Chapter 26. Farewell
Leonel stood before the entrance to his family estate. The towering columns, the massive gates—everything was so familiar, yet now it felt distant. He knew that after this conversation, there would be no turning back.
He stepped into the grand hall, where they were already waiting. His mother, Celestina, sat in a chair by the fireplace; his father, Rafael, stood beside her, arms crossed. Near the staircase, peeking from behind the railing, was his younger sister—Mira.
— You’ve finally returned, — his mother’s voice was calm, but Leonel could feel the tension beneath it.
— Yes, — he exhaled. — But not for long.
His father narrowed his eyes.
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— What does that mean?
— I’m leaving, — Leonel met his father’s gaze. — On a journey.
— A journey? — Mira echoed, her voice laced with worry. — You won’t even tell us why?
Leonel looked away.
— I need to become stronger, — he finally said. — A worthy heir to our house.
— Lies, — Rafael said sharply. — You’ve never hidden your true motives before. Why now…
Leonel clenched his fists.
— Because it’s better if you don’t know.
A heavy silence filled the hall.
Celestina rose from her chair and approached him, gently running her hand over his cheek, as if memorizing his face.
— Will you be gone long?
Leonel nodded.
— And you’re not sure if you’ll return?
His fingers twitched slightly.
His mother gave him a sad smile.
— Then I won’t stop you.
Rafael glanced at her, frowning in confusion, but she simply added softly:
— He’s already made his choice.
Leonel lowered his head.
— Thank you.
— Brother… — Mira’s quiet voice made him freeze.
He turned. The girl looked at him with fear and sorrow.
— You’ll come back, right?
Leonel clenched his jaw, then knelt down and pulled her into a tight embrace.
— I’ll try, — he whispered.
Then he turned and
stepped beyond the threshold, knowing he might never return.
