(Outside Eva's Chamber)
The doors opened softly. Eyan stepped out, carefully holding the newborn in his arms. His movements were slow… almost reverent.
Luca and Aranel, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately stood up.
Their eyes went straight to the baby.
"What is it?" Luca asked, unable to hide his excitement. "A boy or a girl?"
Eyan looked down at the tiny face in his arms. A soft, proud smile appeared on his lips.
"…A girl."
Aranel's face lit up instantly.
"A girl…!" she said happily.
Luca grinned. "Then Nayra is going to be over the moon when she sees her."
Eyan nodded slightly, still looking at his daughter.
"…Where are the children?" he asked.
"In our room," Luca replied. "They've been waiting there."
Eyan didn't waste another second.
"Good."
He turned and walked toward their chamber, holding the baby close.
_________________________________
(Luca & Aranel's Chamber)
The moment the door opened, three small heads turned at once. Leo, Nolan, and Nayra were all there.
Nayra was the first to jump up.
"Uncle Eyan!" she ran forward, her eyes bright.
Eyan knelt slightly and gently lowered the baby so she could see.
"Nayra…" he said softly, "look… it's your little sister."
For a second— Nayra just stared. Then her face lit up completely.
"My… little sister…?" she whispered, eyes shining.
Eyan nodded.
Nayra clapped her hands in excitement.
"She's so small! And so cute!" she said, bouncing in place. "Can I hold her? Please, please?"
Eyan chuckled softly.
"In a little while," he said gently. "First, just look."
Nayra leaned closer, her expression full of wonder.
Eyan then looked up.
"Leo," he called softly, "come here."
Leo, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. He walked slowly, almost carefully.
Eyan lowered the baby slightly.
Leo reached out with his small hand, hesitating for a moment before gently touching her cheek.
The baby moved slightly…Then opened her eyes. Her tiny fingers curled—And wrapped around Leo's finger.
Leo froze. Then his face broke into the brightest smile.
"She… she's holding me!" he said, his voice filled with pure joy.
Eyan watched the moment silently. His eyes soft.
Just then—
Aranel stepped forward, her eyes warm.
"Brother…" she said softly, "let me hold her too."
Eyan looked at her, then carefully placed the baby into her arms.
"Be careful," he said instinctively.
Aranel smiled gently. "I know."
She looked down at the baby, her expression full of affection.
"She's beautiful…She got Eva's eyes."
Luca immediately stepped closer.
"My turn," he said, reaching out.
Aranel instantly turned away from him.
"No."
Luca blinked. "What do you mean no? I'm her uncle!"
"And I'm holding her right now," Aranel replied calmly.
"Aranel—"
"No."
Luca looked offended. "You're being unfair."
Aranel ignored him completely.
Eyan shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Take care of her," he said.
Then his expression softened.
"I'm going back to Eva."
Without waiting—He turned and left.
________________________________
(Inside the Room)
The moment Eyan left—Luca immediately tried again.
"Now can I hold her?"
Aranel sighed. "…Fine. But be careful."
Luca grinned and carefully took the baby into his arms.
He looked down at her, his expression softening. Then he walked toward the cradle where his son lay.
He gently placed the baby beside him.
"My boy," Luca said softly, "look… it's your little sister."
The little boy stirred slightly.
For a second—Everything was quiet. Then suddenly—
Both babies began to cry. Loudly.
Luca panicked instantly.
"Why are they both crying?!"
Aranel quickly picked up her son.
"Because you woke him up!"
They both tried to calm the babies at the same time—
Rocking them, shushing them—
But the crying only got louder.
"Why is she crying more?!" Luca asked, clearly stressed.
"Because you don't know how to hold her properly!" Aranel snapped.
"I am holding her properly!"
"You're not!"
"I am!"
Meanwhile—
Nayra covered her ears slightly.
"…They're both loud…"
Leo stood quietly, watching the chaos with a small smile.
"…They're really siblings," he said softly.
And in the middle of the noise—The room filled with life. Warmth. And a little bit of chaos.
