Prologue: The Summons
Sakamaki Household — Living Room
The late afternoon sun cast golden rays through the tall gothic windows of the Sakamaki estate, warming the grand living room but doing little to soften the cold tension that always lingered among the brothers. The heavy drapes hung loosely, and the antique furniture bore silent witness to countless bickering sessions.
Shu lounged lazily on the worn velvet couch, one ankle resting on the opposite knee, absently scrolling through his phone. Kanato sat cross-legged on the floor, obsessively rearranging his favorite doll’s clothes while whispering to it in a hushed voice. Subaru, arms crossed, was eyeing Laito with mild annoyance as the latter playfully nudged him again. Reiji, sitting stiffly near the fireplace, looked as impeccable and serious as ever, his gaze sharp and assessing. Ayato sitting on chair with his hands behind his head, eyes closed relaxing.
Suddenly, the front door opened with a soft but deliberate click that sliced through the casual noise with a servant standing there with a letter. The room fell silent as Reiji rose from his seat and walked toward the entrance. His expression was unreadable, but his steps were purposeful. He held in his hands a thick envelope, creamy parchment sealed with black wax stamped with a symbol none of them recognized.
“All of you,” Reiji’s voice rang clear and commanding, “a letter has arrived. From an unknown sender.” He laid the envelope carefully on the polished mahogany table in the center of the room. “It is addressed to the entire family.”
Kanato’s violet eyes widened with curiosity while Subaru leaned forward, his brows furrowed. Laito smirked, sensing intrigue.
Reiji broke the wax seal with a practiced motion and unfolded the letter, his crimson eye scanning the elegant script.
“To the esteemed Sakamaki brothers, His Majesty Damaros Umbrelis, the King of the Underworld, formally invites you to relocate to Chicago, in the human world, where his daughter, Velmira Umbrelis, awaits companionship and protection. Following the tragic demise of Queen Celetha Umbrelis, Velmira stands vulnerable, and it is hoped that among you, one might become her partner and consort. Your past friendship with Velmira and loyalty are acknowledged and deeply valued.– Karlheinz, on behalf of the King”
The words hung in the air like a chilling breeze. The brothers exchanged startled glances.
“Velmira…” Subaru whispered, voice tight. “Our childhood friend.” Kanato’s lips trembled, a sudden weight in his chest. “But… the queen is dead?” His voice cracked. “Celetha… she was so kind to us. I wanted her to be like a mother.”
Reiji’s eyes darkened as he folded the letter carefully. “Her death is a wound that cuts deeper than any blade.” Shu pushed himself up, rubbing the back of his neck. “I never thought I’d hear from her again. But we can’t ignore this. We owe her that much.” Laito paced a short circle. “She’s asking for us… not just for protection, but maybe more. We can’t just leave her.” Kanato nodded, fragile yet resolute. “She was one of the few who showed us light. I can’t refuse.” A heavy silence followed, then Shū broke it. “Then it’s settled. We go.”
The brothers nodded in unison, the decision made, old bonds pulling them back to a past they had almost forgotten.
Mukami Household — Dinner Room
The Mukami mansion echoed with the sounds of a typical family dinner, laughter, clattering dishes, and the occasional sharp retort.
Kou was the undisputed champion of overeating, shoveling food into his mouth with reckless enthusiasm, his cheeks bulging. “Kou, slow down!” Yuma barked, already red in the face. “You’re gonna choke one of these days!” Azusa chuckled softly, watching the sibling feud unfold with amusement, while Ruki sat at the head of the table, his expression stern and unamused. “Enough!” Ruki’s voice cut through the noise like a blade. “Behave or forfeit dessert.”
Before the brothers could continue their squabble, a servant appeared silently in the doorway, holding a thick envelope identical to the one the Sakamakis had received.
