Poison Rose of Avalon

Five days before leaving for California

The sun had finally emerged, banishing the gloom of two dark, rainy days. The park was bustling with laughter, conversations, and children darting about in play. The damp earth, still moist from the recent showers, carried a faint, clean scent that mixed with the aroma of barbecue wafting through the breeze. Water bubbles floated lazily, glinting in the golden sunlight.

The sun bathed everything in lovely warmth, causing families to spread out on blankets while small grills released wisps of smoke, filling the atmosphere with the delicious scent of barbecue. The sound of crackling charcoal and sizzling meat mingled with the far-off chatter and sporadic bursts of laughter.

It was a picture-perfect postcard, the sun spilling warmth over the rolling grass.

Dane and Amara laid the blanket on a patch of lush green, the fabric catching on the soft blades. The basket between them was brimming with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks—small comforts to mark a small victory.

Amara was keeping a promise to her late husband, and for now, that was sufficient until Liora arrived safely in the Land of California, acity known as ′Valtham,′ near Los Angeles. There,nestled amidst stunning beaches and sun-drenched landscapes, stood the exclusive Quantum Future University.

Liora plopped onto the blanket, already munching on her favourite chocolate chip cookie. Her sharp eyes flicked between Dane and her mother who were carrying a satisfying smile, and asly grin tugged at her lips that hinted at mischief thinking. A playful temptation was brewing in her mind.

"You two look happy today," she said, her voice laced with curiosity as she raised a brow. "What's the deal?"

Dane and Amara exchanged a surprised glance to see if the other was pleased as Liora made an undeniably casual comment in a very mischievous tone.

"I believe you enjoyed the Picnic, Ora. What's with the hint of sarcasm?" Amaramaintained her attentionon Liora, who was preoccupied with chocolate chip cookies.

Liora chuckled, brushing crumbs off her fingers. "Of course, Mama. I love picnics, you know that. But…" Her grin widened, the mischief unmistakable. "You two look extrahappy.....So, when is the big day?" Liora was not finished yet, so she raised an eyebrow and glanced at Amara's fingers. "I don't see a ring, though."

Dane choked on the juice he had just swallowed, his eyes bulging as he scrambled for composure. He grasped Liora's meaning, but how could she audaciously speak such words in front of Amara, knowing what she was like?

The utter ridiculousness of the inquiry seized Amara, causing her to gasp. Her mouth dropped open in harmony with his.

"There nothing as such!" Dane and Amara sputtered in unison, their voices clashing in a high-pitched mess, causing others to take a brief look in their direction.

Liora erupted in laughter, enjoying the moment of their frantic responses. She is aware that Dane has feelings for Amara.He glances at her when her mother is not paying attention,buthehas never mustered the courage to show it, as he fears her mother's response.

Liora brought her knees closer to her chest, the soft fabric of her ankle-length beige dress pooling elegantly around her on the picnic blanket. She let a mischievous grin stretch across her face.

"Chill! I was just kidding," she said, her voice dripping with playful innocence.

She shook her head, her laughter settling into a quiet chuckle as she took another bite of her cookie. "You two are acting like I caught you doing something scandalous," she teased more, winking at her mother.

That wink carried a quiet message, one that only Amara would understand—′It's okay. Uncle Dane can be my stepdad. I wouldn't mind.′

Dane looked away and busied himself with his drink, his ears burning a suspicious shade of red. On the other hand, Amara narrowed her eyes at Liora, a subtle warning glinting beneath her calm exterior.

"Troublemaker," Amara muttered under her breath, shaking her head with a small smile she couldn't entirely suppress.

"Dane ignore Liora's words. I think my daughter woke at the wrong side of the bed today." Amara's gaze averted to Dane, who looked anywhere but at Amara.

But Liora just grinned wider and laid back on the blanket, basking in the sun's warmth as if she hadn't just dropped a spark into the air between them.

Amara sifted through her bag. She unearthed a delicately wrapped box, her fingers softly gliding along the sides before she glanced at Dane.

Amara gave her complete attention to Liora, and her expression softened, like a maternal warmth that contrasted with her previously composed demeanour.

