When stars betray

Chapter 8: ADOPTION

A month passes by and Laden and Iris quickly get acquainted to Eldoria. It’s a faithful morning and as usual, Iris wakes up on the ice cold floor of the room her and Laden share. She doesn’t speak to laden but just stands up and leave the room heading to Liya and Orna’s rooms. She loves spending time with them. They teach her a lot and they are like sisters to her. She knocks on Orna’s door and Orna opens the door. “Lucian has been acting strange towards me lately.” Orna complains. “What happened between you two?” Iris asks. “It started the day I refused to get messy with him.” Orna answers. “When was that?” Liya asks. “I think it was the you and laden Landed.” Orna responds. “That is really weird.” Iris says.

They keep chatting for a while and head downstairs for some snacks. They get into the kitchen and Iris as Iris turns a corner, she bums into Lucian. The plate of grapes he was holding falls to the floor, as Iris kneels to pick the plate up, Lucian was doing same and their hands touch. Iris looks up at him and says “I… I’m so sorry.” “It’s okay.” Lucian answers and for a moment, they just look at each other until Liya clears her throat and they both snap out of the intense eye contact they were having. Laden chuckles and says, “Lovebirds.” Iris stands up and walks to Laden and blurts out, “How about you shut the f**k up and mind your own business. STOP! being so obsessed with me Laden, it’s pathetic!!” Laden stands up then looks down t Iris, “If I could care any less about you, I would.” He says calmly and walks away from her taking a seat next to Liya.

Iris feels like her blood is boiling up, she had never had so much hatred for someone. Kael looks at Liya who slightly blushed as Laden sat near her and clenches his jaw slightly. There was so much tension in that room until Thalia walks in and calls for both Laden and Iris. She walks them upstairs to the door of a room and says “This is your new room Iris, you both are getting adopted. Laden come with me, I will take you to yours.” “Thanks… mom.” Iris says and gets opens the door in excitement. She is finally going to be free from that bastard, Laden, she thinks to herself.

Iris’ room is massive, it has beautiful curtains and blinds to long windows. There is a big, comfortable looking bed in the middle with furniture and sofas all over. It looks similar to the room she had back at home in Arcadia but more mature. For a moment, she drifts into her thoughts. Thinking about how things could have gone differently that night. If only she had listened to her mother and just gone to bed, they wouldn’t be here. Iris snaps back to reality and tries staying positive that they would find a way back home. Her room is next to Orna and Liya’s. She get out to the balcony and looks at the absolutely magnificent view of the sea and forest since the mansion is located at the edge of the city.

That evening at the usual Family dinner, Iris is brought to the table for the first time, he seat is reserved directly opposite to Laden’s. as she sits and sees him, she sighs and rolls her eyes. Orna is sitting to her right and Liya to her left and the are both facing Lucian and Kael respectively. Before they start eating, Rowan hits his fork on a glass and stands up. “Tonight, we have come to the agreement that Laden and Iris are now a member of this family.” He says and sits back down. Everyone at the table turns and looks at both of them before they all proceed to eat their meals.

After diner, everyone heads to their respective bedrooms. Iris collapses on her bed and hears a knock, “Iris, it’s us. Open up.” Liya whispers. Iris gets up and heads to her door. As she opens the door, Orna whispers to her that let her follow them while pulling her hand. They tiptoed hallways, parlors and so on, then finally get out of the fence through a small opening at the back. As they rush through the bushes and go up a steep hill, they reach a clearing and Iris is amazed by the beautiful city lights of the Kingdom of Eldoria. A breeze of wind brush through her skin and long black hair. She feels amazing until…