The air was thick — heavy with mana, blood, and the weight of unspoken truths. The arena, once a place of celebration, had turned into a field of revelation and chaos. The shattered floor beneath our feet hummed with residual energy from my earlier attacks, and the faint smell of burning mana lingered in the air.

  Heron stood before me, smiling — that kind of crooked smile only the guilty can wear when they’ve been caught yet still feel powerful. His eyes gleamed with arrogance, and even with blood trickling from his mouth, he looked like he believed he was still the victor of this game.

  Behind him, Mother Gizelotte and Deathes somehow stood up, leaning on their swords for support. Both were breathing heavily. I could sense the tremble in their mana. Even in that state, they tried to keep their pride intact.

  Gizelotte’s gaze locked on me — sharp, pained, and filled with a storm of emotions.

  “You may be my son,” she said, her voice cold and trembling, “but I will not forgive you for killing those nobles and dukes. You cannot run away from what you’ve done.”

  I said nothing. Her words cut through the air, but to me, they felt hollow — like an echo of a belief long dead.

  Then Deathes spoke, holding her sword upright despite the shaking in her arms.

  “Yes, you cannot run away,” she said, glaring at me with fierce determination. “The whole capital is under our control. With Her Highness, Sir Heron, and me here—you can’t possibly beat the three of us.”

  For a moment, I just stared at her. Then, without warning, I started laughing.

  At first, it was quiet. Then louder. Then uncontrollable.

  The laughter echoed throughout the ruined arena, cutting through the silence of fear that hung over everyone watching.

  “Sir Heron?” I repeated mockingly, still laughing. “You’re fooled, Deathes. You’re all fooled.”

  Their expressions froze.

  I lowered my head, the smile still on my lips as my shadow rippled beneath me. “I just killed his comrades… the same ones who ‘rescued’ those good dukes and nobles you’re defending.”

  Then I looked straight at Heron, my eyes glinting like sharpened obsidian. “And that Duke Villanea — the man you served — abused his power, destroyed the lives of married women, and executed innocent men. That was the world you protected.”

  The entire arena went silent. Even the obsidian soldiers had stopped moving.

  I took a slow step forward, my voice calm but venomous.

  “So, Sir Heron… will you finish the story of your noble lies, or should I?”

  Heron’s smirk didn’t fade. Instead, he tilted his head slightly and chuckled.

  “...Yes, you’re right,” he said. “I have caused trouble. I killed good men. I even tried to kill Princess Marianne once — but failed.”

  Marianne gasped softly from behind me. I could hear her knights tightening their grip on their weapons.

  Heron continued, his tone turning darker, more twisted. “I never imagined that Gizelotte’s abandoned son would survive. If I had known, I would have made sure to finish the job myself before claiming the throne.”

  His words didn’t hurt me. They only confirmed what I already knew — the rot inside this kingdom ran deeper than anyone dared to admit.

  Heron’s smile turned sharp, almost deranged.

  “But now…” he said, pulling something from beneath his cloak — a small, cracked black locket. “Now the situation has changed. You’ve cornered me, Shadow. And when men like me are cornered…”

  He clenched the locket tightly in his hand.

  “I call upon the power that lurks beyond reason.”

  Dark red veins spread across his arm as the locket shattered. A surge of demonic mana exploded outward, shaking the entire arena. The ground split apart, and from the fissures emerged hands — clawed, twisted, covered in black fire.

  Heron’s voice deepened, overlapping with another — monstrous and ancient.

  “I summon thee… Demon Cult of the Abyssal Sin!”

  The sky darkened instantly, swirling with purple lightning and red mist. Screams echoed from the city beyond as the clouds themselves began to drip with black rain.

  I tightened my grip on my katana, the laughter fading from my lips.

  “So… you’ve chosen damnation.”

  And as the first demon stepped into the light, grinning through rows of fangs, I whispered under my breath—

  “Then let hell remember my name.”

  The earth cracked beneath our feet. The air burned red.

  The Demon Cult’s summoning circle flared with symbols older than sin itself, twisting and pulsing with malevolent life. Out of that seething pit rose a monster — its body massive and grotesque, its skin an unholy mix of black and crimson. Four colossal wings spread out behind it, each feather like a blade of obsidian steel.

