Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 21: This is war

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The long-awaited thaw had arrived, and the world beyond their snug little haven unfurled in a symphony of renewal. The air carried the crispness of lingering winter, softened by the tender warmth of spring, each breath infused with the perfume of budding blossoms and the damp richness of freshly awakened earth. The trees wore their first whispers of green, tiny buds clinging to branches like shy promises of the beauty to come. Crocuses had emerged from the soil, their vivid petals unfurling like nature's declaration of hope, a burst of color against the still-muted tones of early spring.

For Eli, the transformation was nothing short of magic. Every flower, every blade of grass, every fluttering insect was a marvel, an adventure waiting to unfold. The garden had become his kingdom, a realm where he could fly, discover treasure, and grant wishes with the unbridled imagination only a child could possess.

Out in the sun-dappled garden, his laughter rang out like a melody, pure and infectious. He dashed across the grass, arms outstretched, his golden curls bouncing with each step. "I'm flying! Look, Dada!" he called out, spinning wildly in circles until he stumbled, giggling, into the soft embrace of the earth.

Leaning casually against a tree, Santiago watched with a smile so warm it seemed to rival the sunlight itself. "You're the fastest bird I've ever seen, mi amor," he called back, his hands clapping in playful applause.

Nearby, a few of the guards—who had long since become part of the family—watched over Eli with a mixture of affection and vigilance. Jonah knelt near a patch of daffodils, his large hands comically delicate as he pretended to search for treasure under Eli's enthusiastic orders.

"Captain Eli," Jonah said with mock gravity, holding up a daffodil like a prize, "I think we've found gold!"

Eli skidded to a stop, crouching beside Jonah with the dramatic flair of a seasoned explorer. He tapped his chin in thought, his expression a mimicry of his older brothers. "Hmm... Yes," he declared at last. "But it's not for us—it's for the bees!" He pointed earnestly at a bumblebee buzzing nearby, his enthusiasm so contagious that Jonah burst into laughter.

"you're right, as always,," Jonah replied with a playful salute, his grin as wide as the sky.

Across the garden, Edward stood watch over an impromptu game of tag, his protective gaze never straying far from Eli. Mason and Matthew had teamed up, their theatrical attempts to catch their younger brother turning the game into a comedy of exaggerated dives and dramatic collapses.

"You'll never catch me!" Eli shrieked between bursts of laughter, zigzagging unpredictably across the grass.

"Oh, we'll see about that!" Matthew shouted, making an exaggerated leap and landing purposely short. Mason, hot on Eli's heels, stumbled and fell with a groan worthy of an actor, clutching his chest as though he'd been struck.

"I've been defeated by the fastest kid alive!" Mason cried, flopping onto his back with exaggerated despair.

Eli slowed to a stop, his triumphant grin bright enough to rival the sun. "I'm the winner!" he declared, throwing his arms up. But then, his little heart tugged by Mason's performance, he ran back and gently patted Mason's shoulder. "It's okay, Mason. You're still good at being silly."

Santiago chuckled softly at the exchange, his heart swelling as he watched his son's boundless energy and endless capacity for kindness. From the patio, Grace sipped her tea, her smile radiant as she shared a quiet laugh with Damion, whose stoic demeanor had softened into a quiet joy as he watched the scene unfold.

Near the garden gate, Hannah stood vigilant, her sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. But even her composed demeanor melted when Eli bounded up to her, clutching a handful of dandelions with tiny, dirt-smudged fingers.