The mansion felt different in the morning light. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting golden patterns on the polished floors. Adrian walked slowly, his footsteps echoing in a way that made him both nervous and aware of the space around him. Every corner of the house seemed too big, too clean, too quiet—but not in the threatening way he was used to. This was… different.
Alessio walked beside him, careful not to crowd him. The twins moved together like shadows, both aware of each other but still cautious. Adrian kept glancing at his surroundings, noticing the subtle sounds: birds outside, distant footsteps of servants, and the soft hum of the fountain in the courtyard.
"So… school," Adrian said quietly, breaking the silence.
Alessio looked at him with a faint smile. "Yeah. Your first day is today."
Adrian froze. "…Today?"
Alessio nodded. "Mom and Dad think it's time. They've already spoken to the teachers. They'll make sure you're… comfortable."
Comfortable. The word made Adrian's chest tighten strangely. Comfort had always been a foreign concept for him. For eleven years, he had only known fear, hunger, and being unseen. And now… someone was trying to make him comfortable.
Adrian shifted his weight nervously. "I… I don't know what to do."
Alessio studied him. "…You don't have to know everything. Just… go with it. You won't be alone. I'll be there too."
Adrian swallowed. The promise made his throat tight. But for the first time, he didn't feel like running.
The family had arranged for the car to take Adrian and Alessio to school. Marco and Dante followed behind in a separate vehicle. The ride was quiet. Adrian stared out the window, trying to take in the city passing by. He saw children in uniforms walking together, laughing and talking. A pang of longing shot through him. Those were lives he had missed.
"Don't worry," Alessio whispered beside him. "No one expects you to know anything."
Adrian nodded slowly. His fingers fidgeted in his lap. "…Do you think they'll… notice me?"
Alessio looked at him. "…Notice you?"
"Yes. My scars. My… everything."
Alessio smiled faintly. "They'll notice. But that's okay. You're still Adrian. And that's enough."
The car pulled up in front of the school. The building was tall and grand, very different from the little school he remembered in fragments of childhood memories. Adrian's stomach twisted in nerves.
"Ready?" Alessio asked softly.
Adrian hesitated. "…I think so."
They stepped out together. Teachers and students glanced curiously at Adrian. He kept his eyes down at first, his hands clutching the straps of the backpack he'd never used before. Alessio stayed beside him, offering quiet reassurance.
"Here," Alessio said. He lightly touched Adrian's shoulder. "Just breathe. One step at a time."
Adrian nodded. Slowly, carefully, he walked toward the main entrance. The sound of the door closing behind them felt heavier than he expected.
Inside, the school smelled of polished wood and chalk. Children walked in groups, chatting and laughing. Adrian felt exposed. Every pair of eyes seemed to land on him. He wasn't invisible anymore.
"Don't worry," Alessio whispered again. "You'll be fine."
Adrian's steps were slow, deliberate. He felt a hand brush against his arm and froze. He turned slightly, expecting a scolding or a stranger's anger—but it was Marco, who had come inside with them.
"Just go," Marco said softly. "We'll be close if you need anything."
Adrian nodded. His heart raced. Every step was a battle against old instincts. He had been small, unseen, afraid—for so long. And now, everyone was watching.
They reached the classroom. The teacher looked up kindly. "You must be Adrian. Welcome."
Adrian's voice was small. "…Hello."
The teacher smiled. "Don't worry. Take a seat. We'll help you get settled."
Adrian's eyes met Alessio's. Alessio gave him a small, encouraging nod. Adrian slowly sat down, feeling the weight of new beginnings pressing against him.
The first class started. Adrian tried to follow along, but his mind kept wandering. Numbers, letters, voices—they all felt strange. He realized how much he had missed. But Alessio occasionally whispered explanations, guiding him gently. Each time Adrian understood something new, a small spark of confidence flared inside him.
By lunchtime, Adrian felt slightly more at ease. The cafeteria was loud, noisy, and overwhelming—but he noticed that Alessio stayed with him, helping him navigate the chaos. A few curious glances came their way, but no one judged.
When he finally took a bite of his sandwich, Adrian realized something. He could eat without fear. He could breathe without flinching. He could exist in this world without hiding.
The day was far from easy. Every new sound, every new person, every new expectation felt heavy. But Adrian noticed something different about himself. He didn't feel trapped. He didn't feel like running.
He was walking forward. One careful, shaky step at a time.
And for the first time in eleven years… Adrian thought maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of a life he could belong to.
But as the final bell rang and students poured out into the courtyard, Adrian felt a tiny twinge of unease in his chest.
He hadn't escaped his past. Not entirely.
Some memories were waiting for him.
And he had no idea how many of them would come back.
As he walked toward the car with Alessio, his stomach tightened.
"…Do you think it'll be harder tomorrow?" he asked quietly.
Alessio looked at him. "…Maybe."
Adrian swallowed. "…I think I'm ready."
Alessio smiled faintly. "Good. Because we have a lot of work ahead."
Adrian glanced up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set. Golden light reflected off the estate gates.
For the first time in years, Adrian felt a strange mixture of fear and hope.
Tomorrow, he would try again.
And maybe the day after that, and the day after that, he could learn to be… just a normal boy.
But deep down, a small, lingering thought whispered in his mind:
Some things from the past don't disappear so easily.
And Adrian De Luca would have to face them, whether he was ready or not.