The days following the festival were a blur of stolen smiles and moments that left Leon's heart pounding. Though the streets had long returned to their usual calm, echoes of laughter and shared glances with Atlas still played in his mind. The festival had been more than a distraction; it was a reminder of the fragility of happiness in the world they lived in.
Leon sat by the window of his chamber, cradling a book in his hands. He gazed out at the sprawling gardens of the Mondell estate, where shades of green danced beneath the golden touch of early morning light. His thoughts drifted to Atlas — the man whose every touch carried both warmth and the shadow of secrecy.
The creak of the chamber door broke the silence. Edwin entered, his expression serious, holding a letter sealed with crimson wax that bore an all-too-familiar emblem. It was the royal insignia of the Fleur Empire.
"Leon, this just arrived," Edwin said, his voice betraying the tension he was trying to hide. He handed over the letter, but before Leon could take it, Atlas stepped into the room, having overheard Edwin's voice.
Atlas's gaze was sharp as he took in the seal. "Let me see it," he said, his tone brokering no argument. Leon's pulse quickened as Atlas took the letter and broke the seal, scanning the words with an intensity that made the room feel smaller. The air turned thick, as if holding its breath for what was to come.
"It's a direct summons," Atlas murmured, his jaw tightening. "From the Emperor."
The silence that followed was broken only by the faint rustle of the paper in Atlas's hands. Leon's mind raced, piecing together the implications. A summons meant more than just an invitation; it was a summons from a ruler who wielded power like a sword. This was not a mere formality — it was a declaration.
"Why now?" Leon asked, his voice barely a whisper. He reached out, placing a hand on Atlas's arm, feeling the tension that coiled beneath his skin. Atlas's eyes met his, the usual warmth clouded by a storm of thoughts.
"Because he knows," Edwin said grimly. "The Emperor wouldn't reach out unless he had reason to. Something must have tipped him off."
Atlas set the letter down, his hands balling into fists. "It's not just that he knows, it's that he wants leverage. And if he thinks he can use this to draw me back into his web..." His words trailed off, but the threat in his voice was unmistakable.
Leon's heart sank. The festival had been a glimpse of joy, but now reality was crashing back, harder than ever.