Chereads / Rising from Ashes: Resilience / Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Sunshine and Shadows

Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Sunshine and Shadows

Aya, Selena, and Liliana eagerly prepare to embark on their long-awaited girls' day out. Excitement fills the air as they step outside the carriage into the bustling shopping district, greeted by the warmth of the summer sun.

"Let's get this girls' day out started!" Aya's enthusiasm is palpable as she pumps her fist into the air.

"Yay!" Liliana and Selena cheer in unison, their laughter harmonizing with the joy of anticipation.

The three of them quickly lose themselves in the thrill of shopping, browsing through shops, and trying on new outfits. They're having a blast, laughing and joking together as they model different clothing styles and accessories.

"I don't know, I feel like the color is a bit too vibrant," Selena comments as she holds up a vibrant orange dress.

"Oh, try this one instead," Liliana offers, handing her a more muted shade of yellow.

"Hmm, I think you're right," Selena says, holding up the new dress and admiring herself in the mirror.

"What are you doing? Try it out, that is what we are here for." Aya laughs, sitting on the couch, enjoying watching them try on different clothes.

Selena smiles, and soon she and Liliana are twirling around, modeling different dresses and accessories. Their laughter and good spirits are infectious, and Aya finds herself laughing along with them, feeling a deep sense of contentment. 

As the day wears on, the trio decides to take a break, heading to the food district to enjoy delicious street food. The scent of the fresh, steaming food wafts through the air, and their stomachs rumble in anticipation.

"Mmm, this is so good," Selena planted her face on the glass, looking at all the food.

"You're drooling, Selena," Liliana says, chuckling.

"Come on, let's find a place to sit and enjoy this," Aya says, guiding them to an open-air patio.

They quickly find a table and settle in, savoring the taste of the food. The atmosphere is jovial, and the three of them laugh and chat, enjoying each other's company.

"It's been a while since I had this much fun," Selena says, taking another bite of her food.

"Me too," Liliana agrees, sipping on her drink.

"I'm so glad you two are enjoying yourself," Aya says, smiling fondly at them. "We deserve a day like this."

After finishing their meal, the trio headed back into the shopping district, determined to finish their girls' day out with a bang. As the hours pass by, they spend the afternoon browsing through various stores, picking up new clothing and accessories to add to their ever-growing wardrobes. The guards holding the many bags, unable to move.

"My feet are killing me," Liliana groans sitting on a bench, rubbing her heels.

"Me too," Selena complains, wincing and plotting herself on the bench as well.

"I think we've done enough damage," Aya says, laughing lightly. "Let's head back home."

"Agreed," Selena and Liliana respond, their voices laced with fatigue.

The guard calls for the carriage, and the driver picks them up, bringing them back home.

"That was a whole workout." A guard places the bags into the carriage.

"I don't think I can walk anymore," Another guard adds.

"Well, I can." The guard says, walking ahead.

"Hey, wait!"

"Come on, we aren't finished yet. There are a few more left." The guard yelps for help.

On the way home, Selena and Liliana fell asleep. Aya relaxing looking out the carriage window, giggles softly seeing the two sleeping soundly, their arms entwined.

'Today was fun.' Aya thought, a content smile gracing her features. 'I'm so lucky to have them in my life. I just wish R-' She stops the thought, her eyes narrowing. She closes her eyes, trying to forget the image of him. 'Verrin.' She smiles at the thought. 'I'm happy with Verrin. I don't need anyone else.' She says to herself, convincing herself that she looks back out at the forest.

She sees a silhouette of a man watching them, within the trees.

"Who is that?" Aya asks, squinting her eyes.

"Pardon, Lady Aya?" A guard asks.

"Do you see him?" Aya asks again, looking at the guard pointing in the direction.

The guard looks but sees nothing. "Lady Aya, are you sure there is someone there?" The guard asks.

Aya turned her attention back to where she saw the man. "Yes, there was a m-" She paused, the man was gone.

"Are you alright, Lady Aya?" The guard asks concern etched on his features.

"Forget it," Aya says, brushing it off.

Aya closes her eyes, her mind replaying the scene. The man's figure seemed familiar. 'Could it be?' She shakes her head frantically, refusing to entertain the thought.

When they arrive at the house, Verrin, Rex, Leo, and Kayden are waiting for them, eager to hear about their day.

The carriage comes to a stop. Verrin, Rex, Leo, and Kayden come down to the carriage, seeing the girls fast asleep.

"I see you had a fun day," Verrin asks, smiling. "They look so peaceful."

"Yes, it was a lot of fun," Aya answers, Verrin stepping into the carriage and picking up Selena.

"I got you, sweetheart," Verrin whispers, stepping out of the carriage. Aya picks up Liliana, cradling her in her arms, following after him.

"So, how was it mom? Did you have fun?" Kayden asks, following them.

