After a long day, Miria and Alix finally came home.
The door hadn't even closed when they came across a… disturbing sight.
Eiden was sitting on a sofa, Kira on the one opposite.
The two glared at each other like two cats ready to pluck the feathers from a non-existent chicken.
Alix blinked.
— Um... is there a third world war downloadable or...? she asked.
"No," Asher said, coming down the stairs, hands in his pockets.
— Tonight, pajama party to reconcile Kira and Eiden. And also to celebrate the return of…
He stopped, offering them a mysterious smile.
Alix raised an eyebrow.
— From whom?
- Hi.
The voice came from behind them.
Alix turned around suddenly — and her eyes almost fell out of her sockets.
A young man stood there: slightly wavy dark brown hair, steel blue eyes, looking calm but strangely noble.
Alix put a hand to her mouth.
—Bryan?! she shouted.
She threw herself into his arms like a rocket.
He received her without flinching, sliding a hand on her waist, a soft smile on his lips.
—I missed you too, my love.
Miria stood frozen, completely lost.
Asher noticed her confusion, walked over, and gently placed a hand on her back.
— Come on, let's go out for a moment.
The two walked away into the garden, leaving behind Alix and Bryan who were talking to each other, and Kira and Eiden who continued their silent duel.
Outside in the evening light, Asher sighed.
"I bet you're wondering about Bryan... right?
Miria looked away slightly but didn't deny it.
He continued:
— Bryan is… Alix's husband.
— Whatiii?!
Miria was speechless.
— Is she married?
- Yes.
— For a long time, since she is eighty years old... I imagine they have... how many children?
— Only one.
— Only one?!
—How old?
— Twelve years old.
Miria opened her mouth as if she were going to swallow a mosquito.
- Twelve ? But… it's recent! How after all this time they only have one child?
Asher ran a hand through his hair.
— Because they didn't want it. And because their marriage is… hidden.
—Why hidden?
Asher took a deep breath.
— Because Bryan is the son of the king of vampires. Second prince. And their king, Astarion, does not accept that his children marry outside their race. He wants a pure bloodline.
Miria stared at the window overlooking Bryan and Alix.
They laughed together, completely absorbed in each other.
— It's so unfair… They seem happy.
"Yes," Asher replied in a deep voice.
— But the king doesn't care.
Miria clenched her fists.
— Well... when I'm the new Lady, things will change.
Asher's eyes widened.
—Are you planning to take Morena's place?
—I'm not sure. But with his behavior, I fear for the kingdom. And you… you were supposed to replace our bloodline. Why did you refuse?
Asher looked away, suddenly closed.
—I have my reasons.
Miria stared at him for a long moment, then sighed.
—If you say so.
Everything was silent, except for the muffled voices coming from inside.
The night promised to be lively.