  Its claws were long and jagged, dripping black smoke that melted the very stone it touched. A low growl rolled through the air, shaking the ruins of the arena.

  Heron, standing beside the creature, was no longer entirely human. His body warped — one eye burned crimson, horns sprouting from his temples. He had merged himself with the demon’s essence.

  “Behold!” Heron roared, his voice layered with the demon’s growl. “The power beyond mortals! Let despair swallow you whole, Shadow!”

  I didn’t answer. I simply lowered my head, gripping the hilt of my katana tighter. My mana surged through my body, veins glowing faintly blue beneath my skin.

  The demon’s first strike came fast — a downward claw that tore through the ground like paper. I sidestepped, the pressure splitting the air beside me. My blade flashed upward, cutting across its wrist — black blood hissed like acid, splattering the stone.

  Heron lunged from the side, thrusting his corrupted spear at my ribs. I parried it with the flat of my katana, sparks erupting like fireworks. The force of the clash sent shockwaves across the arena, shattering pillars and tearing loose banners from their stands.

  The battlefield was chaos. The dust rose in waves. My coat fluttered violently in the wind.

  “Still standing?” I smirked. “Then come again.”

  The demon bellowed, unleashing a storm of dark fire. Black flames rained across the ground, consuming everything. I raised my left hand.

  “Hell Reversal: Shadow Veil.”

  A swirling vortex of shadows enveloped me, the flames vanishing into the darkness like water into the ocean. From the veil, I emerged behind the demon — unseen, silent.

  “Too slow.”

  I slashed upward. The impact cracked its armor-like hide, sending black ichor spraying into the air. The creature screamed, wings thrashing violently. One of them struck me, throwing me back into a wall. Stone exploded behind me, dust rising.

  Before the debris could even settle, I burst out again, faster. Heron was already charging a spell — a dark sphere growing in his hand.

  “Abyssal Ruin.”

  He hurled it toward me. The orb ripped through space itself, leaving a trail of warped mana. I raised my blade and spun it in my hand.

  “Oblivion Counter — Reverse Singularity.”

  My katana sliced through the attack, splitting it cleanly in two. The halves exploded behind me in blinding white light, consuming part of the stands.

  I lunged forward, closing the distance. Our blades clashed — steel on steel, spark after spark. Each swing was fast enough to split the air. Each parry left a crater in the ground beneath our feet.

  Then the demon joined again, slamming its claw down. I kicked Heron back, jumped up, and landed on the creature’s arm. My katana gleamed.

  “Shadow Break: Crescent Divide!”

  I swung downward, cutting through its arm completely. The limb fell with a thunderous crash, dissolving into black ash. The monster howled, shaking the heavens.

  Heron’s voice echoed in rage, “You insolent—!”

  He charged again, eyes glowing crimson. I caught his attack midair, locking our weapons. For a moment, our faces were inches apart — his twisted by fury, mine calm and cold.

  “You’ve already lost,” I whispered.

  I pushed him back. The impact created a massive shockwave, sending Heron crashing through the debris. The demon tried to interfere again — but I was faster.

  “Limit Break: Tenebris Pulse.”

  My entire body burst into dark light. Every step I took shattered the ground. Every swing of my blade tore apart the air. The demon couldn’t even react as I crossed its body again and again — slashes so fast they became invisible trails.

  When I stopped, time itself seemed to pause. Then, dozens of invisible cuts bloomed across its chest.

  The demon shrieked, wings trembling — and fell.

  For a moment, silence filled the arena.

  Everyone — soldiers, knights, shadows — had stopped fighting. Even the queen, still held back by the fear of the unknown, could only watch.

  And amid the silence, I heard her — Marianne — her voice soft but clear.

  “Please… be safe,” she prayed.

  The wind carried her words through the burning arena.

  I smiled faintly, resting my katana on my shoulder, the flames reflecting in my eyes.

  “Don’t worry,” I said under my breath.

  “The show’s just getting started.

  A notification popped up: “Some gods are opposing you and trying to betray you!”

  I smiled. Finally, the real story was coming out.

  I asked the system, “Who is trying to betray me?”

  The list blinked into existence: The Father of All Gods, God of Radiance, Phoenix Queen of Fire, Earth Guardian, Maiden of Blossoms, Guardian of Past and Future, Sage of All Worlds, Warlord of Celestial Blades, Crystal Queen of Snow.

