Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 22: A Morning of Reluctance.

The morning sun painted streaks of gold across the vast sky, its warmth barely seeping through the heavy curtains of Orion's room. Inside, the air was thick with the faint remnants of mana, lingering from last night's late cultivation session. The room was silent, save for the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing.

Orion lay sprawled across his bed, his chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber. His silver-blue hair, usually untamed yet effortlessly smooth, was now a complete mess—strands sticking out wildly in all directions. The sheets had been kicked aside, leaving his lean yet well-defined upper body exposed to the cool morning air.

A soft knock came at the door.

"Brother?"

Elara's voice was gentle, but expectant.

Silence.

She waited. Then, with a slight pout, knocked again—this time a little firmer.

Still, no response.

She sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "Brother, if you don't wake up, I'll..." She hesitated, then smirked to herself. "No, never mind. If you're asleep, then I can just..."

A soft click echoed as she turned the doorknob and quietly stepped inside.

The sight before her made her heart skip a beat.

Orion lay there, completely unguarded—his sharp, cold features softened in sleep. The usual intensity in his eyes was absent, replaced by a rare tranquillity she hardly ever saw.

A rare moment.

A secret moment.

Her blue eyes lingered on his face, admiring the way his lashes cast faint shadows over his cheekbones, the way his lips parted slightly as he breathed. He was undeniably handsome—so much so that it was almost unfair.

If Brother stays up late every night... I wouldn't mind waking him up like this every morning.

A small, guilty smile tugged at her lips.

Her fingers twitched, tempted to brush aside the messy strands of silver-blue hair that clung to his forehead. But then—

Her smile faltered.

Today.

Today, their elder brothers were arriving.

Elara's heart sank as the memory returned. The two people she despised most—Edric and Arin—would be stepping into their home once more.

A tightness formed in her chest.

No matter how much time passed, she could never forget how they had treated her—how they had treated Orion.

And yet, despite their cruelty, Mother Celia had still asked her to wake Orion, making sure he would be ready for their arrival.

Her reluctance was overwhelming, but she had no choice.

She exhaled, steeling herself.

Then, placing a delicate hand on his arm, she gave him a gentle shake.

"Brother... wake up."

Nothing.

She frowned, shaking him again, this time more firmly. "Brother, wake up!"

A low groan rumbled from his throat. He shifted slightly, his muscles flexing under her touch, but his eyes remained shut.

She sighed in exasperation before leaning in close, her lips near his ear.

"Brother, if you don't wake up now..." She paused for effect, then grinned mischievously. "Mother will scold you."

Orion's eyes cracked open instantly.

He blinked, dazed, his vision still adjusting. The first thing he saw was a pair of bright blue eyes staring down at him.

For a brief moment, he simply stared, processing the situation.

Then— "Ugh..." He groaned, throwing an arm over his face. "What time is it?"

"Time for you to stop being lazy," Elara huffed, crossing her arms. "I had to come all the way here just to wake you up."

Orion let out a slow sigh, finally sitting up. He ran a hand through his messy hair, his toned arms flexing slightly as he stretched.

Elara quickly looked away, her cheeks heating.

"You should've let me sleep a little longer," Orion muttered.

Elara scoffed. "Oh, believe me, I would have. But our dear elder brothers are arriving today, and Mother sent me to wake you. So, hurry up!"

At her words, Orion froze.

A cold, bitter weight settled in his chest.

Edric and Arin.

His so-called brothers.

Memories of their cruelty flooded his mind—their mocking laughter, the way they looked down on him for being 'unworthy.' But worse than that...

The way they treated Elara.

Orion's fingers clenched into fists.

He despised them.

Not even one percent of him respected them.

But today... today, their father would be present. And the guest arriving with his brothers was of great importance. If he refused to greet them, it would reflect poorly on their household.

And in the world of nobility, appearances were everything.

He exhaled sharply, shaking off his thoughts.

It was time to get ready.

Orion quickly washed up and changed into a new set of robes. The deep blue - white fabric, lined with silver accents, fit his tall, lean frame perfectly.

As he caught his reflection in the mirror, he paused.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

His bluish-white hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing blue eyes shone like cold sapphire gems. His once soft features were becoming sharper, more defined.

Then, stepping out of his room, he found Elara waiting impatiently.

"Finally!" she sighed dramatically. "Come on, we're already late!"

Orion chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's go."

Together, they made their way toward the estate's main gate.

----

By the time Orion and Elara arrived, the estate's entrance was already bustling.

Guards stood at attention. Servants lined the pathway.

And his two mothers, Celia and Sera, stood gracefully, waiting.

As soon as they arrived, Orion greeted them respectfully. "Mother Celia. Mother Sera."

Both turned toward him with warm smiles.

"Did you sleep well, Orion?" Celia asked gently.

"Yes, Mother," he replied.

Just as they were chatting, a tall figure entered the scene.

Clad in regal golden robes, with broad shoulders, a strong build, and a sharp, commanding presence, came Viscount Theo Vale. His jet-black hair was slicked back neatly, and his cold black eyes scanned the area with quiet authority.

He approached with slow, deliberate steps.

Celia and Sera greeted him first, their voices respectful.

" Welcome, my lord," Celia and Sera said softly in unison.

Orion and Elara stepped forward, offering a polite bow.

"Greeting Father," they greeted in unison.

Viscount Theo's dark eyes barely glanced at anyone before giving a short nod—acknowledging, but nothing more.

Just then— The heavy iron gates creaked open.

An array of grand carriages rolled into the estate, escorted by elite guards on horseback.

The lead carriage stopped directly in front of them.

Orion watched as the door of carriage slowly swung open.

And for the first time in years—

He was about to come face-to-face with his elder brothers once again.