__________________________________
(2 Months Later)(Royal Palace of Velmoria – Grand Banquet Hall)
The palace was alive.
Golden chandeliers shimmered overhead, casting warm light across the grand hall. Nobles, knights, and dignitaries filled the space, their voices blending into a soft hum of celebration.
Tonight was not a political gathering.
Tonight… was for family. For new life. For joy.
At the center of it all—
Two tiny lives.
Eva and Eyan's daughter…
Aira.
And Luca and Aranel's son…
Ethen.
Seated upon the royal throne, King Thalor Therald held both grandchildren in his arms.
His usually stern face was softened by a rare, genuine smile.
He looked down at them—At their tiny hands… Their peaceful faces…
"…So small…" he murmured, his voice low with warmth. "My grandchildren."
Aira stirred slightly, letting out a soft sound.
Ethen followed—
And within seconds—Both babies began to cry. Loudly.
The grand hall fell into a brief, stunned silence.
Then—
Soft laughter spread across the room.
Eva stood nearby, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
"…They always cry together," she said softly.
Eyan stood beside her, his eyes fixed on Aira.
"…And louder," he added quietly.
Eva let out a small laugh.
Aranel shook her head with a sigh.
"They've been doing this all day," she said. "If one starts crying, the other follows immediately."
Luca crossed his arms, looking completely serious.
"That's because they're already competing."
Aranel glanced at him. "…They're two months old."
"And already strong personalities," Luca insisted.
King Thalor adjusted his hold slightly, though clearly struggling to calm both crying babies at once.
"…I ruled a kingdom for decades," he muttered, half amused, half defeated, "yet I cannot silence two children."
That only made the people around him laugh more.
Eyan stepped forward.
"Father… may I?"
The king looked at him, then carefully handed Aira back.
Eyan took her into his arms with practiced ease.
Almost instantly—His expression softened. He gently rocked her.
"…Aira," he murmured, "is this how you greet your first banquet?"
Aira's crying slowly quieted.
Eva stepped closer and took Ethen from the king.
She smiled gently, cradling him.
"Alright, little one… don't lose to your cousin now."
Ethen hiccupped—Then slowly calmed down as well.
The hall relaxed once more.
Music resumed. Laughter returned.
And above all—Warmth filled every corner.
Since their birth…The palace had changed.
It now echoed with tiny cries, soft laughter, and restless nights.
And yet—
No one complained. Because along with the crying… Came something far more precious.
Happiness.
__________________________________
(Next Day)
(Royal Palace – Eyan & Eva's Chamber)
Morning light streamed softly through the windows.
Eva stood near the cradle, adjusting the blanket around Aira.
Leo stood nearby, watching quietly.
"Leo," Eva said gently, turning to him, "your father and I need to go to the throne room for a meeting. Can you look after Aira for a while?"
Leo straightened immediately, placing a hand on his chest with a proud smile.
"Of course, Mother," he said confidently. "You can leave it to me. I'll take good care of her."
Eva smiled warmly and walked closer, brushing his hair lightly.
"I know you will."
Eyan glanced at Leo as well.
"Stay alert," he said calmly. "Call the guards if anything feels off."
Leo nodded seriously.
"Yes, Father."
Satisfied, Eva and Eyan left the room together.
The door closed softly behind them.
_________________________________
(Inside the Chamber)Silence settled.
Only the soft breathing of the baby filled the room.
Leo walked toward the cradle and looked down at Aira.
His expression softened instantly.
"Hey, little sister…" he said gently. "It's just you and me now."
Aira made a small sound, her tiny hand moving slightly.
Leo smiled.
"Don't worry," he said softly, "big brother is here."
He tilted his head slightly, thinking.
"…You know what? I should give you my favorite toy. You'll like it."
With one last glance at her, Leo turned and hurried out of the room.
__________________________________
(Moments Later)(Inside Eyan & Eva's Chamber)
The room was quiet.
Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, falling gently over the cradle where Aira lay, peacefully asleep.
A faint breeze stirred—The window shifted slightly.
Then—
Without a sound—
A hooded figure slipped inside. Silent. Careful.
