Family Reunion

Leon walked alongside his mother and Aliya, their footsteps echoing through the grand corridors as they made their way to the main hall. His mother walked with her head held high, her horns gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the tall windows. Her tail swayed gracefully behind her, a subtle reminder of her dragon heritage. Aliya clung to Leon's hand, her small steps quickening to keep up.

When they entered the main hall, a wave of silence swept over the room. All eyes turned to the trio. The atmosphere grew heavy with surprise and disbelief as the regal figure of Leon's mother stepped into the center of the room. Her presence commanded respect, her aura radiating a mixture of strength and elegance. The servants and family members froze, unsure of how to react.

The first to break the silence was one of Leon's stepmothers. She stood from her seat and approached with an expression of genuine joy. "Sister," she said warmly, her voice tinged with emotion. "Welcome back." She extended her hands, and Leon's mother accepted them, the two women sharing a brief but heartfelt moment of reunion.

"It has been far too long," Leon's mother said with a soft smile, her tone gracious yet firm.

Leon's father entered the hall moments later, his eyes widening in shock and then softening with deep affection when he saw her. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and wrapped her in a strong embrace. "I've missed you so much," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

But before he could say anything else, a sharp slap landed on his head.

"Everyone is watching," she said, her eyes narrowing. "And don't act like you've missed me when you've been sneaking into the old building to see me every night. How can you miss me in just one day?"

The hall erupted into murmurs, the servants stifling their laughter at the sight of their mighty lord being chastised like a child.

"Oh, I…" Leon's father stammered, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I just wanted to show my affection for you in front of everyone."

She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "I can see your affection pretty clearly during those nightly visits. Save the theatrics. Now, prepare a proper welcome ceremony for me."

"Of course," he said quickly, nodding. "It will be done immediately."

Leon stood to the side, watching the exchange unfold. He felt strangely out of place. The familial dynamic between his parents was something he couldn't quite wrap his head around yet. The warmth, the humor, the casual way they interacted—it was so different from the cold, dysfunctional family he had imagined when he first transmigrated into this world.

He lowered his gaze, his thoughts swirling. These people, they weren't truly his family. The memories he carried, the life he had lived before, all of it felt like an insurmountable barrier keeping him from fully embracing his new reality. Just as the weight of it threatened to pull him down, a small hand tugged at his sleeve.

"Brother," Aliya said, her wide eyes shining with excitement. "I want to play. Will you come with me?"

Leon blinked, startled by her innocent request. For a moment, the confusion and doubt that had clouded his mind dissipated. Aliya's simple, heartfelt words reminded him of something important. These people might not have been his family in his old world, but in this one, they were. They were his to protect, to cherish, to love.

He crouched down to her level and ruffled her hair gently. "Of course, Aliya. Lead the way."

As he stood and took her small hand in his, he glanced back at his mother and father. His mother's eyes met his, and she gave him a subtle nod, her expression filled with pride. His father's face broke into a warm smile, a rare and genuine display of emotion.

Leon felt something shift within him. The walls he had built around his heart began to crumble. This was his family now. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew he would face them head-on, for their sake.