Chapter 58
There was an uneasy silence lingering in the room. Everyone was once again staring at the youngest pureblood. The anticipation was evident. They were awaiting her reaction post the introduction of her mother.
But Aiyora hardly had any reaction to offer. She was still in the middle of processing the information Kaname had just force fed her.
These people are Her grandmother, uncle and... mother!
It all seemed too much to take in at once.
Aiyora's curious gaze fell on the figure that is supposed to be her mother. Their eyes locked. Her royal blue orbs clashed with her mother violet blue ones. Refusing to back down Aiyora only hardened her glare. However the staring contest between the mother and daughter only lasted few seconds. With her mother being the first to back out and tighten her grip on Kaname's shoulder.
When it was established that Aiyora wouldn't be the first to speak. The occupants in the room automatically turned their attention to Layla. Including Kaname, who craned his neck to look at her. In hopes of getting a reaction out of her. Just like her daughter, Layla also decided not to be the first one to break this thick awkward silence. Instead she focused on Kaname by smiling down at him in a flirtatious manner.
That reaction earned Layla a disappointed glare from her mother. In spite of keeping that neutral face on the outside, Hanadagi Min-Unra was furious. She was literally having to use all the strength from not charging at her insolent daughter to give her a tight slap across the face. She always knew her youngest child was brainless, but to this extent... seriously?!
Wordlessly Aiyora turned to her grandmother.
Considering how her mother was acting, the young pureblood knew it would be foolish to expect something from her grandmother. However, this time she was proven wrong!
Sensing Aiyora's stare her grandmother immediately turned and flashed her a warm smile; before scooting closer to pull her into a loving embrace.
"Forgive me for not doing this sooner, Kaname-san's unexpected visit has taken us all by surprise." It was her grandmother's voice tore down the silence and made the dense air in the room once more breathable.
Aiyora felt herself relaxing into the woman's arms. Her grandmother's aura made her feel warm and welcome. There was a motherly touch to it, something that her own mother lacked.
"You must be starving my dear... I've prepared tomato soup, would you like try some?"
Aiyora cocked her head to the side, as a means to give her response. Making her grandmother turn to her daughter and give the order.
"Layla, go into the kitchen and fetch a bowl of soup for Aiyora."
Ignoring her mother's instruction Layla turned her attention to Kaname and asked if he also wanted a bowl for himself. It was after the brunette assured her that he was fine that she left for the kitchen.
Once Layla exited the room, her mother and brother shared an odd glance. Both of them were a bit confused as to what was going on...? Why was she suddenly acting like the young teen who was faced with man she has a crush on. But before either of them could come up with a solution to the problem in hand, Layla returned with a bowl of steaming hot Tomato soup.
"You may bring it here, I'll feed her." Kaname offered.
Layla looked at her mother for approval. The older woman nodded her head signalling her daughter to follow through the male Kuran's wish.
It was only after receiving her mother's permission the young Hanadagi female proceeded in Kaname's direction. But halfway through she stumbled and ended up spilling the soup on Kaname.
Everyone in the room had a reaction on their face. Except for Kaname, who managed to keep up his expressionless face despite having steaming hot liquid poured on him. While the two older pureblood had their eyes go wide, Aiyora and her mother audibly gasped.
"I'm sorry, so sorry!"
Almost pushing aside her daughter who was getting closer to check on the man to see how badly he got burned; Layla pounced on Kaname. She grabbed the nearby blanket and dabbed on his chest to dry up the hot liquid soaking his shirt.
"I'm so sorry! Really sorry!" She apologized repeatedly. Kaname tried to reassure her multiple times that he was fine, but she wouldn't listen.
Pretty quickly the situation went from awkward to volatile. Everyone was now looking at the young Hanadagi female and whatever her desperate attempts were supposed to represent.
"Please come with me, I'll help you clean up." She left the bed and attempted to pull Kaname up.
"Reira calm down!" Her brother's words passed through one ear and out of the other.
"Layla!" But then when her mother called, the aforementioned female immediately stopped.
"You tend to your daughter, Takumi will take care of Kaname-san. Takumi," She turned to her son and ordered. "...Show our guests to the bathroom and provide him with a fresh robe. I'll send the maid to wash his clothing and get them to dry."
"Understood mother, please come with me Kaname-san."
The brunette was about to follow the blonde man but before he could leave the bed a small hand tugged onto his shirt and stopped him.
He turned to the person with a questioning person.
"I'll come with you." Aiyora made her point clear. "I don't feel comfortable here by myself."
"Fine. Follow m—" Kaname's response was cut off by Aiyora's mother.
