The morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of the mansion, casting warm gold across the polished floors.
Kai stood by one of the balconies, arms resting against the railing as he looked out over the estate. The city stretched far beyond, distant and alive, but for once, he didn't feel the pull to run toward it.
He felt… steady.
Behind him, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the hall—measured, familiar.
"You're up early."
Kai didn't need to turn to know who it was. A small smile tugged at his lips as he glanced over his shoulder. "Couldn't sleep," he admitted. "Still getting used to everything again."
Leon stepped beside him, his presence as calm and controlled as ever, though the sharp edge Kai remembered had softened—just slightly. Enough to notice.
"That will come with time," Leon said.
Kai nodded, looking back out over the view. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn't tense. It wasn't suffocating. It was… comfortable.
That still felt new.
"Dad," Kai said quietly.
The word came naturally now. No pressure. No hesitation.
Leon's gaze shifted to him briefly, acknowledging it with a faint nod.
"I was thinking…" Kai continued, rubbing the back of his neck. "I might want to train more. Not just… fighting. Control. My power. I want to actually use it properly."
Leon studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. That's a decision worth making."
Kai exhaled, relieved.
A sudden burst of energy shattered the calm.
"There you are!"
Jake's voice echoed as he burst onto the balcony, already grinning. "I knew you'd be brooding somewhere dramatic. It suits you."
Kai groaned. "I'm not brooding."
"You are brooding," Jake shot back immediately. "It's a whole thing. We should name it."
Richard followed more quietly, stepping out onto the balcony with his usual composed presence. "Leave him alone," he said, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone.
Jake smirked. "Nah. It's too fun."
Kai rolled his eyes but didn't argue. Not really.
Because this—
This felt normal.
Jake nudged him lightly. "Training later?" he asked.
Kai smirked faintly. "Try to keep up."
Jake laughed. "Oh, you're definitely back."
Richard gave a small nod. "Good."
Kai looked between them —his brothers—and then at Leon.
For a long time, he had thought strength meant escaping. Running. Surviving on his own.
But now…
He understood something different.
Strength wasn't just independence.
It was choosing where you belonged.
And staying.
Kai leaned back against the railing, a small, genuine smile settling on his face.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "I'm back."
And this time—
He wasn't going anywhere.