PROLOGUE PART 2

Lekir Neyqayyl had always believed that time could heal, that distance might soften the sharp edges of past mistakes. But as he stood at the gates of King Ludvig IV Private Academy, the reality crashed over him like a relentless tide—time had not healed, and the distance had only deepened the wounds.

Seven years. Seven years since he had last seen his twin, Lekiu Dean. Seven years since the warmth of their bond had turned cold. He had spent every moment imagining this reunion, picturing his brother’s reaction, rehearsing his words. He had longed for forgiveness, for an embrace that would mend the fractures of the past. But now, staring into Lekiu’s hardened gaze, he realized just how naïve he had been.

The cold silence between them spoke louder than any words.

Lekir wanted to say something—anything—to break the unbearable weight pressing on his chest. But every apology he had prepared felt empty in the face of his brother’s indifference. Lekiu’s expression was unreadable, a mask of calm that barely hid the storm raging beneath.

“You’re back,” Lekiu finally said, his tone devoid of emotion.

It wasn’t the warm welcome Lekir had hoped for, but it wasn’t outright rejection either.

“I—” Lekir’s voice caught in his throat. He swallowed, forcing himself to hold his brother’s gaze. “I wanted to see you. To talk. To—”

Lekiu held up a hand, cutting him off. “It’s been seven years, Lekir. What makes you think anything you say now will change what’s already happened? Why are you here?”

"What makes you think that I wanted to see you? After what happened before?"

The words were like a dagger to his chest, twisting painfully.

“I know I can’t change the past.” Lekir’s voice wavered, but he pushed forward. “But if I could—if I had the power to go back, I would. I would rewrite everything, make sure none of it ever happened. I would do anything to bring us back to the way we were.”

Lekiu’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something unspoken passing through them. “But we can’t go back.”

The finality in his tone sent a shiver down Lekir’s spine.

He clenched his fists. “I just want a chance to make things right.”

Lekiu studied him for a long moment before exhaling sharply. “Sometimes, Lekir, no matter how much you want to fix something, it’s already too late.”

"Don't you ever dare to call me 'brother'. Now screw off, I don't want to see your face." Lekiu left after that.

The words echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of the reality he had been running from. His breath hitched as the weight of regret pressed down on him.

“If I only had more time…” His voice was barely above a whisper now. “Just a little more time… even if it’s only a minute—just to see you smile again, just to say I’m sorry.”

But time had never been on his side. And now, as he stood there with his heart laid bare, he realized that no amount of words, no flood of tears, could turn back the clock.

All he could do now was picked up the shattered pieces and hope that, one day, his brother would let him put them back together.

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