"He will be in the bathroom, bathing!" Layla pointed out, in a voice that is considered louder than normal. While at the same time glaring at her daughter in hopes that her strict look would knock some sense into the little one's head.
However, it had the complete opposite effect.
"So...?" Aiyora turned to mother, now fully focused.
Layla took a step back and swallowed. In that moment all she could sense in her daughter's aura was her father. Aiyora was truly that man's daughter. But young Hanadagi refused to be put down by her own child!
So mastering her courage she stated her reasoning.
"It's considered highly improper and inappropriate."
Aiyora arched a brow at that statement. Moments later faced Kaname and exclaimed.
"Is she for real?!"
Kaname on the other hand refrained from commenting. In all honesty he had no desire to get himself dragged into the mother-daughter's childish quarrel. But deep down he was hoping for Layla to take her words back. This isn't the time to act motherly with Aiyora and lecture her. Because currently the little one's temper is like the ticking time-bomb which would go off any moment.
"Do you honestly plan to lecture me on what's considered improper when you," Aiyora pointed a finger at her mother's cleavage in an offensive manner. "...have more than half of your breast uncovered and was proudly shoving them onto his face." The same finger flipped, now pointed at Kaname.
Layla's eye went wide and mouth parted in disbelief. Offended, she glared harder at her daughter. But that seemed to have absolutely no effect on her daughter.
"You've grown up to be quite insolent. Have you not been educated on how to speak to your elders?—"
"Layla!"
The young mother-daughter's catfight would have further escalated if not for the grandmother's interference.
"If Aiyora feels comfortable to remain in Kaname-san's presence then it's best we let her be."
Then turning to her son she orders. "Takumi, please show our guests to the bathroom."
It was after their exit that the matriarch for the Hanadagi clan refocuses on her daughter.
"First try to build a connection with your child before you decide to act like a mother. Am I understood...?"
"...Yes mother." Layla replied swallowing her pride. Her hands fisting on the sides.
It wasn't Min-Unra intention to humiliate her daughter in front of her granddaughter. But currently Layla is in no position to discipline Aiyora. Not yet! First they have to warm up to the child, make her feel at ease before acting as the dutiful elder.
Aiyora turned the other way and faced the sink to give the brunette some privacy when he stepped out of the shower.
"Are you going to stay with me here the entire time?"
She looked down to avoid seeing him in the mirror while he changed in the background.
"No, I have to step out at one point."
"You're going back to the academy...?" Her eyebrows drew close.
"The council actually. But after that, I plan to drop by at the academy to see where things are standing. Once the situation is better there I'll come back to retrieve you."
"What are you going to the council for? What business do you have there at this time?" Aiyora totally tuned out whatever he said after she heard 'The council'.
Kaname slipped into the silk black robe and tied the belt around his waist. Then walked over to Aiyora and turned her around to face him.
"... I already told you what I'm planning to do with those corrupted politicians." He reminded, speaking in an exceptionally low voice.
Aiyora's mind travelled back to the conversation they had back at the villa during their vacation.
"But now!" She exclaimed, becoming restless remembering what his intentions are. "Can't I wait till the fiasco at the academy is taken care off?"
Kaname took her chin between his fingers, leaned in slightly and asked. "Aiyora, do you trust me?"
"No I don't!" She snapped. "But at the given moment I have no other option either. So yeah..."
"Unfortunately Aiyora, it would be unwise of me to wait. I can understand you don't approve of what I'm going to do. But believe me, this is the only way."
Her blue orbs poured into his burgundy ones. His gaze remained determined. Showing her there is no way he will back out of it.
A proportionately long moment had passed but neither dared to break the eye contact, which by the way had gotten quite intense by now. At some point in that moment Aiyora parted her mouth, a syllable was just about to come out.
Kaname came to the conclusion she was going to say something—
But just then, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Aiyora dearest...?" Came the voice of her grandmother from the other side of the door. "...Has Kuran-san finished his bath?"
"Yes, he is done." Aiyora yelled out her reply. "We will be coming out soon."
"No need to rush dearest. I simply wanted to inform you both that dinner is served."
"Alright, we will be out soon."
Thus, what she was going to say was left unsaid. And what he was supposed to hear was left unheard.
The Kurans followed the maid that came to fetch them. They walked along an empty corridor before reaching the stairs that led them to the main floor and to the right was the dining room.
Unsurprisingly, the three Hanadagis were already waiting for them. The maid led the guests to their seats and pulled the chairs out for them. Naturally Kaname was offered the seat at the other end of the table, facing Min-Unra who was occupying the head of family chair. Aiyora on the other hand was offered the seat next to her grandmother, facing her own mother who was sitting beside her brother.
