As Aekira and Zakis continued their exploration, Aekira's eyes darted from one incredible sight to another—the towering walls adorned with intricate tapestries, massive crystal chandeliers casting vibrant colors across the halls, and the distant echoes of exotic birds singing from lush indoor gardens. Every space was more overwhelming than the last, each room a testament to the kingdom's opulence and vastness.
She tried to keep up, but it felt like a never-ending maze. 'How big is this place?!' she thought, her head spinning. 'We'll be walking forever at this rate!'
Aekira let out a small sigh, her steps growing slower as the grandeur became almost too much to take in. Suddenly, she felt herself being gently scooped up by Zakis, who lifted her effortlessly off the ground. His massive hands cradled her securely, and she found herself perched comfortably in his arms.
"Apologies if this walk is tiresome, Aekira," Zakis said, his deep voice soothing, with a hint of amusement at her overwhelmed expression. "There's a lot for you to discover, and this is just the beginning." He smiled down at her, his gaze warm and reassuring.
Aekira looked up at her father, her momentary annoyance melting away. Despite the strangeness of everything around her, his presence made her feel safe. "It's fine... just a lot to take in," she admitted with a shy smile.
"What about we take the elevator instead? It'll be much quicker."
Aekira's eye twitched slightly as she stared at him, her mind screaming in silent frustration. 'Are you kidding me?! He could have said that earlier?!' she thought, struggling to keep her expression neutral. The sheer absurdity of it all made her want to laugh and groan at the same time.
She let out a slow breath, managing a small smile. "Sure, Dad... that sounds great," she replied, trying her best not to let her exasperation show.
Zakis's tail wagged playfully, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "I know, but I wanted her to see the kingdom a bit more," he said, trying to sound innocent. "Besides, walking builds character, right?"
Aekira just shook her head, unable to suppress a small laugh. "Yeah, character... or just sore feet."
Shenan giggled, gently patting Aekira's shoulder. "Your father's just excited to show you around, even if his sense of direction leaves much to be desired." She shot Zakis a teasing look, making him pretend to pout.
"Hey, I'm not that bad!" Zakis protested, though his grin betrayed him. "I just want her to feel at home."
Aekira couldn't help but smile at her parents' banter. Despite everything—the strange family members, the overwhelming kingdom, and the endless walking—it was moments like these that made her feel just a little bit more connected to this bizarre new world.
Aekira stepped inside, her eyes scanning the intricate patterns on the walls. 'At least we're not walking anymore,' she thought, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.
--
The room they stepped into was grand and elegant, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings that depicted scenes of mythical creatures and celestial landscapes. Large, arched windows stretched from floor to ceiling, allowing streams of soft sunlight to bathe the space in a warm, golden glow. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes, ornate artifacts, and beautifully crafted sculptures, giving the room an air of refined wisdom.
In the center stood a long, polished table made of dark wood, surrounded by luxurious chairs upholstered in rich, deep blue velvet. The table was set with delicate porcelain tea sets, and a few plates of beautifully arranged snacks sat untouched, adding a touch of homey warmth to the otherwise majestic space.
Aekira's eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Wow… so pretty…" she whispered, almost in awe of the luxurious yet inviting atmosphere.
At the table sat two figures engaged in quiet conversation. The first was an old lady with short, jet-black hair that framed her sharp, angular face. Her piercing red eyes gleamed with wisdom and authority, and her deep brown skin was complemented by a majestic purple robe adorned with golden embroidery. She radiated an aura of both elegance and power, her presence commanding the room effortlessly.
Beside her sat a tall, furry wolf with dark blue fur and gentle brown eyes. He wore a simple yet finely crafted chemise, light and comfortable, contrasting the opulence of the setting. He appeared absorbed in his work, typing away on a sleek, high-tech computer that looked out of place in the otherwise traditional room. His expression was one of focused serenity, and there was a gentle kindness in his gaze when he occasionally glanced up from his screen.
The old lady's lips curled into a warm, knowing smile as she looked up from her conversation. “Well, well, if it isn’t the two love birds,” she said, her voice rich with a mixture of amusement and affection. Her eyes then drifted down, catching sight of Aekira, who was standing wide-eyed, trying to process the new faces before her. The old woman’s expression shifted to one of surprise and curiosity. “Wait, she...”
