The heartbreaker perfect match

After Ciara left, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Leora breaking down the door and roughing up Ciara was a sight I never thought I'd see, and it certainly made for an entertaining spectacle. 

I shook my head, trying to refocus my thoughts. I noticed that my new car was parked in the garage. That was odd. I was sure I had left it at Leora's castle. Maybe someone had brought it back here while I was busy. Shrugging off the oddity, I walked up to the door of my house and pushed it open.

Inside, the sound of laughter greeted me. I walked through the hallway and into the living room to find Nathaniel talking and laughing with my parents. They turned to face me as I entered, and my mom's face lit up.

"Aeliana, there you are!" she exclaimed. "Nathaniel was just telling us the funniest story about his training days."

I forced a smile, though a part of me was irritated. Nathaniel seemed to be ingratiating himself with my parents a bit too well. "Oh, really? What story was that?" I asked, keeping my tone light.

Nathaniel, ever the charmer, grinned at me. "Just a little tale from my early days in the guard," he said. "Your parents seem to appreciate my sense of humor."

My dad clapped Nathaniel on the back. "This young man has a good head on his shoulders, Aeliana. You should spend more time with him."

I cringed inwardly. My parents' enthusiasm for Nathaniel was embarrassing. "Yeah, he's... something," I said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.

"Come, sit down," my mom said, patting the seat next to her. "Nathaniel was just about to tell us another story."

Reluctantly, I sat down, casting a sidelong glance at Nathaniel. He winked at me, and I had to suppress the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I focused on the conversation, trying to ignore his attempts at flirting.

"So, Aeliana," Nathaniel began, his tone casual, "how was your day?"

"Eventful," I replied, thinking back to the meeting with Leora and Zephara. "How about you?"

"Oh, you know, the usual," he said with a smirk. "Fighting off demons, charming beautiful women."

My parents chuckled, clearly enjoying his banter. I shot him a look that I hoped conveyed my irritation, but he just kept smiling.

As the conversation continued, I noticed my little sister, Lily, sitting off to the side, sulking. Her arms were crossed, and she looked thoroughly unhappy. When she caught my eye, she abruptly stood up and stormed off to her room.

I stood up to follow her, but my dad reached out and grabbed my arm. "Let her be, Aeliana. She's just in one of her moods."

"No, I think I should talk to her," I said, gently pulling my arm free. "She seemed really upset."

My mom sighed but nodded. "Alright, but don't be too long. Dinner will be ready soon."

I nodded and made my way to Lily's room. I knocked gently on the door. "Lily? Can I come in?"

"Go away," came the muffled reply.

I sighed. "Lily, please. I just want to talk."

There was a long pause, and then the door slowly opened. Lily stood there, her eyes red from crying. She turned and went back to her bed, flopping down dramatically.

I closed the door behind me and sat down next to her. "What's wrong, Lily?"

She sniffled, refusing to look at me. "I don't like him," she said quietly.

I frowned. "Nathaniel? Why not?"

"He's just... not right," she said, her voice wavering. "I want Ciara, not that man."

I blinked, taken aback. "Ciara? Why would you want her?"

Lily finally looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and something else I couldn't quite place. "Because she's cool and strong, and she doesn't try to be all charming and fake like Nathaniel. She's real."

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. Lily had always been perceptive, and she was right in a way. Ciara was raw and unfiltered, unlike Nathaniel who always seemed to be putting on a show. "Lily, Ciara is... complicated. She's not someone you can easily be friends with."

"I don't care," Lily said stubbornly. "I like her."

I didn't know what to say. How could I explain the complexities of my relationship with Ciara to my little sister? "Lily, sometimes people aren't what they seem. Ciara might be strong and cool, but she's also dangerous and unpredictable."

Lily shook her head. "You don't get it. I know she's not perfect, but she's... she's real. And I like that."

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Lily, I just want you to be safe. And I don't think Ciara is the best person for you to look up to."

Lily glared at me. "You're just saying that because you don't like her. But I do. And I want her around."

I was at a loss for words. How could I make her understand? "Lily, I—"

"Just go," she said, turning her back to me. "You're not going to change my mind."

I stood up, feeling defeated. "Alright. But please, think about what I said. I just want what's best for you."

Lily didn't respond, and I left her room, closing the door quietly behind me. As I walked back to the living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Lily's admiration for Ciara was unexpected and troubling. I needed to find a way to keep her safe, but I didn't know how.

When I returned to the living room, Nathaniel and my parents were still deep in conversation. Nathaniel looked up and gave me a concerned look. "Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile. "Yeah, just sibling stuff. She'll be fine."

My mom looked worried. "Are you sure? Lily seemed really upset."

I nodded. "She just needs some time. I'll talk to her again later."

Nathaniel reached out and took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "If you need anything, I'm here."

I appreciated the gesture, but it only served to remind me of the complications in my life. As dinner continued, I found myself lost in thought, wondering how to navigate the tangled web of relationships and emotions that seemed to be closing in around me.

As we sat down for dinner, Nathaniel's attempts at flirting grew more blatant. He'd brush his hand against mine "accidentally" or compliment me on the most trivial things. It was becoming hard to ignore, especially with my parents eating it up.

"Did you know," Nathaniel said with a charming smile, "that Aeliana once single-handedly took down three rogue demons in one night?"

My dad's eyes widened with pride. "Is that true, Aeliana? Why didn't you tell us?"

I shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. "It was just part of the job, Dad. Nothing special."

"Nothing special?" Nathaniel repeated, looking at me with faux amazement. "You're too modest."

I forced a smile, trying to deflect the attention. "Really, it was no big deal."

My mom sighed dreamily. "You're so brave, Aeliana. And Nathaniel, it's so wonderful of you to recognize her achievements."

I nearly choked on my food. This was getting out of hand. "Thanks, Mom," I said, trying to change the subject. "So, Nathaniel, what about you? Any recent heroics?"

Nathaniel grinned, clearly enjoying the spotlight. "Oh, you know, the usual. Protecting the realm, rescuing damsels in distress."

I rolled my eyes internally. Was this guy for real?

As the evening wore on, I found it increasingly difficult to maintain my composure. Nathaniel's relentless charm offensive, combined with my parents' enthusiastic approval, was driving me up the wall. Finally, Nathaniel stood up, brushing imaginary dust from his pants.

"I should be going now," he said with a regretful smile. "Thank you for the lovely evening."

"I'll walk you out," I offered, eager for an excuse to leave the table.

As we stepped outside into the cool night air, Nathaniel turned to me, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "Your parents are wonderful people, Aeliana."

I nodded, suddenly aware of the intoxicating scent he carried—something earthy and alluring that made my head spin. "Thanks," I murmured, feeling oddly flustered.

Nathaniel took a step closer, his gaze intense. "You know, you've been on my mind a lot lately," he said softly. His hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

My breath hitched as he leaned in, his lips almost touching mine. "Aeliana, you're amazing," he whispered, his voice like silk. Our faces inched closer, and just as our lips were about to meet, a small voice cut through the air.

"Big sis, I want you to read a story to me," Lily called from the doorway.

I pulled back abruptly, my heart pounding. "Lily!" I exclaimed, turning to face her.

She stood there, looking small and vulnerable, clutching her favorite stuffed animal. Nathaniel straightened up, a look of mild disappointment on his face.

"I guess this isn't the right time," he said with a wry smile.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, stepping back.

Nathaniel nodded, giving me a warm smile. "Goodnight, Aeliana."

I watched him walk away, then turned back to Lily, who looked up at me with wide, expectant eyes. "Alright, let's go read that story," I said, taking her hand and leading her back inside.