And then—
He smiled at Kael.
It wasn't friendly.It wasn't mocking either.It was the kind of smile that carried history.
Kael's expression darkened instantly.
Anger flashed in his eyes as he took a step forward.
Who does he think he is?
But just as Kael moved—
His eyes caught something.
A mark.
Right there—on Adrian's neck.
Kael froze.
That mark…
He knew it too well.
It was identical to the one on his own neck.A mark carried only by those who belonged to their family's inner mafia circle.
Kael's jaw tightened.
That mark belongs only to us…To blood.
His mind raced, but he said nothing.
Adrian noticed.
Of course he did.
He met Kael's gaze again and gave him another slow, knowing smile.
Adrian (calmly):"We'll meet again."
Then his eyes shifted to Elara.
He stepped closer—too close.
Elara's heart skipped, her grip on the files tightening.
Adrian leaned slightly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"My princess."
Elara stiffened.
She didn't like it.Not the words.Not the familiarity.
She took a small step back.
That was when—
Kael (sharply):"Stay away from my sister."
Kael moved forward, ready to confront him.
But Adrian only smiled—slow, confident, dangerous.
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
As he passed them, his voice drifted back softly:
"Some bonds don't disappear… even when they're kept in the dark."
Elara watched his back as he disappeared down the corridor.
Her chest felt tight.Her thoughts were restless.
Kael's hand slowly moved to his neck.
That mark…
If he carries it too…
His eyes narrowed.
Then who exactly is Adrian Blackwood?
And just like that—the game had begun.
Kael pulled himself out of his thoughts and turned toward Elara.
The tension in his eyes softened.
He gave her a small, confident smile—one he always used when he wanted her to feel safe.
Kael (lightly):"Don't worry about people like him.Men like that don't scare me… I know exactly how to deal with them."
Elara looked at him, still a little shaken.
Kael leaned closer, lowering his voice, half serious, half teasing.
Kael:"And if he ever dares to come near you again, I'll teach him a lesson so memorable… he won't even remember his own name."
Elara let out a weak laugh.
Kael smiled wider.That was what he wanted.
He gently tapped her forehead with his finger.
Kael (mocking):"Come on, my dramatic sister.I just fought traffic and deadlines to make time for you—don't tell me you're letting some random man ruin it."
Elara rolled her eyes.
Elara:"You act like I asked you to come."
Kael placed a hand over his heart in fake pain.
Kael:"Ouch. And here I was, thinking I escaped a war zone just to see my favorite person."
He straightened, his voice turning softer.
Kael:"As long as I'm here, nothing touches you.That's a promise."
Elara's expression eased.
She nodded slightly, her shoulders relaxing.
For a moment, the world felt quieter.Just a brother and his sister—standing together, protecting each other the only way they knew how.
Kael made sure Elara was smiling again before the evening truly began.
They spent the next few hours wandering through the city—shopping casually, laughing over small things, arguing playfully over clothes she didn't need but wanted anyway.
Later, they chose a quiet restaurant and had dinner outside, the city lights glowing softly around them.
As dessert arrived, Elara rested her chin on her hand and sighed.
Elara:"Tomorrow's going to be long. We have a new professor."
Kael raised an eyebrow."Good or bad?"
Elara:"Too early to tell. But he looks strict. Very strict."
Kael smirked."Doctors need discipline. You'll survive."
Elara smiled, then suddenly leaned forward, excitement returning to her eyes.
Elara:"Oh—and I forgot to tell you about yesterday. Aira and I—"
The moment she said the name Aira,Kael's expression changed.
A small, unguarded smile appeared on his face.
Elara noticed it instantly.
Elara:"We spent the whole day joking around. She made me laugh so much I couldn't even study."
Kael chuckled softly, still smiling without realizing it.
Kael:"That sounds like her."
Elara watched him quietly.
She didn't say anything—but she noticed everything.Aira was her only close friend.And clearly…she meant more than that to Kael.
By the time they reached home, the night had settled in.
The black car stopped at the gates.
The driver stepped out immediately, opening the door with practiced precision.Security stood alert, scanning the surroundings.
No unnecessary words.No delays.
This was how things worked in their world.
Elara stepped out first, Kael right beside her.
As they entered the house, voices came from inside.
Their mother was giving instructions to the servants.
"Make sure her room is ready. And tell the kitchen—no spices tonight."
Before she could turn around,Elara wrapped her arms around her from behind.
Elara (softly):"Mama…"
Her mother froze for half a second—then smiled.
She didn't need to look.
She knew.
She turned and cupped Elara's face lovingly.
Mother (warmly):"You're home, my heart."
Elara leaned into her hug, comforted instantly.
Elara:"I missed you."
Her mother kissed her forehead.
Mother:"This house feels empty when you're not in it."
The servants smiled quietly.
Everyone knew it.
Elara was the light of the house.The one everyone adored.
Kael joined them, and soon he was talking to their mother about work, security, and schedules—his tone respectful, calm.
Family came first.Always.
Miles away…in a very different place—
Adrian stood in a dark warehouse.
A man was tied to a chair in front of him, blood staining the floor beneath.
The man cried.Begged.
Adrian didn't react.
His face was cold.
Terrifyingly calm.
He adjusted his cufflinks slowly.
Adrian:"You had a choice."
The man shook violently.
"P-please—"
The sound ended abruptly.
Minutes later, Adrian stepped away, untouched by the chaos behind him.
His mission was complete.
For the world, he was a powerful CEO—
the head of a famous multinational company based in Europe, operating across several countries.
In his own country, he rarely appeared in public.
Here…he was something else entirely.
The underworld knew his name.And feared it.
Adrian washed his hands, staring at his reflection.
For a moment—
Elara's face crossed his mind.
A softness tried to surface.
He shut it down instantly.
Two worlds.One night.
And a fate slowly pulling them closer.