Chapter Text
The raindrops gradually ceased, the wind calmed down, and the wild animals slept in their burrows or nests, enduring that stormy night in the peace and tranquility of the warmth that the forest offered.
Certain animals hid among the rubble of the mansion that Stelian left abandoned, providing refuge for these small life forms, mostly rabbits and some birds.
The windows were covered with drops of crystal-clear water that looked curious and beautiful at the same time. The moon was still at its highest point and the darkness of the mansion remained, except for the kitchen, where everyone present gathered. Both the owner of the place and his faithful helpers and the doctor waited, watching Levi's examination.
With great trepidation, Levi allowed himself to be thoroughly examined by the doctor he had seen moments before in his mother's room. The doctor checked his breathing, his physical condition, and some bruises he had gotten from accidentally bumping into his mother's bed—small bruises that no longer even hurt. The kind smile the older man gave him at the end of the examination was enough to make the little boy stop feeling so distrustful of his presence.
As soon as the doctor turned towards Stelian, his face changed to a more serene one, although with hints of concern
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— Call it what you will, divine intervention or fate, but this young lad isn't infected — the older man said, gently stroking Levi's hair with the palm of his hand. Levi didn't resist the caress. Stelian sighed from afar, finally releasing the worry he'd kept hidden throughout the examination — Although that doesn't change the fact that he's far too thin and small for his age. He suffers from starvation and dehydration, just like his mother. I suggest you keep an eye on him these next few days; sometimes the symptoms of the white plague take time to appear
The doctor's voice sounded like a warning to Stelian, Farol, and Samuel, who listened attentively, feeling a certain guilt. Samuel, for his part, let a certain anguish show on his face.
— The best thing for his recovery is for him to eat properly, just like any other child should. Also, try not to expose him too much to low temperatures or any extreme changes in weather; his system is very weak, so he's prone to all sorts of illnesses — she said, addressing Stelian specifically, who didn't hold her gaze for long, knowing for sure that she was referring to Kuchel and his highly contagious disease — He'll have to take a lot of vitamins in the coming years if he doesn't want to have problems with his growth in the future. Other than that, I don't think there's anything else to mention.
— One last question, would it be wise to give him a bath? — Farol asked in his usual serious but precise tone, drawing the doctor's attention.
— I'd say it's essential, very necessary. Just make sure it's a warm bath, don't leave him outside for too long, and he'll be fine — the doctor reasoned.
— I'll take care of it — Farol assured precisely, looking at Levi, who was watching the adults talk intently, hiding from the slight cold he still felt in his small hands in Kuchel's white coat, with dust at the edges, some soot stains, because he hadn't touched water since his mother fell ill.
— We thank you very much, Doctor — Farol bowed like the soldier he was, making the doctor smile amused and, without further ado, head towards Stelian, so that he, without speaking, could lead him through the corridors again, straight to the room where he would spend the night for Kuchel's constant monitoring.
The silence between them was momentary; Stelian had much to think about and, at the same time, too much to unburden himself of. The doctor understood, but without further ado, he spoke without fear.
— I don't want to intrude any further, but I'd like to clear up some doubts — He fixed his eyes on Stelian, who was wandering around lost in thought, until he felt the old man's gaze and, without wanting to look at him, nodded with a vacant expression — I want to believe that you understand the responsibility that came with taking care of that child.
— I'm aware of that, I know what it means to take care of someone — Stelian commented immediately, despite the doctor's evident doubt.
— I know you understand the value of responsibility, but I've never seen you care for anyone with love, Stelian, much less lately with that frivolous face and a look that would frighten normal children. I suppose that's how I know he's yours, haha, he's just as unsociable — the doctor said sympathetically, to which Stelian raised a questioning eyebrow.
— You don't have to compare me all the time — the master of the mansion suggested.
— I'm sorry, but the resemblance is quite undeniable, especially those striking eyes and the shared features. A perfect blend of you and the mother — He continued walking cheerfully despite the gloom of the surroundings. This gave Stelian pause, but he continued along the same path, stopping again soon after. The doctor addressed Stelian once more — Congratulations, young Stelian, you're now a father, and to a very strong little boy.
