Later that night, Aekira stood in front of a tall mirror, gazing at her reflection. She was dressed in an elegant blue gown that shimmered softly under the light, its intricate designs flowing like water around her. The fabric felt smooth and luxurious against her skin, and the dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her features with a subtle grace.

"...Wow, this looks expensive..." Aekira mumbled, her fingers lightly tracing the delicate embroidery. She'd never worn anything so refined before. It felt almost surreal, like she was playing a part in someone else's life.

A sudden knock at the door pulled Aekira from her thoughts. She turned to see Zakis standing there, dressed in a modest yet regal outfit. His clothes were simple but elegant, a dark grey tunic adorned with subtle silver accents along the collar and sleeves. The fabric looked rich but understated, perfectly suiting his strong, commanding presence without being overly flashy. His tail swayed slightly behind him, and his usual calm smile rested on his face.

"Are you ready, honey?" he asked gently.

Aekira blinked, taking a deep breath before nodding. "Yeah, I think I am."

--

As Aekira and Zakis walked side by side down the grand hallway, the soft glow of the lanterns lining the walls cast a warm light on their path. The air was filled with a quiet elegance, but Aekira couldn't shake the curiosity that gnawed at her.

She glanced up at her father, hesitating for a moment. Her mother had told her not to worry about him, but there were questions she couldn't ignore. She bit her lip before finally speaking up.

"Uhm… Dad," she began softly, her voice a bit uncertain.

Zakis looked down at her, the faint glow of his mask reflecting in the dim light. His eyes, usually so composed, held a gentle curiosity as he answered, "Yes?"

The way his mask glowed subtly made her feel like she was diving into something deeper.

"Uh...what happened in the morning you were quit...silent."

Zakis paused, his steps slowing as he let out a soft sigh. The usually composed, strong aura around him seemed to waver for a moment. Aekira could feel the weight of whatever was on his mind, and it made her all the more curious. "Ah… about that," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of something deeper—perhaps regret or even sadness.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

He stopped walking and turned to face her, his glowing eyes searching hers. "There are… things from our past, from the family's past, that we don't talk about often. Not because we're trying to hide them, but because some wounds take longer to heal than others." His tail flicked slightly, betraying the calmness of his tone. "What you saw earlier in the living room—well, it brought back certain memories. Memories of those we've lost."

Aekira blinked, her heart sinking a little. "Lost…? You mean… my siblings?"

Zakis nodded slowly. "Yes. Some of your siblings… they're no longer with us. It's not something we talk about openly, but it's something that weighs heavily on us, especially on nights like that..."

"And...How about my Grand Parents?"

Zakis paused again, his usually steady demeanor breaking slightly as his fist clenched. Aekira noticed the tension ripple through him, and the silence between them felt heavier.

"For your mother, her parents have always been... supportive," Zakis began, his voice low. "They've stood by her in all her decisions, never wavering in their trust. But my parents..." He trailed off, his glowing eyes narrowing, as if recalling painful memories. "It's complicated."

Aekira could see the struggle in him. It was rare for Zakis to open up about anything personal, let alone something that seemed to cut so deeply. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened between him and his parents, but before she could ask, he continued.

"They had certain expectations, a legacy they believed I should carry on. When I chose a different path, one that led me here, to this kingdom, to your mother… they couldn't accept it." His voice became bitter, the pain of betrayal clear. "I haven't spoken to them in years. And they... well, they consider me lost to them."

Aekira felt a pang of sympathy for her father. She'd never imagined that he carried such burdens from his own family. "I'm sorry, Dad..." she said softly.

Zakis shook his head and forced a smile beneath his mask. "Don't be. You're my family now, and that's what matters." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "But you have a right to know these things. It's part of who we are, and one day, you might need to face these shadows too."

Aekira stood in silence, her thoughts swirling. The shift in her father's demeanor was unsettling. The playful, goofy man she had known that morning felt distant now, replaced by someone weighed down by unresolved pain. She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

Her eyes flicked up to Zakis, who had already turned his gaze forward again, his expression masked by the same calm, composed exterior he always wore. But now, Aekira sensed something different. There was more to this than just estranged parents. Something deeper, something he wasn't telling her.

"Now...shall we continue?"

Aekira forced a smile, pushing down the questions swirling in her mind. She could sense that pressing further wouldn't get her any answers tonight, and maybe, it wasn't the right time to know everything.

"Let's go," she said, trying to sound cheerful despite the lingering heaviness in her chest.

Zakis nodded, his glowing eyes softening as he patted her head gently. "Good. Tonight is for celebration, after all," he said, his voice returning to its usual warmth.

They continued down the hallway together, Aekira still lost in her thoughts. The weight of her father's words hung over her like a shadow, but for now, she decided to focus on the night ahead.