The members of Hanadagi clan shared a look amongst each other when Kaname abandoned the offered prestigious seat and instead followed Aiyora. He waited till she sat down to push the chair inside before sitting down on the chair next to her.
.
.
.
The situation at the dinner table was as expected... awkward.
Actually it was the case between Aiyora and her mother. On the flip side her grandmother, uncle and Kaname have been engaged in a conversation for sometime now. The topic of their discussion was the era when the vampire race was controlled by the monarchy.
Aiyora hardly paid attention to what her grandmother was saying, but from the tone of her voice it was pretty much clear that she was pro-monarchy. Which explains why the woman was trying her best to convince Kaname to over-through the council and take over.
Aiyora wondered if this was a bizarre coincidence or has she somehow snooped in on their conversation earlier. Whatever it maybe, Aiyora wanted no part of it.
"...Kaname-san did you know that your grandfather actually never intended to abolish the monarchy?"
"Pardon me, but I have never heard anything like that. On the contrary, I was told my grandfather created the vampire council because he was against the idea of the monarchy having absolute control."
The Hanadagi matriarch smirked.
"That was what he made it seem on the outside. But on the inside it was a whole different story, which had a lot to do with his first born being unable to succeed him. However, he was determined to hide it, especially from his family. To be honest we wouldn't have known either, if he wouldn't have slipped up one night."
Unintentionally Aiyora ended up joining the conversation.
"So what you are saying only suggests that was daddy grandfather's favourite son?"
"You call him 'daddy' now?" It wasn't her grandmother; but her mother who had asked.
"Is there a problem if I refer to him that way?!" Aiyora retorted, not hiding her irritation for being abruptly interrupted with such a random and irrelevant question.
"No, it just that as a child you used to call him 'Papi'. That's all."
"I'm not that child anymore, am I?"
"No..." Layla said biting the inside of her mouth "...you certainly grew up."
Ignoring her mother's comment Aiyora turned to her grandmother who was waiting with her reply.
"You're saying Min-Unra- sama..."
"You don't have to address me so formally, I'm your grandmother, I would appreciate if you address me as intimately as you have decided to address your father."
"I could call you grandma..." The suggestion slipped instantly.
"I would love that. And to answer your previous question, your father was the apple of your grandfather's eye. Many believes he never loved anyone as much as he loved your father. Although it probably has also to do with the factor that for the longest time Kuran Rido was his only child. The other two came after a long time. Plus they were closer to their mother."
"Daddy wasn't close to his mother?" Aiyora asked innocently. Not realizing the tale is about to get much more complex.
Her grandmother quieted down and made eye contact with Kaname as if to silently ask for his permission to proceed forward. But Kaname held on to his stoic expression and pretended to be confused.
"Seems like you don't know about it either Kaname-san. Well, that doesn't surprise me, after all I doubt Kuran Haruka or his sister knew anything. You see Aiyora... your father and his siblings don't have the same mother."
The information shocked everyone at the dinner table. But the only one that managed to hold up the unaffected face was Kaname.
"What do you mean?" It was her son Takumi that asked. "Wasn't the last king married to his twin?"
"He was, but for some odd reason his first born came from their youngest sister Marika, who also mysteriously died after giving birth. Some say she was killed. While others present multiple theory that suggests her siblings devoured her."
"Did you ever meet Marika-san?" Aiyora asked and her grandmother confirmed with nod of her head.
"How was she?"
"She was highly intelligent. In fact the most intelligent one out of the three. Unlike her older sister Marika knew her way with words and had the ability to connect with people. On top of that she was also a gifted storyteller aside from being a pathological liar..."
While Min-Unra continued to describe the traits of Rido's birth mother, Kaname found himself gazing at Aiyora from the corner of his eyes. Now he knows how she is so good at connecting with others. It was in her gene all along. Just like her paternal grandmother, Aiyora too knows her way with words. She won the hearts of many noble families by bashing the previous generation Kuran members in her introductory speech at the Aidou family's soirée. Then earned the ultimate respect of his pawns with her departing speech.
Now Kaname is more than sure that the best thing he can do for Yuuki is have her stay back at the academy. To be honest he wasn't planning on taking her with them to begin with. Although initially it was for his own interest but now also for her betterment. With Aiyora's growing popularity amongst the aristocrat it will only become difficult for Yuuki to stay afloat.
The exchange between the grandmother and granddaughter pulled him out of his chain of thoughts and the brunette refocused on the on going conversation at the table once more.
"...All these traits combined together, made her a very intriguing character."
"So... did she have an affair with grandfather? Is that how daddy was born?"
