I looked at Mother through the glass window.Even though I wasn't sure whether I was the "real" Arthur or someone who simply possessed his body…the emotions inside me were real.
Maybe I wanted them to be real.
As an orphan in my previous life, I had everything—comfort, money, respect.But there was always a hollow space in my chest.
A space shaped like a family.
No one waiting for me at home.No warm voice calling my name.No one to protect… or be protected by.
But now I had a family.And I would do anything to keep them safe.
I watched as Uncle entered the isolation room.The aura around Mother was still extremely dangerous for unawakened people like me.So all I could do was watch…
Even though I knew the potion would work, my heart pounded violently.
Uncle approached her.He said a few words—probably reassuring himself.For all his tough act, he cared deeply.More than he showed.
Gently, he lifted Mother's head and poured the potion into her mouth.
As the last drop slid in, our anticipation climbed to its peak.
Then—
The corrupted aura surrounding her began to fade.Her pale, lifeless skin regained warmth and color.The gloom in the room vanished like smoke.
Aunt gasped.
"Her soul… it's recovering. And at an incredible pace!"
Asher cried and laughed at the same time, jumping around.Aldric had watery eyes too, staring at Mother in disbelief.
It was happening.She was returning.
Seconds later, the Abyss corrosion completely disappeared.Her malnourished, weakened body restored itself—radiating the power of an Immortal-rank awakener.
Uncle sensed the danger was gone and signaled us to enter.
We rushed inside.
Mother looked almost like she was simply resting…and then—
Her fingers twitched.
We all froze.
Her consciousness slowly returned.Her eyelids trembled, and then—
She opened her eyes.Golden gems shining once more.
"Asher—"
Her voice was weak but alive.
Asher couldn't hold himself.He threw his arms around her, crying loudly.
Mother placed a trembling hand on his head.
"It's alright… I'm here."
At that moment, my control shattered too.Tears slipped down my face before I even realized.
Everyone cried.
Mother looked around the room… and her gaze stopped on me.
"Oh no… Arthur… How long was I out? Come here, don't cry."
My legs moved on their own.
I hugged her tightly.
The warmth…the motherly affection filling my chest…
It was unlike anything I had ever felt.
"Two years," I whispered.
Mother's eyes widened—and her tears fell too.
"Forgive me… Art… Ash… It must have been so hard for you. Especially without your father…"
I wanted to say it was fine, but Uncle cut in with a snort.
"You bet it was hard! This poor brat didn't even get a minute for himself. Couldn't train at all. Hmph."
Mother looked at him and gave a small smile.
"Thank you, brother… for taking care of them."
A deep frown formed on Uncle's face.
"You sure you're alright? The Valeri I know would never say thank you."
"Stop ruining the mood, you stupid brother."
"Hahaha! That's more like it."
Mother's gaze moved to Aunt.
"Seriously, Anaya… what did you see in this stone-hearted man?"
Aunt wiped her tears and nodded.
"I'm wondering the same thing."
Then Mother turned to Aldric.
"Oh my! Look at you… you've grown even more handsome. I bet the princess would faint when she sees you."
Aldric's face instantly turned red as he stared at the floor, as if it were made of gold.
Finally, Mother looked at me—truly looked at me—and relief washed over me like a wave.
She was back.
We talked for a while.I explained everything about the Vormir family's situation.
Meanwhile, Asher fell asleep on Mother's lap, refusing to let go even for a second, terrified she might disappear again.
Mother stroked his hair gently.
"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered.
And I believed her.
For the first time—
our family felt whole again.