Ombrelis, the homeland of Alden and Akalon, had always been a land of shadows. Its name came from “Ombre,” and like its meaning, it kept its secrets close. Long ago, its people vowed to hide the truth of their claws, earning the title land of no foreigners. No invader had ever conquered it; no enemy had forced it to bend.

Even now, though the land had fractured into multiple countries, the capital still stood as it always had—untouched, proud, unyielding. Its heart remained the same: three thriving cities, a forest whispered about in fear, and two sacred lakes, the mother springs feeding rivers across the continent. No nation dared to claim them. Ombrelis had never lost what was hers.

Akalon often thought of that strength when he looked at Alden. But here in Belvaris, far from their homeland, Alden’s resilience seemed thinner—like something was quietly eroding it.

That morning, they went to their usual spot, The Purring Plate, for breakfast. The café smelled of warm pastries and coffee, its name inspired by the dozens of cats wandering freely inside. In the back, a small cat garden gave them space to roam. Alden always looked calmer here, but today Akalon noticed his gaze locked—again—on the same sleek black cat.

Noir.
A fitting nickname, borrowed from Alden’s favorite idol.

Every visit, Alden found him. And every time, Akalon wondered if it was a coincidence… or if that cat reminded Alden of something deeper. He thought he knew the answer—but kept it to himself.

They slid into a quiet corner booth. Akalon watched Alden’s eyes flick from Noir to his phone.

“So, what are you watching?” he asked casually, though suspicion already tugged at him.

Probably that idiot, Zarion Noirclaw again.

"Zarion’s latest update," Alden admitted, voice carrying an ache Akalon didn’t like. "I missed his concert when I left Ombrelis. Once in a while, I could still go… but now..." His sigh was heavy, his gaze far away. "Ah, I miss that lake too."

There it was again—that look. Not just sadness, but something heavier, tangled with longing and guilt. Alden barely slept, rarely ate unless coaxed. It was only here, and with Noir nearby, that he seemed to breathe a little easier.

Akalon’s chest tightened. He couldn’t be happy for him—not when he knew both Alden and Zarion were trapped in lives they didn’t deserve.

"Alden, I need to know something," Akalon said at last, voice low.

Alden glanced at him, a silent invitation.

The waiter arrived then, setting their plates down with an almost jarring quiet before retreating. Akalon’s pulse quickened. This was his chance.

"I know it’s been years, but… why did you leave Ombrelis so suddenly?" The question came out in a rush; his voice laced with fear and urgency. "Please. I want to help you."

Alden set his phone down, calmly picked up his fork, and took a bite of pancake without answering. The silence pressed down between them. Only the faint clink of metal against porcelain broke it.

"I want to take that burden with me, Akalon. I don’t want you or Kieran to despise me," Alden said at last, his honey-dipped eyes dimming. The fork trembled in his hand.

No. I could never hate you. Akalon wanted to shout it, but instead, he raked a hand through his hair, battling the urge to push harder. This was his last chance.

"I… booked tickets for Zarion’s concert," he blurted. "For you."

Alden froze. "That’s nice, but still—wait! You did what?" He choked on his food, coughed, then laughed—wide, boxy smile lighting his face for the first time in days.

Akalon’s lips pressed into a line. Zarion was his weak spot. "Yes. It’s in Belvaris. But..."

"But you have a condition," Alden finished for him, almost amused.

"Yes. I want to know the truth," Akalon said. "About the boy by the lake."

Alden’s smile vanished. "Fine. I promise… I’ll tell you everything after the concert." His voice fell to a whisper. "It might be the last time you see me after you hear my secret."

He stared down at his knees, hands pressed tightly to them to stop their shaking. "He grew up into such a handsome man… I’m glad he’s alive," he murmured, voice breaking.

"Alden..." Akalon leaned forward, watching the shimmer of unshed tears in his friend’s eyes.

"I miss him," Alden whispered. "Because of my parents, I couldn’t keep my promise to him. I’m a bad person." His chest rose and fell sharply, memories choking him.

"It’s okay to cry, Aldi," Akalon urged. "Tell me everything. I’ll take away your pain."

"It’s not easy. I can’t tell you how monstrous I am," Alden slipped, before catching himself. "If I tell anyone, Big Brother will know too. And I can’t lose him." His voice cracked, tears spilling freely now. "But I’ve promised you. So maybe… I’m ready to lose you, too."

Akalon said nothing. He didn’t understand the meaning behind What I am, but he could see it—Alden wasn’t just sad. He was someone who’d lost a battle the world didn’t even know he was fighting.

Sorry, Kie, Akalon thought as a lone tear slid down his cheek. I couldn’t make him happy.