The aftermath of the ambush left the clearing in disarray. The Espers had retreated, their mission unfulfilled, but the air still buzzed with the residue of their power. Broken branches and disturbed earth were the only witnesses to the fight that had transpired. Leon stepped out of the carriage cautiously, his eyes scanning the battlefield.
Atlas was standing a few feet away, his chest rising and falling heavily. There was a streak of dirt across his cheek, and a fresh cut on his arm that he seemed to barely notice. Edwin sheathed his sword, his eyes flitting between Atlas and Leon as if silently assessing the unspoken tension.
"They're not after us by chance," Edwin finally said, breaking the silence. "They knew who we were, and they were prepared."
Leon stepped closer to Atlas, who hadn't moved or said a word since the attackers fled. "Atlas," he called softly, his voice tinged with worry. He reached out and lightly touched Atlas's uninjured arm, the warmth of his fingers grounding them both.
Atlas turned his head, eyes stormy with emotions he usually kept hidden. "They'll come again," he said, his voice low, almost to himself. "And next time, they'll be stronger."
"Then we'll be ready," Leon replied firmly. The resolve in his tone drew a flicker of a smile from Atlas, who looked at him as if seeing him anew.
"You don't understand, Leon. This isn't just about fighting them off," Atlas said, finally shifting to face him. "It's about making sure they can't touch you—any of you." He glanced at Edwin, then back to Leon, determination hardening his features.
Edwin crossed his arms, his protective nature bristling. "And how do you propose we do that, Atlas? We can't be running forever."
"No," Atlas agreed, his jaw tightening. "We need to make the first move."
Leon felt a shiver go down his spine. "You mean... confront them?"
Atlas nodded. "Not just them. The one pulling the strings. The Emperor won't stop until he has me—or worse, until he uses my power against everyone I care about."
The admission sent a wave of silence through the group. It was the first time Atlas had spoken so openly about his fears, about the threat looming over them. Leon felt a strange mixture of fear and pride swell within him. Fear for what they would face, and pride in standing beside Atlas as he faced it.
"I won't let them take you," Leon said, more to himself than anyone else, but Atlas heard it and felt the weight of the promise.
A rare, soft smile touched Atlas's lips as he reached out and brushed a thumb over Leon's cheek. "And I won't let them take you either."
The quiet moment was interrupted by Edwin clearing his throat. "Then we move quickly. Whatever plan you have, Atlas, make it good. Because the next time they come, we'll be ready for more than just an ambush."
Leon looked between the two men who had become central to his world—one a fierce brother, and the other a determined lover. They were stepping into a storm, and there was no turning back now.