The weight of Rourke's words hung over Adélard like a dark cloud as the day dragged on. The clamour of the marketplace—vendors calling out their wares, the constant murmur of haggling, the laughter of children darting through the crowd—felt distant, like a backdrop to the storm brewing in his mind. He forced himself to focus, to shove down the fear and the anger, but it simmered beneath the surface, coiling tighter with every hour.
Leon stayed close by, working quietly alongside Mr. Thorne, sorting and stacking crates of goods. Every now and then, Adélard would catch his brother glancing his way, concern etched in his young face. He tried to offer a reassuring smile each time, but it felt like a mask, brittle and fragile.
"Hey, lad," Mr. Thorne's gruff voice broke through his thoughts. The older man leaned against the stall, arms crossed, his gaze appraising. "You seem a million miles away. Something you want to talk about?"
Adélard shook his head quickly. "No, sir. Just… a lot on my mind, that's all."
"Hmm." Mr. Thorne didn't push further, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Well, keep your head in the game, boy. You're no good to anyone if you're distracted."
"Yes, sir," Adélard muttered, bending back to the task at hand. He wasn't sure what time it was when he finally noticed Leon had slipped away. Panic flared, his head snapping up as he scanned the bustling square. Had something happened? Had Rourke's men come for him, taken him while Adélard was too wrapped up in his own thoughts?
But then he spotted Leon, just a few stalls over, talking to a small group of boys near a makeshift goal set up between two carts. They looked like they were arguing—no, debating. One of the boys, a lanky kid with unruly hair, waved his arms animatedly, while Leon stood with his hands on his hips, his expression stubborn and fierce.
Adélard edged closer, curious despite himself. As he drew near, he caught snatches of their conversation.
"You're crazy," the lanky boy was saying. "You can't just take the shot from there! You'll never make it past Miller."
"Yes, I can," Leon shot back, his voice firm. "I've done it before. If you give me a chance—"
"Hey," Adélard interrupted softly, stepping up beside his brother. The boys jumped, turning to face him. "What's going on here?"
Leon flushed, glancing up at him sheepishly. "They're setting up a match," he murmured. "Just a quick one, to practice for the tryouts Mr. Thorne mentioned." He looked away, biting his lip. "They needed another player, so I thought I'd—"
"You what?" Adélard's voice came out sharper than he intended, and Leon flinched. Guilt stabbed through him, but he couldn't help it. After everything that had happened, the thought of Leon getting involved, of putting himself in any kind of spotlight, made his stomach churn.
"Sorry," Leon muttered, ducking his head. "I… I just wanted to play for a bit."
Adélard took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. This wasn't Leon's fault. He couldn't smother his brother just because *he* felt trapped. "It's okay," he said quietly, resting a hand on Leon's shoulder. "I just… be careful, all right?"
Leon nodded quickly, his eyes wide and earnest. "I will. I promise."
Adélard hesitated, glancing at the other boys. They were watching him warily, like they half-expected him to drag Leon away. Maybe he should. Maybe that was the smart thing to do. But then he caught the hopeful gleam in Leon's eyes, the way his hands twitched with barely suppressed energy.
"You play," Adélard said finally, his voice low. "But just this once. And don't overdo it."
Leon's face lit up, the worry melting away in an instant. "Really?"
"Yeah." Adélard managed a faint smile. "Really."
The other boys relaxed visibly, murmuring among themselves as they shuffled into position. Leon darted forward, a blur of excitement and nervous energy, taking his place near the makeshift goal. The game kicked off almost immediately, the ball bouncing and skidding across the uneven cobblestones.
Adélard leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed, watching closely. It was obvious from the start that Leon was good—really good like his brother. He moved with a confidence and agility that seemed out of place for someone his age, weaving around the other players like water slipping through cracks. Each time he got the ball, he controlled it with a deftness that made even the older boys pause, their expressions shifting from amusement to surprise.
But it wasn't just skill. It was the look on Leon's face, the fierce determination, the way his entire body seemed to come alive the moment his foot connected with the ball. There was a fire there, a hunger that Adélard recognized all too well.
"That's your brother?" one of the older boys muttered, sidling up beside him. He looked like he might be a couple of years older than Adélard, broad-shouldered and rough around the edges. "Kid's got a real talent."
Adélard grunted noncommittally, keeping his gaze fixed on the game. "Yeah."
"You should let him try out for the club," the boy suggested casually. "We could use a player like him."
The words sent a spike of unease through Adélard's chest. He shook his head sharply. "No."
The boy raised an eyebrow, but didn't push. "Suit yourself. But if he ever changes his mind… the offer's open."
Adélard didn't respond, his jaw clenched tight. The game ended a few minutes later, Leon scoring the winning goal with a sharp, precise kick that sent the ball sailing past the makeshift keeper. The other boys erupted in cheers, clapping him on the back, but Leon barely seemed to notice. He turned immediately, searching the crowd until his eyes found Adélard's.
"Well?" he called breathlessly, his face flushed with exertion and triumph. "What do you think?"
Adélard forced himself to smile. "You were great," he said honestly. "But… it's time to go."
Leon's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Okay." He turned to the other boys, giving them a quick wave. "See you guys around."
As they made their way back to Mr. Thorne's stall, Adélard's mind churned. He knew Leon loved football, that playing made him feel alive in a way nothing else did. But it was dangerous. Too dangerous for both of them.
He'd have to keep Leon close. Keep him safe. Until he could find a way out—until he could keep his promises to both his brother and his mother.
But that fire in Leon's eyes… it was going to be hard to extinguish.