It was seven in the morning, and the Alepou mansion was buzzing with activity. Servants hurried with preparations, the siblings chose outfits or put the finishing touches on their plans for the family party. However, among all the inhabitants, only one seemed completely oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the event: Lefki Alepou.
The young man was locked in a room adjacent to his main bedroom, a space that resembled a personal laboratory. The room was filled with glass instruments, tubes connected to cooling systems, microscopes, and all sorts of devices designed for the manipulation and processing of chemical substances. In one corner, a collection of cages and terrariums housed various venomous species: snakes, scorpions, frogs, and even bioluminescent insects that glowed faintly in the dim light.
In the center of the room, Lefki, still in his purple dragon pajamas and a white lab coat over them, watched with fascination the contents of a flask where a dark green liquid bubbled slowly. A meter-long taipan snake rested on his shoulders, moving calmly and coiling itself familiarly around his neck.
– What do you think of this? – Lefki asked enthusiastically, his eyes fixed on the flask.
The snake observed him with those unfathomable eyes that seemed to understand him more than they should.
– It's a sample of your venom – the young heir continued with a satisfied smile – combined with substances that enhance it. Isn't it wonderful?
The reptile hissed softly, as if answering its owner, while the liquid in the flask took on an iridescent sheen.
– It's always nice to have a space away from everything – Lefki murmured serenely, holding the flask and carefully placing it in a display case filled with similar containers – To breathe in a scent different from the quiet life I'm used to.
The young man surveyed his laboratory, that small sanctuary where order and chaos coexisted in harmony.
– My house has never been a burden – he continued with a slight smile – but I suppose that even amidst all the perfection that surrounds me, it's natural to need a corner just for myself. A place where I'm not my family's favorite, nor the heir to one of the most powerful families in the world… but simply me.
He left the snake in its habitat, watching it slowly coil among the artificial branches. Then he sat down on one of the metal tables, letting the silence of the place envelop his thoughts.
– Lately, I've been wondering if becoming a hero was really the right decision – he whispered, his gaze lost in the jars – I always wanted to be one to prevent other people from going through what I went through when I was five.
His voice trailed off, almost as if he were speaking only to himself.
– The problem is, after that incident, I stopped seeing the world the same way. Heroic society… society in general, is more rotten than any tragedy. But, just as my family was born out of a catastrophe, I know that even from rottenness, something valuable can emerge – Lefki looked up at the cages. The animals, in their silence, seemed to understand him.
– I want to live beyond these walls, beyond expectations – he said with a mixture of longing and melancholy – Not to escape my family, but to discover who I am in the outside world… to find new challenges, new experiences.
He turned his gaze to the ceiling light, an intricate structure shaped like a double helix of DNA that softly illuminated the lab.
– My family is my world, a perfect place built on a perfect bond and the purest luxury – he whispered serenely – But sometimes I wonder what it feels like to have something that can't be built with power, money, or intelligence. To have friends… or even a romantic relationship.
– A relationship where someone who doesn't share a blood tie or a duty with you… loves you for who you truly are – Lefki whispered softly, gazing at the green reflection of the liquid in the glass case – A relationship where the bond isn't born of fate or obligation, but of mutual understanding.
He paused for a long time, letting the hum of the equipment fill the silence.
– I hope that the world we're heading toward at U.A. is the bridge I'm looking for – he continued calmly – Being a hero has always been a dream, but building connections outside my closed circle, that's a personal goal.
Her eyes softened as a faint smile appeared on her face.
– I wish the same for my siblings – he confessed, silent tears tracing paths down his face – May each of them find relationships outside the family, bonds that allow them to feel something that, with us, no matter how much love there is, they simply cannot feel.
Lefki wiped his tears with the sleeve of his robe, letting out a sigh that seemed to hold years of repressed thoughts.
– Even so, even if the world doesn't conform to our dreams – he said softly, with solemn calm – I know that our family will never abandon any of its own.
He looked up at the DNA-shaped lamp that illuminated the room with a cool, golden glow.
– Because one Alepou always chooses another Alepou – he concluded with a serene smile – Because our world is neither inherited nor imposed; it is formed from the soul, from the brightest day to the most tragic.
Suddenly, Lefki felt warm hands encircle him from behind. Talia, who had appeared silently, embraced him tenderly. She wore a simple black dress over a purple one-piece swimsuit, and her presence seemed to fill the laboratory with a familiar calm, a familiar feeling in the Alepou environment.
– That promise we sealed in the flames of that tragedy – Talia said softly, resting her chin on her brother's shoulder – wasn't just a promise of blood, but a promise between bound souls. But don't forget the second one we forged, the one when you cried and we comforted you.
– You will always protect me, take care of me, and cherish me – Lefki replied, relaxing in her arms –Because the Alepou are not a family born of tragedy...
– But rather the ashes of a phoenix that came together to form what we are – Talia finished with a proud smile – Would you like me to help you get ready for the party?
– I can do it myself – Lefki said, gently pulling away from the hug – Wait for me in my bed, I'll be out in a moment."
– As you wish, little dragon – Talia replied, smiling. – Let those thoughts you've been holding back come out at the party today. Because even if the world isn't as you dream it, we'll be with you… always.
– I know," Lefki said, leaping off the table with renewed energy – That's why I feel whole by your side… even though I can't help wanting to explore new adventures.
Talia laughed tenderly, ruffling his hair.
– My little adventurer – she whispered, stroking his head before gently pushing him toward the door – Don't worry, we, your brothers and servants, will follow you wherever you go. For now, just go and start getting ready.
– I won't be long! – Lefki called out as he disappeared toward the bathroom, leaving a faint echo of hurried footsteps.
Talia watched him leave with a calm smile, though her eyes reflected something deeper.
– If the world doesn't fit your dreams – she said softly, looking out over the balcony – it doesn't matter. We'll all prepare before that happens. Because your dreams, Lefki… cannot be broken. We'll make sure the world is perfect for you, by love or by force.
Talia moved gracefully to the balcony. She sat on the railing naturally, letting the breeze play with her hair as she silently observed the vastness of the Alepou estate. Her gaze, once serene, turned melancholic. She turned slowly toward the bathroom door, where Lefki was still getting ready, and a soft smile curved her lips.
– We'll do anything for you, Lefki – she whispered with a warmth that barely concealed an iron will – Even if you don't know it, we, your family, will always find a way to make you happy, by any means at our disposal.