Aiyora asked, curiosity seeping through her voice. Only to have her grandmother cup her face.
"My dear, I wish I had that answer. However, there are plenty of gossips among the ladies of the noble families. Some say to seek revenge on her sister Marika seduced her brother. Others argue that her brother suddenly became obsessed with Marika and that obsession resulted in rape.
But the servants tell a different tale. Their version happens to be most fascinating. They would say— Marika was in love with a lower ranked vampire. A factor that didn't sit well with her family members. Therefore her mother and brother devised a plan, in which they erased Marika's memory off of the man she loved and replaced it with her brother. Thus begun the affair that resulted in the birth of your father.
However don't dwell on them, as these are only theories. None of it has been proven to be true."
"...I see..." Aiyora withdrew from the conversation completely.
As the conversation in the background shifted to another topic Aiyora looked down at her plate, lost and distracted. Her heart broke for her paternal grandmother, Kuran Marika. Although it still remains unknown what exactly happened with her and how she became pregnant. But if Aiyora knows her family and it's members, chances are it's the last one out of the three given scenarios— Marika was made to forget the man she loved and manipulated to carry on an affair with her brother and give birth to his child.
How cruel!
Unbeknownst to the young Kuran a person at the table was observing her. And it wasn't who she expected it to be.
From at a distance, hidden in secluded corner Layla watched her daughter; as she and her companion occupied one of the couches in the small living room of their cottage.
The two were cuddling. With Aiyora absently drawing patterns onto Kaname's chest that peeked out from behind the robe he had on. Whilst he kept playing with her hair and occasionally kiss the crown of her head and forehead.
Layla wasn't sure what to make out of their relationship. It was common knowledge that they were previously engaged and that engagement broke for some reason few years later. So why on earth are the two of them acting like a couple?
The young Hanadagi was counting; from the time she started watching till now— Kuran Kaname placed had at least twenty kisses on her daughter. Ten of which were over the head and the remaining ten were evenly distributed between the forehead, temple, cheek and one of her hand and it's fingers, that he was currently playing with.
The set of violet blue orbs narrowed down.
How can two people who were once betrothed share such weird intimacy...? It was beyond the young Hanadagi female's brain's capacity to understand. Simultaneously she also tries to contemplate if her daughter knew the original identity of the man, on whom she was sprawled over so carelessly...?
Personally Layla herself would have never known, if Kuran Rido wouldn't have blabbered about having the strongest monster in their race as his servant, every time he was drunk. Now that she knew, her motherly instincts couldn't help but worry. After all Aiyora is her flesh and blood, the child she carried in her womb for four years, ten months and twenty-three days to be exact. And brought into this world after thirty-six hours of was difficult labour.
Tearing away the gaze from her child, the mother observed the male vampire, as he watched her kid.
As a fellow pureblood and a woman she could see through his struggle, the struggle to hold himself back and not hurt Aiyora.
To Layla the fact was clear as water— Kuran Kaname was overwhelmed and drowning in his own feelings. She saw it through the moment he stepped onto their threshold with Aiyora in his arms. Then the time he stayed by her side when she slept. And the way he watched her at dinner table... and now!
This observation gave Layla the confirmation she was looking for— whatever relationship the Kuran ancestor has with her daughter, she as a mother cannot and should not approve of it. According to her, Aiyora should be romantically involved with someone of her age, who'd understand her and see the world through her eyes. Not this senior citizen who doesn't even belong in this era!
"You're leaving now?"
Aiyora pouted childishly as she helped Kaname slip into his overcoat.
The male Kuran sighed, unable to understand why she was asking when she already knew the answer to.
"Why are you asking when you already know the answer?" He expressed his thought verbally.
"Maybe in hopes that you would have a change of heart and take me with you." She cheekily suggested batting her set of dark voluminous lashes.
Then looked to her left and right childishly just to check if anyone was around, before whispering to him.
"You see... I don't feel comfortable staying here by myself. Why do you think I decided to cling to you like a glue and didn't even give you privacy to shower in peace...?"
Kaname rested a hand over her head as a gesture to comfort her. While at the same time hoping that she would understand his difficulty. Taking her to the council is an impossible scenario. It's far too dangerous.
"I can understand you and your mother are having a difficult time getting along. But unfortunately, right now this is the safest place for you to remain. And I'm sorry, for I cannot take you to the council Aiyora. As I don't know for sure what I would face there myself. ...I certainly hope you will understand."
His words invited in the signature uncomfortable silence.
Aiyora understood and respected his concern, but...
"Kaname..." She muttered his name looking down, a shadow cast over her face covering her eyes.
"...promise me, that no matter what happens you will return to me in one piece."
