The sun was dipping behind the horizon by the time Aria stepped out of the school gates with Aiden and Leon flanking her on both sides. The evening breeze was cool, carrying with it the scent of new beginnings.
For the first time in eleven long years, the three of them walked home together.
Aiden still kept glancing sideways at Aria, as if she might disappear if he blinked too long. Leon had one hand on Aiden's shoulder, the other protectively hovering near Aria. Their footsteps echoed down the street like a rhythm they once knew but had forgotten.
When they reached home, Amanda rushed toward them, almost tripping over herself.
"Miss Aria! Second Young Master! Third Young Master! You're all safe!"
Aria smiled warmly. "We're home, Amanda."
She remembered Aria's laughter, her stubbornness, her kindness. And she had also seen the devastation her disappearance had left behind.
She covered her mouth, struggling not to cry."The family… is finally together again."
Aria touched her arm gently. "Not yet. Elias hasn't returned."
A determined spark lit Aria's eyes. "Which is why… we'll prepare a surprise for him."
Leon grinned. "A party?"
Aiden lifted his chin proudly. "Sister, I will handle the decorations."
"You?" Aria asked, surprised.
"With my magic," Aiden said confidently, puffing his chest out a little.
Aria's smile froze.
Leon blinked. "…Magic?"
Aiden nodded like it was obvious. "Yes. Can I show you the magic my master taught me?"
Aria exchanged a look with Leon. Magic from that master was dangerous—destructive, draining, and addictive.
But Aria lowered her voice, serious."Before you show me anything, tell me who your master is."
Aiden spoke the name quietly.
Aria stiffened. She remembered that name. The very person who granted power in exchange for twisted desires… the one who pushed people toward revenge until they get revenge.
"Why did you go to him?" she whispered.
Aiden looked away. "First… I only wanted revenge."
Leon frowned. "Revenge? For what? Our sister had an accident—she was saving another student from being bullied. It wasn't murder—"
Aiden interrupted sharply and pointed at Aria. "She told me herself."
Leon froze."What?"
Aiden clenched his fists, voice trembling with buried rage.
"When she got hit on the head… she didn't die immediately. She heard everything. Rayana and those men stood over her. She heard them talking. They said they got paid. They said Rayana's name."
Leon's face drained of blood.
Aria exhaled slowly. The truth she overheard in her last moments—before her original death—was something she hadn't fully shared with the family yet. But Aiden had known because she told him that day before she died.
"Rayana…" Leon growled. "She dared…"
Aiden continued, his voice rough. "I couldn't tell you because… I didn't want you getting involved with that power. You both would've died. The power the master gave me… it's not something normal people can survive."
He looked at Aria, eyes softening.
"I was planning to take revenge for you alone."
Aria touched Aiden's cheek."I'm back now. You don't have to fight alone anymore. And you must stop using that power—for revenge or bullying."
Aiden swallowed hard. "…Okay. If sister tells me, I will stop."
He looked almost ashamed.
Leon slung an arm around Aiden's neck. "Good. And for decorations, use normal things, idiot, not magic!"
Aiden rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine."
Aria clapped her hands."Let's begin the preparations! Elias likes simple things—nothing too fancy."
Amanda bowed. "I'll prepare the food."
Aria took a deep breath.Tonight would be the first time in eleven years that Elias would return to a full family.
The house filled with movement.
Aiden hung fairy lights—without magic—though he grumbled the whole time.Leon arranged the dining table, placing the dishes neatly.Aria prepared desserts with Amanda, giggling like the girl she once was.The air filled with warmth, laughter, and the sound of siblings teasing each other.
It felt… like home.
For the first time in over a decade.
By the time the main door opened, the house glowed warmly.
Elias stepped inside, exhausted from work, loosening his tie—Then he froze.
The lights.The decorations.The smell of food.
And the three of them waiting at the dining table.
Leon grinned.Aiden looked shyly proud.Aria smiled, eyes bright.
Amanda stepped forward and bowed."President Elias… Miss Aria, Second Young Master Leon, and Third Young Master Aiden prepared everything for you."
Elias' throat closed up.
His brothers, standing together.Aria, alive.Aiden looking healthier than he had in years.And Leon—finally home after weeks.
His vision blurred.
Amanda continued softly, "They wanted to welcome you… because your family is finally complete again."
Elias swallowed hard, trying to compose himself."Amanda… you took care of them well."
Amanda shook her head, smiling tearfully."They took care of me, President. Especially Miss Aria."
Her mind drifted back to childhood memories—Aria clinging to her leg when she was little.Aria laughing as they baked cookies together.Aria crying the night before her accident because she lost her favorite ribbon.
And then… the day Aria disappeared.The grief that tore the household apart.
Now—She was here again.
Alive.
Amanda sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Welcome home, President Elias."
Elias stepped forward slowly.
Aiden looked up. "Brother?"
Leon smirked. "Don't cry too hard, old man."
Elias ignored them and walked straight to Aria.He placed his hand gently on her head.
"…You're really here," he whispered.
Aria nodded softly."I'm home."
Leon slung an arm around Elias. "Come on, big brother! Let's eat before everything gets cold."
Aiden added quietly, "We… made it together."
Elias looked at all three of them—
His brothers.His sister.His family.
He smiled for the first time in years.
"Then let's celebrate," he said.
And as they all gathered around the table, laughter filling the house—Amanda pulled up a chair and joined them too.
For the first time in eleven years…
The house felt alive.
And the family—was whole again.