Page 38 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

As I pick out some clothes to wear, I think for a few moments of what it’s been like having my kids and their mother living here with me. It has only been two weeks since they first slept under my roof but there has already been an impact on my life and the way I’d normally do things around here. No longer did it feel lonely, roaming the halls at night or lounging by myself with a glass of zhisk.

In a way, it feels as though my sense of purpose has been restored. I never expected my life to take the twists and turns that it did, with the majority oftentimes leaving me frustrated and angry.

As for Cyra, I may not have gotten anywhere with her romantically. However, she has given me something that no one else has; two beautiful children, both of whom I truly love more than anything else. In a world full of misery, betrayal, and violence, they act as shining stars for me to follow and look to in times of need. Their company and laughter just seemed to make everything better, and I had two years worth of time to catch up with them.

They appear to have taken warmly to me from the very beginning. Not many people like me but I’m glad my own children do. Only yesterday, I had brought them out on their first fishing trip. Much fun was had, and Cyra was impressed at Kenji for catching his first caesin, even if it was only the size of his enclosed fist.

Once dressed, I leave my bedroom in deep thought of their mother. There still lingers tension between Cyra and I. By no means is it bad I feel nowhere safe enough to open up to her about everything I have been through. It feels as though with each passing day, she tries to pry something out of me, usually some obscure detail from my past.

Cyra is nowhere near ready to hear about my past, nor am I willing to tell it to anyone. I’m not a bad person for it, I’m just an elf filled with pain. Admittedly, all I contribute to her in the way of conversation is small talk and asking how the kids are doing when they’re with her. I don’t want that to change. I thought we were to be something special two and a half years ago but I was so wrong and got hurt in the aftermath. I can’t afford to put my heart on the line anymore.

I reach the kitchen doors. Drawing myself up, I clear my throat and push on through. To my surprise, only Cyra is seated at the table. She’s reading a book when she looks up, greeting me with a warm and beautiful smile.

“Good morning.”

“Where are the kids?” I ask.

“They’re still in bed. Each of them were up far past their normal bedtime last night so they’re exhausted.”

“I see. Well, I’ll get started on breakfast then. Are you hungry?”

I busy myself with the cooking of breakfast. Cooking is something I’ve been doing for them since they first moved in. I wanted to give Cyra a chance to get settled and make sure the kids are all good so I decided to take care of meals for the time being. Everyone usually likes what I cook and surprisingly, my children aren’t picky eaters.

I fry off some slices of dripir bacon and boil some gallus eggs, seasoning them well. When that’s done, I brew some kaffo, its strong, robust aroma already invigorating me. I cut a few slices of hard white cheese infused with berries before finally placing everything down at the breakfast table.

I take a seat across from Cyra. She eyes up the food like a hungry predator who hasn’t eaten a meal in days.

“Thank you, it smells great.”

“Dig in,” I say. I watch on, chuckling to myself as she tears into the food.

“It tastes so good,” she beams. “Where did you learn to cook like this?” she asks.

“Oh, it’s nothing really. I just read a few cookbooks when I started living by myself, no big deal to be honest.”

“To my knowledge, the majority of estates usually have a private chef working on them. Did you ever think of investing in one?”

I sip in a mouthful of kaffo before answering.

“I never really saw the need for one. I always had enough time to look after myself. Besides, I liked being here in my own company.”

“It’s also good that you can cook healthy food for the kids,” says Cyra. “I was usually busy most of the time to eat with them, but I found out the chefs on Nasthyn’s estate would just feed them whatever they wanted, and you know how kids can be.”

“They seem to like what I feed them.”

“Well that’s because you’re a good cook,” laughs Cyra. “Speaking of the kids, how have you been enjoying living with them?”

“I feel happy having them here. I missed out on being with them for two years and I wish for nothing more than to make up that lost time with them.”

Cyra’s eyebrows twitch the way they usually do when she thinks of a question, causing me to become anxious that it’ll be too personal.

“I’m sorry again about keeping them a secret for so long.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s in the past.”

“Two years…” she mutters. “That time really flew by quickly. I bever got the chance to ask you this but…”

Here we go.

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