Beneath the Roses
Part 1---Return of the Heir
Vale (me)
Welcome to my first story~ let’s begin! Hope you enjoy
The air in the Rosenthal estate felt like it had been sliced clean in two.
Half of it belonged to Caelum, warm and sharp like a storm.
The other half now belonged to Anastas, colder than winter glass.
And for the first time in years, both heirs stood under the same roof.
The guards outside flinched as the gates creaked open, revealing a black car with bulletproof glass and zero identifiers. No one spoke. No one moved. Only the heavy knock of leather shoes echoed across the courtyard.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
* leaned against the railing of the second-floor balcony, hazel eyes narrowed, a glass of bourbon clenched in his hand.*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
(Tch….so he has returned huh…)
Anastas Volkov Rosenthal had come home.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Looks like the dead don’t stay buried long. *he muttered, draining the glass. His voice was calm, but his fingers trembled against the banister.*
Renji Takahiro (guard)
*standing behind Caelum, sharp-eyed and silent.*. Do you want me to take care of it?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*shakes his head slightly upon hearing his bodyguard and best friend’s words*. No….
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
* jaw tensed*. “If he’s real, I want to see his face.”
The grand hall was cold marble and tension. Everyone had gathered
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
*sighs* took you long enough boy….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
* Raven-black hair tied back neatly, suit pressed to perfection, blue eyes darker than oceans and twice as unreadable. He didn’t smile. Didn’t flinch. Just walked to the center of the room like he owned it.*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
(He’s treating this as if he hasn’t left at all…)
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*walks forward and is now in front of Caelum*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
I expect you to be taller….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*tilted his head* and I expect you to be quieter
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
*laughs dryly* my sons—
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
He is adopted father….he isn’t part of this family
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
You weren’t here….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I was taken away….were you?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You are just a roach in my family *glares at him*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Tch
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
One by blood. One by fire. Let’s see which of you survives….
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
What do you mean mother?
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
You and your brother will fight to see who gets to be the heir
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
This is ridiculous….im the real heir…by BLOOD!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Ive been here longer!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Does not make you heir *glares at him*
Later that night, Caelum stormed into his quarters, pulling at his tie, heart slamming like a war drum.
Renji Takahiro (guard)
You good?
Renji Takahiro (guard)
*place his hand on Caelum’s shoulder*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
No…*slams the door*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
He looked at me like I was nothing!
Renji Takahiro (guard)
You’re not…
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Yeah?! Tell that to father! He’s back, Renji. The prodigal prince. The one with the birthright.
Renji Takahiro (guard)
He can’t erase what you’ve done.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
He doesn’t have to. He just has to… exist.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*was listening in the other room*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*looks at the family picture in his pocket*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*sighs*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You haven’t change at all….huh
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*lits a cigarette and place it in his mouth*
Vale (me)
That’s it for now~ hope you enjoy part 1 :D
Part 2---Thorns in the Garden
Vale (me)
Hello~ welcome back~
Vale (me)
Now let’s begin :D
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*walking around the mansion*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*listening from the other room and is clenching his fist*
Renji Takahiro (guard)
You sure you ok?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
I’m fine!
Renji Takahiro (guard)
…uh huh….
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
It’s just that he is walking around this place like he owns it! Like he was never gone!
Renji Takahiro (guard)
….come on now….its almost dinner time
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
You are right….lets get going! I don’t know what I would done without a best friend like you Renji!
Renji Takahiro (guard)
Same here Cae~
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Now let’s go eat!!!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*runs off*
Renji Takahiro (guard)
Hey! Wait up! *follows him*
The estate had shifted, just slightly.
Some staff started bowing a little lower to Anastas.
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
*smiles sweetly upon seeing her son walking into the dinner hall*
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
….
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
Welcome back young master
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Thank you Mr Delacroix…*looks at the family advisor*
Elena Rosenthal
Brother!!! *hugs Anastas* thank god you are back! That leech has been here way too long! I’m so glad the true Heir is back!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*smirks* aww thank you little sister
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Tch….(I’m a leech huh…)
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
* offered Caelum wine one morning and said calmly* You know how the Rose Circle tests its heirs, right?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*Caelum stared* We’re not children fighting over a toy.
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
No…
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
*sips the wine in his hand and smiles slightly* You’re grown men with knives now.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Tch whatever….
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
*sigh* can you stop annoying Anastas?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
You are on his side?!
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
He’s my son so of course—
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
And I’m not!? *shouts out loud*
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Enough Caelum!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
….
Elena Rosenthal
Just go to your room leech~ *smirks*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
…. Tch! *leaves*
Renji Takahiro (guard)
Cae!
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
Go after him….
Renji Takahiro (guard)
Yes sir…. *leaves*
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
*place his hand on his chest* tch….
