The sun had just begun to crest over the treetops, bathing the Isle of Renewal in a soft golden light. In the backyard behind the house, Rebecca laughed as she ran through the grass, her little brother in her arms. Zéphyr stood nearby, arms crossed, watching the scene with a quiet calm and a faint smile on his lips. At his side, Miranda gently rested her head on his shoulder.
The peaceful moment was broken by the creak of a door opening behind them. Meliodas and Zeldris stepped out slowly… their hair disheveled, eyes half-closed, steps dragging.
"Good morning, Meliodas! Good morning, Zeldris!" Rebecca called out with a laugh.
"You look like two zombies!"
Miranda turned and chuckled at the sight of their tired faces.
"Poor things… Rough night?"
"Let's just say… we had a lot on our minds," Meliodas muttered.
"Wait here, I'll make something to help wake you up," Miranda said, heading back into the house.
Meliodas and Zeldris walked over to Zéphyr. No words were exchanged at first. They simply stood together, watching the children play—savoring a rare, quiet moment of peace.
Miranda returned shortly, holding two steaming cups.
"Herbal tea from local plants. Works miracles on groggy mornings."
The brothers thanked her, sipping slowly.
Miranda then joined her children. She picked up the baby and kissed him gently, then turned to Rebecca.
"Alright, sweetie. Get ready. We're going to gather medicinal herbs for tomorrow."
"Alright…" Rebecca sighed, clearly unenthused.
But just as she turned to go inside, Meliodas spoke gently.
"Tell me, Rebecca… When Boros spoke to you, you knew we were looking for your father, didn't you?"
Rebecca nodded.
"Yes. I know almost everyone living at the port. The moment he mentioned someone named 'Zéphyr,' I knew. But… I wanted to see who you were first."
Meliodas smiled.
"I see. Thank you for your trust."
She gave him a playful wink, then went into the house.
Zéphyr spoke again.
"Boros… is an old friend. I saved his life when his ship wrecked here. He knows how to keep a secret. He probably thought it best if you came through Rebecca first, rather than saying outright that he knew me."
Zeldris observed him for a few seconds, then asked calmly:
"Zéphyr. Wouldn't you consider… coming back to the Demon Realm?"
Zéphyr froze. His smile vanished. He turned his head slowly toward his brother, his expression cold.
"Sorry. But I have no intention of ever setting foot in that hell again."
Zeldris pressed on:
"Things have changed. The Demon King is dead. I replaced him. I've been the one ruling for the past four years."
But Zéphyr cut him off, his tone sharp:
"Enough."
A tense silence fell.
"I'm glad I found you both again. Truly. But the bond that tied me to the Demon Clan… was broken long ago."
He clenched his fists, then added:
"I want nothing more to do with that world. The contempt, the violence, the fear… I've lived it all. Even if we share the same blood… that doesn't make us brothers."
He turned, watching Miranda with their child.
"My family… is here. On this island. With her."
He smiled. Genuinely.
"I won't leave with you. I hope you can understand."
Then he walked over to Miranda and held her close, as if to seal his place beside her.
Meliodas and Zeldris remained where they were, silent.
They understood.
Even if a part of them had hoped… for another choice.