CHAPTER 136 : A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The energy in the room remained amazing from the wild dancing and laughter, even as everyone caught their breath when the song had finally ended. And after some seconds, another song started. 

This new song was much slower, much softer, and it felt like it settled over them, calming their movements.

It was easy for them to switch from wild dancing to slow dancing, and Orion and Elara were the first to take the lead.

With a knowing smile, Orion extended his hand, and without any delay, Elara placed hers in his. He pulled her close, one hand resting on the small of her back, and soon they began to move together as one, enjoying and swaying to the sweet melody.

Kira felt immersive joy as she watched how completely lost they were in each other, and how their love still remained even as they had grown older. It was a warm sight to watch.

It was proof of a love that had endured time. "And sadly for me…" Kira started thinking but stopped herself from going further with that thought. "No matter how short, it was all worth it."

Bryan, on the other hand, exhaled softly and moved to the couch, taking a seat. He watched with a contented smile as his parents danced so lovingly together. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold.

And then Aiden took a step forward.

"My Luna," he said sweetly, and Kira turned, their eyes meeting.

"Can I have this dance?" He asked, extending his hand toward her, palm up.

A soft blush dusted Kira's cheeks, accompanied by a smile, and she placed her hand in his, accepting his invitation with both her hand and a warm heart.

"Yes, you may," she whispered.

The moment the words left her lips, Aiden pulled her forward, spun her gently, and then—

She gasped, and he dipped her.

Her body arched backward, his strong arms supporting her as he bent her to the right.

The blush that dusted Kira's cheeks deepened, her long hair cascading down and her breath hitching as their eyes locked.

For a moment, it was just them in the room. The world would be lucky to even exist with them.

Then, without breaking eye contact, he leaned down and pecked her nose.

"Oh," Kira blinked, a soft giggle escaping her lips as he pulled her back up.

Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she rose, drawing herself closer, while his hands found her waist, his grip gentle and secure.

"Have I told you how much I love you?" he murmured as they danced slowly to the music, his eyes never leaving hers. "How much you mean to me?"

"Yes," Kira breathed, a bright smile on her face. "And you have shown me too," she added, her voice tender.

"I have," he agreed with a smile, tilting his head slightly as if committing this moment to memory.

They danced like that, never taking their eyes off each other's, their bodies close and their hearts beating like it was alike.

After a while, Bryan stood up and approached them. Immediately Aiden understood. With one last look at Kira and a wink, he gently took her hand and placed it in Bryan's.

"Beautiful," Bryan muttered as she turned and rested her head against his chest, while his arms were now wrapped around her.

They didn't say anything else after, and just danced together, enjoying the peace that came with the music.

Swaying gently together, Kira closed her eyes, the feeling of his heartbeat calming to her.

He didn't speak, and neither did she.

They just danced.

The song and dancing continued for a while, and when it finally ended, none of them moved for a second.

Then, slowly, Kira lifted her head, looking up at Bryan. He smiled softly and lovingly, and she smiled back.

From the side, Elara cleared her throat, "Ahem."

"Come here, all of you," she said, stretching her arms wide. "Come on."

"Mother, please," Aiden protested, trying hard to keep a serious face.

"Do we have to?" Bryan added, chuckling softly. "You always have to act weird and dramatic sometimes, Mother."

"Weird? Dramatic? Call me whatever," Elara said, crossing her arms and feigning disappointment. "I simply want a family group hug, and you won't give me that? Is this how I raised—"

"Fine, we will," Bryan interrupted with a laugh. "Just so you know, your little trick didn't work on us. We are just accepting the fact that a group hug is actually not that bad of an idea."

"Good boys," Elara said, grinning happily. "Now, come on."

With her arms wide again, they all stepped forward for the family group hug, and chuckling under his breath, Orion joined as well.

The embrace was precisely how it was supposed to be to have people to call home—not a place but the people in the place.

For a few moments, they simply held on to each other.

There were no words, just warmth.

Just love.

Finally, the group hug was broken up, and before Kira could step away, Elara caught her hand and pulled her into a separate hug.

This time, the hug was different, and Kira knew what it was for. She let herself enjoy it. A mother's embrace.

"Oh, my darling," Elara said, holding Kira close and pecking the side of her head a few times.

Then, as she pulled back after showering Kira with kisses, Orion took over. 

He pulled Kira into another hug. He didn't say much and believed the hug had conveyed his message, and when he pulled back, he said, "Run along, you three. Have a good night."

Bryan, Aiden, and Kira nodded, smiling softly and wishing them a good night as well before they turned and left the living room.

Once inside their bedroom, they showered, then changed into their night clothes before settling into their comfortable bed together.

As they lay together, Aiden suddenly spoke.

"Love, there is someone you might want to meet," he said, turning his head slightly to look at Kira.

"Who?" Kira asked curiously.

"Baba Razz. He's an old man who lives in Reykholt village in Iceland," Aiden revealed.

"Isn't that the place you both went to for business?" Kira inquired.

"Yes," Aiden confirmed. "We met him there, and it seemed like he had some information about your family."

That definitely caught Kira's attention, and she turned to look at Aiden. "What about my family?"

"Okay, let me explain…" Aiden started, taking his time as he carefully relayed everything about their encounter with Baba Razz to her.

"So, if you maybe want to know more," Aiden said gently, "you can meet him. He did say that if you ever need help, you should come to him alone."

"He doesn't seem harmful either," Bryan, who had been silent, finally said, "Although he is certainly mysterious. So be careful."

"It's your decision to see him or not," he continued, "but we just thought it would be best for you to know."