Unspoken Shadows

Echoes of a Haunted Past

Lavi descended the stairs the following morning, each step a laborious effort. His body felt heavy, weighed down by the sleepless night. The haunting memories of his past and the events of the previous day played on an endless loop in his mind, robbing him of rest. Suppressing a yawn behind his hand, Lavi shuffled into the dimly lit dining room where Tiedoll and Kanda were already seated.

"Good morning," Tiedoll greeted, folding his newspaper to peer over at Lavi with a warm, paternal smile.

"Morning..." Lavi mumbled wearily as he sank into a chair, his body slumping with exhaustion. Kanda glanced up, his sharp eyes noting Lavi's disheveled appearance and the dark circles under his eyes.

"You look like you've been through hell," Kanda remarked bluntly, his tone a mixture of annoyance and mild concern. Lavi met his gaze with tired, haunted eyes.

"I didn't sleep well," he confessed in a soft voice. Tiedoll reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lavi's arm, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"Perhaps some breakfast will help," Tiedoll suggested kindly, rising from his seat and disappearing into the kitchen. Leaning closer across the table, Kanda's expression softened for a brief moment.

"I didn't know you actually slept," he teased, attempting to lighten the mood. Lavi shot him a glare, his usual sharp retort softened by fatigue.

"I do eat food too, just not as often as I need blood. And I haven't had any in two days, in case you forgot," Lavi retorted tersely. Kanda rolled his eyes and reclined in his chair, a silent acknowledgment of Lavi's struggles. Moments later, Tiedoll returned with a plate, placing it in front of Lavi with a kind smile. Lavi nodded his thanks and began to eat in silence, tuning out the conversation between Tiedoll and Kanda about some report.

As Lavi ate, his mind drifted back to the previous night, the vivid memories of his victims' faces flashing before his eyes. He felt a pang of guilt and regret, emotions he had long tried to bury. The silence in the room was almost comforting, a brief respite from his turbulent thoughts.

Finishing his meal, Lavi looked up to find Kanda standing abruptly and leaving the room, his expression unreadable. Tiedoll sighed softly, turning his attention back to Lavi, who managed a faint smile despite his exhaustion.

"I feel a bit better now," Lavi admitted quietly, the food having taken the edge off his hunger.

"That's good to hear. Planning to return to the castle soon then?" Tiedoll inquired gently, his tone laced with genuine concern.

"No. I think I'd like to stay here and start attending school," Lavi replied thoughtfully, surprising even himself with the decision. Tiedoll's eyes lit up with enthusiasm; he clearly relished the idea of having a new student in his care.

"Excellent! You'll need to drive yourself or perhaps ride with Yuu-kun," Tiedoll suggested.

"I think I'll ride with Yuu," Lavi chuckled softly, a small smile playing on his lips. Tiedoll nodded approvingly, his smile widening.

"Well, next week the students return from summer break. We'll sort everything out then. In the meantime, make yourself at home," Tiedoll said warmly, his eyes shining with fatherly pride.

"Thank you," Lavi replied sincerely, feeling a flicker of hope in his chest.

Meanwhile, in a dark, opulent room, Allen approached the Earl with deference, bowing deeply.

"Yes, Allen?" the Earl's voice resonated in the dimly lit room, a sinister edge to his tone.

"He's alive," Allen stated urgently, his voice trembling slightly.

"Who's alive?" the Earl inquired, his interest piqued.

"The lost prince, Lavi," Allen disclosed, his tone tinged with concern. A wicked grin spread slowly across the Earl's face, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.

"Keep a close watch on him. He could prove to be quite disruptive," the Earl commanded with chilling certainty, his mind already plotting.

"Understood, Earl," Allen acknowledged, retreating silently into the shadows. As he left, the room seemed to darken, the weight of the Earl's words hanging ominously in the air.

Lavi stood by his bedroom window later that night, staring out at the moonlit landscape. The manor was quiet, the only sounds the distant chirping of crickets and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. He felt a strange sense of peace here, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had defined his existence for so long. But even in this sanctuary, he couldn't escape the shadows of his past.

As he prepared for bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing, a storm on the horizon. He had made a decision to stay, to try and build a new life, but he knew it wouldn't be easy. The past had a way of catching up, no matter how fast you ran.

Lavi lay down, closing his eyes and willing himself to sleep. The memories that haunted him were relentless, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to atone for his past and forge a new path. As sleep finally began to claim him, he whispered a silent promise to himself: to protect the people here, to find a way to live with his demons, and perhaps, one day, to find peace.