The expressionless facade dropped from Kaname's face. Now it was his turn to have his eyes go wide. He felt his heart racing, like it was trying to break out of the ribcage. Those words out of her mouth... he really didn't see it coming.
"I don't care what you do there, as long as you come back alive. I had to let Ri-chan go, soon daddy will be gone as well... I CAN'T LOSE YOU TOO KANA—!"
Her words get swallowed because the person she was speaking to could no longer hold himself back and ended up capturing her lips in a bruising kiss.
The look in her eyes, the passion laced within her voice and desire shrouding her aura evoked a feeling inside him, it was the feeling that made his lost and lonely soul burn with an unquenchable hunger.
Other than their racing heartbeat, the only other source of noise in that otherwise silent room came from their sighs and moans.
Before he could even contemplate this development, one of his hand was already firmly buried into the her hair while the other was snaking around her waist pulling her close... securing her.
The kiss deepened from both sides and soon Aiyora felt Kaname's fangs trace her elongated fangs. The same set of fangs that seconds later accidentally pierced his bottom lip. The addition of blood only added more fuel to fire that was already burning them alive.
From a safe distance the two Hanadagi females watched the scene play out.
While one remained calm, the other had a horrified expression on her face. The latter being Layla. She actually tried to rush to the scene with the intent to intervene the moment Kuran Kaname started to kiss her daughter. But before she could even take the first step her mother caught hold of her arm and sealed off their presence, so that pair engaged in passionate lip-lock doesn't sense them.
"Just watch!"
"But—" Layla looked at her mother in disgust.
Sadly it hardly had any affect.
"Do exactly as I say!"
Unfortunately, in that moment Layla had no other choice but to obey to her mother. Trying to fight the latter wouldn't only be a losing proposition and but also suicidal. Considering she barely knows how put her powers and abilities to work.
All her life Layla was taught how to be as beautiful and charming as her deceased older sister. This was the only form of teaching and training she received. No other form of education was ever provided to her, nor was any effort put into discovering her powers and abilities.
Then, one fine evening her eldest brother decided to sell her off to Kuran Rido, so that they do not have to return the big sum they borrowed from him.
Without breaking the kiss Kaname had backed them against the wall, with Aiyora now trapped between his body and the wall behind.
Be it falling in love with her or tolerating her presence and the sweet tortures that comes with it, neither had been easy for this ancestor. And yet, both had become as fundamental and essential to him as breathing.
It was probably what gave him the strength to stop and pull back. He looked at her for a moment before bringing her into his chest and burying his face over her head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." Kaname apologized, he sounded so vulnerable that it genuinely surprised Aiyora.
"...but I couldn't help myself. What a face you made, just now and a moment ago."
Aiyora wasn't sure what he was talking about but felt heat rush up to her cheeks, coating them a beautiful shade of pink. And what he said next only deepened that shade.
"Aiyora... please don't gaze at me that way again. A gaze like that is an invitation that no vampire can resist."
She closed her eyes to enjoy the warmth of his arms. In this unknown place, it was his scent and his warmth that reminded her of home.
Wow! Desperate times do call for desperate measures. Aiyora chuckled in her mind at the irony.
The sound of someone clearing their throat made the two Kuran pull apart. Aiyora was the first to turn towards its source, followed by Kaname and found her grandmother and mother at the door.
"I hope I haven't interrupted a special moment."
"No grandma, Kaname was just leaving."
Aiyora walked towards them, with Kaname following her trail. A detail that didn't escape Min-Unra's keen observation. The relationship between the two Kuran has been intriguing her since their arrival and has still managed to keep her interest captive. As she is yet to find out what their closeness really means.
"I shall take my leave now, but will return soon. Until then..." he took hold of Aiyora's hand, gave it a long kiss before entrusting her to her grandmother. "... I suppose you will keep her safe...?"
"You need not worry about that Kaname-san. Aiyora's safety is guaranteed here. She is as much of a Hanadagi as she is a Kuran. As long as I live, nothing can hurt my granddaughter; not even you." The woman's gaze suddenly changed. It became evident that she was challenging him.
Kaname smirked, detecting the underlying threat.
Aiyora turned to her grandmother, a little taken aback. While her mother looked at Kaname in the same fashion.
"Well that makes me feel relieved. Now I know, I made the right decision by bringing her here." Kaname responded with a cold smile. His dark gaze openly challenging the woman back.
But that gaze changed, instantly it became warm and tender when Aiyora touched his arm and brought his attention to her.
"Goodbye—" He was about to bid her farewell.
But she corrected his phrase. "See you soon."
With a smile he repeated, cupping her face.
