Narrator: Even the little ones, Gabriel and Cedric, received their gifts bought at the shopping center.

  Meanwhile, Dav approached Fin and Leo, his serious gaze alone was enough to make them anxious.

  Then, in an unexpected gesture, he placed a hand on their heads, like an older brother or an uncle would.

  With the same firm and confident expression, he handed them two books.

  Dav: (handing a book to Fin) Fin, this is for you.

  I'm sure it will help you a lot.

  It's called The Tome of Arcane Balance, Yin Magic.

  Keep it as if it were your very life because a book like this is not easily found.

  (turning to Leo with a tense look) Leo, the same goes for you.

  Take this: The Code of the Dragon’s Path, Combat Techniques, Yang.

  (saluting them as he walks away) Study them well, my boys.

  But don’t exchange them... or you’ll most likely die.

  (he stops for a moment and looks at them one last time) Remember: don’t give them to anyone, no matter what.

  Fin/Leo: (bowing) Promise, sir!

  Narrator: The two wasted no time and rushed to their room, determined to read in silence, away from prying eyes.

  Meanwhile, Dav noticed Iris and Valeria near Kael and Evelyn.

  They were talking to them, and it was clear how happy the two were with their gifts.

  Evelyn and Kael, smiling, asked Iris and Valeria what they had received from Dav.

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  The two, moving their hands quickly, replied that for them, having Dav by their side every day was already the greatest gift.

  It was as clear as the sunrise that they were a bit jealous and also a little down.

  Dav noticed this and, with a smug smile, glanced at Evelyn before heading toward the balcony.

  Evelyn noticed and bit her lips to hold back a laugh.

  Shortly after, Kael also noticed and said to Iris and Valeria:

  Kael: I think your gift is waiting for you out there.

  Narrator: The two turned red in the face and, without wasting a second, quickly bid farewell to Evelyn and Kael before stepping outside.

  Dav: (leaning against the marble, looking at the moon) Took you long enough to get here.

  Should I have sent a messenger? Or called you on the phone to get your attention? Ah... women these days.

  Iris/Valeria: (shuffling their feet, avoiding his gaze) D-did you want to tell us something?

  Dav: (sighs) Isn't it obvious? I couldn't exactly give you these things in front of everyone... the director would get even more dramatic.

  Valeria: (curious) Wait, what do you mean?!

  Iris: (curious) Yes, now I want to know too!

  Dav: (standing before them) Hold out your hands, if I may ask.

  Valeria: (embarrassed, lightly hits him) You already know there's no need to ask like that, idiot!

  Iris: (blushing) Exactly...

  Narrator: The two extended their hands toward him, turning their gazes away in embarrassment.

  Dav slipped a ring onto each of their fingers and looked at them seriously.

  Dav: How can I explain this?

  In these rings, I’ve infused a part of my soul.

  If you ever find yourselves in danger, just call my name... and I will come, anytime, anywhere.

  You have only three attempts each. So... use them wisely, I beg you.

  Narrator: Valeria lowered her gaze and began to cry silently. Iris covered her face with her hands, tears streaming down like a fountain.

  Dav turned away and leaned against the marble of the balcony, letting them have that precious moment without interrupting it.

  A few moments later, both of them stepped closer, resting their foreheads on his shoulders, seeking comfort in his warmth.

  Around them, no one dared to speak. Everyone watched in silence as Iris and Valeria embraced Dav under the moonlight.

  Director: (thinking) Now you have your family, my little Valeria...

  Margherita: (thinking) He will protect you, even at the cost of his life.

  I can guarantee it, my little Iris. He will always be there.

  Narrator: No one dared to interrupt that moment.

  Then, fireworks exploded in the sky.

  Iris and Valeria leaned close to Dav's ears and, covered by the noise of the fireworks, whispered softly:

  Iris/Valeria: I love you.

  Narrator: Dav’s expression changed ever so slightly.

  For a moment, he felt a sliver of that strange emotion called love.

  Without saying a word, he lifted a hand and gently touched Iris’s forehead. Then, he did the same with Valeria.

  As the fireworks lit up the sky, he thought:

  "One day, I will regain everything I lost... and when that day comes, I will show you the real me."

  END OF CHAPTER - 84