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Is your heart in pain again my love?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
So father’s heart condition hasn’t gotten better….huh?
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
Indeed….Master Rosenthal’s heart has weakened….we need to choose a suitable heir as soon as possible….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I see…
The air was sharp with the scent of gunpowder and sweat. Caelum stood with a pistol in his hand, targeting bottles lined across stone slabs.
Three shots. Three hits. He let the gun lower.
And then—click.
A second gunshot split the air.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Huh?! *turns around*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
What? You can’t do that?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*his sleeves rolled to the elbows, cold blue eyes meeting Caelum’s hazel ones.
He lowered his own pistol like it weighed nothing*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Thought you liked being alone *said it with no emotion*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I do~
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*sets another bullet in the chamber* But I figured someone should remind you how to aim.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You know~ *smirks*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Right. Because Daddy’s little ghost knows everything.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*laughs bitterly*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I don’t need to know everything….i just need to know what I need to know
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
This is war….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Whatever you say baby~
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
I’m not a baby!
The table was set for twelve. The main family and lieutenants. Viktor at the head, Mariya at his right. Caelum and Anastas sat opposite each other while Elena sits next to Anastas
Renji stood behind Caelum. Daria behind Anastas.
Eyes like knives.
The air was tense.
Daria Volkov
My handsome cousin was so cool in today’s training!
Daria Volkov
I love what you did to the leech!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
So you taught Elena how to call him a leech huh?
Elena Rosenthal
It suits that leech brother! Cousin Daria said she was proud of me!
Daria Volkov
Also Anastas~ I wonder if we can kiss on the lips~
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
We are cousins Daria.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*looks at her seriously*
Daria Volkov
So what~ it’s just a kiss
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Enough you two
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
*sighs*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
So, Anastas. Where were you hiding all those years? Training? Running? Or just sulking?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*He smiles was polite and deadly* Somewhere that taught me not to flap my mouth like a loose pistol.
Elena Rosenthal
Huh weren’t you taken away by—
Daria Volkov
*shuts her up* don’t say that little cousin
Elena Rosenthal
Right…sorry
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
It’s ok Elena
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*smirks* You should loosen up. You’re in my house now
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Mhm?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I don’t remember you having the blood of the Rosenthal family…so how can you be the heir?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Tch…why you little!
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
Enough!
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
My love, be careful of your heart
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
I’m fine my love….
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Caelum you are dismiss
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
But-
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
I said you are dismissed!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
F-fine! *leaves*
Renji Takahiro (guard)
*follows Caelum back*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
What do you want…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*was following him*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Speak up!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I want to see if there’s anything left of the boy who picked roses with me *seems genuine*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*flinched* that boy died….i buried him long ago
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*steps back* that’s ashamed *he says coldly*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
.
Vale (me)
Thats the end of part two
Vale (me)
Now allow me to introduce the characters before you go
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
1. Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal – The Adopted Heir
• Role: Former acting heir to the Rose Circle
• Traits: Fiercely loyal, volatile, protective
• Struggles With: Insecurity, being seen as an outsider
• Goal: To prove he’s earned his place
• Conflict With: Anastas (threat to his position + unresolved tension)
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal – The True Heir
• Role: Biological son of the mafia boss; recently returned
• Traits: Cold, calculated, elite-trained
• Struggles With: Trust, abandonment, lingering feelings for Cae
• Goal: To reclaim his birthright—and uncover who tried to erase him
• Conflict With: Cae (jealousy, betrayal, old flames)
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
Viktor Rosenthal – The Mafia Kingpin (Father)
• Role: The current mafia boss; dying
• Traits: Strategic, manipulative, unpredictable
• Secret: He pitted Cae and Asya against each other for survival
• Goal: To find a worthy heir before his enemies do
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
Mariya Rosenthal – The Queen Mother / Mafia Matriarch
• Role: Viktor’s wife; stepmother to Cae
• Traits: Elegant, intelligent, ruthless behind a smile
• Backstory: Raised in the mafia world; loyal to her son Asya
• Goal: Push Asya into power—even if it costs Cae everything
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
Lucien Delacroix – The Advisor / Consigliere
• Role: Mafia strategist, knows everyone’s secrets
• Traits: Mysterious, persuasive, charming
• Backstory: Raised alongside Viktor; sees the war coming
• Twist: May be playing both sides
• Potential Ship: Secretly protective of Cae
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
Renji Takahiro (guard)
Renji Takahiro – Head of Security / Cae’s Best Friend
• Role: Right-hand man to Cae
• Traits: Stoic, deadly with knives, loyal
• Secret: In love with Cae—but won’t act on it
• Conflict: Doesn’t trust Asya, and ready to kill if needed
Daria Volkov
Daria Volkov – Asya’s Cousin / Hacker / Cleaner
• Role: Asya’s personal tech expert & childhood confidante
• Traits: Snarky, brilliant
• Goal: get Asya to love her and marry her
Nero Valenti
(Not gonna review yet)
Elena Rosenthal
Elena Rosenthal – Asya’s sister / princess of the family
• Role: the family’s princess
• Traits: cute, loves to follow others
• Goal: to get Cae out of the house
Vale (me)
These are the current characters~ if there are any changes, I will tell you in the next vid
Part 3---A mission...
