125. Alive again
When the sun rose completely, Marcelline stretched her wings once—sending a soft ripple of light through the air—then folded them away.
Leo cracked his shoulders, shifting fully back into his human form.
"Ready to head back?" he asked casually.
Marcelline nodded.
"Let's go before anyone senses our energy out here."
Leo took her hand.
A soft ripple of golden and silver particles burst—
and the two vanished.
---
Back at the Villa — Early Morning
They reappeared in the living room of their secluded villa.
The moment they arrived, Marcelline groaned, rubbing her neck.
"I need a shower," she declared.
Leo flicked a leaf out of her hair.
"And maybe twenty brushes. You look like you fought a tree."
She kicked him lightly on the shin.
Both went to their rooms, showered, changed into comfortable clothes—
Marcelline in an oversized shirt and shorts, hair damp and glowing slightly from her post-transform energy,
Leo in sweatpants and a loose black hoodie.
They met again in the kitchen.
Leo lifted a brow. "Breakfast?"
Marcelline smirked. "Let's make a mess."
He put music on—something upbeat, loud enough to fill the villa with energy.
And just like that—
life returned.
---
Chaos in the Kitchen..
Marcelline took over the stove.
Leo handled the counter.
Within minutes the kitchen was alive:
• Leo dancing terribly while whisking eggs
• Marcelline teasing him every five seconds
• Leo flicking flour at her
• Marcelline threatening to throw the entire bowl at his face
• Both laughing so loudly the walls vibrated
Leo turned the volume higher.
Marcelline grabbed the pan and pretended to beat him with it.
Leo yelled, "ABUSE! I'M REPORTING YOU TO AMARA!"
Marcelline replied, "She'll help me bury the body!"
And for the first time in a long, long while…
Marcelline's laughter filled the villa like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
---
Breakfast Together..
They finally sat at the dining table with:
• scrambled eggs
• crisp toast
• perfectly cooked bacon
• fresh fruits
• pancakes shaped like a very ugly cat (Leo's creation)
Leo placed his chin in his hand and stared at her like a proud older brother.
"You look alive again," he said softly.
Marcelline took a bite of fruit, nodding.
"I feel alive again."
Leo glanced around the bright, music-filled villa.
"You know… this place feels warm when you're yourself."
Marcelline rolled her eyes playfully.
"Don't get sappy on me."
He bumped his shoulder into hers.
"Someone has to."
She smirked.
The music, the food, the laughter, the quiet peace—
it was the first real moment of normalcy she'd had since the entity returned.
A moment where she wasn't a hunted creature,
or a protector,
or a weapon waiting to be unleashed.
She was simply Marcelline.
A sister.
A girl laughing over breakfast with the only person who knew her entire soul.
---