Elior's intrigue was not what caught his attention. That could wait for now; Lira's happiness was what mattered most. Later, while he was standing with some friends, he saw her heading towards him, a radiant smile lighting up her face amidst the swirling colors of the celebration. "Elior!" she called out, her voice cutting through the ambient chatter like a melody. As she approached, he noticed her eyes sparkled, full of excitement and warmth. All of Elior's previous thoughts faded away for a moment, and all he could focus on was the genuine joy she radiated.
"What are you plotting tonight?" she teased, her playful tone putting him at ease. Elior chuckled softly, feeling a rush of affection.
"Just enjoying the company of my very favorite person," he replied, surprising even himself with his words. Lira's cheeks flushed slightly, and Elior couldn't help but marvel at how such a simple moment could feel so significant.
"Is that so?" she said, arching an eyebrow in mock disbelief. "You must have a very short list then."
"Perhaps I do," Elior replied, stepping closer, his heart pounding in rhythm with the music playing in the background. Just then, as if the universe had conspired to add tension to their moment, Isaac appeared beside them, his presence commanding yet somehow disarming. The air shifted, and Elior felt an unfamiliar sense of competition brewing—a silent challenge ignited by Isaac's confident demeanor.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Isaac said smoothly, a knowing look passing between him and Lira. Elior shot a glance at Lira, and the way her eyes flickered back and forth between them revealed the unspoken tension. This evening was turning into something far more complicated than he had anticipated.
Elior had never considered Isaac a threat, but as he stood there exchanging pleasantries, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting. Lira glanced between the two of them, her expression one of mild amusement, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface."Isaac," Lira said, brightening up in her usual way, "I'm glad you're here! You'd make this celebration all the more festive."
"Only if you'll be my date for the evening, Lira," Isaac replied with a charming smile, his eyes dancing with mischief. Elior couldn't help but grumble inwardly at his friend's ease with which he navigated these social waters. Lira laughed, and Elior felt a twinge of possessiveness. He reminded himself this was just a party, but the nagging voice inside suggested it was more than that.
As the night wore on, laughter filled the grand hall adorned with vibrant garlands and flickering candles. Elior watched as Lira moved through the crowd, her laughter ringing like the sweetest melody. But the sight of her standing beside Isaac while they shared a private joke burned in his mind—a vivid reminder of their growing rapport. Elior downed another glass of spiced wine, hoping to drown the rising tide of jealousy that crested with each passing moment. He does not want to share his sister's affection with others
Not long after, Isaac approached Elior again; determination etched his face. "Can I speak with you for a moment in private?" he asked, his tone serious.
Elior nodded, curiosity mixed with trepidation. They stepped into a quieter corner of the hall, away from the vibrant festivities.
"I wanted to ask you something significant," Isaac began, his demeanor surprisingly solemn. "As you know, Lira means the world to me. And I have thought long and hard about this." Elior's heart began to pound—he could sense where this was heading.
"I would like your blessing to marry her," Isaac said, his eyes earnest and hopeful. The weight of those words pressed down on Elior, the room around them fading into silence. His heart raced, a whirlwind of emotions colliding within him. Isaac and Lira were such a perfect match, and yet…
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Elior asked, his voice steadier than he felt. "Lira is... she's special."
"Believe me, Elior," Isaac replied, his tone unwavering. "I've loved her for a long time. This isn't some fleeting decision. I can't imagine my life without her, and I want to give her the happiness she deserves." Elior studied Isaac's face, searching for any hint of insincerity, but found none. All he saw was unwavering resolve.
Taking a deep breath, Elior finally nodded. "If you truly love her, then yes. You have my blessing." The words felt bittersweet on his tongue, but he forced a smile, hoping to mask the conflicting feelings swirling within him.
"Thank you," Isaac said, relief flooding his expression. "I promise to make her the happiest woman in the world."
With that, Isaac turned and rejoined the festivities, leaving Elior alone in the quieter corner of the hall. A sense of resignation washed over him. He had always known this day would come; he just hadn't expected it to hit him so suddenly. As he leaned against the wall, feeling the cool stone press against his back, he tried to prepare for the inevitable.
The sun had begun to set, casting warm hues of orange and pink through the tall windows of the hall, bathing everything in a soft glow. Elior caught a glimpse of Lira's radiant smile across the crowded room. She shone brighter than all the decorations combined, effortlessly captivating everyone around her.
It wasn't long before Isaac gathered the courage to lead Lira to the hall's center, where everyone's laughter subsided into eager whispers. Elior instinctively straightened up as he sensed the change in atmosphere.
"Everyone!" Isaac called out, his voice ringing clear above the murmurs. "May I have your attention, please?" The crowd focused on the couple, anticipation crackling in the air. Elior felt his heart rate spike, knowing what was coming next.
With a dramatic flair, Isaac took Lira's hands and knelt on one knee. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the pair. Elior swallowed hard.
"Lira," Isaac began, his voice steady despite the butterflies thrumming within him. "From the moment we met, I knew you were the one. Your laughter has been the music of my life, and your kindness has shown me what true love looks like. Will you marry me?"
Gasps rippled through the hall as Lira accepted the proposal. He took out the magnificent ring from his pocket and slipped on her finger,