It was Leo's mother—
a tall woman with silver-white hair and warm, noble eyes.
Beside her stood a young girl, no more than seven years old, clutching something shiny.
They approached the cradle slowly, the woman's expression softening as she leaned over Leo.
"Oh, my sweet boy…" she whispered, gently scooping him into her arms.
The girl peered up at him with curiosity. "Is that my brother?" she asked, her small hand gently touching Leo's cheek.
Her mother nodded. "Yes, Selene. This is Leo."
The girl nodded back, serious. "He's loud."
Leo, nestled against the warmth, gave one last cry—then stopped.
He was watching. And listening.
His mother's name was Valena, and the little girl was his sister, Selene.
Leo was born into a noble family that ruled an island—
a realm distant from the five great empires, which were governed by the most powerful beings of the era.
This world was shaped by magic, and by other sources of energy.
Leo flexed his soft, cold hand and reached out to touch Selene's.
"Waaa!" he screamed, his tiny fingers grasping hers for a moment before letting go.
"There, there, don't cry," Valena murmured, her voice calm and warm. She rocked him gently, her silver-white hair catching the light as she moved.
"Mom, can you tell a story?" Selene asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Once upon a time," Valena began softly, "there existed a dragon."
She spoke slowly, her voice like a gentle breeze. "The dragon was evil and arrogant. It challenged the world, bringing destruction and fear. But then, a hero of justice rose—alongside his comrades, and with the faith of the people—they sealed the dragon away."
Selene blinked. There was a thoughtful pause before she asked, "Sealed? But not killed?"
"Yes," Valena nodded, gently patting Selene's head. "Some evils can't be destroyed… only contained."
Selene looked down at Leo, now sleeping quietly in her mother's arms, then whispered, "You mean the dragon our family said to be guarding ?"
"Perhaps" she said softly.