"You're right, see you soon."
And then his body dispersed into hundreds of small black bats that flew out of the window.
The three ladies watched the bats fly off in silence. Although Aiyora wasn't quite fond of the absolute silence, but at the moment, that was exactly what she wanted. And just like how most of her wishes don't come true, this one didn't either...
"What is your relationship with Kuran Kaname?"
It was her mother who asked. Even though it sounded more like she was demanding.
"Are you his lover?!"
Initially the female Kuran turned to her mother with an ice cold glare. Not appreciating the way she was being charged. At the same time was also surprised by the woman's audacity. Birth mother or not, this lady hardly knew Aiyora, but here she was acting as if she has always been a part of her life.
"Mistress...?"
Therefore the feeling of outrage prompted Aiyora to come up with the most befitting yet sarcastic reply possible.
"Actually... we have a son together, his name is Rido!"
With Kaname gone, Aiyora was left in the care of her maternal relatives.
At the beginning, right after Kaname's departure, there was tension between the young mother-daughter. Aiyora didn't appreciate the way her mother charged her, similarly Layla didn't appreciate the way her daughter responded to her. But that eased to some extent when Aiyora's grandmother stepped in and broke the ice by offering her granddaughter a tour of their residence.
Although Min-Unra would have preferred to spend this time alone with her granddaughter but her own daughter refused to leave their trail. Of course she could have ordered Layla to stay back but Min-Unra wasn't so foolish to take the risk of creating a scene in front of Aiyora. Despite being their own flesh and blood, the girl was yet to be familiar with them.
Henceforth, it would be unwise to make a bad impression; especially considering how her idiotic mother has been acting consistently.
"Now that we're done with the house, allow me to show you our garden."
"Sure."
Min-Unra led her granddaughter out into the garden. It immediately caught the former's attention that the latter was admiring the flowers. It became clear that Aiyora was far more impressed by the garden than she was by the house.
"You seem to like it out here more, dearest."The Hanadagi matriarch tactfully pointed out.
"Yes, your garden is very beautiful. I admire your collection of flowers. But that house though... doesn't suit my taste it's too small, simple and plain. With no touch of luxury in it."
"What can you expect from people who are living lives of fugitive." Layla cut into the conversation.
Looking over at her mother Aiyora responded haughtily. "Simple... just don't be a fugitive."
"You!"
"Silence Layla!"
"Sorry if my response have offended you grandma. It's just that I prefer to be honest and frank... unlike the other Kurans."
"Oh no Aiyora dearest, you haven't offended me at all. If anything I admire your haughty nature, your expensive taste, your smile and your free spirit. They remind me of Maya... my first born."
Layla closed her eyes and looked away. A dull ache washing over her heart. This Maya obsession has gotten to a sickening point. All these years they tried to recreate a Maya out of her and now, they've moved on to her daughter.
It didn't escape Aiyora's attention how her mother reacted when her grandmother mentioned the deceased daughter. It was the first time Aiyora found a way to link herself to her mother.
"I'm sorry about your loss grandma. I heard a lot about aunt Maya from Hiragazawa."
"I see you've met your cousin."
"Actually we work together in the showbiz. He's been my photographer for a while now."
"Oh how wonderful! Our scattered family is gradually reuniting. Oh how I wish my belovedhusband was around to see this happen."
The way Min-Unra said "my beloved husband" also caught Aiyora's attention. It gave her the strong feeling that the woman actually meant the opposite.
You're quite the interesting one grandma.
"So my dear, now tell us a little about yourself. Give us the chance to get to know you better." Min-Unra may have went around with her words but just like her daughter, she too was eager to know about her granddaughter's relationship with the Kuran ancestor.
Aiyora wasn't a fool either. She already knew in which direction her grandmother would turn. So she opened up, but skipped the Kuran ancestor's chapter on purpose.
She started with her earliest memory at the Kuran manor. Told them about the times she spent playing with her cousin Yuuki. How she was adored by her uncle and aunt— Haruka and Juuri.
Then moved onto her favourite part of her childhood— life at the Shiki residence. Fondly recalling the times spent with Senri. And to rub salt on her mother's wounded pride Aiyora went into details about her bizarre relationship with her father's long time mistress, Shiki Midori. The tips and advices she received from the former actress and everything that she had learned from watching her movies.
"... people say a girl gets all her good looks from her mother. I would argue that in my case it's slightly different. Of course I got my beauty genes from the two of you and perhaps aunt Maya. But Midori-san and her team of professionals taught me how I can further elevate my appearance and bring out the ultimate glamour."
"This glamorous appearance must attract a lot of admirers. Tell me about those men?"
