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The next morning, Zèon was surprised to find Vent near the door of the bedroom, with a gesture of doubt. The young boy had sat up in his bed little after the alarm woke all of them and had remained in a thoughtful silence, more absent than usual. After a while, he had stood up and got a few steps closer to the entrance of the bedroom, slowly.

-What happens? -the arctic fox asked him, feeling curious. Until that moment, the human had remained as far from the door as possible.

Vent turned to him and gave him an ashamed look, almost like a child who had been caught in the middle of some mischief.

-Well, I... -He sighed -. I was thinking about going out.

-Going out? -Zèon repeated, puzzled -. But I thought you were afraid the rest of the kane and the fehlar would attack you. I know I told you that they would get used to your presence, but it's been just a few days since you arrived. I think you should give them some time if you want them to make up their minds.

Vent looked down.

-I know -he added -. But I can't help but feeling trapped in here.

-Well, that's because you are trapped -Zèon reminded him, openly -. Just like any of us.

-I mean in this bedroom, not only in the Box -Vent clarified, a bit annoyed -. I've been in here all these days, without doing a thing... and something tells me that, if I don't start relating with your race, they will never get used to me.

-You're right in that -Zèon admitted, frowning -. But, will you really risk to be attacked only because you want to make some friends? Is gaining the other residents' trust so important to you?

Vent didn't answer. Zèon understood what his silence implied.

-Oh, I see -he murmured -. You're bored.

-Yes -the human recognized, blushing -. These four days have been the longest of my life. I need to do something or otherwise I feel I'll lose my mind. It's like if I was wasting my time, laying down here. Maybe I risk to be attacked by some fehlar or kane that gets mad, but I really prefer going out and thinking I'm doing something... even if it's only showing myself.

-I understand -Zèon nodded. It wasn't hard for him to imagine how the human felt. Life in the Box could be unbearably boring -. As soon as Luca comes back from the shower, you can ask him if he would mind joining you. I think it would be better for you to be by his side. At least, during the first days -he made a pause and felt a little warmth inside him -. He is a good friend.

Vent nodded, smiling.

-To be honest, I'm a bit nervous -he admitted, after a while -. But I guess I had to show myself sooner or later. I couldn't hide in here forever, right?

Zèon gave him a little ironic smile, but didn't say anything. He thought to what extent it was ridiculous that he had hidden for so long from those of his own race when even that young human was willing to show himself to them, although being radically different. <<But it's not the same>> he told himself, containing a gesture of sorrow <<He is only different, not a slave. He hasn't been made an object. He's not like me>>.

While the others could hate Vent, they still knew he was a being that matched them. Zèon, however, carried with him the mark of degradation, of shame. No sensible fehlar with a little pride left would have considered that he matched anyone; maybe an animal, or a pet. Those dark thoughts remained in his mind for a few minutes, sinking him into a deep disappointment. It was then when the door of the bedroom opened and Luca appeared, with his fur still a bit humid.

-Vent -the wolf murmured, when he found the human out of the bed -. What are you doing? Exercise? -he kidded him, with a sarcastic smile.

-He's bored -Zèon answered, not letting the human answer himself -. He needs to get some fresh air, I guess.

Luca looked at him again and the mocking expression disappeared, replaced by a shadow of seriousness.

-I don't know if that's completely safe -he said, after a few seconds.

-I know, but I'm willing to take that risk -the human replied. However, he didn't seem completely sure and gulped before adding -. I promise not to get away from you, really. I don't think anyone dares to attack me if I'm by your side, right?

Luca laughed gently.

-It flatters me that you trust so much in my bodyguard skills, but if anyone wants to harm you, I won't be able to do much to avoid it -he admitted, rubbing the back of his head -. Maybe Shiba could, since that's her work, but I can't imagine her protecting humans.

-Me neither -Zèon added, remembering the conversation both had the previous day, in which the tigress had stated that he was indifferent to what happened to the human.

-Well, you're the only one who tried to protect me the day I arrived here -the boy reminded him; then, he frowned and added -. You and Ike, of course. Maybe he could look after me, too?

Luca shook his head.

-It was Zèon's idea that I protected you. And I don't think you'll see Ike in the common areas today -he simply said. Zèon caught the meaning of those words immediately and shivered a bit, nervously.

