The steady rhythm of rain echoed against the palace windows as Leon paced his chambers, his thoughts a storm to match the weather outside. Days had passed since the last council meeting, and Atlas's presence had grown more sporadic, his behavior more withdrawn.
Cecily watched him from her seat near the hearth, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Leon, you can't keep waiting for him to come to you. If he won't talk, then you need to make him."
Leon stopped, turning to her with a helpless look. "Do you think I haven't tried? Every time I get close, it's like he's... slipping further away."
Cecily rose, crossing the room to stand beside him. "Then don't let him slip. You know Atlas better than anyone. If something's wrong, you'll find a way to reach him."
Leon sighed, his shoulders slumping. "What if he doesn't want me to reach him? What if he—" He swallowed hard, unable to finish the thought.
Cecily placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "You're overthinking. Whatever's happening, it's not about you. Atlas loves you. That much is clear."
Leon offered her a faint smile, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. "I just wish he'd let me in."
---
Atlas's POV
In the dim light of his study, Atlas stared at the documents spread across his desk, the words blurring together as his mind drifted. The voice in his head—the insidious whisper that had been haunting him—was quieter now, but its presence lingered like a shadow.
"You're a fool to think you can keep him safe," it had hissed earlier that day. "You're the greatest threat to him."
Atlas rubbed his temples, trying to shake the lingering doubt. He had kept Leon at arm's length for weeks now, hoping the distance would shield him from whatever danger loomed. But every moment apart felt like a dagger in his chest.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Come in," he called, his voice steadier than he felt.
To his surprise, it was Leon who entered, his expression hesitant but determined. "We need to talk," Leon said, closing the door behind him.
Atlas straightened, forcing a neutral expression. "Is something wrong?"
Leon frowned, crossing his arms. "You tell me. You've been avoiding me, Atlas. And don't tell me it's because you're busy—I know you better than that."
Atlas hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on him. "I'm not avoiding you," he said finally. "I've just... had a lot on my mind."
"That's not good enough," Leon said, his voice trembling with frustration. "If something's wrong, why won't you tell me? Why won't you let me help you?"
Atlas's jaw tightened, the instinct to protect Leon clashing with the pain of pushing him away. "Because I don't want you involved," he said, his tone sharper than he intended. "This is something I have to handle on my own."
Leon's eyes widened, hurt flickering across his face. "You don't want me involved? Is that what you really think? After everything we've been through?"
Atlas looked away, unable to meet Leon's gaze. "It's not about what I think. It's about what's best for you."
"And you think shutting me out is what's best?" Leon's voice rose, a mix of anger and anguish. "Do you even hear yourself, Atlas? How is this protecting me?"
Atlas clenched his fists, his composure unraveling. "I don't expect you to understand," he said coldly. "Just trust me."
Leon stared at him, disbelief etched into his features. For a moment, it seemed as though he might argue further, but then he stepped back, his expression hardening. "Maybe I would, if you still trusted me."
He turned and left without another word, the door clicking softly shut behind him. Atlas sank into his chair, his head in his hands. The whisper returned, mocking and cruel.
"Well done. You've hurt him just enough to keep him safe. Isn't that what you wanted?"
---
Leon's Chambers
Leon closed the door to his chambers, leaning heavily against it as the weight of the conversation crashed over him. His mind raced with questions, each more painful than the last. Why won't he talk to me? Why does he think he has to do this alone?
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Leon? It's me," a familiar voice called.
Leon opened the door to find Tristan, his ever-reliable knight and confidant, standing there with a concerned look. "I saw you leave the study," Tristan said gently. "I thought you might need someone to talk to."
Leon hesitated before stepping aside to let him in. Tristan had been a constant presence during Atlas's growing distance, always ready with a kind word or a steadying hand. Leon didn't know what he'd do without him.
"I don't know what to do anymore," Leon admitted, sinking into a chair. "He's pulling away, and I don't know how to stop it."
Tristan knelt beside him, his gaze steady. "It's not your fault, Leon. Whatever's going on with Atlas, it's his burden to share—or not. But that doesn't mean you have to carry it alone."
Leon looked at him, gratitude and sorrow warring in his expression. "I just... I thought we were stronger than this."
"You are," Tristan said firmly. "But even the strongest bonds can be tested. What matters is how you face it together."
Leon offered a small, shaky smile, his heart still heavy. "Thanks, Tristan. You always know what to say."