Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐨: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

Adanna stood up; her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Who could possibly be here to see me?" she muttered under her breath. She looked at her sisters before walking out of the drawing room. As she made her way to the entranceway, she froze, her eyes widening at the sight of the figure standing before her. The woman, with her long black hair, beautiful brown skin, and striking brown eyes, was dressed in a stunning sari. Their eyes met, and a moment of recognition passed between them before they both squealed with excitement and ran into each other's arms.

"Nandini Kapoor, is that really you?" Adanna asked, her voice muffled against her friend's shoulder.

"Who else would it be, my dear friend?" Nandini replied, returning the embrace just as tightly. "It has been far too long!" Adanna stepped back to look at her friend, admiring the way she'd grown into herself over the years.

"When did you return to Niameda?"

"I arrived just yesterday. How have you been?"

"I am doing well, thank you. Come, let us go to the drawing room," Adanna said, leading Nandini towards the room.

As Adanna opened the door, Asha and Ife's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Nandini. Nandini Kapoor, Adanna's childhood friend, was a dragon tamer whose family had resided in Niameda for a few years while her father had inherited an estate here. However, when they were 13, Nandini moved back to Scaleonia, the kingdom of dragons, while her brother remained in Niameda until his late teens.

"Nandini!" Ife exclaimed, leaping off the sofa to envelope Nandini in a warm hug. "It has been years! How are you?"

"Ife, is that you? My, how you have grown! If I recall correctly, you were only 11 when I left Niameda," Nandini said, her eyes sparkling with affection. She then turned to Asha, who remained seated, still in shock. "Asha, how are you?"

"I-I am quite well, thank you," Asha stammered, slowly rising from her seat. "It has been far too long." She offered Nandini a small smile, still in shock at the sight of her. Asha straightened her gown before attempting to make her way out of the drawing room. Nandini stopped her, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Ishaan asked about you," she said. "He hopes you are doing well."

Asha turned to face Nandini, a small smile playing on her lips. "I am not interested in anything Ishaan might say about me," she replied, her voice soft but steady. "But it is good to see you, Nandini. However, I kindly request that you refrain from discussing me with him in the future." With those words, Asha gracefully exited the drawing room, leaving the others alone.

Ife and Adanna exchanged glances as their sister left the room. "I shall leave you two to catch up," Ife said with a small smile before she exited the drawing room.

Adanna turned to Nandini, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about her-"

"It is fine," Nandini interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. "Whatever happened between those two does not involve us. Come, let us sit." She gestured towards the couch, and Adanna led her over.

As they settled into the couch, a maid approached and handed Nandini a steaming cup of tea. Adanna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, I heard you recently got married."

Nandini's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Yes, it was a truly magical affair."

"If I recall correctly, you married a wizard, is that right?" Adanna asked, arching her eyebrow.

"Yes, that is correct," Nandini replied, her expression softening. "Lord Thaddeus Blackthorn is not only a powerful wizard but also an extremely kind and caring individual. I feel blessed to have found him."