"What happened to your hand, dear?" Seraphina asked, worry and fear evident on her face.
She gently grabbed his right hand and looked at the fresh blood staining it. The crimson liquid was still wet, not yet dried.
Lilith rushed to Seraphina's side, equally alarmed by the unfolding events. "I don't even understand what's happening today," she said, clutching her head in confusion.
Seraphina tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Her heart was pounding faster than ever before.
Both women turned to look at the body on the floor, their eyes widening in shock. It was slowly disappearing, dissolving into particles of bright, ethereal light. A cold sweat broke out on their brows.
Lilith rushed forward and reached out to touch it, but her hand passed straight through the fading form as if it were an illusion. "I can't touch it!" she exclaimed, staring at her hand and then at the vanishing body.
The disappearance accelerated, and within seconds, almost the entire body had vanished, leaving only the head. They could do nothing but watch, helpless, as it too dissolved into the gathering light.
The bright glow expanded, filling the entire room. Then, it began to coalesce, its color deepening into an ominous, dark-red hue that stained the air around them.
"What's happening?" Lilith muttered, stumbling backward until she fell onto the bed.
The dark-red light gathered into a single, swirling circle and began drifting toward Seraphina.
"Stay away from my child!" Seraphina cried desperately, shielding Seiichi with her own body. "I don't care what happens to me, but I won't let you harm him!"
She conjured a protective barrier around herself, but the light passed through it effortlessly. Her eyes widened in disbelief as the light continued its path, seeping directly into Seiichi's small form.
Seiichi's body glowed red for a moment, and the blood on his hands was absorbed into his skin. Suddenly, both Seraphina's and Lilith's eyes turned pure black, devoid of life. A moment later, their eyes returned to normal, blinking in confusion.
Seraphina looked around, disoriented. "What am I doing here?" she murmured, then looked down at Seiichi in her arms. "Ah, I remember now. I was going to breastfeed my dear angel."
She slowly sat on the bed, noticing Lilith standing nearby with a similarly confused expression.
"My Lady, can you tell me what I'm doing here?" Lilith asked, rubbing her temples as a headache pulsed behind her eyes.
"Don't you remember? I asked you to pick out a dress for me from the closet," Seraphina reminded her.
Lilith's face cleared. "Oh! How forgetful of me," she said, playfully tapping her head.
"It's alright. Even angels can forget things sometimes," Seraphina said softly, beginning to breastfeed Seiichi.
Lilith walked to the closet and opened it, pulling out an elegant red dress. "How about this one?" she asked, holding it up for Seraphina to see.
"It's beautiful. I'll wear it," Seraphina said, adjusting Seiichi in her arms.
"Understood. I'll have the maids draw a bath for you so you can freshen up before changing," Lilith said.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?"
"My Lady, it's me, Iris," came a soft, submissive voice.
"Ah, Iris, come in," Seraphina called.
The door opened, and Iris stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Seraphina breastfeeding Seiichi. A faint blush colored her cheeks before she noticed Lilith holding the red dress.
"What did you need, Iris?" Seraphina asked.
Iris kept her eyes respectfully lowered. "My Lady, General Dómvalka has returned from the Realm of Spirits. She wishes to see you and the new Young Master."
"I see. Tell her to wait. I will be down shortly," Seraphina ordered.
Iris nodded, excused herself, and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
---
Iris descended the stairs gracefully.
In the sitting room below, General Dómvalka waited, her arms folded and her expression firm and serious.
Iris approached and bowed her head. "The Queen said she will be down in a moment."
Dómvalka gave a single, sharp nod. "Understood. You may go." Her voice was calm, yet carried a heavy, authoritative weight.
She unfolded her arms, resting her hands on her armored thighs. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her crystal-like red eyes were as sharp as a honed blade. Her armor fit her form perfectly, and a small scar on her neck stood as a testament to her bravery and legendary battles.
Iris bowed again and withdrew.
Dómvalka's gaze shifted to the staircase at the sound of approaching footsteps. A small, rare smile touched her lips as Seraphina descended, cradling Seiichi, whose small hands were clenched tightly in her dress.
As Seraphina drew near, Dómvalka stood and bowed deeply. "My Queen, I have completed my mission. I have returned from the Realm of Spirits and slain the enemy that threatened the balance." She raised her head, her eyes softening as they fell upon Seiichi.
Seraphina moved to the couch and sat, and Dómvalka followed suit, taking a seat beside her.
"I am glad you eliminated the threat to the balance between the Realm of Spirits and the Realm of Mortals. You always make me proud," Seraphina said warmly.
"Your words honor me, My Queen. Though I still feel guilt for not being present when the Young Master was born," Dómvalka replied, her voice laced with regret.
"There is no need for guilt. You were fulfilling the duty I gave you. If you wish, you may hold him," Seraphina offered with a gentle smile.
"That is a great honor, My Queen. But merely beholding the Young Master's face is more than enough for me."
"There is no need for such formality between us. Besides, I have a request, and you are the only one I can trust with it," Seraphina said, her tone becoming firm and serious.
Dómvalka's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. "What is it, My Queen? I will follow and execute any order you give."
Seraphina's smile widened. "I am glad to hear it, Dómvalka De Vildor. I want you to train my child. Mold him into a strong, brave person and a protector, just like you."