Ruki took the letter with an intrigued yet guarded expression, breaking the seal and reading aloud with clear enunciation:
“To the Mukami brothers, By royal decree of King Damaros Umbrelis, you are invited to Chicago, the human realm, to join his daughter Velmira Umbrelis. Following the untimely passing of Queen Celetha Umbrelis, Velmira requires the loyalty and companionship of those who once shared her childhood. Among you may lie her future partner, protector, and strength. Your presence is requested with urgency and honor.– Karlheinz, on behalf of the King”
Yuma blinked, the usual fire in his eyes dimming for a moment. “Velmira… that girl from the demon world we all barely understood.” Azusa’s voice softened with melancholy. “She was so bright… so kind. The queen’s death… that’s hard to believe.” Kou, mouth half full, swallowed hard and set down his fork. “We can’t just ignore this. She was one of us.” Ruki’s gaze was unwavering. “Then we shall go. It is our duty.”
The brothers exchanged looks, their earlier tensions forgotten, united by the summons and memories of a friend lost to time.
Tsukanami Estate — Parlor
In the quiet elegance of the Tsukanami estate’s parlor, Carla sat curled in an armchair, absorbed in a leather-bound tome. The tranquility was abruptly interrupted by Shin’s casual entrance, waving a sealed letter with a mocking grin.
Carla raised an eyebrow but smiled faintly, taking the letter. He unfolded it with deliberate care and began to read aloud in his smooth, resonant voice:
“To the Tsukanami brothers, King Damaros Umbrelis hereby extends his invitation to you. His daughter Velmira Umbrelis awaits your presence in Chicago, human realm. Following the sorrowful loss of Queen Celetha Umbrelis, Velmira seeks the companionship and protection of those she once called childhood friends. Among you may be her chosen partner and strength. The honor is yours.– Karlheinz, on behalf of the King”
Shin scoffed, the usual irreverence in his tone. “Childhood friends, huh? I barely remember her.” Carla’s expression darkened with thought. “The queen’s death changes everything. As the last of the Founders, it falls to us to carry the bloodline forward.” Shin shrugged but nodded. “Guess we’re going then. No use ignoring the king’s wishes.”
After a brief but serious discussion, the Tsukanami brothers reached a unanimous decision.
Chicago International Airport
The sterile chill of Chicago’s international airport was a harsh contrast to the dark worlds each brother had left behind. The Sakamaki brothers huddled near the baggage claim, visibly exhausted and irritable.
Ayato stretched with a groan, “I swear, I’d rather walk than sit through that flight again.” Subaru rubbed his temples. “This is worse than the last time we flew out of the demon realm.” Kanato clutched his doll tightly, muttering, “I just want to be home…”
Suddenly, the Mukami brothers appeared from the crowd, equally weary but unmistakably alive. Yuma’s eyes immediately locked with Shu’s, and the atmosphere thickened.
“Well, well,” Yuma said with a biting edge, “Looks like the Sakamakis got the same damn letter.” Kou sneered, “Didn’t expect to run into your ugly faces here.” Shu stood straighter, meeting the challenge. “Like we want to see you.” Azusa’s voice tried to break the tension with a dry chuckle, “Perfect reunion, huh?”
Before the verbal sparring could escalate, Carla and Shin Tsukanami arrived, Shin’s mocking grin wide and taunting.
“Is this some kind of family reunion nobody told me about?” Shin said, voice dripping with sarcasm. Carla’s eyes gleamed with quiet calculation. “Childhood friends… Seems the king values old ties.” The brothers stared at each other, surprise and suspicion hanging heavy between them.
Suddenly, three sleek black jeeps pulled smoothly to a halt near the entrance. The chauffeurs stepped out holding crisp name boards: “Sakamaki,” “Mukami,” and “Tsukanami.”
Reality sank in with brutal clarity: they were all summoned, bound by royal decree.
Grumbling and exchanging bitter jabs, the brothers handed their luggage to the waiting drivers and climbed into the vehicles. Engines roared to life, and as the jeeps pulled away, the glowing Chicago skyline stretched ahead, ominous, unfamiliar, and full of unknown promises.
A new chapter was about to begin.
