting on Lucius's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

Lucius stirred at his father's touch, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dad?" he murmured, his eyes half-open, still glazed with tears. Abraxas immediately pulled Lucius into his arms, providing another layer of support.

Harden looked up at Abraxas, his expression serious. "He had a panic attack. The shock of everything is taking its toll. He's terrified, and it's all becoming too much for him to handle."

Abraxas's face softened as he held his son. "Lucius, we need to talk about what happens next. Severus has agreed to give up his rights to the child. You have options, my son. We will support whatever decision you make." His voice was gentle but firm, offering Lucius both comfort and the gravity of the choices before him.

Lucius's eyes fluttered open, filled with fear and uncertainty. He looked up at Abraxas, his voice a soft plea. "I'm keeping the baby," he said shakily, but with determination. "Please don't make me get rid of it. I… I love my baby already. I just… I don't know how to do this. I feel so lost."

Harden's voice was steady and reassuring. "No one will force you to do anything you don't want to do, Lucius. We're here for you, no matter what. You're our son, and we love you."

Abraxas nodded in agreement, his hand stroking Lucius's hair soothingly. "We will do everything to support you, Lucius. Your health and well-being come first. We've already arranged for the best healer. They will be here tomorrow to provide the care you need."

Lucius's expression softened, the reassurance easing some of his tension. "Thank you," he whispered, leaning into his father's embrace. His eyes were heavy with exhaustion, his body drained from the emotional turmoil. "Can I… can I sleep with you, Dad? Just for tonight? I know I'm not a child, but… I really need you both right now."

Harden smiled softly, his arms wrapping more securely around his son. "Of course, you can, Lucius. You'll always be our child, no matter how old you get. We're here for you. You're safe with us."

Lucius nodded, feeling the warmth and safety of his parents' presence envelop him. The fear and uncertainty were still there, but they were more bearable with Harden and Abraxas by his side. He allowed himself to relax, the tension slowly leaving his body as he closed his eyes, comforted by the steady, reassuring presence of his parents.

As Lucius drifted off to sleep, Harden and Abraxas exchanged a look, both understanding the road ahead would not be easy, but they were determined to face it together, as a family.