The human looked down. He didn't say anything, but both Luca and Zèon could see in his eyes that the prospect of staying in that bedroom for another day didn't precisely cheer him up. The arctic fox understood him perfectly, but he also shared Luca's worry and knew that the kane and the fehlar were still not ready to get along with a human.

Even though Luca and Ike tried to defend him.

After a few seconds, the wolf let out a resigned sigh and asked, with a tired voice:

-Are you really so bored?

Vent didn't hesitate for a second and nodded immediately. However, a slight apologetic expression could be seen in his face. The wolf turned his head and let out a mumbled curse.

-Okay -he said, after a while -. Today, you'll eat in the hall with me and Koi, but don't get away from me and, above all, don't do anything that can irritate anyone.

Vent's face lit up.

-Alright -he accepted, clumsily smoothing his grey uniform. Zèon thought that was an useless, extremely naive action: not even wearing his clothes freshly washed would the human cause a good impression among the other residents. However, he just looked without saying anything.

-Be careful both of you -he murmured, only when Luca stood aside, letting Vent go outside.

-Don't worry -Luca reassured him, smiling -. And good luck you too.

Zèon understood what he meant and couldn't help but gulp. Still, he managed to nod. Just a few seconds before, he was alone in the bedroom, still wrapped in the sheets of his bed and trying to find the courage to overcome what was about to happen, although he knew that he wouldn't have been ready even preparing for months.

If he had understood clearly what Luca had tried to tell him, Ike would soon be in his bedroom and Zèon would have to start playing his part as an arctic fox in love. The idea of deceiving Ike in something so private, so personal and important, still hurt him terribly. He didn't feel especially close to the lion, but still he knew that he had a noble heart and didn't deserve that anyone betrayed his trust that way. And, however, he had spent the whole night awake, trying to find other possibilities, another way to trick Sophia so she stopped paying attention to their conversations. He hadn't found it.

<<He knows I'm a step ahead>> he told himself <<So she will always be listening what I tell other people. However, she is also aware that I could fall in love... or maybe she does believe I wouldn't?>>

That possibility made him stop and consider his own feelings about it. After all that had happened, Zèon wasn't sure that he could find someone to love in the future. His knowledge about love relationships was confused and inexpert, since he had never been given the chance to love anyone and had never made questions about it. He wasn't even sure which gender attracted him, if anyone did. Love was, simply, one of those subjects he had never dared to deepen in, afraid of sinking in his own ignorance.

And now he was forced to start a relationship with someone. Would Sophia fell in his trap? Did she know him well enough to know that it wasn't more than a lie? Zèon hoped that, for the sake of his plan, that woman hadn't got the possibility to know him so perfectly. However, doubt still weighed in his heart, together with guilt. He was aware that if Ike realized his true feelings, or better said, the absence of these, it would break his heart.

At that moment, someone knocked at the door. The arctic fox breathed sharply.

-Come in -he said, with a hoarse voice.

As he had guessed, it was Ike. The lion's head appeared from behind the door and gave him an apologetic look.

-Good morning, Zèon -he greeted him, giving him a shy smile -. Luca asked me to come here and give you a hand with anything you needed. But if you don't want me to bother you, I can go... elsewhere -he added, shrugging and trying to pretend he didn't care. Still, Zèon could see in his eyes that rejecting his company would have made the lion feel terribly disappointed.

-You don't bother me -he clarified, and then he cleared his throat: he felt it terribly sore -. You can stay here if you want.

The lion nodded, satisfied. He entered the bedroom and closed the door behind him, with a wide grin in his face. Zèon noticed that he wasn't as very anxious as the last time he had been there.

There was an awkward silence once the door was closed.

-Hmm... why don't you come up here and we talk a bit? -Zèon offered him after a few seconds, pointing at the upper berth.

Ike let out a relieved sigh.

-Oh. Of course.

The bunk bed shook a bit when the lion climbed the ladder and Zèon noticed, as he had so many times before, his imposing build. He was aware that among the fehlar there were some sub-species with a large variety of sizes: cats, for instance, didn't usually have the same strong and vigorous physique that lions or tigers had. Panthers or cheetahs, on the other hand, usually were more slim and tall than other sub-species. The kane were, in that sense, a group much more homogeneous.

