The Incandescent | Standalone Story |

Chapter 26 ~ The Vorodnik Watch

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~ Planet Monshalow ~

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Ireyna awoke to the unusual sound of raised voices. Slumber attempted to reclaim her until Ireyna realized the voices were Killian and Drave, appearing to be....arguing?

Oh no, Ireyna thought as she quickly got out of bed, preparing to protect Drave from Killian's anger. Her glow dimmed upon seeing Drave trying to calm Killian, holding his arm while urgently insisting for him to calm down.

Erasmo was busy making tea for Killian, a strong peppermint blend with chamomile to mellow him, adding hibiscus for high blood pressure.

Mara's full body hologram appeared from Killian's comect resting on a table. Her voice pleaded, "Father, please understand. I am an adult capable of making my own decisions, as I have been for the past five years in your absence. I truly believe he is the one for me; that is why I am moving to planet Iredescent."

Ireyna's eyes widened in surprise. So that's why Killian is freaking out. I wonder what Mara's boyfriend looks like. I want to meet him. But first, I must know the entirety of the story.

"What exactly is going on?" Ireyna asked as she came down the stairs, her nightdress swishing softly from the movement. "Hello, darling Mara. I think I heard you say you are moving to planet Iredescent?"

Mara looked towards Ireyna, hoping her fairy stepmother would understand. "I met someone. His name is Crimson Leeiyor. He is my destined, so I am moving to planet Iredescent to be with him."

"Such a rash decision! Moving to a different planet for a guy!" Killian was clearly upset, refusing to accept what he thought was irrational behavior from his responsible, mature daughter. "I don't care if he is a Phoenix or the Ruler of Iredescent. I demand that you – "

"Killian," Ireyna intervened, placing a hand on his arm. "Mara is old enough to make her own decisions. If she believes someone is her destined, then she should certainly be with her destined."

Ireyna turned to Mara, saying, "We will permit the move under the condition that we meet Crimson in person."

"My daughter intends to move to Iredescent!" Killian's voice was shrill.

"It doesn't mean she won't visit," Drave grumbled, frustrated that even Ireyna couldn't calm Killian in this unexpected situation. "Mara said she will visit every month. We'll still get to see her, Father."

"But she'll be so far away! We don't know the guy. What if he just wants her physically for her body? He could be the kind of person who uses people. I don't want my daughter to be heartbroken. I think she is making a reckless decision."

"Father, the last time we were on Iredescent, we met his father Iro and his grandfather Raistin," Mara reminded Killian. "Crimson is not the kind of person who uses people. He is very respectful and considerate. I wouldn't have chosen a man who sleeps around with different women. I want a serious relationship, not a temporary one."

"We'll invite him over for a baking contest," Ireyna said, wanting to meet the guy her stepdaughter was interested in. "This will give us a chance to get to know him."

"That's a wonderful idea," Drave said eagerly. "Mara, let us know when Crimson is coming over so we can get everything ready."

"I'll have to invite him first," said Mara.

"Invite him, and let us know," said Ireyna, taking the tea from Erasmo and handing it to Killian. "I trust your decision, and I am looking forward to meeting your destined."