I looked at Mother through the glass window.
Even now, I wasn't sure whether I was truly Arthur von Vormir…
or just someone who had taken over his body.
But the emotions inside me—
the ache in my chest, the fear of losing her—
those were undeniably real.
Maybe I wanted them to be real.
In my previous life, I had grown up as an orphan.
I had everything society cared about—comfort, money, respect.
But none of those things filled the hollow space in my heart.
A space shaped exactly like…
family.
No warm meal waiting at home.
No mother calling my name.
No sibling tugging at my sleeve.
No one to protect…
no one to be protected by.
But now I had all of that.
A mother who smiled like sunlight.
A little brother who clung to me as if the world depended on it.
And an uncle who protected us with the wrath of a storm.
I would do anything to keep them safe.
I watched Uncle enter the isolated treatment chamber.
Even now, the Abyss Corruption around Mother was powerful enough to kill an unawakened like me instantly.
So I could only stand on this side of the glass.
Even though I knew the potion would work,
my heart pounded like it was trying to break its way out.
Uncle walked toward her slowly.
His shoulders—broad and unshakable—seemed to tremble for a moment.
He murmured something to her, perhaps comforting himself more than her.
For all his harshness and stoic behavior…
he cared deeper than anyone.
He carefully lifted her head and tipped the vial to her lips, letting the final drop slide in.
As soon as he did—
we all held our breaths.
And then…
The corrupt aura began to fade.
The dark mist unraveling like dying smoke.
Mother's pale skin regained warmth, color returning slowly, beautifully.
Her life force grew steadier by the second.
Aunt gasped sharply.
"Her soul… it's recovering! And at an incredible pace!"
Asher burst into tears, half-laughing, half-sobbing, unable to contain himself.
Aldric's eyes grew wet too; even he seemed overwhelmed.
It was happening.
She was coming back.
Seconds later, the Abyss corrosion vanished completely.
Her frail, weakened body regained its vitality—
the natural presence of an Immortal-rank awakener radiated from her.
Uncle sensed the danger was gone and gestured for us to enter.
We didn't walk—we rushed.
Inside, Mother looked peaceful… almost like she had simply gone to sleep.
Then—
Her fingers twitched.
The entire room froze.
Her eyelids fluttered softly…
and then slowly opened, revealing golden eyes that glowed like precious gems.
"A… Asher—"
Her voice was soft, shaky, but alive.
Asher practically threw himself on her, clinging to her desperately.
Mother placed her trembling hand atop his head and whispered:
"It's alright… I'm here."
That was all it took for my composure to crumble.
My vision blurred.
A tear rolled down my cheek without my permission.
Then another.
Everyone was crying—overwhelmed, relieved, reborn.
Mother's gaze drifted over each of us…
until her eyes met mine.
"Oh no… Arthur… how long was I out? Come here. Don't cry."
My body moved before my mind caught up.
I hugged her tightly.
Her warmth seeped into me—
gentle, protective, and heartbreakingly familiar.
This was a mother's embrace.
Something I had never experienced in my previous life.
"Two years," I whispered, voice cracking.
Mother's eyes widened, and tears gathered instantly.
"Forgive me… Art… Ash… It must have been so hard for you. Especially with your father gone…"
I opened my mouth to say it was fine—
but Uncle cut in with a dramatic snort.
"You bet it was hard! This brat barely had a moment to himself. Couldn't even train properly. Hmph."
Mother gave a watery laugh and glanced at him.
"Thank you, brother… for taking care of them."
A deep scowl formed on Uncle's face.
"You sure you're alright? The Valeri I know would never say thank you."
"Stop ruining the moment, you stupid brother."
"Hahaha! There she is."
Mother turned to Aunt Anaya.
"Seriously, Anaya… what did you see in this stone-hearted man?"
Aunt sniffed and wiped her tears.
"I'm wondering the same thing."
Then she looked at Aldric.
"Oh my! Look at you—so handsome. I bet the princess would faint when she sees you."
Aldric immediately flushed bright red and stared at the floor as if it were pure gold.
Mother laughed softly.
Relief washed over me like a wave.
She was truly back.
We talked for a while longer.I explained everything that had happened in the Vormir family—the county, the duties, the nobles circling like vultures.
Eventually, little Asher fell asleep on Mother's lap, still clutching her tightly as if she might disappear.
Mother stroked his hair lovingly.
"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered.
And for the first time since waking in this world…
I believed those words.
Our family was whole again.