The tall wolf beside her looked over, his attention drawn away from his work. His slender, graceful form unfolded as he stood up, moving with a quiet elegance that seemed almost effortless. He observed Aekira with a gentle yet curious gaze, his soft brown eyes studying her with a hint of warmth. The contrast between his imposing height and his gentle demeanor was striking, making him seem both approachable and mysterious at the same time.
“It’s really her…” he murmured, his voice low and calming, filled with a subtle awe that hinted at a deeper understanding. He approached Aekira slowly, his movements careful and considerate, like he was aware of the significance of this moment. There was a softness in his demeanor, an unspoken kindness that made Aekira feel both seen and welcomed.
Zakis stepped forward with a proud, gentle smile, gesturing toward the tall wolf. “Aekira, this is your big brother, Lucius,” he said warmly, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and affection. Lucius nodded politely, giving Aekira a small but genuine smile.
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Before Zakis could say more, the old lady abruptly interrupted, pushing Zakis playfully aside with surprising strength. “And I’m your beautiful aunt... Laura!” she declared with a mischievous grin, striking a playful pose as if she were introducing herself on stage. Her robe fluttered dramatically as she did, adding an almost theatrical flair to the moment.
Zakis stumbled slightly, rubbing his side where Laura had nudged him, but he didn’t seem to mind. “Always the dramatic one, Aunt Laura,” he muttered, shaking his head fondly.
Aekira couldn’t help but chuckle at the exchange. This new place was filled with such unexpected personalities, and each new face seemed more colorful than the last. She looked at Laura, her eyes wide with fascination. “Nice to meet you, Aunt Laura,” she said, her voice filled with both amusement and curiosity.
Lucius raised an eyebrow, feigning disappointment. "How upsetting, Laura. I guess you don’t need my help with your shop merchandise anymore," he said coolly, his tone laced with mock hurt.
Laura’s confident demeanor crumbled instantly. She waved her hands defensively, her earlier bravado vanishing in a flash. "I-I was just kidding! Haha... you know I’d be lost without you!" she stammered, forcing a nervous laugh as she glanced at Lucius, her expression pleading for forgiveness.
Lucius smirked, folding his arms and leaning back slightly. "Of course you were," he said smoothly, the corners of his mouth curling into a knowing smile. He enjoyed teasing Laura, and it was clear she was used to his games, though it didn’t stop her from sweating just a little under his cool gaze.
Aekira tilted her head in curiosity. “Shop?”
Laura nodded enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Yes! I run a huge fashion and lifestyle company called Eclipse Couture,” she explained, waving her hands dramatically as if presenting her own grand stage. “We specialize in unique, high-end clothing, accessories, and even home decor. It’s all about blending traditional craftsmanship with modern, avant-garde designs—anything from intricate robes to cutting-edge techwear.”
She pointed at her own majestic purple robe, showcasing the elegant patterns woven into the fabric. “Every piece tells a story. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about wearing something that speaks to your soul,” Laura added with a proud smile. “We’ve got a massive clientele, and our stuff is all the rage with royals, celebrities, and anyone who wants to stand out.”
Aekira’s eyes widened as she imagined the grand scale of her aunt’s business. “That sounds… amazing,” she said, genuinely impressed. Laura beamed, clearly enjoying the admiration.
“It is! And Lucius here helps me with managing everything. Couldn’t do it without him,” she said, patting Lucius on the back, who gave a humble nod in response. “We’re quite the team!”
Aekira tilted her head, trying to piece together the relationship. "So... Lucius is your manager or something like that?"
Lucius nodded, pushing his glasses up with a confident smile. "You could say that. I handle all the management duties, but I also work with the Dark Plumes."
"Dark Plumes?" Aekira echoed, her curiosity piqued. The name sounded ominous, like something straight out of one of the novels she’d read.
Laura leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a proud smile. "The Dark Plumes are an elite organization that operates in the shadows to protect our kingdom. We handle the dirty work—dealing with threats, rival factions, and anyone who dares challenge our territory. It’s a mix of intelligence, combat, and a lot of secrecy."
