𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

34

The next morning, Ezekiel’s older brother joined us for breakfast. He was the opposite of Ezekiel in every way—his aura intense, almost intimidating, with an air of mystery that felt as heavy as the tattoos covering his arms. The intricate designs, a tapestry of black ink woven across his skin, seemed to tell stories of battles fought and secrets kept. He was taller than Ezekiel, who stood at an impressive six feet two, but this man looked like he added at least two inches on top of that, with a larger, more muscular build. His presence filled the room, a silent force that commanded attention. Next to them, I felt like a dwarf, but both shared the same striking gray eyes, a distinctive trait that seemed to run in the Morganthe family.

Jade had told me once, half-jokingly, that Syndrilian men were giants, though she assured me they had warm personalities if you got to know them well. Beyond that, she’d kept quiet about Syndril, saying it would be more exciting if I experienced it all myself.

As we took our seats at the dining table, which was laid out with an extravagant breakfast spread fit for a king, Ezekiel’s brother turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “So, did my brother give you a headache yet?” he asked with a faint smirk.

I laughed, catching Ezekiel’s playful glare as I responded, “He did, at first.”

His brother, Eros, looked over at Ezekiel with a mock-serious expression. “Just let me know next time. I’ll tie him upside down from a tree for you if needed.”

I chuckled, playing along. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Laughter filled the room, the initial tension from meeting a new family member replaced by warmth and humor. Lady Morganthe—or Ava, as she insisted I call her—had been treating me like family since I arrived, and I was grateful for her easygoing nature. She’d practically claimed me for the day, barely letting Ezekiel near me.

“Akira, do you enjoy shopping?” she asked, leaning in with a sparkle in her eye.

I nodded, sensing her excitement. “I do, very much.”

“Oh, wonderful! Then you must come with me today,” she said, clapping her hands together. “Just the two of us. There’s so much I want to show you.”

“Mom, that’s not fair,” Ezekiel protested with a grin. “I was going to show her around and take her to meet Uncle Max at the palace.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “You can have her tomorrow, Ezekiel. Isn’t that right, dear?” She turned back to me, her smile warm and encouraging.

I smiled back, touched by her enthusiasm. “Yes, I’d love to go with you.”

“Perfect! Now, Ezekiel, you can stay home with your father and catch up,” she added with a satisfied grin. “Consider this your mother’s orders.”

With a resigned smile, Ezekiel simply shrugged. “Yes, ma’am.”

I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of belonging as we all laughed, falling into an easy rhythm around the breakfast table. It felt surreal but wonderful, like I’d stepped into a new world where every person welcomed me with open arms. The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of family, a comforting contrast to the initial apprehension I had felt upon arriving in Syndril.

Ava, with her infectious enthusiasm, had already taken me under her wing. Her energy was boundless, her spirit as vibrant as the colors of the Syndrilian flowers that adorned the estate. I could see why Ezekiel had been so eager for me to meet his family. They were a unique blend of strength, warmth, and humor, a testament to the rich tapestry of Syndrilian culture.

As we continued our breakfast, I couldn’t help but take in every detail of this new family I was beginning to call my own. The dining hall was a breathtaking display of Syndrilian elegance, a feast for the senses. Above us, a massive crystal chandelier hung like a constellation of stars, its myriad facets casting a warm, golden glow over the polished mahogany table below. The table itself was a masterpiece, its surface gleaming and reflecting the light, set with exquisite silverware that sparkled like jewels and fine china painted with delicate designs, each adorned with the Morganthe family crest—a proud emblem of Syndril’s rich legacy, embodying strength and heritage.