[50.6] Family Reunited!

As the night went on, the scene grew livelier. It was obvious that the bottomless drinks were causing an effect.

I let out a sigh and decided to go back to "base camp" to see if Cyrus or Zephyr had noticed anything. When I returned back to where they were, I was surprised to find Cyrus and Rebecca sitting on the floor sharing a bottle of sooju, that she had created, between them.

I blinked in confusion, "Uh… Where did Zephyr go?"

"Rebecca filled up her glass with the bottle of sooju and passed it over to Cyrus who did the same. She nodded towards the left of us, "He went to confront that princess."

I turned and saw him stomping over to Hazel.

Rebecca snickered, "He can't handle his liquor."

I panicked and ran after him, "Zephyr!!! Don't make a scene!"

He ignored me and pushed aside the men to stand directly in front of Hazel. He poked her chest trying to appear like a tough guy, but he was shorter than her so it was almost comical.

His canines flashed in the light, "You! You have the indecency to flirt right in front of me!? HUH!?"

Hazel was startled by his sudden approach, "Huh? What!? Zephyr-"

"You're trying to make me jealous aren't you!?"

She was confused, "Um. No, I-"

"-Just like back then!?"

"B-Back then? What are you talking about-"

"-So just who did the child belong to!? Hm?!"

An uncharacteristic blush covered Hazel's face and she started to pull Zephyr away, "Not here!"

I helped her escape by grinning at the two men, "P-Please help yourself to our dessert table. We have some really nice delicacies from the Northern territories."

They nodded at me and walked away without causing any problems. I didn't give them much thought and rushed after Hazel and Zephyr, suddenly worried there might be a murder at the reception.

Cyrus and Rebecca quickly scrambled after us, looking to indulge in the fun. The three of us followed Hazel and Zephyr to a balcony and stood just outside to listen.

Zephyr continued to spout out, "You trashy human! I see the views you have! You think we demons can just be used because we are so loyal!? Hm?! Admit it! You're just like the rest!"

Hazel sighed and faced Zephyr, "I didn't use you-"

"-Oh yeah!? Then why did I hear you had a child!? A CHILD!"

She pinched her brow, "Zephyr-"

"-It was with that snake of a man wasn't it!?"

She paused and gave him a warning look. Her voice was firm, "Zephyr."

He ignored her, "All of those stories about your handler were all lies! You loved him all along! I bet you two-"

"-IT WAS YOURS!"

He froze, "Huh…"

I gasped and quickly covered my mouth, "No way…"

Now it was Hazel's turn to be furious at Zephyr, "Why are you so shocked!?"

His face paled, "But we… We never…"

She rolled her eyes, "Don't you remember when the Great Fairy had a firework celebration for the new year and we snuck away?"

"B-B-But-"

"The night the Great Fairy caught you in my room?"

His face was slowly turning red, "T-That-"

She wasn't finished, "Or what about the night you boasted that you would be able to pin me down if you wanted?"

He let out an embarrassed squeal, "Stop bringing them up!!"

She smirked, "You never could, of course. But I would always let you-"

He covered her mouth in a panic, "STOP!"

She pulled his hands off and bent to his face with a threatening look, "It was your kid. How dare you say it wasn't."

Zephyr looked as if he was about to faint.

She realized she was getting angry and let out a sigh. She slowly pulled away, "Why do you think Cyrus and his ancestors have demon blood? It was because of you, you adorable fox."

Rebecca and I both looked at Cyrus.

I casually whispered to Cyrus, "You're related to Zephyr."

His expression darkened.

Zephyr was still confused, "H-How come I didn't know?"

Hazel straightened herself up, "When I found out, your brother also found out. That's why we were fighting that day on the mountain. I got angry and we-"

She paused, hesitating over her answer.

She spoke in a whisper, "Our fight got too out of control."

"Why… Why didn't you come to find me to explain?"

"After I was separated from you, I was told you were dead. I believed it too. I had no idea you were sealed away in the sealing stone until Reika released you."

He gulped, "So our child…"

"-It was a girl."

He looked at her nervously, "What... What happened to her?"

Hazel made a pained face that was so faint, it was as if she had a mask covering it, "I don't know. That man you call a snake took her. I died before I could even name her… But seeing as though Cyrus is here, I assume she lived."

Zephyr stumbled back in shock, "I-I had a daughter…"

Hazel looked at him in pity, "I'm sorry I hid my identity from you… I really thought that you would-"

Hazel's expression started to tremble. All that time spent with a mask on was suddenly crumbling before our eyes.

She couldn't finish her sentence and bowed her head, "I'm sorry."

She pushed past him and bumped into us on the way out. She looked genuinely surprised to see us, but when she saw Cyrus, her face turned to one of disgust.

She didn't explain and continued to walk down the hall.

I whispered to Cyrus, "I guess you take after Alora in terms of appearance."

His demeanor turned irritated, "Please stop. They aren't my parents-"

Zephyr stepped off the balcony looking like he was dealt a fatal blow, "I had… A kid…"

I went over to comfort him, "There, there."

His face was pale white, "I never knew… I never got to meet her…"

My heart felt like it was breaking

Ah…

In times like these, what can one say?

I know if it was me…

I would have always wanted someone to say-

I finished my thought aloud, "You would have been a great parent."

He sniffled and nodded to me in determination, "There's still time to make up for it."

I raised an eyebrow, "...Uh. What?"

Am I missing something?

Zephyr stepped over to Cyrus and placed his hands on his shoulder. He spoke in a mature voice, "I promise I will be more present in your life, my son."

Cyrus's expression darkened to the point of making one shiver. He ripped off Zephyr's hands, "Nope. Nope, nope. Nope. NO."

Zephyr placed his hands on his hips and smirked, "Ah! It's a shame that you didn't inherit my devilish charm, but now I can see how you resemble me."

As Zephyr rambled on, Cyrus was visibly growing more and more furious.

Can I blame him?

I snickered and covered my mouth, "Now I see how you two are related. You both have the same maturity level."

Cyrus looked at me stupefied while Zephyr puffed out his chest, "Ah! I should also give you a name! It's a tradition you know. Each parent gives a name that you can only give to a life partner."

Rebecca leaned over to Cyrus and cleared her throat, "Need something stronger?"

He handed over his glass, "Yes. Hurry."

I laughed and shook my head. I have Cyrus a pat on his chest, "Don't take it to heart."

"Ugh."

I skipped away once more, leaving Cyrus behind clutching his clothes that covered his curse mark.