"I have something for you, sweetheart."Amara's spoke insoothing and warm, like a gentle breeze, as she extended the gift in her hand for Liora to receive.

Liora looked at the rectangle-shaped box wrapped in purple gift wrap. Her brow furrowed with curiosity, her lips parting slightly as her wide eyes darted between her mother and the mysterious box.

She sat back with the help of her hands, extending her hand to reach, blinking rapidly like the wings of a fluttering butterfly with a blend of eagerness and uncertainty.

The sunlight cast playful shadows on her cheeks, highlighting the thrill that danced in her expression.

Carefully and almost reverently, she began to peel away the wrapping paper.As the sleek black box came into view, she froze in disbeliefandher gaze locked on the latest iPhone tugged inside.

"No way!" she gasped, her voice trembling with thrill. Her eyes shoneas thoughthe universe had just gifted her its entire marvels. Without a moment's pause, she embraced Amara tightly, the force of her hug nearly knocking her mother backwards.

"Thank you, Mama! You're the best!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against Amara's shoulder.

Amara instinctively embraced her daughter, holding her tight. However, as Liora's happiness radiated around them, Amara's smile wavered. That one thought Liora would be leaving soon to Valmtham; the corners of her mouth, which had previously been uplifted with joy, appeared to shift into a more delicate expression. She placed her hand on Liora's back, giving it a gentle pat, though her eyes wandered, lost in thought and concern.

"Liora," she murmured, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Promise me you'll call us every day. We need to know what you're doing and that you're safe. It's the only way Dane and I will ever find peace." The tears threatened to spill in Amara's eyes, but she fought back and did not let it spill.

Dane glanced at Amara and Liora; a wave of concern took over him. As he watched Amara grapple with her own struggles, he remembered their discussion the previous day.

Flashback-

The room felt heavy, as though the walls were pressing inward, carrying the weight of Amara's fears and the grim reality of sending Liora into a world she did not know. With each passing day, as the date of her departure to Valtham City drew nearer, Amara's sleepless nights stretched longer and the anxiety refused to let go her side.

Parents were supposed to encourage their children to pursue their dreams, toembrace the world anditexperiences.However, for Amara, Liora wasn't just her child—she was her entire world. First, Amara lost her father when she was just a baby; she never got to see her father. Then, her mother, as she reached adulthood, and finally, her husband. Each loss carved a deeper wound, leaving Liora as the only family she had left.

"I love her so much," Amara whispered, her voice barely audible as her trembling fingers clutched the table's edge. Her eyes burned, but no tears fell—she had run out of them long ago.

Dane, who was sitting opposite Amara, leaned forward. He rubbed his temples, with faint dark circles around his eyes, looking exhausted, like Amara hadn't slept for the day.

"Let's move to the States with her. I'll take an early retirement, find a job in Valtham, whatever it takes to stay together." Dane suggested in a wary yet firm voice.

Liora was Dane's second chance at life, a precious opportunity to care for the daughter he had lost once. He loved and cherished Liora as if she were his own.His heart also belonged to Amara, who filled the void of memories he couldn't recall, and together, they became his family—a gift from the universe.

Amara's gaze was fixed on the coffee table instead of Dane's. His words echoed the battle raging within Amara's heart. Her lips tightened as she looked at him, torn between two impossible choices.

"Do you think I want to stay here?" Amara's voice was low but sharp. Her mind felt like it had been invaded by chaos, each thought fragmented and corrupted by fear, grief, and an all-consuming rage.

"How can I let Gambino live peacefully after what he's done?" Her anger flared brighter under his unwavering attention.

"I might sound unreasonable, probably insane for running after revenge," she admitted, her tone hardening, "but I'm not letting Gambino go so easily. Our revenge has only just begun."

For a moment, the sharp edge in her voice softened. A flicker of vulnerability passed over her face as she drew shaky breath.

"I would never stop you from going to Valtham to stay near Liora," she continued, her voice quieter now, almost tender. "She needs someone she can count on, someone like family. If anything happens ...…"

Her words trailed off, but the unspoken words hung in the air. After collecting her thoughts, Amara continued.

