Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 133

"This is beautiful! Thank you, Mom and Dad!" Violeta exclaimed.

Niall chimed in, "Where's mine?"

Irene was putting the gift box away. She replied, "Why do you need a gift for at your age? When you bring home a wife, I'll let her pick a few of my jewellery pieces."

Anton laughed heartily and asked, "Vio, did you have fun on the prairie?"

"Of course! I even trained an eagle. Niall, hold my phone. I'll fetch Hera here to show Mom and Dad," Violeta said.

She shoved her phone at Niall, then ran to the camp to get the birdcage.

Niall sat on the grass, watching his parents on the phone screen.

"Mom, you're just using the daughter-in-law as an excuse because you don't want to buy me anything."

Irene retorted, "Exactly! You have your own money. In the future, you can buy your wife something on your own."

Anton interjected, "Niall, have you met anyone special there?"

Niall looked up at the sky and said, "It's not that easy to meet someone I like. Would you be okay if I brought someone random home?"

"Of course not," Irene said, "but you need to hurry up."

Violeta returned with the birdcage. Hera climbed out of the cage and stepped on her back as soon as she put her hand inside.

"Mom, Dad, look! This is Hera, my little eagle."

Irene and Anton leaned closer to the screen.

"Oh, it's a young golden eagle," Anton remarked.

"Vio, how long did you train it?"

"Seven days!" Violeta replied.

Irene's heart ached instantly. She exclaimed, "Seven days? Really, Niall! How could you let her do that? Aren't you supposed to stop her? What if something happened to your sister?"

"Mom, I couldn't stop her," Niall defended himself.

"It's okay, Mom. I insisted on training the eagle," Violeta assured.

Anton was less worried. He believed young people needed challenges.

He smiled proudly and said, "Well done, Vio. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad," Violeta beamed.

"Where are you now?" Irene asked.

"We're in Willowbrook. We're attending the Falconry Festival in a few days," Violeta said.

Irene nodded and probed, "Are you comfortable where you're staying? Eating well? Is it cold there?"

They chatted for half an hour.