The doctor finished, placing his hand on Stelian's shoulder and patting him encouragingly, while Stelian still didn't understand how he should react. He rolled his eyes and followed the doctor a few seconds later with a more leisurely pace; he was in no hurry and just wanted to collapse onto the mattress.
Farol and Samuel left the kitchen with Levi in Samuel's arms. Levi's eyes were still tired, and he rubbed them gently, his yawns becoming more frequent. Exhausted, he reached a room too close to Stelian's office. Levi glanced at it briefly as he passed by: a fine wooden desk, papers neatly arranged on it, silk curtains, and beautiful wallpaper. Samuel noticed Levi's eyes fixed on the solitary office, its door ajar, letting in a sliver of light, and wondered, What's the interest?
— Stelian almost never sleeps in his room, that's his office, that's where he spends most of his time, and right next to it will be your room — Samuel confirmed in a soft voice to Levi, who looked up at him, opening his eyes larger, very expressive and very tender, softening Samuel's heart, seeing for the first time the childlike sparkle in his eyes.
Farol looked at them from their new home, smiling slightly as he saw how those dull eyes had regained color, the same color he had once observed in Stelian during his childhood.
<< I hope I can keep that light burning >> he thought, taking the door handle and slowly pushing it open to enter.
They could hear the creaking of the wooden floorboards; the thick curtains blocked the moonlight that night. Without further ado, Farol opened the curtains, illuminating the room. Levi was astonished by the glamour and the golden tones that adorned some of the gilded moldings. The entire room was so luminous, even though everything else was painted in dark colors.
As always, her attention was focused on the crystal chandeliers and striking lamps surrounding the place with great care, reflecting the light in their crystalline drops throughout the room.
A large bed, probably the largest he had ever seen in his short life, was tucked into one side of the room. It looked so comfortable and plush, with a dark brown velvet tufted headboard outlined with gold details and a set of brown sheets that looked so warm and soft.
— I did everything I could in the last few hours to clean this place. It used to be Stelian's old room, and it was full of dust, maybe... — He tapped a nightstand with his fingers, noticing the dust he hadn't seen before, annoyed by his stained fingers. — No, it definitely wasn't enough cleaning. I'm going to need a lot of help if I want to clean this whole place.
— While Farol continues with his obsessions, we'll give you a bath, the first in a long time — Samuel completely ignored Farol's chatter, leaving Levi on the floor and removing the white robe from his small body.
— Go prepare the water, Samuel. I'll take care of bathing him — the butler ordered, making Samuel indignant. Farol approached them, covered the child with a clean towel, and placed him on the bed.
— Okay — Samuel said resignedly, leaving the room, leaving Farol and Levi completely alone.
Taking a lantern with matches from his neat, elegant bag, he lit the lamps in the place.
For the child's comfort, feeling the warmth of the bed, its fluffy and comfortable cover, was a relief, but a part of him did not want to lay his dirty and contaminated body down.
— I hope you get used to it; staying clean is important.— Farol mentioned in a low voice, sitting in an armchair near Levi, who was saddened.
— My mom says so too — the boy murmured, bringing a small smile to Farol's fase — Even so... sometimes, I don't like the water this cold.
For a moment, the child's composure faltered, revealing the truth. He curled up in the towel, wrapping it tighter in his small, thin arms. His own act of protection had left Farol frozen. It had been a long time since he had had to deal with such touching situations, not even when Stelian himself had set foot in that residence at the age of ten, a heartbroken child brought there by force. But this little boy in front of him was so innocent and in need of warmth, which his master had never received.
The simple act of seeing the child shiver with the gentle draft coming from the door broke the concrete of her heart, and cracked it with childlike sweetness.
His expression, previously serious, had calmed down, as he placed a new blanket, much warmer than the towel, over the child's shoulders.
— From today on, I'll make sure all your baths are warm, little master — Farol promised, making Levi nod gratefully.
Samuel arrived just in time with a small wooden tub and some buckets of water. It didn't take him long to fill it completely and pour the small jug of boiling water into the tub.
— Okay, Levi — Samuel declared, as Farol helped the boy jump out of bed — I almost forgot, you can't be without this.
