Chapter 34 - C:36

As the sun dipped lower into the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the **Starshimmer Pool**, the playful energy between us lingered, wrapping around us like the gentle warmth of the evening. Liora stood at the water's edge, her fingers trailing lazily through the cool surface, while Elara leaned back against a nearby tree, her eyes closed as she soaked in the peaceful atmosphere.

Liora, ever the mischievous one, turned toward me with that glint in her eye—the one that always preceded some sort of playful trouble. "You know," she started, her voice lilting with amusement, "for someone as big and mysterious as you, you sure don't seem to mind letting us drag you all over the village."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Maybe I just enjoy the company."

"Is that so?" Liora grinned, stepping closer. "Or are you just trying to avoid us figuring out all your secrets?"

Elara opened one eye, a smile tugging at her lips. "Liora, you're always trying to pry into things. Maybe he's just someone who likes keeping a little mystery."

I smirked. "You make it sound like I have an entire treasure trove of secrets."

"Oh, I'm sure you do," Liora teased, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side, studying me like a puzzle she was determined to solve. "But don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of it sooner or later."

Elara laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're relentless, Liora. But I suppose that's what makes you so fun to be around."

I leaned back, letting the light banter flow around me as I looked between the two of them. There was something comforting about being in their presence, the way their teasing felt like a natural part of our dynamic, pulling me deeper into this new life I had found. **My family**. These moments with them—whether filled with laughter or quiet reflection—had become the core of my existence. Everything I did now, everything I would ever do from this moment on, would be for them.

Liora noticed my thoughtful expression and gave me a light nudge with her elbow. "Hey, don't go all quiet on us now. I was just getting started."

I laughed, the sound blending with the rustling leaves overhead. "I'm just enjoying the moment. You two certainly know how to keep things lively."

Liora grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "That's the idea. We can't have you brooding around the house all the time. It's our job to make sure you're enjoying life here."

Elara smiled, her eyes still soft with that knowing look she often gave me. "And I think he is. Right, brother?"

I nodded, my heart swelling with affection for both of them. "I am. More than you know."

"Good," Liora said, her tone suddenly softer as she looked out over the shimmering pool. "Because you're one of us now. And we take care of our own."

There was a quiet sincerity in her voice that took me by surprise, but I could see the same sentiment reflected in Elara's eyes as well. They might tease and joke, but underneath it all, there was a deep bond forming between us—one I had grown to cherish more than anything.

I looked out over the pool, the light dancing on its surface like stars scattered across the water. **This was my life now, and I had grown to adore it.** The village, the people, my family—everything here felt like a second chance at something beautiful. I would do anything for them. Whether it was helping the village flourish, spending quiet moments at our home, or simply standing by their side, everything I did was for them. **They were my world** now, and I intended to make sure that world remained as peaceful and joyful as it had become.

Liora's playful grin returned as she suddenly scooped up a handful of water and flung it at me, splashing my arm. "Don't go getting all sentimental on us now!"

I laughed, wiping the water from my arm. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood."

"Oh? And what happens if you're not?" Liora teased, taking a playful step back, clearly ready for the chase.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning forward just enough to make her jump. "Do you really want to find out?"

Before she could respond, Elara stood up, laughing. "Liora, you might want to be careful. He doesn't look like someone you'd want to challenge too often."

But Liora just grinned wider, always up for a bit of trouble. "I like a little danger." With that, she splashed me again, this time catching my chest with the cool water.

I didn't hesitate. In one quick motion, I lunged forward, catching her by the waist before she could escape, lifting her off the ground as she squealed in laughter. "Got you," I said, smirking as she wiggled in my grasp.

"Put me down!" she laughed, though her voice was filled with more amusement than actual protest.

Elara watched us with a shake of her head, a smile never leaving her face. "You two are impossible."

"You're just jealous," Liora teased, still hanging in my grip as I lowered her back to the ground. "I bet you want to have some fun too."

Elara raised an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. "Maybe I do."

Liora flashed a grin. "Well, you're going to have to get in line. I've got plenty of games left for him."

"You really don't give up, do you?" I asked, laughing as I finally let her go.

"Not when it comes to family," Liora said, her voice light but the sentiment behind it strong.

For a moment, the three of us stood there, the laughter dying down as we simply enjoyed each other's presence. The village around us seemed to hum with life, but it was the bond between us that made this moment feel perfect. **I had found something here**—a peace, a joy, a sense of belonging that I had never known before.