“Such as…” said Adrian.Mya took a sip of her beer and a bite of her brisket. She pouted her little lips and said in a flirtatious tone, “I just couldn’t bring myself to retire every time I make plans to because of a certain someone. In truth, I planned on majoring in Navillian and linguistics but instead, I joined the frontline for you.“I didn’t expect you to become Wyvern Peak’s leader back when we were in ACMC. However, I always feel a connection between us, and I chose to join you at the frontline because of this connection.“After the previous legate fell in battle, you got promoted. You assigned me to Lucas and that made me rather unwilling and unhappy. Were you aware of that? I felt that you had abandoned me after all that we had been through over the years.”Adrian smiled upon hearing Mya’s statements.“Do you know why I assigned you to Lucas?” he asked.“Why? So you can get rid of me? So that I’m aware of the overwhelming odds against me? Or is it because of Samantha?”
With those words, Adrian caressed Mya’s long hair as he smiled.Mya cracked a bitter smile at Adrian and stopped speaking.Both of them ate their fill at the barbecue joint. Soon after, they checked into a motel and planned to return to Southrive with the Snows early the next morning.***It was late at night and Yelloton was enshrouded in darkness. Megan was hastily packing her suitcases at home. She was both emotional and jubilant as she imagined reuniting with her daughter who had been missing for years tomorrow.Joel was sitting on a chair smoking a cigarette. He looked calm and composed. “Who were those two today? Do they really know where Eira is?”He was doubtful about Adrian and Mya’s identities and wondered if this was just some sort of ploy.Megan said as she continued to pack, “We have to confirm in person if it’s true or not. Now that we have information on Eira, how could we possibly not go?”Joel nodded.Wiley then walked into the room with his wife and said, “Fa
The Snows dashed out of the house with their luggage.Megan took the lead, making her way to the car. Seeing Adrian and Mya who were stepping down from the car, she said, “You’re here. We’re all packed. Can we go now?”Adrian nodded. “Get in. We’ll depart right away.”“Yes, yes. Let’s go, let’s go!” Megan said eagerly.The family got into the car and Mya drove the group toward Southrive.Megan and her family could barely sit still along the way. Megan questioned Adrian about Eira over and over but he did not answer her.Mya smiled and said, “Mrs. Megan, please stay calm. You’ll find out everything when we get to our destination. We should arrive at Southrive’s Swallowston by noon.”Megan did not inquire further, but she appeared to be laden with anxiety and restlessness throughout the rest of the journey.At two in the afternoon, the group arrived at Swallowston and headed straight to Battle Warrior Tower. Adrian ordered Mya to make arrangements for Snows while he headed upstai
All the women glared at Adrian with their big, bright eyes as if they despised him.Adrian walked into the room and made a “calm down” hand gesture as he said, “Ladies, please take a seat and listen to what I have to say.”Upon hearing this, all the women spread out and sat everywhere including the bed, table, and wardrobe. They filled up the space and stared at him, their long legs swinging in the air.Ivy said, “You by the name of Draco, free us or kill us. What’s the point of imprisoning us here? Are we supposed to be your pets?”“Firstly, I’d like to emphasize that my name is not Draco. My name is Adrian. Adrian Xander,” he said as he looked toward Ivy.The women gasped in surprise.Adrian smiled and said, “I empathize with what happened to you, ladies. Hence, I’d like to befriend you, but you haven’t given me the chance to do so. Let’s discuss that today, all right? I’d like to offer you my support, and in exchange, you’ll work for me. What do you think?”“F*ck!” the women
They soon finished the table full of food like a sweeping tornado.Eira put down her cutlery after she was done eating. She raised her head to look at Adrian and said, “We’re done, War Legate Draco. Where’s the surprise you mentioned?”Adrian smiled, pulled out a serviette, and stretched out his hand to wipe away the food stains on Eira’s face. She was stunned for a moment and hastily shoved him away.“Don’t even think about trying to manipulate me with your gentleness. I won’t fall for it.”Adrian smiled and said as he gestured at the door, “Eira, open your eyes wide and see who’s here.”As his voice faded, all the women looked puzzled. It was at this exact moment that Mya entered the room with Joel, Megan, Wiley, and Dianne. The Snows walked into the room, and Megan began sizing up the numerous women. A few moments later, her gaze landed on Eira.Megan was stunned, and so were Joel and Wiley. They widened their eyes in great effort to identify the woman.Eira looked dazed when
Upon saying that, Joel shakily made his way toward Eira and Megan, enveloping them in a hug. The family of three was immersed in the joy of their reunion.Eira had yet to recover from her surprise.It had been twelve years.She did not have the courage to go home because her superior would identify her family and kill them if she were to go home. Hence, whenever she got the urge to go home, she would refrain and had yet to step foot in her family home for twelve full years.She never expected to be reunited with her parents here today.“Eira, we’ve found you at last.” Wiley’s face was covered in tears, his body shaking and his voice thick with emotion.Eira looked toward him and muttered, “B-Brother?”Wiley nodded heavily. “Yes, Eira. It’s Wiley. Do you still remember me? You used to follow me around when you were young. You’re all grown up now—a woman.”Eira’s mouth hung agape as tears streamed down her face.Wiley said, “Please allow me to introduce you to your sister-in-law
Megan was at a loss for what to do.Adrian said, “I brought them here to show all of you that there’s no hardship in this world that can’t be overcome. As long as you’re still alive, there’s hope.”‘So being alive is hope?’Eira did not respond and the room was silent.Ivy walked over and knelt before Eira. She placed her hand on Eira’s shoulder and said, “Maybe Adrian’s right. Being alive is hope. Although twelve years have passed, your parents never stopped looking for you. Perhaps, Adrian is right.”Eira was still crying.Ivy stood up and looked toward Adrian. “Legate, I’ll tell you everything that we’ve experienced and everything that you wish to know. However, I have one condition that you must agree to.”Adrian nodded.Ivy continued, “None of us here have any living family other than Eira. However, no one wants to die and everyone wants to live. Wyvern Peak will be duty-bound to protect us and ensure our safety.”Adrian nodded once again and said, “This has been our resp
‘Eternity?’The Snows were astonished.Ivy squeezed Eira’s shoulder and said smilingly, “We’ll wait for you outside so as not to disturb your reunion with your family, Eira.”She then led the other women outside, leaving Eira and her family alone in the room.***In Battle Warrior Tower’s office, Adrian was sitting on the sofa sipping coffee. Ivy walked into the office but did not utter a word.Upon noticing the situation, he smiled at her and said, “Please, sit.”Ivy took a seat opposite Adrian. He then got up and poured her a cup of coffee.“This is the coffee that Internal Affairs’ Chase drinks frequently. It’s purported to cost tens of thousands of dollars per fifty grams. It’s reserved coffee from Mount Caligo. Have a taste!” he said while beckoning toward the coffee mug.Ivy picked up the mug but did not drink. Instead, she looked at Adrian and said, “Go ahead and ask your questions. We’re already at the end of our rope now. I’ll tell you everything I know.”Adrian smil