Chapter 21

Akira’s POV

I was back in my parents’ mansion, surrounded by the familiar scent of blooming roses in the garden. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything.

I was laughing with my mother, feeling light and happy, like nothing could ever go wrong. My mother’s laughter was the sweetest sound, and was as comforting as ever.

But suddenly, something shifted.

My mother’s joyous expression faded, her face turning pale as if all the color had drained away. Her eyes widened in shock and fear, and then, without warning, she began to collapse.

“Mom!” I cried out, rushing to her side as she dropped to the ground.

My heart pounded in my chest as I knelt beside her, holding her fragile body in my arms.

“Mom, please, talk to me!” I pleaded, shaking her gently, but there was no response. Her eyes were open, but they stared blankly ahead, unseeing.

Panic surged through me as I looked down at her, and that’s when I saw it. Blood. There was blood spreading across her stomach, soak