Chapter 23 - Guests
Shock is the understatement for ivy. She never thought this in her wild dreams. Not only is she in Dragon land but also a part of Dragon Keepers. She has mixed emotions and doesn't know how to feel about this situation.
"Ivy, Ivy" Ronald shook Ivy to bring her back from thoughts.
"Ah. Yes" Ivy replied with a daze.
"Are you alright?" Ronald inquired and worry was laced in his voice.
Ivy smiled and replied "Yes, I am fine brother. I guess guests are arriving. We should go."
Ronald patted her head and said "Sure. And I will help you to know anything you want. You can ask me anything even if it is a small thing. I saw the genuine change in you and I will help you my best."
Ivy hugged Ronald and said "Thanks Brother. It means a lot to me"
"Come on. Let's go" Ronald took Ivy's hand and went to invite guests.
The Kreed family entered the mansion with Bratton and Katherine in front, Cayden and Alyssa followed them.
"Welcome, My dear friend" Simon welcomed cheerfully.
"Welcome Katie, Cay and Lysa" Allora received them with a smile.
"Hello Lora. I miss you dear" Katherine said and hugged her.
Allora smiled and hugged back before replying "I miss you too."
Allora and Katherine became best friends when they met for the first time. Allora is calm, collected and gentle while Katherine is polite, stubborn and a straightforward person. They both clicked with each other and became friends in no time.
When both of them parted from the hug, Cayden hugged Allora before saying "Hello Aunt, I miss you."
Allora smiled and hugged him back before replying "Only two days passed after we met cay"
"Two days Aunt, TWO DAYS" Cay said dramatically while stressing two days.
"Huh? You both have already met?" Katherine looked at her son with a questioning gaze.
"Mom, it's a simple greeting. I accidentally met my aunt in the city" Cayden remarked.
Allora smiled and said "I guess it's not a 'Simple Meeting' Cay, We had breakfast together remember."
Cayden gave a awkward smile but before Cayden replied Katherine twisted his ears and said "You brat, you lied through your teeth."
"Ouch. Mom Sorry, Dad please help me" Cayden tried to escape from the punishment.
Bratton sighed and said strictly "You deserve that"
Allora chuckled seeing the pitiful act of Cayden and looked at the beautiful girl beside Cayden who was observing the hall with great interest and didn't bother about the commotion beside her.
"Lysa. You grew up into a beautiful lady. How are you dear?" Allora inquired and her voice is filled with gentleness.
Lysa's eyes landed on Allora swiftly and replied with a smile "I am fine aunty. How is your health?"
Allora took Lysa's hands into her and said "My health is good dear. I can't believe that you are already grown up. When you came to Magna you were just a small kid."
Allora remembered the old days when they visited them once in a while after kids passed a certain age their workload increased and as well responsibilities. They didn't have time to visit them often.
All those memories of small kids running in her home are still vivid in her mind and she felt content. If they are in the capital then the situations will be different.
They were all seated in the hall and Paul came with servants and served them snacks and drinks. Shortly Ronald and Aivyn entered the hall and everyone looked at them.
"Good Morning Uncle, Aunty." the duo greeted and went to sit beside their parents.
"Huh. The youngsters are here." Bratton said excitedly.
"How are you uncle?" Ivy inquired politely.
"I am good dear. Tell me, How are you? How is your health? Does the capital environment suit you now?" Bratton asked a series of questions in one go.
Ivy is surprised by his trail of questions and it feels good to know that he is really concerned about her. It is evident in his eyes.
"Aish. Dear, you are scaring the girl with your questions" Katherine chided.
"Ivy, I guess you don't remember our faces clearly. We used to come to Magna when you guys are small kids later we are unable to come." Katherine started and sadness laced in her voice.
"But finally, you are here and we can meet regularly. And for your health don't worry, we will take care of you. Now I am also here with you" Katherine said with a smile.
Ivy is touched by their gentleness and concerns on her. Ivy felt bad that these all belong to real Ivy not her but she doesn't have a choice to accept it and move on. She is glad that she finally meets people who will care for others even if they are not blood related.
"Thank you Aunty." Ivy said heart fully.
"Mom, you suddenly turned the room into an emotional scene. I thought I was in a drama" Cayden tried to lighten the mood.
"Ivy, meet my son Cayden and my daughter Alyssa," Katherine introduced.
"Hi Alyssa" Ivy ignored Cay and greeted Lysa with a smile.
"Hello, Aivyn," Lysa replied back. It is a bit awkward as they are not known to each other and they met when they were small which they didn't remember.
"Aunt, did you forget me?" Ronald asked with a dull tone.
"No. How can I forget my handsome hero? I miss you every second dear. You know I don't even miss your uncle that much '' Katherine stated causing Bratton to sulk.
"I know aunt is the best. I miss you too aunt" Ronald hugged her while sitting on the arm of the sofa.
"Hey brat. She is my wife. Keep your hands off her" Bratton rebuked.
Katherine looked at Bratton and said while taking Ronald's hands into her "You old man. Don't scold my baby. If he born early I will marry him"
Bratton was left speechless and the others laughed by throwing their heads back. The hall is filled with their laughter.
Cayden looked at Ivy who was smiling happily and he felt his heart race by seeing her pure yet gentle smile. He wants to protect that smile forever.
------
A/N: Hello Everyone!!
Thank you so much for your support and I am truly grateful. My father's health is better and recovering. I will try to update regularly from next week if the situation becomes better.
I hope you will always show your support like this. Happy Reading!!!