Aiyora cursed herself in her mind after realizing that she just paved the way for her grandmother to go into the very topic she was trying to avoid all along.
However, who said she couldn't try and evade it for one last time.
"Hiragazawa has mentioned multiple time that he would like he like to show me the world of pleasure once I come off age."
"I'm surprised he never expressed his desire to marry you."
"He would have, but sadly he doesn't believe in the concept of marriage. He thinks it's wrong to tie down two people together."
"Oh... so his personality has really deteriorated." The older pureblood mused.
"Depends on how you look at it." Aiyora added. "Personally I don't find anything wrong with his ideology."
"What about other admirers?" Her grandmother was quick to change the topic.
"There are many aristocrats that became boldly flirtatious ever since my status changed from being engaged to single."
"What about purebloods? No admirer from our rank?"
"The psychotic clown from the Toma clan almost killed me once, because I turned down his marriage proposal."
"Then what happened? How did you make it out alive?" The question in panicked voice came from Aiyora's mother.
It was the first time Aiyora looked at her mother with soft gaze.
"Apparently I was rescued by Kaname. It's what I have been told after I regained consciousness." Aiyora replied, desperately hoping the topic wouldn't go any further.
But her hopes were crushed as the next question out of her grandmother's mouth was about the aforementioned male.
"And what of the Kuran prince? Where does his heart belong?"
Aiyora took a deep breath and prepared herself. She took notice of how cautiously her grandmother was observing her.
A smile crept up to older woman's lips as heat spread across Aiyora's cheeks.
"I do not know where his heart truly belongs... yet. However..." She muttered softly, allowing her blush to deepen. "...a part of my heart already belongs to him."
The curious smile on her grandmother's face transformed into a pleased one. The smile on Aiyora's face also took after her grandmother while her mother was left behind confused and disappointed.
There are times when silence speaks louder than words, they narrate a tale and brings out the truth that people tries so hard to suppress.
Aiyora understood it was the situation with her mother. Her mouth may have remained shut but those eyes have been trying to reach out to her daughter for quite sometime now. Perhaps there was a lot she wanted to say...
For the longest time Aiyora felt grave anger boil up her blood every time she thought of her birth mother. Back then, she blamed her mother for taking away from her home and placing her at the hands of Kuran Juuri.
But now, after meeting her all these years later Aiyora understands her mother a little better. The latter was helpless (still is) and did what she believed was in the best interest of her daughter. How was she supposed to know that Kuran Juuri had ulterior motives?! It would be unfair to blame a naive, inexperienced young woman for not seeing through that vile witch.
Distracted, Aiyora closed in on the gap between her and her mother.
"Oh Aiyora!" Layla jumped on the spot with fright and dropped the basket of apple she was about to put over the kitchen countertop.
"Forgive me, I didn't feel your presence."
"You weren't supposed to, I had them concealed. I was planning on watching you without interruption." Aiyora admitted, as she crouch down to help her mother collect the apples from the floor.
"What are these apples for?"
"Um... I picked them from the orchard. Thought I would make some apple juice for you."
"Apple juice for me!" Aiyora raised her brow amused.
Layla blushed, not sure what to make out of that look. "As a child you used to love it." She stated nervously.
"Just so you know I'm not very fond apples. In fact I despise them."
The hope washed away from Layla's face leaving her with a look of embarrassment. And right away Aiyora regretted being so blunt. The woman was trying and should be given some points for that.
So she quickly changed her statement.
"But tonight I plan to make an exception just for you. Please make that apple juice for me."
The excited gleam returned to those violet-blue eyes once more.
"Just give me five minute. I'll have your juice ready."
Aiyora watched her mother prepare all the ingredients. Suddenly her heart felt warm.
It took Layla less than five minutes to prepare and serve the juice to her daughter. Aiyora took a small. It wasn't anything extraordinary yet there was an ingredient that made her unable to spit it out. And that ingredient was Love!
"It's tastes good, different than normal apple juices I've had before."
"Is that so...? But I didn't actually add anything." Layla said embarrassed.
"You did! You made it with love. That's why it tastes different, it tastes so good. Thank you Reira nee-san."
Bewildered, Layla blinked her eyes. Did she hear that correctly? Did her daughter actually address her as big sister?! Still she had to confirm.
"What did you call me?"
As if reading her mind Aiyora responded.
"I don't have enough time to go into details but know this much that I bear particular hatred towards the term 'mother'. And if I address you as that, chances are we will never really connect. Besides you haven't exactly been a mother to me. Actually no one has!"
Aiyora took hold of her mother's hand and brought it to her heart.
