Third person's POV
Tabitha instinctively glanced at her watch. At this usual hour, Wilmot would punctually bring her some fresh fruit.
But today was unusual. Where could Wilmot have gone?
Her gaze wandered around the room, finally resting on the window pane illuminated by the dim light.
She watched as the raindrops, slanting and relentless, struck the glass, producing a soft ticking sound.
It was raining, a weather that always inexplicably made her feel oppressed.
Leaning against the bed, she stared at the ceiling, sleepless.
With no other choice, she put on her headphones, trying to let her thoughts drift with the music, easing her inner turmoil.
She didn't know how much time had passed when the ship suddenly and violently rocked without warning.
Tabitha's body swayed with the bed, jolting her from her daze, her eyes snapping open wide.
'Something was wrong!'
A terrifying thought flashed through her mind.
Third person's POVWitnessing the child fall into the sea, Tabitha felt as if all the blood in her body had solidified in an instant, her heart seemingly gripped by an invisible hand.How could this be?The little girl had been within reach, about to be saved. Why was fate so cruel as to shatter hope at this critical moment?The little boy's heart-wrenching cries pierced Tabitha's ears like a sharp sword, "Ayla!"Tabitha instinctively looked down at the boy.When she saw his face, which bore a striking resemblance to her own, her inner world was shaken as if by a powerful earthquake. She was experiencing an unprecedented impact.A bold and irresistible thought flashed through her mind.She had no time for contemplation or verification.This thought took root and spread like wild grass, driving her to act irrationally and leap over the railing into the sea without a second thought.Her thoughts surged back to three
Third person's POVThe little girl had already choked on several mouthfuls of seawater. In extreme fear, her body trembled uncontrollably."Don't be afraid. Mommy's here to save you," Tabitha tried to soothe the child.She was so young. There was chaos and noise on the ship, with the pirate ship closing in and the captain directing the crew to fire water cannons in retaliation.The child's life hung by a thread. In her madness from fear, she struggled wildly.Tabitha had exhausted all her strength just to keep them afloat. Ayla's constant struggle made it even harder for Tabitha, with her physical strength rapidly dwindling.The waves were rough, and she had swallowed several mouthfuls of seawater. Despite this, Tabitha still desperately held Ayla, fearing Ayla would choke on the water.But she felt her strength being drained. Her body grew weaker and weaker.Tabitha was worried that they would die.Tabitha cursed her la
Third person's POVWilmot had barely brought her ashore. Tabitha was wrapped in a large towel and her soaked clothes still clinging to her when she urgently inquired about Ayla's whereabouts.Her lips were purple from the cold, and her pale face looked pitiful."We're safe now. The little one has been taken to the warship where a doctor is examining her. You should change your clothes first to avoid catching a cold," Wilmot advised."No, I want to see her first."Tabitha insisted, hastily stepping down from the bed and running outside barefoot.In the corridor, she saw men dressed in uniform and armed with weapons. An overwhelming sense of pressure enveloped her.It dawned on Tabitha that she was no longer on the ship she had been traveling on but on a formidable warship.The moment she stepped out of the room, all eyes turned to her.Tabitha's movements froze, her face flushed with embarrassment. In the tense and oppres
Third person's POVWilmot replied calmly, "When we were rescued, I told him.""That's correct, it was this... sir who mentioned it. I'll leave now."For some reason, Tabitha felt as if the doctor was fleeing, quickly exiting the room.Wilmot said peacefully, "Change your clothes first, and I'll bring you some hot drinks.""Okay."Now, only Tabitha and Ayla remained in the room. Tabitha carefully undressed Ayla.Ayla's height was comparable to that of her peers, with no signs of being born prematurely.Her skin was fair and tender. Aside from a few small wounds on her hands, it was evident that Lucian had taken good care of them.Tabitha wrapped Ayla in a large men's shirt and then began to change her own clothes.She was given a shirt of the same size, which hung long on her, covering her thighs.Tabitha quickly put on the men's pants as well. Although they were loose, it was better than nothing.A f
Third person's POVHe stood in front of the mirror. His fingers gently pinched the thin edge of the facial prosthetic, slowly peeling it off.As the prosthetic came off, a pair of chiseled features gradually revealed themselves.They were a cold, stern gaze, a high-bridged nose, and sharply defined lips that exuded a unique charm.His skin, already fair, was nearly translucent from lack of sunlight, appearing even paler under the lights.His shirt collar was slightly open, hinting at his collarbones.He stared silently at his reflection, like a vampire emerging from a medieval castle.He was elegant and noble, yet distant and aloof.With a light step, he moved into the steamy, hot shower area.Fine droplets from the showerhead rained down on him.After a moment, black liquid flowed slowly down his skin, snaking across the white floor like a mysterious ink snake.He closed his eyes, allowing the water to was
Third person's POVBy the time Derek rushed back to the warship, Tabitha was already delirious from the fever, her body scorching yet muttering that she was cold.The military doctor, his face tense, reported, "Sir, I've administered medication to Ms. Hartley. But given her unique condition, it's dangerous if the fever persists."Fortunately, the warship was well-equipped with medical resources. Derek stayed by her side, waiting for the fever to subside on its own.The sky was still dark, the grayness outside matched only by the roaring of the sea, clearly audible.Derek lay down next to Tabitha. His eyes were filled with heartache as he looked at her.Although they had been in close proximity, he had to pretend to be someone else, not even daring to look at her directly, which had raised her suspicions more than once.His strong mental resilience allowed him to deceive Tabitha.Gently, he reached out to touch Tabitha's tranqui
Third person's POVJust then, a soft "knock knock" sounded on the door, like a basin of cold water dumped over Derek.He quickly disengaged from Tabitha. What was he doing? Taking advantage of her sleep to do such a thing.If Tabitha were to wake up at this moment, he wouldn't be able to explain himself.Derek strode to the door, a hint of tension on his face, "What's up?"Rolf rubbed his eyes. Was it his illusion? Did Derek's face seem flushed?"Uh... the doctor asked me to bring this fever reducer. It's time for Tabitha to take it.""Alright." Derek took it silently, "Any news of Lucian?""The sea is rough at night, and the drones can't be controlled. We haven't found his whereabouts yet, but don't worry. He can't get far with Kyrian.""Understood, inform me the moment there's any news.""Got it."Derek closed the door again and walked back to Tabitha's side. She still showed no signs of waking up. He pla
Third person's POVLittle Ayla found the complex emotions of adults hard to comprehend, her eyes filled with confusion and curiosity.Derek's emotions were like a raging storm within him."Sweetheart, you must have suffered a lot over the years, haven't you?" he asked.Suffer?Ayla didn't know what suffering meant. All she knew was that being with Helios and Lucian was happiness."By the way, are you hungry?" Derek quickly ordered various delicious foods and drinks to be brought over.Being a child, her eyes lit up at the sight of the spread.However, just as she was about to dig in, her excitement dimmed, and she softly said, "Helios."Derek gently stroked Ayla's head, "Don't worry. I've sent people to pick up Helios. You'll be reunited with him soon. Eat up, there will be food for Helios, too."It was evident that the child was very hungry, but she ate slowly, with an innate elegance in her demeanor.Alth
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p