Ike wasn't as big and muscled as some other fehlar that Zèon had known during his years of captivity, but was certainly a bit intimidating. He was a head taller than the arctic fox and had broad, solid shoulders. The muscles of his arms, in spite of not being as trained in fight as other fehlar, showed that he possessed strength above the average. He was a tall, strong lion, that for sure; although maybe not as monstruous as some other of his race.

Zèon was thinking about this as he watched the lion climbing the metal ladder of the bunk bed, noticing the power that radiated from his body in motion. It wasn't very likely that Ike had trained physically, so he guessed it was in his gene.

-Is something wrong? -the lion asked, perceiving the piercing gaze of the arctic fox.

Zèon came back to reality and blushed a bit.

-Nothing. I was just thinking about something you told me -he lied, in the last moment. Something inside him shrank: that was his first lie, but wouldn't be the last -. Do you really think you wouldn't be a great monarch?

The question took Ike by surprise. The bunk bed creaked one last time as the lion finally sat beside Zèon, with a soft sigh. Even at a safe distance, he could feel the warmth that radiated from his body. He was about to smile: it seemed his surname fitted him perfectly.

-I'm not sure if I'd be a good monarch or not -Ike replied, after a few seconds -, but what I know is that I would never be the king that the fehlar want me to be. They are too absorbed by their absurd war to accept a king whose priority weren't keeping the conflict alive.

Zèon tilted his head.

-Do you really think the war is absurd?

Ike gave him a confused look.

-How can you ask me something like that?

-I only want you to reason why you are against war -Zèon replied -. You see, you are the first fehlar that I've ever heard saying that the war against the kane is absurd. I can't help but be suspicious of something like that. It's too good to be true, do you understand? So convince me that it's really your opinion and I will believe you.

Ike half-closed his eyes, hurt.

-You don't believe me? Do I really need to justify something as obvious as why I am against the war between the kane and the fehlar? It's not difficult -he paused -. Because I see no differences between us.

-Well, I do see them -Zèon discussed, tilting his head again -. You are bigger and you have an interesting way of pronouncing R's.

-And would you exterminate my race only for those minor differences? -the lion asked him, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard -. I think we have much more in common. We should try to live together, not wasting our time trying to annihilate one another for nonsense like that. We share many things, and both races live in the same world. And with our wars, we only weaken it constantly.

Ike stopped to catch his breath and Zèon waited, knowing that the lion had still not finished.

-I can't support a war based in our differences -he concluded, with a thin voice -. I know that it is what everyone expects me to do, but I'm unable to do something like that. No one deserves to die for being born in a kane family, nor for... pronouncing R's in an interesting way -he added, with a smirk. However, his face turned dark again when he murmured the next sentence -. I wish my father could understand that. I wish everyone could. I wish...

The lion silenced, without knowing how to finish talking. Then, he turned to the arctic fox and discovered that he was looking at him, with a deep gleam of admiration in his eyes.

-You really believe what you just said -the kane whispered, amazed -. You really think that... war should stop.

-I had already told you -Ike complained, a bit huffy.

-Yes, but I wasn't expecting you were so serious -Zèon explained, shaking his head -. How can you be still alive? I mean -he added, when he saw the increasing indignation in the lion's face -, you're the son of Alekai Embertooth. The Great Conqueror. The scourge of my race. And still, you have a thought that is completely different of his. It's not unreasonable to think that some people are not particularly glad that you're the heir to the fehlar throne.

-Yeah, well... -Ike murmured, rubbing the back of his head -. My opinion and my father's usually clash. In a lot of ways.

Zèon shook his head slowly.

-Forgive me for being such an... idiot before. I've been many years among the fehlar and I had never known anyone like you. I guess I just needed to make sure that... that you weren't fooling me -he concluded, with a thin voice.

-I don't blame you. Most of the fehlar think just like my father -he affirmed, and his voice sounded a bit sad -. And, in any case, I am the one who should apologize.

It took Zèon a few seconds to understand what he meant and, when he did, a deep sorrow took over his soul. <<He is too good>> he thought, feeling terribly guilty <<Shiba was right: he really is one in a million>>.

-That wasn't your fault -he murmured, shuddering a bit and looking away.

