Swallow your pride

Justice

Yarra's Pov

The children squealed with joy as Yarra scooped them up into a tight hug. Their tiny arms and legs wrapped around her, holding on like they never wanted to let go.
Yarra laughed, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She knelt down so she was eye level with them, her tone gentle and affectionate as she spoke.
"I missed you both so much!" she said, planting kisses on their cheeks and foreheads.
The children giggled and squirmed in her arms, their laughter a sweet and charming sound that echoed through the room. "Mommy!" Isidora cried out, her small hands gripping Yarra's shirt as if afraid her mother might disappear again. Aurelius, not to be outdone, clung to Yarra's leg, his childish voice chiming in, "Mommy!"
Yarra's heart felt full as she held her children close, their laughter and excited cries of "Mommy!" filling her with a warmth that chased away any lingering traces of fear and anxiety. She looked down at their small faces, their eyes sparkling with joy and affection, and felt a sudden sense of protectiveness wash over her.
"I'm so happy to see you both," she said, running her fingers through Isidora's hair and patting Aurelius' head.

Isidora and Aurelius snuggled close to their mother, clearly overjoyed at her return. Isidora's tiny fingers played with Yarra's hair, while Aurelius' hands tugged at the fabric of her dress, as if to make sure she was really there and not just a figment of their imaginations.
Yarra continued to shower them with affection, relishing the feeling of their little bodies pressed against hers. The love and connection between them was palpable, and the bond between mother and children was undeniable.

"Did you listen to daddy?" Yarra asked the children and looked towards the door where Ominis was leaning against the wall watching them. Ominis pushed himself away from the wall and slowly made his way toward them, his cane tapping against the floor.
"Yes, they've been good kids," he replied, his voice soft and affectionate. "They've followed all the rules we had talked about." Yarra beamed with pride as Ominis confirmed that the children had been well-behaved. "Good kids," she echoed, looking back at Isidora and Aurelius with pride, "Daddy and I are so proud of you both." Isidora beamed up at her mother's words, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced over at her brother. Aurelius, meanwhile, puffed out his chest slightly, feeling quite proud of himself for being a 'good kid'.

Yarra's heart sank as Ominis' older brother entered the room, his presence casting a shadow over the happy family moment. The children immediately froze, sensing the change in the atmosphere. Yarra wrapped her arms protectively around them, pulling them closer to her.

Marvolo smirked as he entered the room, his gaze moving over Yarra and the children. He walked closer, his steps slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving Yarra's face. He leaned against one of the chairs, his expression mocking and smug. "Brother, I think it's already many hours. You should go put the children to bed." He spoke in an authoritative tone.

Ominis stiffened, he glanced at Yarra with an apologetic look, silently pleading with her to understand. The children, sensing the tension in the room, clung closer to her, confusion and fear in their wide eyes.
Yarra's heart thudded in her chest, her arms tightening around her children. She knew what was happening, and her anger flared at Marvolo's entitled attitude.
"I would like to put them to sleep, ... please." she looked at Marvolo pleadingly. "I... I'll come to you then."

Marvolo let out a soft, amused snort at Yarra's plea, his eyes narrowing as he leaned casually against the chair. He clearly enjoyed having this power over her, enjoying seeing her forced to plead with him.
"You'll come to me then, huh?" he repeated, his tone mocking. "Very well. Go put the children to bed. But don't keep me waiting. I'm not known for my patience."

Yarra bristled at Marvolo's tone, biting back a sharp retort. She wanted to tell him exactly what she thought of his behavior, but she swallowed her pride for the sake of the children. She nodded curtly, forcing a strained smile.
"Of course," she replied through gritted teeth. She looked down at the children, her expression softening. "Come on, little ones. Let mommy tuck you in."