Lucius added, his voice calm yet purposeful, "While Laura’s out making deals and expanding her empire, the Dark Plumes ensure that nothing—and no one—threatens our way of life. We work behind the scenes, keeping the kingdom safe and secure."
Aekira blinked, taking it all in. She had thought Lucius was just another business-minded sibling, but it turned out he was deeply involved in something far more complex and dangerous. “That’s... incredible,” she said softly, feeling a mix of awe and bewilderment.
Laura gave Aekira a wink. “So yeah, your big brother isn’t just crunching numbers—he’s also helping keep the kingdom running smoothly. We’re quite the dynamic duo, wouldn’t you say?”
Aekira nodded, still processing this new layer of her family. It seemed everyone here had their own unique and vital role to play in the grand scheme of the kingdom, and Lucius was no exception.
Aekira's eyes widened slightly as she absorbed Lucius's nonchalant response. "That’s… a lot of work," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Lucius glanced at her, raising an eyebrow as if her statement was almost puzzling. "Mh, is it?" he replied, his tone casual, as if juggling multiple high-stakes roles was just another day at the office.
Aekira blinked, staring at him. 'Wait… he likes this?!' she thought, utterly baffled. The idea of enjoying such a relentless and intense workload was completely foreign to her. She had imagined Lucius’s life would be filled with stress and pressure, but here he was, seemingly thriving on the chaos.
Laura chuckled, nudging Lucius playfully. “He’s always been like this. Thrives on the challenge, never lets it get to him. I swear, it’s like he was built for this kind of thing.”
Lucius simply adjusted his glasses again, his expression calm and content. “It’s not about liking or disliking. It’s about purpose. And this… this is where I find mine.”
Aekira couldn’t help but admire him a little, even if she still found it a bit odd. In this family, it seemed everyone had a strange, yet perfectly fitting role, and Lucius was no exception.
Lucius shrugged nonchalantly, adding, "And plus... I’m bored. The challenge keeps things interesting."
Aekira blinked, taken aback. She hadn’t expected such a candid admission. It seemed like the complexity of his work wasn’t just a career choice—it was a way to stave off boredom.
Laura laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “See? I told you he’s a bit of a thrill-seeker. Always looking for the next big thing.”
Aekira shook her head, trying to process the unusual dynamics of her new family. "Well, it sounds like you’ve got everything under control."
Lucius gave a small, appreciative smile. “Something like that. But enough about me. How are you adjusting to everything? It must be quite overwhelming.”
Aekira nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah, it’s definitely a lot to take in. But I’m starting to get the hang of it.”
Laura reached over and patted her hand gently. “You’ll find your place here soon enough. Just remember, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Lucius adjusted his glasses, his expression softening. “As your big brother, I’ll try to be as responsible as possible.”
Aekira studied him, a mix of admiration and bewilderment crossing her mind. ‘Okay… he’s like, more responsible than regular responsible. He acts like a butler,’ she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Laura chuckled lightly, catching the moment. “Well, Aekira, it seems like you’ve met quite a lot of your family today, right, Zakis?”
Zakis nodded, but there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. “Yes, but… not all of them. Some of your siblings are away on vacation, others have their own kingdoms to protect, and… some…”
His words trailed off, and he looked away, his expression clouded with an unspoken emotion. Shenan noticed immediately, her eyes filling with quiet concern as she glanced at him. There was an unspoken understanding between them, tinged with sadness.
Aekira watched the silent exchange between her parents, feeling a knot of confusion tighten in her chest. ‘Huh… what’s going on?’ she wondered, glancing over at Lucius and Laura. They were both avoiding eye contact, their faces turned away as if lost in their own thoughts.
An uneasy silence lingered, heavy and uncomfortable.
Finally, Shenan looked down at Aekira, her smile warm but strained. “How about we take a little walk, Aekira? There are still a few more doors to explore, and I think you’ll find them interesting.”
Aekira hesitated but nodded, sensing her mother’s attempt to change the mood. “Uh… alright.”
Shenan gently guided Aekira away, her arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders, while Zakis remained where he was, lost in his own thoughts.
'What is going on?'