They stood still for a moment, their gaze fixed on the tiny baby. Aira stirred faintly, her small hand moving.
The figure stepped closer. Slowly…
They raised a hand—Reaching toward her.
"DON'T TOUCH HER."
A sharp voice cut through the silence.
The figure froze.
Leo stood at the doorway. His small hand clenched tightly. His eyes locked onto the stranger standing near his sister.
For a second—
He didn't move.
Then—
Something shifted. His expression darkened. The warmth in his eyes vanished— Replaced by cold fury.
"…Step away from her," Leo said again, his voice low but trembling with anger.
The hooded figure didn't respond. Didn't move.
Leo's eyes suddenly flared—A deep, glowing red. Magic surged around him, crackling violently in the air. The room trembled slightly under the pressure.
"You shouldn't have come here…" Leo said, his voice no longer that of a child—but something far more dangerous.
Without hesitation—
He raised his hand. And fired. A burst of powerful magic shot forward— Colliding with the hooded figure in a loud explosion.
_____________________
(Throne Room)
BOOM 💥
The sound echoed through the palace. The ground beneath trembled.
Eyan's head snapped up instantly. His expression changed in a heartbeat.
"…Leo."
Eva's breath caught.
"Aira—!"
Without another word—Both of them turned and ran.
Fast. Urgent. Fear gripping their hearts as they rushed toward their chamber.
_________________________________
(Eva & Eyan's Chamber)
The room was filled with smoke.
The force of Leo's magic still lingered in the air, heavy and tense.
Slowly—The smoke began to fade. Leo stood rigid, his small body trembling with anger, his red glowing eyes locked forward.
And there—
The hooded figure. Standing exactly where they were. Unharmed. Not even a step back.
A faint smile curved on their lips.
"I see…" the figure said calmly, their voice smooth and unbothered. "You really do care for your little sister."
Their gaze shifted briefly toward Aira.
"But attacking like that… without thinking…" they added softly, "you might have hurt her instead."
Leo's fists clenched tightly.
"Don't talk like you know anything," he snapped, his voice sharp with fury. "Stay away from her… or I swear I'll make you regret it."
The figure let out a quiet laugh.
"So much anger…" they said, tilting their head slightly. "Alright then… show me."
Magic flared again around Leo—Wild. Dangerous.
Suddenly—
Footsteps thundered through the hall.
The chamber doors burst open. Eva, Eyan, Luca, and Aranel rushed inside.
"What was that explosion?!" Luca demanded, scanning the damage.
But Eyan—
He saw only one thing. The figure. Standing near Aira. His expression darkened instantly.
In one swift motion, he drew his sword.
"You—" his voice turned cold, lethal, "take one more step toward my daughter and I will cut you in half—"
Smack.
Eva hit his shoulder. Hard.
Eyan froze mid-threat. He turned to her, stunned.
"…Eva?"
Her eyes narrowed at him.
"Eyan lower your sword. Now."
Eyan frowned, completely confused.
"…What are you talking about? He—"
But Eva didn't listen. She walked past him. Straight toward the hooded figure.
Eyan's grip on his sword tightened.
"Eva… stop—"
Before he could reach her—
She stepped in front of the figure And suddenly hugged them. Tightly.
Eyan's mind went blank.
"…What… are you doing?" His voice was filled with disbelief. "Eva how can you hug a strange man right in front of me?!"
Eva pulled back slightly—
Then, without hesitation—She cupped the figure's face—And kissed his cheek.
That was it. Eyan snapped. He rushed forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back.
"Eva, that's enough!"
Eva looked at him—And smiled teasingly.
"Honey…" she said lightly, "are you really getting jealous of your own son?"
Eyan frowned. "Even if he's my son—"
He stopped.
The words hit him.
"…Son?"
Slowly—His gaze shifted back to the figure. His heartbeat quickened. Without another word— He reached forward and pulled the hood down.
Silver hair fell free. Red eyes met his.
Familiar. Unmistakable.
The young Leo smiled warmly, then bowed his head.
