CHAPTER 162: ELYRIA...3

Lirien placed a hand on Elyria’s shoulder. "You’re not a bad mother and don’t say that again. You will definitely see your son. But first, you need to rest. Look at you... You’re shaking."

Elyria bit her lip, tears gathering in her eyes.

"Don’t you see, Lirien? I... I forgot about him, Lirien. I left him. How could I do that? He must hate me now."

Lirien frowned softly.

"Elyria, what are you talking about?"

Elyria shook her head, tears falling freely now. "You wouldn’t understand. I should’ve stayed. I should’ve protected him."

"Later," Lirien said firmly. "We’ll talk about it later. Eat something first."

Elyria hesitated, then finally nodded. She sat down and began eating quietly while Lirien and the others stayed close. When she was done, she pushed her plate slightly away and said softly, "Leave that. It’s for Winter."

Lirien smiled faintly.

"Don’t worry. I’ll have them cook something fresh for him when he wakes. You don’t have to save your food."

"The brothel’s doing well then," Elyria said, her voice softer now, with a faint smile. "I’m proud of you."

"It’s not thanks to me," Lirien said with a small chuckle. "It’s thanks to Rin. That brat has made the brothel more popular than I ever could."

Elyria’s lips trembled again at the mention of his name, but she nodded.

"I see. I guess he’s surviving even without me,"

"You’ll see him soon," Lirien promised, brushing her hair away from her face. "For now, rest."

Elyria’s eyes drooped. She lay down beside her son, pulling him gently into her arms.

"Thank you... for still being here," she whispered.

"Always," Lirien said softly.

Within minutes, both Elyria and the child were asleep. The dog shifted slightly, tail flicking once before going still again.

Lirien stood by the bed, watching them. She hadn’t seen Elyria in years. The sight made something warm grow inside her chest, but it also hurt... seeing her friend so fragile.

She turned to Lia and Kiro.

"Prepare the room next to Rin’s. She’ll stay there when she wakes."

They nodded.

"Yes, Madam."

Lirien changed into a dark gown and left the room quietly. Once they were out of earshot, Lia whispered,

"Was that really Rin’s mother?"

Lirien nodded, smiling faintly. "Yes. Elyria... she’s finally back."

Lia’s mouth fell open. "So that’s why they look alike."

Lirien’s voice softened. "I guess she’s been through hell. Make sure the kitchen keeps food ready. She’ll need it."

They nodded again and left.

.

.

When Lirien reached her office, she leaned back in her chair and exhaled. Her mind was filled with memories... young Elyria laughing under the rain, the two of them walking through the streets side by side. They had been inseparable once. That was when humans and demons lived together. That was when their friendship had begun.

She remembered the Purge, when humans and demons slaughtered each other. Elyria had saved her life that night, taking a wound meant for her. After that, they returned to the underworld together. But when Elyria said she needed more power to protect what was left of their kind, she went back to the human world, disguising herself. Lirien followed later, and together they built this brothel.. not just as a business, but as a cover, a safe haven for wandering souls like them.

Even if Elyria was born of royal blood, and she herself was just a common demon, it had never mattered. Elyria never looked down on her. Never once. If Elyria asked her to give up her life, she would do it without hesitation.

Now she was back... alive, tired, but at least, she was here

Lirien wiped a stray tear before it could fall, muttering to herself.

"You stubborn woman."

Then she frowned, realising something else... Rin who was still away from the brothel.

"And that stubborn boy of hers better get back soon..."

She groaned, rubbing her temple. "He’s probably with Lucien again. I swear, if that noble brat corrupts him before the war even starts..."

But despite the complaint, a small smile touched her lips.

"I can’t wait to see his expression once he sees his mother,"

.

.

Meanwhile, miles away at the Vortellion estate, Rin stirred awake. He didn’t even realise when he had fallen asleep in Lucien’s bed. The sheets were soft and smelled faintly of cedarwood and ink.

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Lucien sitting by the desk, writing. His robes were open at the chest, and the faint glow from the orb pulsed slowly as he worked.

Rin sat up, rubbing his eyes.

"How long was I out?"

Lucien looked over, smiling faintly. "About three hours."

"Three?" Rin’s eyes widened. "You’re serious?"

Lucien nodded, standing. "You must’ve been tired."

Rin frowned. "Damn it. I need to leave. Lirien’s going to kill me."

Lucien chuckled. "Do you really have to go now?"

"Yes. If she finds out I left without telling her, she’s going to scold me nonstop for a whole week."

Lucien laughed quietly and walked over, planting a gentle kiss on Rin’s forehead.

"Then go. I’ll see you soon."

Rin looked away, pretending not to blush. "Yeah. Don’t make that a habit."

"I make no promises," Lucien said, still smiling.

Rin sighed, grabbed his cloak, and left.

Outside, Sasha was still waiting... standing in the shade of a tree. His shirt clung to his back with sweat, but he didn’t complain. When Rin approached, Sasha turned immediately.

"You’re awake."

"Yeah," Rin said, looking guilty. "Sorry for keeping you waiting."

Sasha shook his head.

"Don’t apologise. I didn’t expect one."

"Good," Rin said, smirking faintly. "Don’t get used to it. I still haven’t forgiven you."

Sasha smiled weakly. "I know."

They started walking back. The streets were quieter now, but the air still carried faint traces of smoke and tension from the chaos of the previous night. Rin didn’t speak much, and neither did Sasha.

When they reached the brothel, Rin pulled his cloak tighter and slipped through the side door. He thought he was being sneaky... until Kiro spotted him.

"Rin!" Kiro whispered urgently, running up. "You need to go to Madam Lirien’s room. Now."

Rin blinked. "What? Is she sick?"

Kiro shook his head quickly.

"No, but... just hurry."

Rin frowned. "You’re acting weird. Did I do something again? I don’t want to see her,"

Kiro grabbed his wrist. "Rin. Your mother’s back."

Rin froze, his breath caught mid-sentence.

"My... what?"

"Your mother," Kiro repeated softly. "She’s here."

The words sank in slowly, almost painfully. Rin stared at him, eyes wide, unsure whether to believe or run.

"My... mother?" he whispered again, barely audible.

Kiro nodded, serious this time. "Yes. You should go to Lirien’s room,"

The hallway fell silent. Rin’s heartbeat echoed in his ears. And his surroundings immediately became silent.