Silent Scars

CHAPTER 14

Luca stepped into Aria's room, his eyes scanning the space. It was cold and impersonal, a guest room tucked far away from his and his brother's room.

The bed was neatly made, almost untouched, and her backpack lay abandoned on the ground. The closet door was ajar, revealing it to be empty. The absence of personal belongings made the room feel hollow, like it didn't belong to her, or anyone. 

His gaze shifted to Aria, standing near the door with her head bowed, her small frame rigid as if bracing for something. He approached cautiously, stopping near the bed.

"Can I sit here?" He asked softly. 

She gave a small nod, her eyes still fixed on the floor. 

"I came to bring you down for breakfast."

He continued, his tone gentle. 

She didn't respond. She didn't want to go down, not after last night. The stares, the judgment, and the suffocating tension in the air. She could feel their curiosity and mistrust pressing down on her like a weight she couldn't escape. She wasn't ready to face it again. 

Luca noticed her discomfort, the way her fingers fidgeted, the way she shifted slightly as if wanting to disappear. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

"It's okay. You don't have to come down if you're not ready. I'll bring breakfast here. But dinner can't be skipped, alright?" 

Relief washed over her, and for the first time, she glanced up at him briefly. His voice held no judgment, only understanding.

She nodded, a tiny motion that spoke volumes. For the first time in a long time, she felt a flicker of comfort around someone else. 

Luca smiled faintly.

"Kendrick and I will be heading to class soon. Leonardo and Marcus are going to the office. If you need anything, just ask the maid. We'll all be back around five, okay?" 

She nodded again, watching as he rose from the bed, ready to leave.

But as he turned, something stirred within her. Tentatively, she reached out, her small hand catching the sleeve of his sweater. 

Luca paused, looking back at her with surprise. She hesitated, then went to her backpack and pulled out a notepad and pen. Scribbling quickly, she tore off a page and held it out to him. 

"Thank you."

The simple words carried a weight that Luca could feel. It wasn't just gratitude, it was 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, fragile and hesitant, but present.

He smiled, his warmth reaching his eyes. 

Raising a hand, he moved slowly. Aria flinched slightly, instinctively taking a step back, her body expecting the worst. But all he did was gently pat her head, his touch light and reassuring. 

"I'll be back soon."

He said softly. 

For the briefest moment, a shy, barely there smile flickered on her lips. 

Luca left the room, his heart feeling unexpectedly heavy and light at the same time. When he reached the dining hall, the voices of Marcus and Leonardo carried through the air. 

"Three days, Marcus."

Leonardo said, his tone sharp.

"Domain hasn't been home in three days. Don't tell me you didn't notice."

Marcus sighed, setting his coffee cup down.

"I've noticed, Leo. He's out with his usual crowd. I figured he needed some space, but yeah, it's been too long."

Leonardo frowned, his frustration mounting.

"And you didn't think to call him back? We don't know what he's doing or who he's with. If something goes wrong, it's on us."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"What do you want me to do, drag him back by his collar? He's been pulling this crap for years. He'll come back when he's ready."

Leonardo's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin.

"That's not good enough. We can't afford to let him run wild right now, Marcus.With everything happening, I need everyone home. I don't care how much of a pain he is, he's still part of this family, and we need him here."

Marcus scoffed, his irritation evident.

"Oh, now it's about family? That's rich, coming from the guy who didn't bother to tell us about the sister he's suddenly brought into the house."

Leonardo's eyes flashed with anger, but his voice remained cold and steady.

"Because I wasn't sure yet. I still don't know if I believe she's really our sister. But until I figure it out, she's under my protection. And you'd do well to remember that."

Marcus rubbed the back of his neck, his tone softening slightly.

"Look, I get it. But you should've told us sooner. We're all part of this family, Leo. You don't have to shoulder everything alone."

Leonardo nodded, his gaze softening just a fraction.

"Maybe. But until we know the truth, I need everyone to stay focused. And that means getting Domain home. Call him, Marcus. Now."

Marcus held up his hands in mock surrender.

"Fine, I'll call him after breakfast. But don't expect him to be thrilled about it."

Leonardo gave him a pointed look.

"I don't care if he's thrilled, as long as he's here."

Their conversation ended as Luca stepped fully into the room. Leonardo turned, his sharp gaze scanning behind him.

"Where's Ariana?" He asked.

Luca shook his head.

"She's not feeling comfortable."

He replied calmly.

"She'll eat in her room."

Leonardo considered this for a moment before nodding.

"That's fine. But dinner is non-negotiable."

He grabbed his coat, ready to leave, but turned back to Marcus one last time.

"Call Domain. Get him home today."

"On it."

Marcus replied with a small sigh.

Leonardo left without another word, the door shutting softly behind him. Marcus leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath.

"I'm handling things, bossy tyrant."

Kendrick smirked but said nothing, earning a glance from Marcus. Luca shook his head with a faint smile and took a seat, his thoughts drifting back to the quiet girl upstairs who had thanked him in her own small way.