"We had a blast," Aya answers, smiling at him.

"When is the son's day out, I can't wait," Rex says excitedly, a huge grin on his face.

"Me too! I want to go on an adventure!" Leo exclaims, punching the air.

"There will be plenty of time for that," Verrin chuckles, looking at their excited faces.

The five of them head into the house, the guards carrying the bags behind them.

It is late at night. Aya steps out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. She walks over to her bed, and a maid helps her put on a robe.

"Is there anything else I can get for you, Lady Aya?" the maid asks, smiling.

"No, thank you. That will be all," Aya answers, dismissing her.

"Have a good night," the maid bows, leaving the room.

Aya lets out a sigh of relief, glad to be alone. She walks over to her bedside table and opens the drawer. She pulls out an old photo of Renzor. Her fingers gently trace the outline of his face. "Why are you tormenting me?" She asks, her voice barely a whisper.

She stands up photo in hand, walks towards the candle on the counter, and looks at the photo again, tears streaming down her cheeks. She takes a deep breath, composing herself. "You will not win. I have a new life, a new family." I hover the photo over the flame, "I am happy."

Aya's hands begin to tremble, the picture catches fire, she desperately puts the fire out with her hand, burning her finger in the process.

"Damn it." She whispers, "I can't do it. WHY, WHY" She curses, tears streaming down her face.

She sits on the edge of her bed, sobbing.

A soft knock is heard at the door. "Aya, can I come in?" Verrin asks, his voice muffled.

Aya wipes her tears away and fixes herself. "Yes," she responds, her voice shaky. Putting a brave smile.

Verrin enters the room, worry evident in his features. He quickly walks over to her side, cupping her face tenderly. "My love, what's wrong?"

Aya looks at him, her heart clenching. She tries to smile but fails. Tears begin to fall, and she buries her face in his chest.

Verrin holds her tightly, stroking her hair comfortingly. "It's okay, I'm here," he murmurs, his voice soothing.

Aya sobs, her body shaking. "I am weak Verrin. I still miss him. 8 years and I still can't." She bit her lip, blood trickling down.

Verrin gently lifts her chin, forcing her to look at him. He gazes into her eyes, his gaze filled with compassion. "You are not weak, my love. You are strong and beautiful. It is natural to miss the ones we love, especially when they were taken from us suddenly."

She reaches up and kisses him passionately.

"Verrin..." Her eyes glaze over with lust, her voice thick with desire.

Verrin cups her face, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. He leans in and kisses her passionately. Aya's breath hitches, and she moans, returning his kiss.

"Make me forget, Verrin. Please." Aya pleads, her voice husky.

"Aya," Verrin breathes, his voice filled with love and desire. He kisses her passionately, his hands roaming her body.

Aya's skin tingles under his touch, her body responding to his every caress. "Yes," she moans, arching her back.

Verrin picks her up grabbing her ass aggressively, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He carries her over to the bed, laying her down gently.

He removes her robe, his eyes roaming her naked body. "You are so beau-" His words are cut off as he moves out of the way as a knife flies past his head. "AYA" Verrin's voice booms as he turns around, shielding her with his body. 3 more knives come flying at them. Verrin transforms into a wolf and blocks the attacks.

"Where are they coming from?" Aya shouts, pulling her robe on.

"Outside!" Verrin answers, He rushes jumping out of the balcony. Verrin sees 3 people running away, "Hey! Stop!" He barks, falling into the darkness. He hits the ground cracking the cement.

Verrin dashes after the intruders. Aya looks over the edge of the balcony. "VERRIN!" She yells, trying to catch a glimpse of him.

Verrin sniffs the air, his eyes glowing red. "Got you," he growls, sprinting at superhuman speed. 

The group of assassins ran, turning their heads, and seeing a pair of glowing red eyes in the darkness of the woods. "Faster, faster, move your damn feet!" One shout panicked.

Verrin slashes one of the assassins, his claws piercing their skin. "Aaah!" The assassin cries, falling to the ground. Verrin pounces on him, his jaws closing around his throat ripping it apart for the body.

"Shit," The other assassin says, looking back. "This is bad."

The third assassin turns his head, seeing a shadow approaching at high speeds. He stops, throwing a knife towards the shadow. Verrin jumps, dodging the knife. Pouncing on him ripping him to shreds.

The last assassin runs away, terrified. He trips, falling to the ground. He looks back, seeing the glowing red eyes of the wolf. "PLEASE NO!" The assassin pleads, trying to stand up.

Verrin growls, his eyes red, blood dripping from his mouth. "You will have a slow and painful death." Verrin walks up to him, each step making a thud.

"PLEASE, I BEG YOU, PLEASE, LET ME GO," The assassin screams, begging.

Verrin looks right down at him grabs him by the neck and lifts him into the air. He removes the mask covering the assassin's face, it is a dark elf.