I'm home

"That's the end of my report, Your Majesty." Fang stood straight behind a formidable presence whose back reflexively relaxed as soon as he delivered the news of lady Haru's victory. He added, "However, the citizens are now spreading rumors about the 'spoiled' future queen."

"Let them talk," Adis responded while his eyes were fixed on the swirling light of the teleportation circle, waiting for his beloved to emerge with her captivating smile that he missed so much.

After Haru left, he stayed at the teleportation tower ever since. He didn't even eat or sleep as he was constantly worrying about her. He considered secretly following Haru in Atlantis but he stopped himself at the last minute. He said before that he trusted her and promised that he would wait for her. If he showed up, then it would mean that all he said were just empty words and promise.

He knew that she needed to face this trial one way or the other. Hence, even if it's killing him to be away with her, he had to bite the bullet.

When he heard a whirling sound of the teleportation circle, his eyes watered and a lump formed in his throat. 'Ah, my love is finally home,' he excitedly thought to himself.

His pupils dilated at the aight of the silhouette gradually forming in front of him. Then a dark short hair gently drifted in the air, followed by a lady's bouncing small frame, rosy fair skin, beautiful face, and huge amber eyes.

"Adis!" Haru squealed as soon as she saw the enormous black shadow of her devil.

When she saw him smiled in relief and his eyes glistened in longing, she knew that he was enduring and fighting something. And she understood what it was. When he spread his arms open for her, she instantly jumped into his strong embrace without any second thoughts.

Her arms snaked around his thick neck and wrapped her legs around his hips. Adis carried her whole weight with one muscular arm under her buttocks while his other arm hugged her small back, burying his face in her neck.

"I miss you, Adis!" Haru sniffed as though they were parted for years instead of just a day.

"I miss you more, my love," he breathed out against her neck then inhaled her sweet, and intoxicating scent.

Afterward, she cupped his face in her hands and gaze at it for a while, imprinting his handsome features in her heart and mind.

"Adis, I'm home," she whispered.

"Haru, welcome home," Adis emotionally whispered back. "What I wouldn't give to have a taste of your sweet lips, my love."

Her smile widened when she heard Adis' declaration. She leaned down to grant him his desire and to also quench her throat from her thirst for him. As their lips were hair's breadth away, a loud cough stopped her from her delightful assault.

"Your Majesty, Lady Haru, please forgive this impertinent servant for disturbing your beautiful reunion," Fang started after clearing his throat. "However, right now... is a little bit inappropriate for young master Vladimir's innocent eyes."

Fang's reminder was like cold water that instantly splashed on their flaming appetite and awakened them from their own world. They looked down at the child who was silently watching his parents at the side, anticipating what they would do next.

Haru tapped his shoulders to motion him to put her down, which he did, like an obedient lover that he was.

Subsequently, Adis approached the child, crouched down and softly ruffled Vladimir's head. "The ghosts informed me about your heroic deeds. Father is very proud of you. I knew you won't let me down."

The boy blushed as he twisted his body left and right. When Adis opened his arms to him, his golden eyes glistened in tears.

"Welcome home, son!" Adis warmly greeted.

Vladimir slammed himself to his father's embrace while grinning widely. "Mn, I'm finally home, father."

"Heeyyy! Don't forget about me. I'm still alive but slowly dying. Help me!"

The father and child's touching moment was suddenly interrupted by a disturbing plea that echoed around the stone tower. Mr. Bear wheezed as he crawled his way out of the swirling circle. A newborn silver puppy was leisurely sitting on top of his back while his entire stuffed body was bathing on the beast's abundant drool.

"Ah," Haru clapped her hands as she remembered Fenrir. She moved closer to the bear and pup and carefully carried the beast in her arms. "Mr. Bear, thank you for your hard work!"

As soon as Fenrir felt her warm and soft hands, as well as smelled her familiar scent, he immediately melted in her hand and buried his face against her smooth skin.

She took the pup to her boys and showed it to Adis. She giggled in amusement when she saw her demon king tilted his head and creased his brows as he intently observed Fenrir.

"Is that... a big rat?" Adis asked.

Haru and Vladimir instantly laughed at his confused expression.

She wiped the tears on the corner of her eyes from laughing too much and started to explain Fenrir's origin and Freya's message. She saw the light in his eyes changed from confusion to surprise then melancholic when she mentioned about the death of Fenrir's parents.

She also did not forget to mention about the atrocities of the irksome baldy nobleman and his mistress to make sure that they would get their due punishment.

Adis heaved a heavy sigh and gently stroke Fenrir's head with his index finger. When the newborn pup felt a different touch, he lifted his head and grabbed the finger in his mouth and nibbled it.

"I think he's cute even though he looked like a mouse," he chortled.

Haru gave his cheek a quick peck before added, "And he's our new son now. Well, I decided to adopt him. Since you'll be my husband, all my children, whether adopted or not, are yours, too."

"This doting husband is happy to comply," Adis smiled with his eyes and kissed her forehead. Then, he carried Vladimir in his arms to include him in their family conversation.

He looked at Fenrir and talked to him softly. "Welcome to the family, Fenrir. When your wolf father was still alive, I promised that I will look after his family if something happens to him. From now on, I will be your father. And I shall protect you and your big brother with everything I have."

"Aww, our big meanie is so sweet!" Haru teased him and gave him another kiss on the cheek, while Vladimir kissed him on the other side, simultaneously.

At the corner, Mr. Bear and Fang silently watched the touching scene. When the stuffed toy suddenly sniffed, Fang instantly handed him a white cloth while his eyes were still fixed on the beautiful family.

"Thank you, young man," Mr. Bear took the cloth and loudly blew his nose, which almost caused Fang to roar in disgust from the lack of manners and finesse.

While everyone was preoccupied, they failed to notice the silent footsteps from behind. When the newcomer cleared his throat to announce his presence, everyone in the tower immediately looked at his direction.

"Little girl, welcome back," Camus greeted Haru and moved closer to her. On his trail were the curious two Kings, Zen and Aquarius. "I understand that you now have with you the bud of Chloris that I requested," he continued and extended his hand to her. "Will you give it to grandfather now? The powerful demon clans are eagerly waiting for it."

Haru stiffened as she completely forgot the task Camus gave her. She looked at Adis with uncertainty before she rigidly faced Camus. Her arms reflexively tightened around Fenrir.

"G-grandfather... you see... I-I technically don't have the bud of Chloris."

When she revealed the news, all the men in the tower were stupefied. The short and awkward silence was suffocating her.

She grimaced. She must have given them a heart attack from her poor communication skills. "W-what I mean is, I have it with me but it's not in my possession." She hurriedly lifted the oblivious silver pup in her hand and showed it to Camus. "This is Fenrir, my new adopted son. ...And in his throat is the bud of Chloris."