Aphrodite.

The midmorning sun bathed the fortress in golden light, signaling the arrival of spring. The last remnants of snow melted into the damp earth, and the silver trees—bare for most of the year—now held cream-colored buds, ready to bloom. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, painting the stone floors with fractured hues of red, blue, and gold.

Laughter echoed through the hallways as small, hurried footsteps pattered against the marble.

"My name is Nemesis. Father gave me my name. I was left alone after I was born. But Mother found me, and we came here together. I love my parents and my new home."

The boy ran up the grand stairway, his tiny hands gripping the polished wooden railing as he climbed to the third landing.

"Young Master, please wait!" The maid called after him, her voice breathless from the chase.

"I have to be by Mother's side!" he insisted. "Mina said I will become a big brother. Mother always tells me not to run carelessly, but the house is too big for me!"

A second maid, trying to catch up, called out, "Young Master! Where are you running off to?"

Before Nemesis could respond, a strong arm lifted him effortlessly off the ground.

"Ahh! Dadde!" The child squealed in delight.

Erebus held the small boy securely in his right arm, turning his attention to the panting maid.

"Hah…hah… thank goodness, Master, you caught him," she said between breaths, bending forward to collect herself.

Erebus glanced down at the squirming child in his arms. "Why were you running around the fortress?"

Nemesis looked up with bright, eager eyes. "To see Mami! Mina said she would be up today because I'm going to be a big brother now!"

Erebus stilled at his words. "Mina told you that?"

The maid stiffened, sensing the shift in his demeanor. Nemesis nodded innocently, oblivious to the tension.

Erebus exhaled slowly, looking at the boy more intently. He's already four? Did I… perhaps adopt him? The thought lingered uncomfortably in his mind.

Nemesis was still small for his age—so much so that many mistook him for a toddler. But he had grown healthier, no longer frail like before. His voice, clear and articulate, was well beyond what was expected of a child his age.

"What are those in your hands?" Erebus asked, noticing the delicate bundle of flowers clutched in his tiny fingers.

"Flowers! Mami loves them. Mami likes white!" Nemesis beamed, holding them up proudly.

Erebus chuckled, ruffling the boy's dark hair. "Then let's give them to her once she wakes up safely."

" Mina said that when mama wakes up I will see the baby soon!" He chattered about his preferences of wanting cute baby sister.

Erebus felt like he was stuck between telling the child the truth or go along with his innocent expectations. It was still the beginning trimester of her pregnancy.

" Your sibling will come when you're four." He said.

"But Mina said if I am a good boy, a bird will bring them." Nemesis insistent on his wish kept protesting.

"Your mother knows better about it." He finally relented to the child's bickering while cursing himself for making Mina his caretaker.

"He speaks too well for his age." The old butler's voice came from behind them, his observation laced with curiosity.

Erebus said nothing but let his gaze linger on the child a moment longer before turning toward the grand doors. Blake stepped forward, opening them for him.

Inside, the chamber was softly lit by the sunlight filtering through the curtains. Mina sat beside the bed, holding a wooden bowl in one hand, a spoon in the other.

"Please, just one bite, Milady," she urged gently. "The porridge is warm. It's good for you. Derran says so."

Luciana hesitated before finally taking a spoonful. The taste was bland, a reminder of their isolated location where spices were a luxury. Salt, a touch of pepper, and faint traces of nutmeg and clove were all that flavored it—ingredients carefully rationed, stored in bulk to last until the next year's supply arrived.

The barley grains were soft, easier to swallow.

"Mami!" Nemesis struggled in Erebus's arms.

Luciana turned her head just in time to see the unusual sight—Erebus holding the child. Her brows lifted slightly in surprise. As soon as Nemesis was set down, he ran straight to her, burying his face in her embrace.

Soft sobs racked his small frame.

"There, there," she murmured, stroking his back soothingly.

Erebus remained where he stood, watching.

This has to be her. No doubt about it. She's… Aphrodite.

Nemesis, his tears forgotten, brightened as he turned to Mina, holding out the flowers proudly.

"Look what I brought for Mami!"

Mina's eyes welled with emotion. "Young Master has grown so much!"

Luciana chuckled, brushing a lock of hair from the boy's face. She kissed his cheek, murmuring soft words of thanks for his gift.

Erebus dismissed Blake with a slight nod before stepping closer to the bed.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, the question coming out awkwardly. His mind struggled to reconcile what he was seeing.

Luciana met his gaze.

"I should be the one asking that."

His expression flickered.

"How does your body feel?" she pressed.

Erebus glanced down at his own hand. He flexed his fingers, watching as they curled into a tight fist before loosening again.

"I feel… light. As if something that had been eating away at my soul has been destroyed." His voice was quiet, almost distant. "And… I remember who I really was."

Luciana watched him carefully.

"The chains that bound me, the ones that locked away my emotions—they no longer exist."

Her lips curled into a faint smile. Her attention drifted to Nemesis, who sat beside her, happily playing with the flowers he had brought.

"I'm glad to hear that."

Erebus hesitated before taking a seat beside her. He reached forward, his rough, calloused hand enveloping her much smaller, paler one.

Her breath caught.

"But… are you really not Aphrodite?" His voice was barely above a whisper, his golden eyes searching hers.

Luciana stiffened.

"A-Aphrodite?" Her voice faltered, eyes widening in disbelief. "How do you know her?"