From his wavy cape, he took out a little duck that smelled bigger than the boy's hands, who hesitated to hold it until he saw Samuel's amused smile and took it with both hands.
— Thank you — I accept the toy, squeezing it with my short fingers.
Samuel could only smile enthusiastically, tilting his head, as Farol helped Levi into the tub, covering his slender body with the warm water from the container.
It was the first time she had taken a warm and comforting bath; her tiny body did not feel the cold water falling through her hair as her baths in the underground always did; this water was different, warm and pleasant.
Farol rubbed her delicate body with a soft-to-the-touch loofah, and the water began to lather. The soap smelled of flowers, and the dirt dissolved. A simple, easy bath felt special.
It was the first time that child had seen the bright bubbles flying around his room, amazed by their transparency, but surprised by their fragility, catching those that came together on the water, watching the others shoot off slowly or break in the air.
The rubber duck floated through the water in the tub and became covered in soap. Curious, Levi decided to squeeze it, and it let out a squeak, releasing bubbles, turning into a fun game and a special gift.
The dim light from the lamps, lit with fire inside, made the bubbles sparkle more, reflecting a small, translucent rainbow in them.
When the child was spotless, with that pale skin that so closely resembled his mother's, Farol took him out of the tub, wrapping him in as many towels as she could, and Samuel looked for some clothes they could use so the little one could rest that night.
The only thing they could find was one of Stelian's shirts, which he didn't mind sharing on this occasion. They adjusted it as best they could to fit his small body, making him swim in his clothes, but still comfortable.
Worried about the shirt he had been wearing earlier, the one he had kept from his mother, he thought about putting it away, but not before seeing Farol take it.
— I'm just going to wash it, and tomorrow it will be spotless, young master — I assured the boy.
Samuel took some extra sheets and blankets from a closet, leaving the child covered so he wouldn't get cold at night. The pillows were soft, and the bed was comforting. His little head rested sleepily, and he was quickly tucked in.
He had never felt so comfortable, but even so he felt alone and unfamiliar with the welcoming place that had adopted him.
Neither Samuel nor Farol knew any lullabies, so only when they had finished making him comfortable did they think about leaving.
— Rest well, Levi — Samuel said, opening the door, while Farol still hesitated to turn off the candle near his bed.
I glance sideways at the child's attentive eyes, observing him with uncertainty, the calm and innocent eyes of a small infant who did not wish to remain in darkness.
— I'll leave this on, and if you need anything, I'll be closer than you think — Farol revealed, leaving shortly after Samuel, making the sound of the door closing echo throughout the room.
Levi felt a certain relief that Farol had left the lamp on, making that dim light and the moonlight contrast very well in his room.
But even so, she didn't dare close her eyes so quickly, for fear of waking from a sweet and comforting dream. She feared that everything would disappear in the morning, looking at everything with a fragile touch, as if whatever she touched could vanish. She observed every detail of that warm room, gazing at the ceiling with its golden edges that gleamed with an opaque glow. The sheet felt so unreal to her touch, and the floral scent emanating from her own hair was fresh and pleasant.
— I want to…stay — Levi smiled sincerely through all the fabrics that kept him warm, murmuring his wish to the air.
That bath, that warmth, and the drowsiness made him forget his problems for that moment, hoping that that day was not just an illusion.
Until she could bear it no longer and her heavy eyelids won the battle, she cautiously closed her eyes, waiting for the praise of a radiant sun to enter through the windows of that room once dawn broke, with anticipation, for it would be the first time observing its light.
Stelian, elsewhere in the residence, was returning down the stairs with a sigh. His head was heavy, and the pain in his ankle was persistent. As he took the last few steps, he leaned against the railing. It had been a long day for him, one filled with unexpected surprises and sacrifices.
His shadow followed him down the hallway as he dragged his feet toward his bedroom. A sudden dizziness blurred his vision. He grabbed the nearest wall, pressing his palm to his forehead and rubbing his eyes. He slumped against the wall, too weak to stand, and rested his head on the cold concrete, taking a moment to escape his troubled existence.
The open curtains of the hallway allowed a view of the gardens outside; the night was turning bright that night, the sky was shining, but he was too tired to enjoy it, falling asleep, leaning against a column, surrendering to his own physical state.