"Huh? I just came to say hello to my friend," Leon said casually with a smile.

Honestly, I was worried you might try to kill me.

"But aren't you supposed to be under house arrest in your room?" I asked quietly, looking around to make sure no guards were nearby.

Leon stopped smiling. He stepped closer, and his eyes became serious.

"And aren't you supposed to explain something to me?"

The cheerful boy from before was gone. His blue eyes were filled with hurt.

"Why did you disappear that night? Didn't you say that friends should stay together?"

Oh...

Guilt filled my heart.

He wasn't angry because he's was captured.

"I-I didn't leave on purpose!" I said quickly. "I was kidnapped."

"Kidnapped?" Leon asked in shock.

His angry expression disappeared and was replaced by worry.

He really was worried about me...

After sitting down together on the balcony floor, I told him everything. I explained about the kidnapper, the Dawson family's dungeon, and how Captain Josh saved me.

By the time I finished, Leon's face had become dark.

"That trash..." he muttered, clenching his fists. "How dare he hurt you?"

You're so angry for my sake, I thought with a small smile. But in the original story, you're the one who kills me...

Suddenly, Leon stood up. Blue magic appeared around his hands, and his eyes became cold.

"I'm going to kill him."

He turned as if he was about to jump off the balcony.

"Are you stupid?!" I shouted, grabbing his wrist. "If someone sees you using magic, you'll be executed!"

I pulled him back down. The blue light slowly disappeared.

He sat down again and looked away unhappily.

"But he hurt my friend," Leon said quietly.

This child...

Warm feelings filled my heart.

He wasn't a monster yet. He was just a good boy who wanted to protect his friends.

This is my chance. I have to change his future.

I took a deep breath and held out my pinky finger.

"If you really want to do something for me, Leon, then make a promise with me."

Leon blinked.

"A promise?"

"Promise me that you will never use your magic to hurt innocent people."

Leon froze.

"Never hurt anyone?" he repeated softly.

Can he do it? I worried. Has he already become too corrupted?

Then, slowly, Leon held out his hand and wrapped his pinky around mine.

"I promise."

This time, he smiled brightly.

I smiled too and finally relaxed.

Under the beautiful night sky full of stars, we sat together peacefully on the balcony.

*****

A Few Weeks Later

"A banquet?!" I nearly choked on my tea.

"Yes!" Emily laughed. "We are holding a celebration because we finally found you and brought you home safely."

We were having a picnic in the palace garden.

"It's all for me?" I asked shyly.

Emily burst into laughter.

"Why are you laughing, Sister?" I puffed my cheeks.

"Because you're too cute!" she said happily and pinched my cheeks.

"Ow! Stop it!" I laughed.

The garden was peaceful, filled with flowers and our laughter.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, something flew through the air.

"Bella, look out!"

Before I understood what was happening, someone pushed me away.

I rolled onto the grass while a wooden training sword flew past me and stuck into a tree.

"Ouch..." I muttered, rubbing my elbow.

As I looked up, I saw a young boy standing in front of me. He was looking somehow scared.

His golden hair shined under the sunlight, and his golden eyes were bright and sharp.