The date was October 20, 2024. On a private plane descending towards Paris, Nidhal Beaumont, a 16-year-old with striking blond hair and piercing green eyes, sat in his first-class seat. His expensive attire reflected his affluent upbringing, but his mind was far from the opulence surrounding him. As the City of Light came into view through the window, Nidhal was lost in thought, replaying the conversation that had led him to this pivotal moment.
Flashback
"Father, this is my decision," Nidhal said, his tone resolute. He stood in his family's grand study in London, facing his father, Thomas Beaumont. His father's stern expression did not falter as he leaned back in his leather chair.
"Nidhal, Paris is not the place for you. Your future lies here, in London, in our family business. You are destined for greatness," Thomas insisted, his voice firm.
"Greatness on your terms, Father, not mine. I want to carve my own path, make my own choices. Paris will give me that opportunity," Nidhal countered, his voice steady despite the tension.
His mother, Elisa Beaumont, entered the room, cradling Nidhal's baby brother, Nadim, who was only 18 months old. Unlike Thomas, Elisa's gentle eyes reflected understanding.
"Thomas, let him go," she said softly. "He needs to find his own way. We cannot hold him back."
Thomas's jaw tightened, but he finally relented with a sigh. "Very well. But remember, Nidhal, the weight of our family's legacy rests on your shoulders."
As Nidhal prepared to leave for Paris days later, his heart ached when Nadim began crying at the airport. He knelt down, trying to comfort his little brother.
"I'll come back to visit, Nadim. I promise," he said, his voice cracking. But he knew that this departure was necessary for him to grow.
Back on the plane, Nidhal's thoughts shifted to another memory, one that brought a faint smile to his lips. He had been seven years old, sitting alone on a park bench, waiting for his mother. A little girl with brown hair and bright green eyes had approached him.
"Hi! What are you doing here?" she asked cheerfully.
Startled, Nidhal looked down, avoiding eye contact. "Waiting for my mom. She… she'll come."
The girl plopped down beside him with a grin. "Why are you sitting here alone? Do you have any friends?"
Nidhal hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before he could say anything, the girl declared, " I'm Amira Duvas by the way. And you?"
"Nidhal Beaumont," he replied shyly.
From that day, Amira had become a special part of his life, filling his days with stories and laughter—until her family moved to Paris four years ago. Now, he was heading to the same city she called home.
The captain's voice over the intercom brought Nidhal back to the present. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts."
Moments later, Nidhal disembarked from the plane and was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the airport. As he made his way through the terminal, his phone rang. He answered it quickly.
"Hello, Nidhal speaking."
A familiar voice replied with excitement. "It's me, Amira! I can't believe you're moving to Paris after all these years. And guess what? We're in the same class—9A! I can't wait to introduce you to my friends: Alya, Marinette, Adrien, and Nino. They're so kind, and I think you'll get along with them."
Nidhal chuckled softly. "That sounds great, Amira. I'm looking forward to it."
"You must be tired after your flight," she added. "Rest well, and I'll see you at school tomorrow!"
"See you later, Amira," Nidhal replied before ending the call.
Outside the airport, Nidhal hailed a taxi to take him to the Beaumont mansion. The ride through Paris was a blur of lights and motion, his mind occupied with thoughts of the new life awaiting him. When the taxi pulled up to the grand entrance of the mansion, Nidhal stepped out, his suitcase in hand.
The door opened to reveal Mario, the family's long-time butler. "Master Nidhal," Mario said with a warm smile. "Ms. Elisa informed me of your arrival. Welcome to Paris. I am here to assist you with anything you need."
"Thank you, Mario," Nidhal said as he stepped inside. The grandeur of the mansion was both comforting and suffocating. He climbed the stairs to his room, eager to unpack and settle in.
As Nidhal scanned the room, his eyes landed on an old picture frame tucked away on a shelf. Intrigued, he picked it up and noticed a butterfly symbol etched onto it—his family's crest. As he examined it, a brooch with the same butterfly symbol slipped out and fell to the floor.
When Nidhal bent down to retrieve it, a sudden glow filled the room. He stumbled back in shock as a small, otherworldly creature appeared before him.
"Greetings, young master. I am Nooroo, the Kwami of the Butterfly Miraculous," the creature said. "This brooch grants the power to bestow abilities upon others."
Nidhal stared at Nooroo, his mind racing. "What?" was all he managed to say as the chapter ended, leaving him frozen in confusion.