  I only smiled wider and thought of a plan. For now, patience.

  Another notification arrived: “Some gods want to have an audience with you. Are you granting? Yes or No?”

  I told the system to wait for my further order.

  I drew the sword I had made. The Sword of Final Reigner felt heavy and inevitable in my hand. I locked its passive skill, Instant Death, so it would not trigger on accident. The blade would still cut, and the wounds I made would be final enough.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  A new alert came: “The Sealing will be bestowed upon you. Countdown begins: 01:00.”

  ? Countdown: 00:58.

  ? Countdown: 00:56.

  ? Countdown: 00:54.

  The world hummed as the clock ran.

  Meanwhile Heron and the Demon Cult completed their fusion. They rose taller and filthier than any myth. The Demon heart had merged with his flesh. Six wings tore the air, four arms flexed like iron, his body four times the height of a man.

  I laughed out loud. “What a fool! The bigger the enemy, the easier it is for me to slash!”

  I moved like a blade through wind. I cut across the demi-god’s chest, a long scar from ribs to belly. He howled, a sound like breaking mountains. I drove my heel into his back and sent him flying into the sky.

  I followed. I struck him again—less speed, more force—and pushed him beyond the atmosphere. He vanished into the cold black, but I didn’t give him time to breathe. I leapt and punched his head with everything I had.

  He slammed into the ground like a comet. His scales tore. The impact rolled the earth and shattered stone. Everyone barely withstand the hitting of the demi-god which created a earthquake.

  The countdown glowed red on my vision.

  ? Countdown: 00:15.

  The ground cracked under the demi-god’s feet. His six wings spread wide, his four monstrous arms twitching as power surged through him. His corrupted eyes darted around the battlefield until they landed on them—Gizelotte and Deathes, standing side by side, drained but unbroken.

  I understood his intent before he even moved.

  He wanted strength. He wanted blood.

  He wanted their lives.

  He stomped once, the air exploded around him, and he charged forward with a roar that split the sky. The earth burned in his wake.

  That was my cue.

  In an instant, I descended from the void above—my body crashing down from space like a falling star. The atmosphere screamed as I broke through it. When I landed, the ground shattered under my feet, dust and divine fire scattering through the air.

  I stood between the demi-god and them, arms spread wide.

  As if protecting them was the only thing that mattered.

  Everyone froze. Even time seemed to halt for a breath.

  Their eyes were on me— Mother Gizelotte’s trembling, Deathes’ wide and desperate.

  Then—

  A sudden slash.

  Five massive claws, sharper than any blade, pierced through my chest. The impact was thunder. My ribs cracked. My heart screamed. Blood poured down my armor in dark rivers. I coughed crimson and felt warmth leaving me.

  The demi-god grinned. “You… fool.”

  But his grin didn’t last long.

  I turned my head slowly, my mouth curling into a faint, bloodstained smile. “Who’s… the fool… now?”

  I twisted my wrist.

  The Sword of Final Reigner flashed.

  One single slash—clean, sharp, absolute.

  Four arms fell to the ground like broken towers.

  At that exact moment, the countdown hit zero.

  ? Countdown: 00:00.

  And then—

  Light.

  A Divine Light descended from the heavens, wrapping around the demi-god. But instead of purifying him, it was absorbed—sucked in by his half-human, half-demon core. His power exploded. His body grew larger, veins pulsing with molten light. The severed arms regenerated in seconds. His roar shook the heavens.

  At the same time, a Dark Light descended upon me. The Sealing Light.

  Every skill—every fragment of my divinity—was locked away. My strength faded, like sand slipping through my fingers. My sword felt heavy, distant.

  I looked at it one last time. Then, with my fading power, I changed its authority.

  “Transfer… sword’s ownership… to Angelica.”

  The blade glowed once—accepting the command—and vanished into light.

  My chest ached. My pulse slowed. Each heartbeat felt like thunder fading into silence.

  I was dying.

  I fell. My body hit the ground with a dull thud. The world blurred.

  Then—arms caught me.

  Deathes was holding me, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. “Amahiko! No, don’t you dare close your eyes! Stay with me!”

  And behind her… Gizelotte—my sweet little evil real mother. The one who was never supposed to love me—was screaming my name, her hands shaking, her divine aura flickering out of control.