"Greetings, Father," he said gently. "It's been a long time—"
He didn't finish.
Eyan stepped forward—And pulled him into a tight embrace. His grip was firm.
"…Leo."
His voice was low.... Like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Eyan had barely let go of Leo when—
"Leo?!"
Luca rushed forward, Aranel right behind him, both staring at the grown boy like they couldn't believe their eyes.
Aranel's eyes shimmered with emotion.
"…It's really you," she said softly, her voice warm. "You've grown so much… I almost didn't recognize you."
Leo (15) smiled softly and bowed his head respectfully.
"Greetings, Uncle… Aunty," he said warmly. "It's been a long time."
Luca, however, wasn't emotional for long.
He stepped closer— Then began circling Leo slowly, inspecting him from head to toe.
"…Tall," Luca muttered thoughtfully. "Good shoulders… sharp jawline… confident stance…"
He stopped right in front of him.
Then grinned.
"Well, well… look at you," Luca said, clearly impressed. "At this rate, all the ladies in the empire are going to fall for you."
Leo blinked. "…Uncle?"
Luca crossed his arms proudly.
"You're definitely going to be a heartbreaker," he added dramatically, "just like your father."
Leo instantly stiffened. A faint red tint crept up his ears.
"…Uncle, please don't say things like that," he muttered, clearly embarrassed.
Smack.
Aranel hit Luca's arm.
"Luca! What are you saying to him?!" she scolded. "He's still a child!"
Eyan's expression darkened slightly.
"Luca," he said flatly, "watch your mouth."
Luca blinked, confused.
"…What? I was just praising him."
"By calling him a heartbreaker?" Aranel snapped.
Eyan folded his arms.
"He's too young for nonsense like that."
Luca rubbed his shoulder where Aranel had hit him, letting out a small sigh.
"Alright, alright… I get it," he said, raising both hands in surrender. "I won't tease him anymore."
Then, of course—
He immediately leaned toward Leo (15) again with a grin.
"But tell me, my dear nephew… what brings you here so suddenly?" Luca asked, clearly unable to resist.
Leo (15)'s attention, however, was already elsewhere.
His gaze had softened—
Fixed on Aira, lying peacefully.
"Uncle…" he said quietly, his voice gentler now, "I came to see my younger sibling."
A small pause.
"…Looks like I have a little sister."
Eva smiled warmly at him.
"Yes," she said softly, "she's your little sister."
Leo (15) looked at her again, something almost fragile in his expression.
"…Mother," he asked gently, "may I hold her?"
Before Eva could answer—
Eyan stepped forward with a faint smile.
"You don't need to ask for that, Leo," he said. "She's your sister."
That was all Leo needed.
A bright, genuine smile appeared on his face.
Carefully— He reached down and lifted Aira into his arms. So gently—
"She's… so small," he whispered in awe. "And so light…"
For someone who had seen so much— In that moment—He looked like nothing more than an older brother.
He glanced up at Eva again.
"…Mother," he asked softly, "what's her name?"
Eva's smile deepened.
"Aira," she said. "Her name is Aira."
Leo (15) repeated it quietly. "…Aira... That's a beautiful name."
Then he looked down at her, his expression full of warmth.
"Hello! Aira! Nice to meet you," he murmured softly. "I'm your big brother."
Aira stirred slightly in his arms. Her tiny face scrunched just a little—
Then her eyes slowly opened. Green. Bright. She looked up at him.
For a second—They simply stared at each other.
Then—
Her small hand lifted. And wrapped around his finger.
Leo froze. Then smiled.
A soft, warm smile.
"…Are you saying hello to me?" he whispered gently.
Aira moved her head just a little. Barely noticeable. But enough.
Eva laughed softly.
"That's a yes," she said warmly.
Leo (15) stood there, still holding Aira, a soft smile resting on his lips as he looked down at her.
For a moment—He seemed completely at peace.
Then— His eyes shifted. Toward the small figure standing a few steps away.
Little Leo. Still confused. Still staring.
Leo (15)'s expression changed slightly. A faint, amused seriousness replaced the softness.
