Chapter 17: Pink Rose Stands For Friendship

My hair is messy, tousled by the chilling morning breeze as I walk slowly through the garden. The fresh blooms glow softly in the early sunlight, each petal kissed by the morning dew. I take a careful sniff of myself—my phromense are light, under control, normal. Not overwhelming. Good. I need to stay careful around a pregnant Omega.

Shine’s eyes are fixed on the flowers, one hand resting gently on his rounded belly. His fingers brush lightly across the soft petals of a pink bloom, careful not to crush it. The servant stands a few steps away, respectful and silent, eyes bowed. I step closer, careful not to startle him, each step soft on the dew-kissed grass.

Shine glances up and smiles, a small, warm curve of his lips that makes the garden feel even brighter.

“Good morning, sister-in-law,” I say softly, returning his smile.

“Good morning, Zyren,” he answers.

He tilts his head and studies me, his gaze soft but curious.

My hair is tousled, my pajamas loose and comfortable, eyes still clouded with sleep.

“You look tired… or maybe just lazy.”

I chuckle softly, running a hand through my messy hair. “Lazy suits me perfectly right now,” I admit, leaning into the cold morning air. A gust of wind brushes against my skin, sharp and biting, making me shiver.

Almost like a child.

“Ah…” I murmur. “Walking in this freezing air isn’t good for health.”

He laughs lightly, a soft, melodic sound, and covers his lips with one hand. “You’re freezing because you’re still in your night suit,” he teases gently.

I hesitate, smiling with a hint of embarrassment, cheeks warming.

He glances back to the flowers, fingers brushing again over the pink petals.

“Morning air isn’t bad,” he murmurs. “It’s… good for your health. To enjoy the fresh air, the sunlight, the flowers—it feels like a blessing.

” And —The doctor recommended morning walks. It’s best for the baby’s growth.”

I step slightly closer, drawn to his calm presence. ” I understand.”

“Do you like pink?” I ask softly, eyes tracing the delicate petals.

He nods, still absorbed in the blossoms. “I love flowers… every single one,” he admits.

The breeze carries the faint scent of his phromense —it’s intoxicating: a mixture of ripe orange, sweet and sour, almost edible.

It mingles with the fresh floral scent in the garden, teasing my senses.

I glance at the flowers again, fingers brushing lightly over the petals. “Every flower… every color… every scent… has its own different meaning,” I say quietly, letting the words linger in the crisp air.

Shine blinks, whispering, “Different meanings…?”

I smile, stepping closer. I pick up a delicate white rose, holding it gently between my fingers. “Yes. Different colors, different scents, different meanings. White…” I touch it lightly, the petals soft under my fingertips.

“White stands for loyalty, purity, innocence… stainless beauty.”

He watches me in silence, eyes fixed on my movements.

I pick up a red rose next, holding it with care. “Red… deep love. Passion. Devotion. The kind that burns quietly, fiercely, inside you.”

Shine’s eyes widen, every word sinking in. He stares at me as if seeing someone else inhabiting Zyren’s body. In a way, he’s right. I am not just Zyren. I am Neon.

I smile softly. “Red shows the color of love,” I repeat, letting it linger. He hesitates, lips parting slightly, then slowly smiles and nods, disbelief still etched across his features.

Of course—he can’t believe that Zyren Kael is actually talking about flowers and their symbolism.

I reach for a pink bloom, brushing my fingers lightly over its petals. “And pink… soft, gentle, for friendship. Beautiful in its own way.” I pluck the flower and offer it to him, holding it out with care.

” Like you…”

He freezes for a heartbeat, eyes wide, before carefully taking it. He breathes in the scent, a small, genuine smile curving his lips. “I didn’t think Mr. Zyren could be… so thoughtful. And know so much about flowers. It’s… really surprising,” he says softly.

I shrug lightly, leaning on my other hand. “Of course. I’m full of surprises.”

Shine chuckles, a soft, warm sound that makes the garden feel brighter, lighter. “I… agree,” he says quietly, voice calm and at ease.

I watch him for a long moment, feeling the warmth of this peaceful morning wrap around me.

Shine walks ahead, still holding the flower I gave him, a soft smile lingering on his lips. I follow beside him, keeping a careful distance. He glances at me and says, “Zyren… you’re not like this before.”

I pause for a second, meeting his gaze, then smile. “Really?”

He nods. I take a deep breath and stretch my arms lazily. “Maybe…” I murmur, and he smiles again.

Then my eyes shift. Zyke is walking toward us. His gaze is sharp, piercing—fixed on me. I force a calm smile. “Good morning, big brother.”

Deep down, I know my morning is already ruined.

“Morning,” he says dryly, then looks at Shine. The rose in Shine’s hand catches his attention, and he gently pats Shine’s head. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

Shine smiles and replies softly, “You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t dare disturb your rest.”

Zyke’s voice softens. “Shine… you matter more than anything.”

“It’s okay,” Shine says with a gentle smile. “I enjoy watching Zyren talk about flowers.” He glances at me, inhaling the flower’s scent again. “You know… Zyren has such deep knowledge about flowers. He even told me the meanings and symbols behind them.”

Zyke’s eyes snap back to me, sharp and piercing. “Information about flowers? Surprising, when my dear little brother starts liking them.”

I swallow hard, sensing the tension in his tone. Why is he looking at me like he’s about to strike? I didn’t do anything. My lips curve into a small, nervous smile. “I need to go. I have meetings today, so I better get to work.”

Before I can slip past him, Zyke’s hand clamps onto mine. “Wait.”

He turns to Shine. “My love, you should go inside. The air is chilling.”

Shine nods, and the servants follow him carefully.

I finally look back at Zyke. “Big brother… what’s wrong?”

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