She understood that to push oneself beyond their limits, one often had to endure pain. However, her conflicted emotions towards humans amplified her guilt for training Rio in such a manner. Despite this, she managed to maintain her restraint and ensure his safety throughout the process.
Later that evening, the group gathered for dinner in Nyla's bedroom. Rio sat at the head of the circular table, with Layla seated to his left and Lia on his right, while Helia and Nyla sat at the opposite end. The room was filled with warmth and a happy atmosphere as they enjoyed each other's company, savoring the delicious meal prepared by the chief maid Yami.
The lively girl pouted playfully, "It's unfair. I'm not beside you anymore..."
Rio, softly smiled, and responded, "You can sit in my lap if you want?"
Taking his words seriously, Nyla excitedly stood up from her seat, ready to take her place on Rio's lap.
Amid the giggles of the others, Helia quickly intervened, pulling Nyla back into her seat with an amused shake of her head.
After dinner, Layla, Lia, and company strolled through the castle's lush garden under the moonlit sky. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoming flowers, and the sounds of gentle rustling leaves added to the tranquil atmosphere.
Together, they gazed up at the vast canvas of twinkling stars, engaging in lighthearted conversations with the goal of making Layla feel more at home in their family. As a newcomer to the unfamiliar surroundings, the girl appreciated their efforts to make her feel comfortable.
Layla's gaze was constantly drawn to Rio, her heart swelling with happiness to be by his side.
Right now, she didn't have to worry about the uncertainties and struggles that plagued her in the past. After they had been separated, there wasn't a single night that she didn't cry herself to sleep. Each night, she would think about Rio and send her prayers to the heavens, hoping for his safety and well-being. But now, finally reunited with him, her heart was at ease.
It was as if she had found her heaven within the boy for one more time. His presence brought her a sense of tranquility and joy that she had never experienced before.
Her love for him was like the gentle warmth of sunlight on a cold winter's day, a soothing balm that eased the pain of her past.
As they lay side by side in the garden, Lia and Layla on either side of Rio with Nyla and Helia at the very end, Layla's eyes met his, and she could see the reflection of her own emotions. Her love for him shone as brightly as the stars above, and she knew that their love was strong enough to weather any storm, a beacon of hope that would never be extinguished, no matter what they faced.
In that quiet moment when their eyes met, Layla recalled a quote that resonated with her: "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
She realized that her love for Rio not only gave her the courage to face her fears but also the strength to overcome them.
It was only because of him that she was able to persevere for one year, for ultimately he was her source of strength, and meeting him was her beacon of hope that helped her move forward and surpass her limits.
That night, Lia approached Layla and Rio with a gentle smile, "I think you two deserve some time alone after such a long separation. I'll be sleeping in Nyla's room with her and Helia tonight."
Layla's eyes filled with gratitude, happy at Lia's understanding. "Thank you, Lia."
Rio nodded in agreement, appreciating Lia's understanding, but his response was comically dramatic. "My dear wife is already abandoning me for another woman... What a pitiful soul I am!"
Lia playfully retorted, "Don't worry, Husband, you'll be punished tomorrow for every single word you just said!"
With that, Lia left the room, joining Nyla and Helia in Nyla's bedroom.
Rio was momentarily stunned, anticipating what was to come from his Asura wife, who occasionally exhibited a vampire-like persona. But his heart filled with warmth for Lia, recognizing that she understood his need to spend time with Layla.
Even though Rio had been separated from Lia for some time recently, being away at the death realm for six months and one month for the national military school tournament, and she must have been missing him, she graciously stepped aside for the sake of their bond.
Rio was certain that Lia's love for him was no less than Layla's, and he knew his love for Lia was just as strong as his love for Layla. These two women were like his left and right eyes; he was incomplete without both of them. They were both his better halves, each holding a special place in his heart.
As Lia left the room, Rio gently closed the door behind her, enveloping the room in a cloak of privacy.
He then turned to Layla, his eyes locked on hers as their loving smiles reflected the warmth of their emotions. Both understood the importance of reconnecting after their long and painful separation and were eager to cherish every second of this precious time together.
With tender care, Rio lifted Layla into his arms, cradling her like a bride. Layla's eyes shimmered with affection as she gazed into his sea-green eyes, her smile beaming with love and happiness.
Gracefully, Rio laid her onto the bed as if she were a fragile porcelain doll. He then leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, savoring the intimate moment they shared.
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[SnowNote]
The next chapter contains light NSFW content. Please read at your own risk.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
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