Unfading Shadows [2]

56

^Kaiden?

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Miray took multiple dips in the water, emerging each time with a growing sense of confidence, relief, and strength.

Even after assuring her concerned brothers that she was fine, they remained close by, their watchful eyes fixed on her, as if diverting their attention for a moment might invite trouble.

Vince, in particular, couldn't shake the feeling that something was not right. Miray's avoidance of eye contact and the way she averted her gaze during their conversations unsettled him. 

Nevertheless, he chose to wait, sensing that now wasn't the time to burden her with his concerns.

Steve rose from the water and slicked his hair back. He looked at the kids who swam near the shore as Miray still hesitated to fully immerse herself. 

A warm smile played on his lips as he turned to Luke, both captivated by the scene. "They're like her puppets," Steve remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Luke's smile widened as Miray once again tossed a stone into the water, prompting the boys to dive in eagerly. The game was simple— the one who found the stone first became the hero. They would rush to present it to Miray, who would make sure it was the right stone, applaud, and celebrate the winner. 

The cycle repeated, each throw creating a brief burst of excitement and laughter along the water's edge.

The atmosphere brimmed with happiness, everyone seemingly caught in a moment of bliss. Luke, Damian, Vince, and Steve swam a bit farther in, while Noah, Kaide, Rayan, Ren, and Miray enjoyed the water where Miray could still stand.

Vince hesitated to join the guys in deeper waters, not wanting to leave Miray's side but she insisted on him to go, and Noah also added his reassurances, encouraging Vince to take the plunge.

Eventually, Vince nodded, and kissed her temple, diving into the ocean's vast embrace. 

The surroundings were tranquil, with only a few distant figures sharing the expansive water. Miray, watching her brothers swim in deeper waters, felt a nostalgic urge to test her old swimming abilities. She wondered if she could still navigate the ocean depths without the solid ground beneath her feet.

In the midst of her contemplation, Noah's concerned voice gently interrupted her thoughts. "What's wrong?" he asked, swimming closer to her. 

Turning to him, Miray was met with a different look in his eyes—something so warm and reassuring.

Noah's look spoke volumes without uttering a word. It was a change that melted her heart, a silent acknowledgment that, finally, she held a profound significance in his eyes. 

Miray knew that look all too well. It was akin to the way her elder brothers regarded her with utmost affection, like she meant the world to them. Yet, with Noah, this was the first time she had ever caught him looking at her in such a way, and that stirred a unique and tender feeling within her.

Overwhelmed with happiness, she fought back the urge to cry, realizing that such a display would only make Noah uncomfortable.

Miray could feel that the unspoken connection between them had deepened and that made her heart swell with happiness.

In that moment, Miray couldn't fathom why, but an inexplicable ache settled within her— a deep yearning to live a little longer overcame her.

She longed to witness Noah's transformation into an adult, to grow old alongside the ones she held so dear...