  My breath hitched. I turned my gaze toward Angelica—who stood frozen in disbelief, clutching the sword I’d left to her.

  Through telepathy, I spoke my final words.

  ? “Go… and use it. I am… right beside you. I… believe you, my love.”

  Her eyes widened. Her lips trembled. “Amahiko…”

  I smiled faintly.

  The world darkened.

  And I shut off my eyes.

  In front of Angelica, Amahiko’s lifeless body lay still—his sword gone cold, his hand limp against the fractured earth.

  The battlefield was silent. Even the demi-god hesitated, sensing the shift in the air.

  Angelica fell to her knees beside him, trembling. Her tears streamed endlessly as she clutched his hand.

  “Amahiko…” she whispered, voice cracking with grief.

  Her vision blurred. The world around her faded into noise—only the faint echo of his voice in her mind remained.

  Then, slowly, she raised the sword that once belonged to him. Its black edge glowed faintly crimson, pulsing with his lingering mana.

  “Activate…” she whispered. Her voice was low, trembling with fury and heartbreak.

  ? “Activate: Eternal Bloody Hatred.”

  The sword responded immediately. A crimson wave burst from its edge, rippling through the air like a living storm. Blood began to swirl around her—Amahiko’s blood. It rose from the ground, forming a crimson mist, a spiraling storm that encircled her like a shield forged from grief and vengeance.

  The air turned heavy. Magic distorted. The battlefield trembled.

  Angelica’s eyes turned scarlet. Her mind cracked under the weight of loss.

  Her scream—raw, broken, and furious—shattered the silence.

  She charged.

  The Demi-God, still in the midst of evolution, barely raised his guard before she appeared in front of him.

  Her first strike cleaved through the barrier he had conjured. Her second strike sent him flying across the arena. Her third—he barely blocked with two of his arms, sparks flying as the clash tore apart the air itself.

  He roared in pain and rage, trying to counterattack, but Angelica didn’t stop.

  She slashed, again and again—each blow faster, heavier, sharper. The ground beneath her feet cracked from the force of her movements.

  Sayo, Gamma, and Beta joined the battle from afar, channeling their combined power.

  “Infernal Flame of Calamity!” Sayo shouted, summoning a spiraling vortex of hellfire that burned the air itself.

  “Abyssal Tide of Oblivion!” Gamma unleashed an oceanic surge of black water that devoured everything in its path.

  “Heaven’s Judgment Burst!” Beta raised her staff high, unleashing an explosion of divine light that turned night into day.

  Wind howled. Earth ruptured. The six elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness—merged into one cataclysmic storm.

  Deathes and Gizelotte stepped forward as well.

  Gizelotte’s sword shone with golden radiance. “Royal Armament: Celestial Divide!” she cried, slashing downward.

  Deathes followed with “Eternal Void Fang!” A black serpent of magic spiraled from her blade, devouring everything in its path.

  The combined force smashed the demi-god into the arena’s entrance, breaking it apart like glass.

  Angelica didn’t wait. She leapt into the dust cloud, her blade glowing with Amahiko’s essence.

  She struck once—twice—thrice—so fast the eye couldn’t follow.

  The demi-god screamed. His arms were torn apart. His chest split open. His wings shredded into ribbons.

  He couldn’t dodge, couldn’t counter. He was helpless.

  But something else began to happen.

  Cursed letters—black and red—started to crawl across Angelica’s body. They etched themselves into her skin like burning brands, spreading from her hands to her neck, to her face. Her aura became darker, unstable—too powerful for mortal form.

  Then, the demi-god began to shift again. His body twisted, reshaped by demonic light.

  He transcended into something far worse—

  ? The Cult God.

  His roar tore through heaven and earth. He lunged forward, his new form radiating divine malice.

  Before anyone could react—he struck.

  The clawed hand of the Cult God pierced through Gizelotte’s back, his talons exiting from her chest.

  Blood sprayed. Her sword fell from her grip.

  “He-her highness,!!!” Deathes screamed.

  Gizelotte turned her head weakly toward Amahiko’s body. A small smile appeared on her lips.

  Then her eyes dimmed. She fell lifeless.

  Angelica froze. Her breath stopped.

  Her tears burned. Then her scream shattered the sky.

  She lost herself completely. Her body moved on rage alone.

