Nyxara
I put my phone into my pocket, then drained my glass of milk, chuckling at that unexpected family bonding moment we just had. I glanced at Aspen to find him glancing at me warily out of the corner of his eye. "Is Azrail always like that? He never lets it get boring around here, does he?" I couldn't help asking, even though I was already pretty sure of the answer.
"Yes, our Azrail is always like that. Not to this level most of the time, but yes. Especially now as he pointed out that we are all adults." I could tell he wanted to get off the topic of Azrail, so I let him when he did just that. "Anyway, do you have any questions before you go to your session with Keir?"
"Not at this time, but I'll message you if I do think of something later." Reaching over, I took his hand into mine, inhaled deeply, then spoke. "I want you to know I love you, Aspen. Somehow, you always seem to be the one to help me through big moments. I know it must be tiring sometimes." He opens his mouth to protest, but I just place my finger over his lips.
"No, I know this was your choice. I just want you to know you can relax. This is new territory for all of us. We are all trying to figure out how to get me through this. I see guilt in your eyes. Let it go. I forgive you. I forgive everyone for what guilt you all carry." I keep direct eye contact so he can see I mean it when I say I forgive them.
"I hope I am forgiven for all the ways I hurt you before. We are finding our balance again. Like you asked, I'm giving us a chance to grow stronger from this. Now, before I start crying again, I'm going to get going. I will see you the same time tomorrow, Riptide." I give him a kiss on the cheek before packing up and leaving without another word. I must've surprised him—he didn't move from his seat.
I do enjoy a bit of karma every now and then.
Aspen
Coming out of my shock, I watch the door close behind Moonbeam."Maybe I should call her Whirlwind instead." I chuckle to myself as I make some additional notes to today's session notes. That was as good a start to our sessions as any in hindsight. I do hope her session with Keir will go well and not be as emotional as Lux's and mine ended up being. He will most likely start off easy with her. He is aware she is emotionally tender right now. I dip my cookie into the milk, let it soak for a few seconds, then pop it into my mouth.
While chewing, my mind catches the snag in what I just thought. "On second thought, he will actually go harder on her. He has always been of the philosophy that having your body screaming mercy clears the mind." Popping another bite of cookie into my mouth, I have one more thought about Moonbeam's upcoming training with our tyrant of a brother. Might need to check on her after the training just to make sure she won't try to poison him later.
Nyxara
Back in the corridor, I summon the gps guide to take me to my next session. I'm guided back to the teleportation pad. Once I stepped into the center of the pad, the guide flashed a series of colors activating the device. In three eye blinks, the teleport is complete. Taking in my surroundings, I'm surprised to discover I'm back in the gardens behind our residence.
My guide leads me onto a path that is well lit against the darkness of the tall trees. A large building soon comes into sight, piquing my curiosity. How many buildings are even on this complex? I seriously need a map, or I will get lost without the guide. Once I get close enough, I notice the security panel beside the glass doors.
After my biometrics were scanned, the doors slid open, allowing me to enter. Inside, I found myself in the largest fitness center I had ever seen. Looking around, I did not see Keir anywhere nearby. Because of my distraction, I almost missed my guide leaving me behind. I quickly caught up to it between the rows of equipment. My actions did not go unnoticed by Lux in the corner, who was working out. As I walked past him, he gave me an amused smile. I stuck my tongue out at him, then waved goodbye before turning the corner. Down this hallway, I passed a few rooms that seemed to be undergoing remodeling.
Rakesh and someone who looks like the team leader of the workers immediately bowed and greeted me when I came into their view. "I hope you are well, Lady Nyxara. Here for your session with Master Keir?" Rakesh asks warmly, like he is truly pleased to have run into me. The team leader and the workers weren't doing a good job of pretending not to be looking awe-struck at me. I gave them a smile, and I kid you not, I think two of them swooned, and the rest just stared unabashedly at me now.
I laughed at their behavior while Rakesh looked amused but motioned for them to get back to work. They did, but they didn't stop glancing at me. "Yes, I'm here to have a session with Keir. Oh, that reminds me, I have a favor to ask." I looked at Rakesh a bit more critically. From what I had been told, Rakesh and Mrs. June have been with our Enclave since its founding.
They are considered first-line auxiliary Enclave members, in fact. Nimra said they are both wonderful fighters, which is one of the reasons they are heads of staff. They could wipe out most intruders on their own.
Rakesh's eyebrow raises in question. "I'm still getting to know my way around, and I would like not to have to use the guide for the next few weeks. I would also like to get to know you and Mrs. June, the backbones of our enclave, better. Would it be okay with you if I requested both of you to show me around the complex and just share with me whatever you think I should know sometime this weekend?" I asked respectfully, not wanting him to think I was making a demand.
For a moment, Rakesh's expression broke from its calm, serene expression to one of shock. After another moment, his amber eyes flashed, then his expression settled into a pleased one.
"Yes, I do believe we can rearrange things to show you around on Saturday in the afternoon. I will double-check schedules and send a message with the best times for us. Once you confirm a time, we will meet you in front of the main residence. Is this arrangement to your satisfaction?" He gave me a small smile, and I have to admit this man smiling is dangerous. No wonder he just keeps a calm expression most of the time. If he smiled, nothing would get done. He has to snap his fingers to bring me out of my daze.
"Umm…yes. That sounds good. I need to go now. Have a great rest of your day." I know my face is blushing, so I run away down the right hallway, passing the guide only for it to make a buzzing sound and blink, then go down the left hallway.
Not looking at Rakesh or the workers, I run behind it down the correct hallway. I don't miss the hint of smugness in his tone when Rakesh calls out. "My day couldn't get any better after the compliment you have given me." I ignore the chuckles I hear as I enter the training room my guide disappeared in front of. Immediately after closing the door, I rest my head against it.
Karma is truly a bitch. I unintentionally charmed those men, then I get charmed immediately after. I knock my head against the door, trying to calm down from this incident.