-I know, but I can't help but feel responsible for it -the lion replied, placing one of his paws over the fox's shoulder and looking at him directly with his green eyes -. No one should go through all you suffered.

Zèon didn't answer.

In any other situation, Ike's words would have touched him deeply, but at that moment he could only think about how terrible it was that the lion worried so much about him. He would have preferred that he treated him more indifferently, or even with the same attitude that his previous fehlar owners had treated him. That way, at least, it wouldn't have hurt him so much to take advantage of his trust. And, however, he was fully aware that it was the perfect chance to start carrying out his plan and weaving that great lie. Although it hurt him.

It was as hard as stripping himself in front of Sophia some days ago, but he finally got closer to Ike and gave him a gentle hug, feeling absolutely despicable. The lion seemed surprised at first, but he soon wrapped his arms around him and hugged him back warmly. Zèon closed his eyes and tried to contain his guilt, the hatred and the scorn he felt for himself in spite of being forced to do that. But he didn't say anything about it.

-You're incredible, Ike -he muttered, and this time he meant it.

-You too -the lion replied, softly caressing his back -. You too, Zèon.

The arctic fox gulped. <<I can't do this to him>> he repeated, in his mind.

-I was talking to Shiba yesterday -his mouth pronounced, apparently without following the course of his thoughts.

-Oh... really? -Ike asked, surprised. Something in his voice seemed to suggest that he found really weird that Shiba had deigned to even talk to the arctic fox.

-Yes -Zèon affirmed, gently. His head rested in one of the lion's shoulders, and his arms enclosed his big trunk, although nothing would have made him happier than being far away from there -. She told me she has been watching you lately and she thinks that...

Zèon stopped, unable to continue. He could even feel the lion's breathing quickening and the beats of his heart resounding loudly in his chest, waiting for the fox to finish that sentence.

-What did she think? -he asked. He tried to pretend to be calm, but there was a little tone of panic in his voice.

Zèon breathed deeply.

-...she thinks that you like me.

There was a long, almost eternal silence.

Zèon had closed his eyes and, if only he could, he would have let the earth swallow him up. Ike's arms had tensed a bit around him when he had heard those words, but he hadn't pushed him aside, and the fox didn't know how to interpret that. In the middle of that expecting silence, the only thing he could listen to was the lion's nervous breathing, who had shivered a bit with that last sentence.

It had been sudden. It had been quick. But Zèon was aware that if he had waited more, he would have never dared to say it.

-I... I'm sorry -the lion murmured then, pushing him aside gently. Zèon couldn't see his face, but he would have sworn that he was looking down, terribly ashamed -. I... I shouldn't... I mean...

-It's okay -Zèon tried to calm him, although he wasn't even sure that he could calm himself.

-No, it's not okay -Ike replied, not daring to look back at him -. I'm sure you now think I've abused your trust.

Zèon felt a stabbing pain. <<Why is he so kind?>> he asked himself, feeling terribly mean. <<Why doesn't he treat me like the other fehlar? Why does this have to be so hard?>> He couldn't bear the idea that at that moment Ike was blaming himself for abusing his trust when it was him who was stabbing him in his back. It was already too horrible to think that he was creating some expectations that weren't real, showing feelings that he didn't really feel, to now also know that he was making him feel guilty.

-I don't think so -he managed to say, looking up to the lion's face, who looked away -. I guess... it's true, then.

-Yes -the lion muttered, with a thin voice -. I... I like you a lot, Zèon.

It took the arctic fox a while to say anything.

He watched, anguished, the embarrassed face of the lion who was in love with him. He hadn't been able to realize it at the right moment, but what Ike felt for him would have been obvious for anyone with a minimum of observation skills. He, however, couldn't feel anything. At that moment, he wished to reign over his feelings; force them to make him love the lion and that way, not to deceive him.

But he knew it was impossible. He wasn't in love with Ike and he would probably never be. He admired him for his determined conviction in peace, but he couldn't feel anything more beyond that. Even if he tried to force himself, he would never be able to love him back.

But things would have been so easy if he could just fell in love freely...

-I'm sorry -the lion whispered. He trembled softly and seemed to be having a bad time. Something inside Zèon broke when he saw him like that.

