The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore transported me into a dream. I found myself on a pristine beach, the golden sand warm beneath my feet. The sky, painted with hues of pink and orange, seemed to stretch endlessly, its reflection shimmering on the vast ocean. Seagulls cawed in the distance, their silhouettes outlined against the setting sun.

I awoke, the dream's emotions clung to me. Though it was just a fleeting moment, it felt like a lifetime. Then a wave of sadness washed over me, a feeling of hollowness seeping into my chest. I squeezed my wrists, wishing I had more time with her.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Angelo asked, flicking his sunglasses up, frowning. We were at the beach, a perfect day out before I started school tomorrow.

I smiled at my older brother. "I'm just thinking about everything before."

Angelo froze, before nodding. "Did you and your mom have a good relationship?"

"No ... no, we weren't close at all." Angelo watched me intently, absorbing every word. "What about you? Were you close when she was around?"

"I don't have too many fond memories with her. All I have are fragments, a few photographs, and the stories Dad told me."

Dad.

"Angelo? Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask me about anything in the world, bambina."

"What happened to dad? Heidi said he died in a car accident."

"Yes, Lorenzo Morena died five years ago," Angelo murmured, sadness flowing through his words. "I'm sorry you never got to know him ... he never stopped searching for you, Alina. He would have spoiled you rotten."

"What was he like?" I asked, genuinely curious. I hated that I would never get to meet the man.

"He was a a good man. Honourable. Tough as nails on the outside but wore his heart on his sleeve," Angelo said, laughing a little. "He would have loved you, he did love you."

"I wish I could have met him," I whispered, sighing. Angelo reached out and took my hand, squeezing it. Julian approached, sunglasses shielding his eyes, his sandals slapping against the sand, carrying ice cream and drinks.

"I got you an ice cream sundae, Alina," he said, handing me the huge bowl of ice cream. I grinned at him, grateful. "Angelo, I got you your plain, boring chocolate cone."

My brother scoffed. "It's not boring-"

"There's literally twenty different kinds," Julian mumbled, "and you pick chocolate."

"Enough," I said, rolling my eyes. "Or else I'll call Abel and tell him to come over here and straighten you both out."

They both mocked me and I laughed we spent the afternoon at the beach, my brothers bodyguards, Wesley and Isabella, and Christian were walking around the boardwalk, keeping a close eye on us.

"Eat your ice cream, Alina, before I do," Angelo said, smirking. I reached out with my bare foot and kicked his ankle. He laughed and I did too, staring back out at the ocean.

+++

"Alina." I groaned, rolling over to my side, placing the pillow over my ears. Seconds later, it was ripped away, Killian hovering over me with a deep frown. "Alina, I understand you don't want to do this, but you have to, baby. Come on, up you get. I made you breakfast and packed your lunch for school."

"Please ... don't make me go," I pleaded, reaching for my pillow again. Killian simply threw it to the end of my bed and stood his whole 6'2 height. I could feel my anxiety rising as my brother towered over me, his stern expression making it clear there was no room for negotiation.

"I'm sorry, bambina," he murmured. "I'll make you a deal."

His words piqued me interest. I raised my brows. "Okay, I'm listening."

With a sigh, he said, "If you go today and you really can't handle it, I promise I'll pick you up, okay?"

I reluctantly nodded, sitting up in bed and rubbing my eyes. The idea of going to a new school was terrifying, but Killian's offer gave me a glimmer of hope. Maybe - just maybe - I could get through one day. Maybe. "Okay, I'll try."

He managed a small smile, his relief evident. "That's my girl. I knew you could do it. Now, let's get you ready for your first day," he said,

I stood before my open closet, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The closet held an array of clothes, but I had no idea what to wear on my first day at the new school. That's when Soren came to the rescue. His tall frame leaned over the hangers as he studied my wardrobe, his brows furrowed in concentration. "Get out Killian. I'll help her, your waste in fashion is atrocious."

Killian clobbered our brother on the back of the head. "Don't make fun of me, I -"

"Yeah yeah, go downstairs," Soren muttered, shooing our older brother out of the room. Killian looked ready to kill him but left anyway.

He carefully considered each option, pulling out various pieces and holding them up to inspect. "Mm, not this one." His experienced eye for fashion and innate sense of style came to my rescue.

"This will do, the blue will make your eyes pop." After some deliberation, he settled on an outfit: a simple yet stylish combination of a light blue blouse and dark jeans, completed with a pair of white sneakers. It was a choice that exuded confidence without being too flashy. Soren's attention to detail was evident in the way he meticulously folded the clothes before handing them to me.

I changed into the outfit he had selected, I couldn't help but feel a bit more reassured. It was as if Soren's  support was a shield against the uncertainty of the new school. His actions spoke louder than words, assuring me that I was not alone in this daunting transition. We walked down the staircase to the kitchen. "Hey, Lina," Soren said, stopping me at the bottom. He rested a hand on my shoulder, looking me in the eye. "Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"If someone hurts you, ever again, whether it's at school or anywhere else, promise me you'll one of us know."

"Okay, I will."

"Promise me."

"I promise, Soren."

"Good. Now, go eat breakfast, okay?" He shrugged on his jean jacket, and I raised an eyebrow.

"You're not eating breakfast with me?"

"I can't today, bambina. I have a meeting with my professor. I'll see you tonight for dinner ... and I expect to hear all about your day." He winked and disappeared through the front door.

+++

"Hey," Christian said, glancing into the rear view mirror, "you will be okay. If you need anything, I'll be at the gym just a few blocks away."

I nodded, pushing the strands of hair from my eyes. Christian drove me to Bloomfield Academy, parking at the front entrance almost fifteen minutes ago. I couldn't get out of the car, my anxiety through the roof, but Christian was patient and understanding. "Take your time, Alina," he murmured. "I understand it's a lot of stress, but you got this. If anyone, and I mean anyone, hurts you, let me know."

"Okay. Thank you," I said, taking a deep breath. "Okay, see you later." I opened the door and climbed out.

"I'll see you atpick-upp time," he called as I shut the backseat door. He waited a moment, waited until I stepped toward the staircase to leave. I watched the back of the SUV drive away, feeling alone.

"You can do this," I mumbled to myself, nodding. I glanced up at the academy and fell in love.

The light of morning bathed the academy, and a mix of excitement and nervousness churned within me. I didn't want to be bullied again. I wanted to make friends, make good with my teachers, and learn.

The towering spires, kissed by dawn, seemed even more imposing, and the intricate stone carvings felt like they held centuries of wisdom. I adjusted the satchel on my shoulder, taking a moment to admire the stained glass windows that were just beginning to come alive with color. Above the entrance, the usually stern gargoyles seemed almost welcoming. Taking a deep breath, and clutching the crisp new parchment that bore my schedule, I stepped through the grand arched doorway, ready to embark-

Something built like a rock knocked me sideways. I flew downwards, my head connecting with the floor. Seconds later, darkness clouded my vision.

+++

Who's your favourite brother so far?
Thank you so much for reading.
- Charlie 🧡🙂