  She charged again—wild, reckless, unstoppable. Her strikes tore apart mountains of stone. The Cult God tried to block, but her fury was too much.

  He managed to counter once, landing a devastating punch.

  Angelica was thrown back—her body crashing into the arena seating, breaking pillars and stone.

  The Cult God advanced toward Deathes next. His claws gleamed. He slashed.

  Deathes barely managed to block, crossing her swords in front of her chest. The impact sent blood splattering from her lips. She fell to one knee, gravely injured but unyielding.

  Angelica rose again. Her body trembled. Her blood boiled.

  She whispered—

  ? “Amahiko… lend me your strength.”

  Then, her aura exploded.

  Her sword ignited.

  She invoked the forbidden art only he had ever mastered—

  ? “Sword Art of the Shadow Monarch – Three Ways to Destroy.”

  The first slash cleaved the sky—splitting the entire world into two halves.

  The second shattered space—obliterating every barrier the Cult God had.

  The third—drove straight into the god’s chest, erasing him from existence.

  The Cult God screamed as his form disintegrated into ash.

  Silence followed.

  The gods watching from the heavens trembled.

  Even Sayo, Gamma, Beta, and Deathes looked at Angelica with fear. Her power—her madness—was beyond comprehension.

  But Angelica didn’t stop. She turned toward Deathes, her eyes empty, glowing crimson.

  She raised her sword.

  Deathes sighed softly. “Forgive me, Angelica…”

  She raised her hands and whispered,

  ? “Absolute Ice Domain.”

  The air froze.

  A dome of unbreakable frost surrounded them both.

  Deathes knew she was dying. She walked toward Amahiko’s body, ignoring the pain.

  She knelt, held him close, and whispered softly—

  “You were always reckless… my dearest Shadow.”

  She hugged him gently. Then, she pressed her lips against his, a single tear falling onto his cheek.

  She let his head rest upon her shoulder.

  Her own head leaned onto his.

  Then—she froze both of them.

  The dome glowed, cracked, and shattered.

  The sound echoed like glass breaking under divine silence.

  And the bodies of Deathes and Amahiko tore apart, scattering into frozen fragments of light and shadow.

  Darkness.

  Cold, endless, and silent.

  That was all I could feel. My body was gone—shattered into nothing but fragments of soul dust. Deathes’ body, my own, even Mother Gizelotte’s… all gone. The echoes of their last moments lingered within this void like fading embers.

  I looked down at myself—or what remained of me. My soul shimmered faintly, like a dying star.

  ? “So this is what’s left, huh…”

  A hollow chuckle escaped me.

  There was no pain. Only emptiness.

  But I wasn’t going to stay here forever.

  I had to bring them back—Deathes, Mother Gizelotte… everyone I failed to protect.

  There was just one problem.

  My powers were sealed.

  Every skill, every ability, gone—like my body itself. And my Revival skill? It was lost long ago when my stigma, Creator, met its mysterious requirement.

  I sighed.

  “But there’s always a way in my story.”

  Somewhere, deep within me, a faint light flickered—the memory of her.

  ? “I have to meet her again,” I whispered.

  My thoughts drifted to Angelica.

  That broken look on her face before I died.

  She didn’t deserve that pain.

  I clenched my fists. “It’s my fault… I need to stop her suffering before it’s too late.”

  Then suddenly, a familiar chime echoed in my head.

  ? [Notification: Some Gods want to meet you. Are you granting? Yes / No]

  “Tch… even here, you don’t let me rest.” I scratched the back of my head.

  “Fine. Yes.”

  The darkness shattered.

  In an instant, I was surrounded by starlight. The black void melted away, replaced by a vast celestial palace bathed in silver glow—the Starlit Realm.

  And before me, kneeling in perfect formation, were gods and goddesses—radiant, ethereal, and trembling.

  I looked down. I was sitting on a massive obsidian throne. My presence alone distorted the space around us.

  “When did gods start kneeling before a human?” I asked coldly. “Stand up.”

  They obeyed immediately.

  At the center of the group was a tall goddess with long silver hair flowing like moonlight—Astareon, Warden of the Starlit Realms. She smiled slyly, though her tone was honeyed.

  “The Almighty One,” she purred. “Don’t make us embarrassed. You are our everything.”