-No, no, no -he insisted, getting closer to him again and trying to encourage him with a new hug -. It's okay -he told him again, with a hoarse voice -. I also like you.

The lie practically arose from his throat by its own and found its way to his mouth, then floated a bit in the air before fading away. It took Zèon a few seconds to realize that there was no turning back, that he had unconsciously taken the last step in order to cement that fraud. Although he regretted it, now his betrayal was complete.

The weight of what he had just done fell over his shoulders heavily, causing him a chill.

-...what? -Ike asked, surprised, pushing him aside again -. Zèon... have you said that...?

-I like you too -he repeated, feeling a stabbing pain inside him. <<Please, don't make me say it again>> he thought, knowing that he wouldn't be able to lie so mercilessly again.

The lion blinked several times, as if it took him a while to understand those words. Then, his face went from showing an absolute confusion to a sincere relief, which only made Zèon feel worse.

-But that's... that's great! -the lion exclaimed. He seemed about to laugh, but after a few seconds he calmed a bit -. Zèon, I... was so afraid that you took it badly. You can't imagine how glad I am that you... well... you...

He seemed to stammer again with his words and, in the middle of his guilt, Zèon couldn't help but feel a stab of affection. <<He must really like me>> he thought, a bit sadly. In any other circumstances, that would have maybe made him happy, but now he couldn't even feel a bit proud of having caught the lion's attention. Not even though he was a kane. Not even though he was another man. Not even though he was the son of someone of such a high rank as Alekai Embertooth.

-I'm so glad you told me -the lion said, still smiling.

Then, he hugged him strongly and, enthusiastic, gave him a long humid lick between his ears. Zèon shivered; not because of that display of affection (which in fact didn't really annoy him), but because of its dark similarity with something that had happened long ago. Willing to prevent that memory from ruining a situation that, at least for Ike, was so special, the arctic fox looked up again. He found the deep gaze of the lion's emerald eyes, which dived into his as if there wasn't anything else in the world. The force of that faze almost left him breathless.

Before he could even understand what was happening, both of them were sharing a long kiss. It wasn't violent or lewd, like those Zèon was used to receive in the past. It wasn't a forced act in which Ike took over, as many fehlar had done with him in the past.

It was a kiss full of tenderness and affection; it was painfully especial and real, nothing like he had ever experienced before. One of the lion's soft padded paws slid over his back until it reached the back of his head and drew him closer to him, so the fox could feel the lion's chest against his, both hears beating strongly at the same time, but each one due to different reasons. However, Zèon forgot for a second the sadness of his betrayal and returned that show of affection; maybe not as tenderly as Ike did, but with the respect and curiosity of the one who has just found the difference between lust and love, and is willing to enjoy the moment before it fades away.

Both of them separated suddenly when the alarm that called the residents of the Box to the hall started to sound. Ike gave Zèon an overwhelmed gaze, panting a bit. The fox, on the other hand, had blushed down to the root of his fur; not just for the kiss, but also for the fondness that the lion had shown on it.

-You should go to eat -he said, after a few seconds.

Ike shook his head, smiling.

-I don't need to eat if I have you.

-Don't talk nonsense -Zèon protested, immune to the lion's romanticism, in spite of being red from head to toe -. Don't worry, really. Go to eat. I'll be here when you come back.

-I'll take food for both of us and be right back -Ike reassured him, looking directly at him.

Zèon was about to tell him that it wasn't necessary when he remembered he had been too many days without eating, and he would have to do it if he didn't want to start feeling really bad. The simple thought of the paste with somniferous gave him chills, but he didn't have time to say anything before the lion licked lovingly his forehead and headed to the ladder.

-I'll be right back -he promised him again, as he started to get down the bunk bed.

Zèon saw him go, as the weight of his betrayal fell slowly over him again, darkening his thoughts. He knew that with that first kiss he had just stabbed Ike mortally, and that he would never forgive him. He somehow felt that he had been a victim all his life, and becoming an executioner so suddenly made him feel really cruel. Still, he reminded himself that he hadn't had any chance and that, if things turned out well, that effort wouldn't be in vain... even although the heart of the lion was broken into pieces in the end.

Aware that he would have to live with that lie at least for a couple of weeks more, he wrapped in the sheets of his bed and waited patiently until Ike came back from the hall.