In the dark, two silhouettes moved in tandem, their faces illuminated only by the faint glow of streetlights. Leon and Adélard Aschemist kicked a worn-out football between them, the game a rare moment of joy in a world that often offered them none.
"Leon, that's enough for tonight," Adélard's voice finally broke through, firm yet gentle.
"Come on, brother, just a bit longer. You know Mom's always late anyway," Leon pleaded, eyes bright with eagerness.
"No, Leon," Adélard insisted, glancing up at the sky thickening with night. "Mother said we shouldn't stay out after dark, and it's way past that. We can play more tomorrow, I promise. But not now. Let's head home."
Leon huffed, a pout forming on his face before he relented. "Okay, okay. But I'm going to beat you for sure tomorrow."
Adélard chuckled softly, ruffling his little brother's hair. "I look forward to it, little man. Now, let's get going."
The two figures—one tall and confident, the other smaller and brimming with youthful energy—started making their way home. They stepped cautiously through the darkened alleyways of the neighborhood, where the streetlights barely reached and shadows loomed heavy. Leon's small hand tightened around Adélard's as they navigated the maze of narrow lanes, the elder brother's gaze flicking warily to every corner. They were used to taking this path, but never this late, and tonight the air felt different—heavy with a sense of unease.
Then, as they approached a familiar turn, the silence shattered. The sound of metal scraping against concrete echoed behind them. Leon froze, his fingers tightening around Adélard's hand. His brother went still, muscles tensing, his expression hardening.
"Leon," Adélard said softly, his voice urgent yet steady, "I need you to close your eyes and hold on to me—tight. No questions, okay?"
Leon blinked up at him, confused but trusting. Something about the look in Adélard's eyes—those eyes that were always so full of certainty—made him swallow his fear. He nodded, wrapping his arms around his brother's neck as Adélard scooped him up in one swift motion.
The world blurred as Adélard took off, sprinting down the alleyway with Leon clinging to him. But despite the warning, Leon's curiosity got the better of him. He cracked his eyes open, peering through his lashes. A shiver of terror ran down his spine. Two men, large and hulking, were chasing them, the gleam of steel flashing in their hands.
"You little rats!" one of them roared, his voice booming down the alley. "You think you can just rob me and run away? Yellow scum! Give me back what you stole!"
Leon's heart hammered. He recognized the voice. It was the thug from earlier, the one who'd been harassing people in the market. He remembered how Adélard had distracted him, lifting a small wad of cash from the man's pocket and slipping it back to its rightful owners. He hadn't thought much of it then—just another act of quiet defiance from his brother. But now, the danger was all too real.
Adélard didn't slow. His breath came in quick bursts, his legs pumping furiously as he weaved through narrow side alleys and ducked into shadowed paths, the shortcuts only he knew. He had to shake them off, to tire them out. The men were bigger, stronger, but they lacked speed. Adélard's hope was to outpace them, praying their stamina would give out before his.
Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity, but finally, the shouts behind them faded, replaced by silence. Adélard didn't stop until he was sure. Only when the night was still again did he slow, chest heaving as he crouched down, setting Leon gently on his feet.
"We—did we—" Leon started, his voice trembling.
"We lost them," Adélard murmured, a faint smile breaking through the exhaustion etched on his face. He rested a hand on Leon's shoulder, steadying him. "You were brave back there. If you hadn't listened to me, things would've been a lot worse. I'm proud of you, Leon."
The praise hit Leon harder than the fear. His legs felt like jelly, the adrenaline ebbing away, leaving him shaken. Without warning, he launched himself at Adélard, burying his face in his brother's chest, his small frame trembling.
"I-I was so scared," he whispered, voice muffled. "I didn't know what to do."
"I know," Adélard murmured, wrapping his arms around his brother protectively. "But you did exactly what I asked. And because of that, we're safe."
The two stayed like that, huddled in the darkness of the alley, holding on as if the world outside might tear them apart if they let go. It was only when the distant chime of the church bell tolled midnight that Adélard stirred.
"Come on," he said softly, ruffling Leon's hair again. "Let's go home."
Hand in hand, the two brothers—two flickering lights in a sea of shadows—continued on their way, determined to make it through the darkness together.