4 | Dead

                                    

                                          

The sun was just beginning to rise over the sprawling estate, casting a golden hue over the meticulously manicured lawns and grandiose mansion. Kylan stood at the large window of his study, looking out over the property that had been in their family for generations. The wealth and power that surrounded him were as much a part of his life as the air he breathed, but they came with a price that few could understand.
At twenty-four, Kylan was the eldest of the four brothers. With his parents gone and his youngest brother missing for nine years, the weight of responsibility had fallen heavily on his shoulders.
He had taken on the mantle of the family business, a shadowy empire built on power and fear—the mafia. It was a secret he bore alone, shielding his brothers from the dark truths that lay beneath their opulent lifestyle.
Kylan's thoughts drifted to his brothers as he turned away from the window, making his way to the kitchen where they would soon gather for breakfast. Levi, at twenty, was the middle brother, spirited and full of life. Despite the pain of losing their parents and the mystery of Kai's disappearance, Levi had managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy, throwing himself into his studies at university and enjoying the perks of their wealth.
Kaleb, the youngest at seventeen, was still in high school. He was the most affected by Kai's disappearance, having been close to his younger brother before he was taken. The loss had left a void in Kaleb's life, one that he filled with a mix of rebellion and a desperate search for answers that Kylan tried his best to keep under control.
As Kylan entered the kitchen, he found Levi and Kaleb already seated at the large dining table. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast foods prepared by the household staff. Levi looked up from his laptop, where he was likely working on some assignment or another, and offered Kylan a warm smile
"Morning, Kylan," Levi said, closing his laptop. "You're up early, even for you."
Kylan nodded, taking a seat at the head of the table. "Good morning, Levi. Morning, Kaleb."
Kaleb, who had been staring out the window with a distant look in his eyes, turned to face his older brother. "Morning," he mumbled, his tone sullen.
"Any plans for today?" Kylan asked, trying to engage them in conversation.
Levi shrugged. "Just classes and a study group later. Maybe I'll hit the gym afterwards. What about you, Kaleb?"
Kaleb shrugged, his eyes returning to the view outside. "School, I guess. Might hang out with Luca later."
"I was thinking we could all have dinner together tonight. It's been a while since we've had a proper family meal."
Levi's face lit up. "That sounds great. We should do that."
Kaleb's expression softened slightly, and he gave a small nod. "Yeah, okay."
As they ate breakfast, Kylan's mind wandered back to the responsibilities that awaited him. The family business required constant vigilance and ruthless decision-making. He had learned the ropes quickly, stepping into his father's shoes with a determination to protect his family and uphold their legacy. But it was a burden he bore alone, keeping the darker aspects of their wealth hidden from Levi and Kaleb.
"Kylan, you seem a bit distracted," Levi said, breaking through Kylan's thoughts. "Everything okay?"
Kylan forced a smile. "Just a lot on my mind. But nothing for you to worry about."
Kaleb's eyes narrowed slightly. "You always say that. But you never tell us anything! we're not kids anymore"
Levi rolled his eyes "give me a break you're only seventeen"