"I'll see this through, Dane," she said, her voice regaining strength. "I'll carry this revenge in my heart—not just for me, but for you too."

Amara was letting him know, without saying it outright, that she wouldn't hold it against him if he chose to leave to follow Liora and ensure her safety. One of them should stay by her side if the worst came to pass.

Amara's words only raised an annoyance in Dane's heart; he felt a faint pain in his heart. His jaw tightened, his gaze didn't waver as he leaned back, his hands resting just above his knees, and his silence was said, his voice steady and unwavering: "We will see through this together." He will not leave Amara behind.

Amara blinked rapidly, pushing back the sudden swell of emotion. Her voice trembled as she buried her face in her hands.

Since Mark's death, Dane has not been anything but a strong pillar in Amara's and Liora's life. He made sure Liora didn't feel the absence of her father. She felt grateful for Dane's kindness when no one else showed any in Oakridge Heights, her previous home.Andshe didn't want anything to happen to Dane because of a promise she made to Mark to seek revenge for his death.

Amara lowered her hands and rested them on her lap, her nails digging into her palms as she pondered Gambino's empire. She was not oblivious to Dane's feelings, yet she hadbeen avoidingacknowledging them for some time.

"The drugs, the human trafficking, the organ trade. Each despicable operation is managed by one of eleven children—seven sons and four daughters—except for one mysterious figure: his eighth son, whose identity remainedshrouded insecrecy." A few wrinkles formed in between her eyebrows.

"This time, we're not waiting," Amara stated, her voice shaking with determination as she locked eyes with Dane. "We're going after his three major businesses all at once. Drugs, human trafficking, organ trade."

"Are you sure about this, Amara?" Dane asked, unsure if it was the best plan.

Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths."Yes," she said, her voice steely. "I'll do it alone if I have to. But I won't stop until Gambino's empire is in ruins. And then... then it's an eye for an eye, a liver for a liver, a heart for a heart."

Her voice cracked as a sob threatened to escape. "I haven't even cried for Mark," she choked out. "I haven't screamed. I haven't mourned. And I won't—not while that monster is still out there."

Her fists slammed against the glass coffee table with such force that it shatteredupon impact. Shards embedded themselves in her skin, but the physical pain faded into insignificance compared to the storm of grief and rage swirling within her.

Dane was by her side instantly, his hands catching hers before she could strike again. "Stop," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "You're going to hurt yourself more."

The warmth of his touch broke through her anger. Her body collapsed against his, her frame trembling as he held her. She didn't cry; the tears still wouldn't come. She just stayed there, taking in the comfort of his embrace, the rare feeling of safety in a world that had stolen everything from her.

Dane's voice broke the silence. "We'll plan this carefully, Amara. But you have to promise me you'll be cautious. We can't afford to lose what is precious to us."

She nodded weakly against his shoulder, her strength sapped. Dane stroked her hair gently, his voice filled with concern. He wanted her to relax and let her guard down. He was there for her now and forever.

Coming back to the present.

Liora pulled back slightly,traced her mother's worries carefully.Liora's brow knittingas she caught the faint quiver in her mother's voice. Amara tried to plaster a brave smile on her face.Liora tightened her grip around her mother, trying to pour reassurance into the embrace.

"I will, Mama," she whispered, her voice steady despite the lump rising in her throat. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she forced a small smile. "Every day, I promise. I won't forget."

The sound of birds chirpingaroundmixed with the murmur of families enjoying their picnics, but the little bubble they were in felt still and heavy.

Dane cautioned Liora about the need to prioritize her time with her mother. "Or we'll drop everything and move there. You know we will."

Liora shifted her focus to Dane. His eyebrows furrowed, and his mouth settled into a tight line, yet his eyes revealed the strong sense of protectiveness he possessed.

Liora chuckled softly, trying to ease the heavy atmosphere around them releasing her mother as she turned to him.Her eyes glimmered with a mix of affection and amusement.

"I know, Uncle Dane," she said, the corners of her lips quirking into a teasing smile. "You'd probably show up unannounced with your suitcases already packed."