As they walked, the alleyways seemed to stretch on forever, winding like a labyrinth of murky shadows and broken dreams. Every creak of wood, every distant shout made Leon flinch, his eyes darting nervously at each sound. But Adélard kept a firm grip on his hand, guiding him steadily through the maze.
"Brother?" Leon whispered, his voice barely a breath. "Why were those men after us?"
Adélard glanced down, his gaze softening. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "They were just… angry, that's all. They didn't like what I did, so they tried to scare us."
"But why did you do it?" Leon pressed, frowning up at him. "Why take their money? You knew they'd come after us."
For a moment, Adélard didn't respond. He slowed his pace, eyes distant as if recalling something far away. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, almost a whisper lost to the night. "Because it wasn't their money, Leon. They were stealing it from people who needed it more. I just… gave it back."
"But that's dangerous!" Leon insisted, his small voice rising in pitch. "What if something happened to you? What if—"
"Hey, hey, it's alright," Adélard cut in gently, kneeling down to look Leon square in the eyes. His expression was calm, but there was a flicker of something else—something hard and unyielding—in his gaze. "I know it's dangerous. But sometimes, you have to do what's right, even if it's risky."
Leon stared at him, brow furrowed in confusion. He didn't understand. He didn't understand why Adélard would risk everything for people they didn't even know. Why he'd always step in, always take the risk, when everyone else just looked the other way.
"Listen, Leon," Adélard continued, his voice firm but kind. "There are bad people out there—people who'll hurt others just because they can. And sometimes… sometimes we can't stop them. But what we can do is help. Even in little ways. That's why I did what I did today. Because if I didn't, who would?"
Leon bit his lip, his chest tight with a mixture of fear and admiration. "But… you could've gotten hurt."
"I could have," Adélard agreed, nodding slowly. "But I didn't. And you know why?"
Leon blinked up at him, confused. "Why?"
"Because I had you," Adélard said simply. He reached out, tapping Leon's chest lightly with his finger. "You're my reason to be careful, to stay strong. You're the one who keeps me going, little brother. So as long as I know you're okay, I'm okay too."
Leon stared at him, the words sinking in slowly, like pebbles dropping into a deep, still pond. A warmth spread through his chest, easing the lingering tremors of fear. He didn't quite know what to say, so he just nodded, swallowing hard.
"Okay," he murmured. "But… promise me you won't do it again. Not if it's dangerous."
Adélard's smile was small, sad. "I'll try, Leon. I'll try."
They resumed their walk, silence falling between them once more. The alleys grew narrower, the walls towering high on either side, casting long shadows that twisted and swayed like specters in the faint moonlight. But Leon felt different now. Lighter, somehow. The fear was still there, a dark, churning pit in his stomach, but it didn't seem quite so suffocating anymore.
As they turned the corner into the final stretch leading home, the familiar outline of their small basement dwelling came into view—a squat, humble little place, half-hidden beneath the street level. The chipped wooden door and small, dirty windows were unremarkable to most, but to Leon, it was the safest place in the world. Their sanctuary.
"There it is," Adélard murmured, his voice soft with relief. "Almost home."
But before they could take another step, a figure moved in the shadows near the entrance. Leon stiffened, his heart leaping into his throat. He clutched Adélard's hand, eyes wide.
"Brother, who—"
"Shh," Adélard whispered, eyes narrowing. He shifted, placing himself between Leon and the stranger, his posture tense. The man stepped forward, the weak light from a nearby streetlamp casting his features into sharp relief. He was tall and broad, his face hidden beneath the brim of a battered hat, a cigarette glowing softly between his lips.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up," the man drawled, his voice low and gravelly. He took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a thin plume of smoke that curled in the cold night air. "The little thief and his brother."
Leon's blood turned to ice. He recognized the man. One of the thug's cronies—a rat-faced lackey who always hung around the rougher parts of town. He'd seen him before, skulking around the markets, shaking down vendors and shopkeepers.
"What do you want?" Adélard asked sharply, his voice steady despite the tension in his frame. He subtly shifted his weight, positioning himself so that Leon was shielded behind him.
"Relax, kid," the man sneered. "Just came to give you a little… reminder." He flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his boot. "You and your brother better keep out of our way. Next time you decide to play hero, we won't be so nice. Understand?"
Adélard didn't move, didn't even blink. "I understand," he said quietly.
The man smirked, his teeth glinting in the dark. "Good." He turned, throwing a last glance over his shoulder. "And keep an eye on that little one. Wouldn't want anything to happen to him, would we?"
Leon shivered, pressing closer to his brother's back. He felt Adélard's muscles tense beneath his shirt, a barely contained fury radiating off him. But Adélard didn't say a word. He just watched as the man slunk away into the night, his figure melting into the darkness.
Only when he was gone did Adélard let out a slow, shuddering breath.
"Let's go inside," he murmured, his voice strained. He turned, kneeling in front of Leon, his expression hard but his eyes soft. "Don't worry about him, okay? I won't let them touch you. Ever."
Leon nodded slowly, the fear ebbing just a little. "I know," he whispered.
Hand in hand, they made their way down the stairs, slipping quietly into their small, shabby home. The door closed behind them with a soft click, sealing them away from the dangers of the outside world—if only for a little while.
For now, at least, they were safe.