"Hey kid, what's your name?" Eyan asked, his voice calm but firm.
"Why do you want to know, mister?" The boy glared.
"Just tell me," Eyan said, a hint of irritation slipping through.
"No. I don't want to."
Eyan exhaled sharply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You—"
"It's Leo," Eva interrupted softly. "His name is Leo."
Eyan's gaze shifted to her, then back to the boy. "Leo."
He crouched down, meeting the child's eyes. "Leo where do you live? I'll tell the knights to send you back home."
Leo's frown deepened. "Do you hate me, mister?"
Eyan blinked. "No… I don't."
"Then why are you sending me away?"
"Because your parents must be worried about you," Eyan replied. "So tell me—where is your house?"
"I don't have a house." Leo's tone cracked. "I'm an orphan."
Eyan turned to Eva. "Is he telling the truth?"
"Yes," she said quietly. "That's what he told me too. Maybe that's the reason why that man tried to kidnap him—because he knew no one would look for him."
Eyan's jaw tightened. "It's possible."
He straightened, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. "Tell me, Eva. What do you want me to do with this kid?"
"Eyan, let him stay here in the palace for a few days," she said. "At least until we find a suitable orphanage for him."
Eyan hesitated for a moment before nodding. "If that's what you want… fine."
Eva smiled faintly, glancing at Leo and giving him a small wink.
Eyan's tone shifted as he looked back at her. "Eva, what happened to the man who kidnapped him? The wolves—they didn't kill him in front of you, right?"
"No," she replied. "They didn't kill him. He's alive."
"Alive?"
"Yes."
Eyan frowned deeply. "How is that even possible? The moment they saw you captured, they would've torn him apart. Why didn't they do that?"
"I told them not to," Eva admitted.
"You told them?"
"Yes. Why?"
He stared at her for a long second, his eyes unreadable.
"Nothing," he murmured.
"I'll tell the knights to bring that man here."
"Okay."
Eyan reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "I'll be back in some time."
Eva smiled, nodding silently.
Before he turned to leave, Eyan's gaze flicked to Leo. Their eyes met—briefly but intensely, something unspoken passing between them.
Then, without another word, Eyan turned and walked out of the room, his boots echoing against the marble floor.
Eva let out a long breath of relief.
"Lying is too hard," she murmured under her breath.
Her gaze softened as she looked at Leo. "Leo, come here."
Leo walked over quietly, and Eva pulled him into her arms. His small frame fit perfectly against her chest, his warmth grounding her after the storm that had just passed.
"Why did you talk to your father like that?" she asked gently.
Leo's brow furrowed. "Because he was shouting at you."
He clenched his tiny fists. "It makes me angry when someone raises their voice at you."
Eva couldn't help but smile. "Leo, it's not like that. Your father raised his voice because he was worried about my safety."
Her voice softened even more. "It's his way of showing how much he loves me. Do you understand now?"
Leo hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."
"Good boy." She stroked his hair. "How do you feel after meeting your father for the first time? I mean… aside from your little argument with him."
Leo looked away. "I don't feel anything."
Eva blinked. "You don't?"
He shook his head. "It was our first meeting. He's… like a stranger to me."
"That's true," she admitted softly. "But don't worry. You'll be staying here for a while. If you spend more time with him, you'll start to like him."
Leo smirked faintly. "I hope so."
"Now put me down, Mother—you must be tired. I'm heavy."
Eva chuckled. "Who said you're heavy? You're light as a feather."
She kissed his cheek playfully.
"Mother, don't do that! I'm not a kid," he grumbled, wiping his cheek.
"Oh right," she teased, "I forgot—you're a six-year-old brave boy who saved his mother."
"I didn't do anything," Leo said quickly. "It was Father's wolves who saved you."
"You're right," Eva replied, smiling. "But you still deserve some credit."
"My brave little boy."
Leo sighed dramatically. "Fine, I'll take a little credit—even though I didn't really do anything."
Eva laughed softly.
Leo grew serious again. "One more thing, Mother."
"What?" she asked, amused.
"Until I'm staying here in the palace, you need to be careful with what you say in front of Father, if you don't want him to found out about me."
Eva frowned. "But.. I am careful Leo?"
"No mother you made a mistake."
Her eyes widened. "What do you mean? I don't remember making a mistake."
"You did," Leo said firmly. "When you told Father that you told his wolves not to kill that man."
Eva blinked, confused. "I don't understand. What mistake did I make?"
"Mother," Leo said patiently, "you can't command the wolves. They won't listen to you. They only take orders from the one who holds the throne—and that's Father."
"And I'm sure Father ordered them to kill anyone who tries to harm you. That's why he looked so surprised when you said you stopped them."
"Really?" she whispered, shocked.
"Yes," Leo confirmed.
Eva frowned. "But what about you? It was you who told them not to kill that man, Why did they listen to you."
Leo's lips curved slightly. "Mother, have you forgotten who I am?"
Eva smiled faintly. "You're Leo."
"No, Mother," he sighed. "That's not what I mean. They listen to me because I'm Zeradros."
"Oh," Eva breathed out, realization dawning. "You're right… I forgot."
Her eyes darkened with worry. "Leo, do you think your father will be suspicious?"
"I can't say for sure," Leo replied thoughtfully. "But since he didn't question you further, I think he's not suspicious—for now."
Eva slumped onto the couch, rubbing her temple. "From now on, I need to watch my mouth."
"Mother, one more thing."
Eva groaned lightly. "What now?"
"Don't let Father and that man meet," Leo warned. "If they do, he'll find out about your lie."
Panic flashed across her face. "Right! What do I do now?"
"Ask Uncle Luca for help," Leo said quickly.
"Brother?"
"Yes. Tell him what happened—he'll take care of that man for you."
"But I don't even know where he is right now," Eva said, anxious. "He might still be searching for you."
Leo tilted his head. "Why would Uncle be searching for me?"
"Because when I saw you that day," Eva explained softly, "I told your uncle about it—and asked him to go find you."
Leo looked down "Oh."
Eva tilted her head. "Leo, you have magic powers, don't you? Can you call your uncle here?"
Leo's eyes widened slightly. "I can… but—"
Eva smiled faintly, unaware of his hesitation. "Then call him here."
He hesitated for a moment longer, his small fists tightening. "Okay."
Taking a slow breath, Leo closed his eyes. A faint red glow began to form around him, his pupils igniting like burning rubies.
Then, from the glow, a small crimson bird emerged, its feathers glistening like molten glass, wings beating gently with sparks of light.
Eva gasped softly. "Wow… so beautiful."
The bird landed gracefully on her hand, its warmth radiating against her skin. She giggled quietly, brushing its glowing feathers. "Leo, what's this bird going to do?"
Leo smiled weakly, hiding the tremor in his fingers. "This bird will go directly to Uncle Luca and tell him that I'm here in the palace with you."
"Oh," Eva said, her eyes following the magical creature in awe.
Leo lifted his hand slowly and whispered a faint incantation under his breath. The bird rose, glowing brighter for a brief second before darting out through the open window in a streak of crimson light.
Eva's gaze lingered on the sky, smiling at its beauty—unaware of the faint crack that spread across Leo's fingertips, a subtle mark of magic backlash.
He quickly hid his hand behind his back, forcing a small grin. Inside, a sharp pain pulsed through his chest, but he stayed silent.