"Mother… Father…" he began, his tone calm but clearly teasing underneath, "it seems you're not strict enough with your son."
Leo (15) continued, glancing at his younger self.
"Do you know what he did the moment he saw me?" he said. "He attacked me… with a full magic blast." He lifted Aira slightly. "And Aira could have gotten hurt."
Both Eyan and Eva turned toward little Leo. The boy instantly lowered his head.
"…Mother… Father…" he said quietly, guilt in his voice, "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
Eyan's expression softened immediately. He walked over, bent down, and lifted little Leo into his arms.
"It's alright," Eyan said gently, patting his back. "Don't make that face."
Little Leo clutched his robe slightly, still looking guilty.
Leo (15), however, puffed his cheek slightly.
"Father," he complained, "you're being too soft on him."
That was it. Little Leo snapped.
"Hey! Shut up!" he barked, glaring at him. "Stop complaining about me! I don't like you at all!"
The room went quiet for a second.
"…You're so full of yourself," little Leo added, crossing his arms.
Then he turned to Eyan, clearly annoyed.
"Father, who is he? And why is everyone calling him Leo?" he demanded. "That's my name!"
Eva couldn't help but smile.
She stepped closer and gently touched little Leo's head.
"My little boy," she said softly, "that person… is you."
Little Leo blinked. "…Me?"
Eva nodded.
"Yes," she said. "You remember those visions you told us about? The ones where you thought you were seeing strange memories?"
Little Leo's eyes widened slightly.
"…The ones with the war and a woman standing beside me…"
Eva nodded again. "They weren't your memories," she explained gently. "They were his."
She glanced at Leo (15).
"…Your older self's memories."
Little Leo slowly turned his head toward Leo (15).
"…So… those were yours?" he asked quietly.
Leo (15) smiled softly and stepped closer to his younger self. He bent down slightly, meeting Leo (6) at eye level.
"Yes...My younger self," he said gently, though there was a hint of authority in his tone, "I know you wanted to protect your sister… but you need to be more careful with how you use your power."
He lightly tapped the boy's forehead.
"You almost turned the whole room upside down," he added. "And don't forget… you could have hurt Aira too."
Leo (6) puffed his cheeks slightly but didn't argue.
Leo (15) continued, a small smirk forming.
"And that temper of yours…" he said, narrowing his eyes playfully, "you really need to do something about it. You've got quite the attitude."
Eva folded her arms with a knowing smile.
"Just like his father," she said casually.
Eyan immediately responded—
"Just like his mother."
Silence.
The room went still.
Eva slowly turned her head toward Eyan.
Her eyes—Sharp. Dangerous.
Eyan froze. Then cleared his throat quickly.
"I misspoke," he corrected, raising a hand. "I meant… just like me. He got that attitude from me."
Luca burst out laughing. Aranel covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile.
Even Leo (15) chuckled softly.
After a moment, Leo (15) straightened up and turned toward Luca and Aranel.
"Uncle… Aunty," he said politely, "where are my other siblings? I'm sure you have children as well."
Luca grinned proudly.
"Oh, we do." He raised three fingers. "Three of them."
Leo (15) blinked.
"…Three?"
He tilted his head slightly, then said with complete seriousness—
"Uncle… don't you think that's a bit too many?"
Luca froze. Aranel blinked.
Leo (15) continued, completely unaware—
"…Looks like you've been praying with Aunty Aranel a little too much."
Silence.
Then—
Eva covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Aranel's face turned bright red.
Luca coughed awkwardly.
"Well… I mean… kind of—"
Thud.
Aranel elbowed him hard in the side. "Luca!"
Leo (15) smiled innocently, as if he hadn't just caused chaos.
"Anyway," he said, turning around, "let's go. I want to see them too."
Luca rubbed his side, still wincing.
"…This kid is dangerous," he muttered.
Eyan sighed, shaking his head. Eva was still smiling.
And little Leo?
He looked between everyone—Completely confused.
Then, together— They all began to walk out of the room. Toward even more chaos waiting ahead.