  She stepped closer—too close. Her expression twisted into something that could only be described as divine madness. Her lips trembled with delight, and—yeah, she was literally drooling.

  “We wish to follow your path,” she said, bowing again. “Please… allow us to serve you.”

  I leaned forward slightly, resting my chin on my hand.

  “And why,” I asked quietly, “would gods follow someone like me?”

  Her smile faded for just a moment.

  “Because,” she said slowly, “the Father of All Gods refused to grant your wish. We saw his arrogance. You were abandoned.”

  I chuckled softly.

  “So you want to betray him and follow the one he rejected?”

  Her eyes glimmered with mischief.

  “Yes.”

  I stood up from my throne, my aura filling the hall. “You know I’m the most dangerous one among you. I am the child of creation and destruction. One day, I may end everything—perhaps even the Eternal Goddess herself. Even knowing that, you still wish to follow me?”

  Astareon’s grin widened. It was wicked.

  “We will follow you,” she whispered, “even then.”

  Our gazes met—two predators smiling at each other.

  “Then so be it,” I said with a smirk.

  ? [Notification: You have gained 20 God-Goddess clans as your descendants.]

  The light around them intensified. The pact was sealed.

  I closed my eyes. “Now… connect me with End of All Realm: The Queen of Final Reigner.”

  A ripple passed through the void. The stars bent—and she appeared.

  Floating above me, barefoot, her long black hair swirling like galaxies. Her eyes gleamed with infinite wisdom and affection.

  When she smiled, my entire being relaxed.

  She drifted closer, her hand brushing against my cheek. “What do you desire, my dear?” she asked softly, her voice like silk.

  “I have little time,” I said. “So I’ll be direct. I want my Revive skill back.”

  Her expression turned amused. “There are conditions, you know. Do you accept them?”

  “Yes,” I replied. “I already gave you my heart once. Next time, I’ll give you the rest. But not now—time is precious.”

  Her laughter was soft. She leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently.

  ? “Goodbye, my dear. See you soon.”

  Warmth spread through my soul.

  ? [Skill Acquired: Revive.]

  [Skill Evolution: Revive → Max Revive.]

  I whispered, “Max Revive.”

  A shockwave of divine light erupted around me. The fragments of Deathes’ ice spell scattered throughout the world began to move—drawn together, piece by piece.

  Shards of ice merged, forming bodies once lost. The cold melted away as light filled them.

  Deathes’ and my bodies—revived.

  Across the battlefield, Mother Gizelotte’s wound sealed. Her soul, faint but determined, re-entered her body.

  Moments later—our eyes opened.

  Gasps echoed across the arena.

  Sayo fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

  “Y-you’re alive!”

  Beta and Gamma rushed forward, hugging me tightly. Their tears soaked through my shirt.

  I chuckled softly, patting their heads. “Alright, alright… I’m not that easy to kill.”

  Deathes and Gizelotte exchanged knowing glances. Deathes’ eyes welled up with emotion. She turned my face toward her—and suddenly kissed me, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  I blinked in surprise before gently stopping her midway.

  “Not now,” I said with a small smile. “I’ve got work to do. I can’t waste time playing harem king.”

  I turned. Angelica was trapped in an ice prison—punching, clawing, screaming. Her aura was wild, chaotic.

  I walked over and shattered the ice with one punch.

  She didn’t recognize me.

  The moment she saw me, she attacked.

  Her hand pierced through my chest, tearing out the space where a heart should have been. But there was no blood. No pain.

  Her trembling hand opened—nothing was inside.

  Because I had no heart to begin with.

  Her tears fell even as her berserk expression remained blank.

  Her soul was crying.

  I reached out, gently caught her hand, and pulled her closer until our foreheads touched.

  “Deactivate,” I whispered.

  And then I kissed her.

  Our lips met—her taste of salt and sorrow. Our tongues intertwined, the warmth of her breath mixing with mine. Slowly, her trembling stopped. The darkness left her eyes.

  She clutched the back of my head, pressing closer, deepening the kiss until we both pulled away—breathless, faces flushed.

  She collapsed softly into my arms.

  I held her close, her head resting on my chest.

  I smiled faintly. “Welcome back, Angelica…”

  She didn’t answer—just tightened her grip on my shirt, silently crying against me.

  In that quiet, shattered world—

  We finally breathed again.