There was a storm in the air long before the rain began to fall.
Inside the Rosenthal estate, tension dripped from the chandeliers like invisible oil, thick and ready to ignite. Staff whispered. Guards stood a little straighter. Everyone had begun to notice: the way Caelum and Anastas walked the halls now—separate, but never far from one another.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*sitting at the long oak table, sleeves rolled, sharp green-veined marble under his knuckles. Many reports scattered across the surface—shipments missing, bribes unpaid, old allies hesitating to answer calls.*
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
We are losing district 9
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
*lays down another piece of paper about the documents and reports*
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
This makes three warehouses in two weeks.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Let me guess…. *muttered*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
We are slowly loosing money…
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
It’s quite obvious my son
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*opens the door*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Tch….looks like you have came to ‘brighten’ up this old place
Lucien Delacroix (advisor)
Young master *greets Anastas*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Mhm… *looks at Caelum*you are quite annoying….already almost 22 and you can’t even take care of the district uou are supposed to
Elena Rosenthal
Exactly! Is that how a heir should act?!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Not right now Elena
Elena Rosenthal
Fineeeee *pouts*
Viktor Rosenthal (father)
District 9’s your task. You’ll go together. One car. No guards. Fix it. Or don’t bother coming back.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You got to be kidding me…. *lits up a cigarette*
Mariya Rosenthal (mother)
No smoking inside the house
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Whatever…..
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
(I have to work with him?! Just great…)
Rain tapped the window like impatient fingers.
They didn’t speak for the first ten minutes. Caelum stared out at the passing city, jaw tight, fingers drumming against the door.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
You drive like a cop…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*smirked faintly* That’s the worst insult you could come up with?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
No…but I’m saving the best ones
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Uh huh….
There was another stretch of silence.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You’ve built a name for yourself in the mafia world haven’t you…
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*eyes narrowed*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
It was supposed to be mine
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Then maybe you shouldn’t have let your captors took you away years ago
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
….tch…scumbag
When they arrive at the warehouse
The air still smelled of fire.
Ash clung to the wind, mixing with the metallic tang of gunpowder. The warehouse was mostly rubble now—sheets of corrugated metal twisted and collapsed like broken wings.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Crude *he muttered, stepping over the burned threshold* But loud.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Huh…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*knelt down and picks up something*
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
A rose…?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Is this supposed to be some sort of trickery or a message?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Could be a threat…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
The only one that has the power to give our family a threat would be him…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
The Valenti family
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Them?!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Who else….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
And why do you look so shocked?
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
It’s nothing….nothing at all
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Whatever
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*hears something and reaches for his gun*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*sees the three masked man* tch….seriously….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*shoots them all with no hesitation*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
You bastard! We could ask for information!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Do they look like they will give us information brat?!
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You could get us killed if i didn’t react in time!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
It’s not like they were armed—-
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*slaps him* did you not see the bombs on their chest?! That’s why I aimed for their heads!
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
I….
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
Tch…you aren’t fit for this lifestyle
The city lights below shimmered in the wet haze. Raindrops caught the moonlight like tiny blades.
Caelum sat on the ledge, sleeves damp, drink in hand.
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You always climb rooftops after a fight
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Only when I’m pissed…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You? Pissed? You were the one that made the mistake of hesitating
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*sigh and sits next to Caelum*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Why aren’t you mad at me anymore, usually father would—
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I’m not him
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*titled his head* Why are you being nice to me?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I’m not
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
Sounds like you are
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I remember you used to throw stones from rooftops.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
What…?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You were twelve. I was thirteen. You hit me in the head with one.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
That was you?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I had a bruise for a week.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
So that’s why Elena wanted to shave off my hair that time
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*scoffs and smiles*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
How did you even manage to return…?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
I had my ways…
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
You changed
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
How so…?
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
*sighs and looks at Caelum* you are cold. Angry. Bitter. That’s not the boy I remember.
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
….he died a long time ago….after you were taken
Anastas “Asya” Volkov Rosenthal
….i see….sorry for asking I guess *smokes*
Caelum “Cae” Rosenthal
*place his legs in front of his chest and hugs them tightly*
Vale (me)
And that’s a wrap for this episode bye bye~
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