The Incandescent | Book 7 | The Fairy arc

Chapter 6 ~ The Father and the Daughter

The scent of saffron roses enveloped Mara as familiar arms pulled her in a tight embrace. Mara felt tears cascade from her eyes as she clung to Killian.

"Father," Mara whispered, closing her eyes. The sensation of touch and the fragrant perfume proved it really was her father. She held him close, feeling her tears drip onto the thick fabric of his trench coat. She missed him so much, the long absence a void that was finally filled.

Killian was overjoyed to reunite with, "My beloved daughter! You're here! You're finally here!" He kept crying, withholding no emotion. He pulled back so he could see her face, as tear-streaked as his. His hands gently cradled her face, drying the tears from her eyes, though the tears kept falling like a rushing waterfall with no dam to regulate the flow.

After all those years, they finally reunited.

"At last," Killian murmured, kissing the top of Mara's head. "You are home."

Mara was confused. "Wait, so you're not being held captive by this fairy?"

Killian laughed, his face like bright sunshine after rain. "Ireyna is my wife. She was just looking out for me." He smiled at Ireyna, stretching his arm out to include her in the hug. "Thank you for bringing my daughter to me, love."

Ireyna relaxed in Killian's hug, finally letting her guard down. Her purple glow faded, retreating within herself. Her wings lowered behind her as Killian moved back, releasing his daughter and his wife from his embrace.

Mara stared at Ireyna, looking back and forth from Killian to Ireyna. "You're married?" she asked Killian, surprised to learn this information.

"Happily," Killian confirmed, pulling Ireyna close and kissing her. "She is the one for me."

Ireyna turned to Mara, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry for not trusting you earlier. I trust you now."

Before they could say anything further, both women were ushered into the house. The door shut behind them, and Killian resumed hugging Mara and Ireyna, overjoyed to finally see his daughter again. He was beyond pleased it was his wife that brought her to him.

Mara turned to Ireyna. "You're married to my father, so that would make you my – "

"Don't say the word!" Ireyna interrupted hastily. "We are strangers to each other, and I have never been a mother, nor do I have any children, so please, simply call me Ireyna."

Mara was surprised by her startled interruption, but she appreciated Ireyna's directness. "Ireyna," she repeated, trying out the name as if tasting a new kind of dessert. "As you know, I'm Killian's daughter Mara."

"You are the exact image of your father," Ireyna said, appreciative of the close resemblance. "Would you like some tea?"

Ireyna reached for a shimmery purple treasure chest with different tea blends. Ireyna selected Killian's favorite blend of black Ceylon tea, red rose petals and saffron, with blackberry and tiramisu.

Killian placed a hand on Mara's back, leading her towards the small dining table. He pulled out her chair and waited until she was seated before moving to the chair across from her. As Ireyna heated the water and prepared the tea, Killian leaned forward, feeling this was the most joyous day ever, aside from his wedding day.

"Ireyna knows the best tea blends," Killian told Mara. "Her tea is the most splendid enjoyment."

Mara noticed the affection in his voice as he complimented his wife's tea. He truly loves her, Mara thought, feeling happy for her father, glad he finally found someone he truly loved.