Leon spun around to find himself face-to-face with Atlas de Luna, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. His piercing gaze locked onto Leon, and just like before, the moment their skin made contact, Leon felt that familiar, tingling energy surging through him. It was undeniable now—this wasn't a figment of his imagination.
Atlas's expression was a mixture of caution and irritation as he quickly released Leon's wrist. "You felt it again, didn't you?" His voice was low, almost a whisper.
Leon hesitated, glancing around to make sure they weren't being overheard. "Yes," he admitted. "It wasn't just in my head. What is that… feeling?"
Atlas's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's because you're a Guide, and I'm an Esper. Our connection is… unusual. But you mustn't tell anyone, not even your family."
Leon frowned, a wave of confusion and suspicion washing over him. "Why shouldn't I tell them? They'd want to know I'm—"
"Because it's dangerous," Atlas interrupted, his tone sharper than before. "Not all Espers want to be found, and not all Guides are as innocent as they seem. There are powers at play here that you don't understand, and if anyone finds out about me—about us—it could put both of us at risk."
The gravity in Atlas's voice struck Leon, and he felt a chill run down his spine. There was a certain weight to the words that hinted at a deeper, more dangerous truth than anything he had read in the original story. In Love in the Moonlight, Atlas had been portrayed as a troublesome noble, but not someone involved in anything truly perilous.
Leon's thoughts raced. "So, what do you want me to do?"
Atlas glanced over his shoulder, as if checking for anyone who might be approaching, then leaned in closer. "For now, say nothing. I'll contact you when the time is right and it's safer to talk. Until then, just act as you always have. Don't draw attention to yourself or to me."
Before Leon could respond, Atlas turned on his heel and strode away, disappearing into the shadows of the temple as quickly as he had arrived.