Scene 1: Atlas's Obsession Deepens
Atlas sat in his quarters, the faint flicker of candlelight illuminating the darkened room. Spread across the table before him were reports and sketches—documents painstakingly gathered by his spies about Leon, Tristan, and the child.
The boy's features stared back at him from a rough sketch, hauntingly familiar yet frustratingly elusive. Atlas's fingers tightened around the edge of the parchment. Who are you? he thought, his mind spiraling.
The reports offered little comfort. Tristan was listed as a protector, but the closeness he had witnessed between him and Leon in the marketplace burned in his mind. He recalled Leon's bitter words, his fiery anger, the accusation in his eyes.
"You don't even remember."
Atlas slammed his fist against the table, the wood splintering under the force. The fragments of memory taunted him, always out of reach. "I have to know," he muttered, his voice low and desperate. "I need to know why."
---
Scene 2: Tristan's Subtle Advances
At the Mondell household, Leon was focused on organizing the pantry while his son played on the floor nearby. Tristan leaned against the doorway, watching him with a faint smile.
"You're amazing, you know that?" Tristan said, breaking the comfortable silence.
Leon turned, raising an eyebrow. "For putting away flour and sugar?"
"For everything," Tristan replied earnestly. "You've built a life here. You've raised a wonderful child. And through all of it, you've kept going."
Leon's cheeks flushed faintly. "You give me too much credit."
"I don't think I give you enough," Tristan said, stepping closer. "You deserve to be happy, Leon. You deserve someone who sees you, someone who appreciates everything you are."
Leon looked away, focusing on the shelves. "Tristan... you've been an incredible friend. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Tristan's heart sank, but he forced a smile. "And I'll always be here for you. As a friend or... whatever you need."
Leon glanced back at him, his expression softening. "Thank you."
---
Scene 3: Atlas in the Shadows
Outside, Atlas stood among the trees that bordered the Mondell estate. He had followed Leon and Tristan again, unable to stay away despite knowing how it would tear him apart.
Through the open window, he could see them together, their easy camaraderie and quiet understanding. Tristan stepped closer to Leon, his hand brushing his arm. Leon smiled faintly, though the gesture didn't hold the same warmth Atlas remembered—if he remembered anything at all.
Atlas's chest tightened painfully. The sight of them together sent his thoughts spiraling further into chaos. His jealousy burned hot, twisting his emotions into something dark and unrecognizable. Yet beneath it all, there was despair—a hollow ache that only deepened with each passing day.
---
Scene 4: The Confrontation
The next day, Atlas couldn't stop himself from approaching Leon again. He found him in the market, carrying his son while Tristan walked beside him. The sight of them together was too much to bear.
"Leon," Atlas called, his voice sharp and commanding.
Leon froze, his heart sinking as he turned to face him. His son clung to him tightly, burying his face in Leon's shoulder.
"What do you want, Atlas?" Leon asked, his tone cold.
Atlas stepped closer, his gaze flickering to Tristan. "I need answers."
Leon laughed bitterly. "Answers? After everything, you think you're entitled to answers?"
Atlas's jaw tightened. "I don't remember—"
"Exactly!" Leon snapped, his voice trembling with anger. "You don't remember, and yet you think you can just show up and demand explanations? You left, Atlas. You left me."
Atlas's heart twisted at the pain in Leon's voice. "I didn't—"
"You don't even know what you did," Leon said, cutting him off. "You don't know anything."
Tristan stepped between them, his expression hard. "That's enough. Leon doesn't owe you anything."
Atlas's glare shifted to Tristan, his fists clenching at his sides. "This isn't your business."
"It is if it involves Leon," Tristan said firmly.
Leon's anger flared. "Stop it! Both of you! I don't need this."
Atlas's gaze softened as he looked at Leon, his voice dropping. "Please, Leon. I just... I need to understand."
Leon shook his head, tears glistening in his eyes. "You're too late, Atlas. You don't get to come back now and pretend you care."
With that, Leon turned and walked away, leaving Atlas standing in the marketplace, his heart heavy with guilt and confusion.
---
Scene 5: Atlas's Groveling Begins
Later that night, Atlas sat in his quarters, his hands trembling as he wrote a letter. The words came slowly, each one a painful admission of his failure and desperation.
Leon,
I don't remember what I did to hurt you, but I know I did. I know I failed you, and I can't ask for your forgiveness, but I need you to know that I'm trying. I want to make things right. Please, let me try.
Atlas
He stared at the letter for a long moment before folding it and sealing it with his crest. Darian entered the room silently, waiting for instructions.
"Deliver this," Atlas said, his voice heavy. "Make sure he gets it."
Darian nodded, taking the letter and leaving without a word.
As the door closed, Atlas buried his face in his hands. The memory of Leon's tears haunted him, a constant reminder of the love he had lost and the man he had become.