"...So why not have a fresh start as sisters and discover each other."
Layla found herself at loss of words. She was confused. Her daughter wants to be her sister...? How does that make any sense?
"Another thing Reira nee-san... whether you forgive Kuran Rido or not that's up to you. But I want you to know that whatever has happened resulting to my birth wasn't his fault alone. The Hanadagi family has their fair share."
"Why are you bringing all these up now?!"
Instead of giving the reply her mother was expecting Aiyora went ahead and finished that apple juice in one long sip.
"He wasn't born a monster. He was turned into one." Aiyora said putting the glass back on the counter and pulling her mother in for a hug.
"Do you know what his problem has been all along...? He has too much of passion and love in him. And the others around him didn't know how to make good use of it."
"Aiyora..."
"He doesn't deserve the ending Kaname has set up for him." She hugged her mother tightly.
"What are you saying?" Layla tried to pull back and have a good look at her child to see if she was okay.
"Kaname has almost reached the council. It's time I take my leave."
The set of violet-blue eyes went wide.
"Take your leave? Don't tell me you're going back to the academy!"
"I have to..." Aiyora said calmly. The warmth of her face was suddenly replaced by cold. Which made her mother all the more confused.
"You see, it was never my intention hide here like a coward and do nothing when my father gets taken down by a hunter. I was simply buying time to get Kaname out of my way. And, now that he has stepped into the council's premises he can't turn back to stop me."
Layla grasped Aiyora's hand and exclaimed. "I won't let you go! It's too dangerous there."
"You know why I'm sharing this with you...? Because you won't be able to stop."
"You're right I may not have too much knowledgeable on my abilities like you, but don't underestimate your grandmother."
The young Kuran flashed a twisted smile and revealed.
"Oh no! I definitely didn't underestimate her. Rather, she underestimated me big time. She took me for a pretty little thing who only knows how to look glamorous and seduce the Kuran prince.
...You see, I actually dealt with her before coming to you."
The blood in her veins ran cold as the look of horror took over her face.
"What did you do?! What did you do to my mother!" Layla demanded.
"Relax! She's fine and will be spending the next couple of hours with her firstborn child in the dreamland."
"How did you...?"
Aiyora pulled back the hand from her mother's grasp and spoke checking to see if it was bruised.
"She got distracted and let her guard down while trying to dig out dirt on Kaname. I simply seized the opportunity."
The Hanadagi pureblood found herself in a state of disbelief. She debated between being impressed and frightened. Her daughter managed to knock out her cunning mother!
"Anyway, I must get going. If I make it out alive, we'll hopefully reconnect... bye!"
Aiyora waved her hand and in seconds her body disintegrated into hundreds of snakes and slithered away.
A.N Thank you all for reading. This was a special chapter that ventures into Aiyora's maternal side of the family. They are not super important but they'll pop up every now and then. In canon the Hanadagi family didn't play a vital role but here in my story it's going to be slightly different.
Another thing to keep in mind, Aiyora's grandmother Min-Unra (of course I added the name) is from canon. She's the lady that appears at the end (ch 89) and colludes with other pureblood and plans to kill Kaname.
Also, if anyone was confused as to why Aiyora was clinging to Kaname so much. Here's the explanation— she woke up to find herself surrounded by 3 unknown pureblood vampire. Even after finding out who they were she couldn't just bring herself to relax around them initially, as she isn't familiar with them at all. It's a lesson she learned from her date with the Toma heir. However, you can see it changes towards the end of the chapter. Maybe in future chapters it will change for better.
...
Reply to guestwithreviews: Well Yuuki basically woke up into a mess. For her own best interest she should have taken Aiyora and reminded in her safe happy cave. But you're right there is no way Yuuki can learn everything in a day. She will need time. And Kaname is not exactly finding the time or chance to have the talk with Yuuki where he can set things straight. One thing after another is coming up for him. However, if you noticed in the previous chapter (ch56) at the scene where Yuuki wakes up to find Kaname, there he hints her that he has no intention of taking her with him once the battle at the academy ends. As this academy is her home. Whereas in canon he asks Yuuki to come with him.
Now moving onto Aiyora— I think the idea behind her speech was both. She genuinely cares for the aristocrats which has been established but she's also adding fuel to the fire. Although she doesn't express it but at the back of her mind she is worried about Yuuki coming into the picture. Therefore Aiyora is trying to build stronger foundation for herself so that in the future Yuuki can't kick her off and take her position.
Aiyora and curves I don't think that would happen. She will mostly remain bone skinny flat chested. (Remember how Zero described her, Aiyora has the face to die for, but body wise she's like a little boy. But with longer legs.)