Mom

"Valac Noctis! How dare you sully the Noctis Duchy name!?"

A voice boomed through the room, filled with rage.

Valac didn't even have time to react before the door was thrown open violently, slamming against the wall with a loud crash. Lav let out a startled squeak and quickly scurried further under the bed, hiding in fear.

Looks like the Duke came in person. Who dares shout the Duke's son full name so loud except Duke Of Noctis.

In the doorway stood the Duke, his face twisted in fury, flanked by his wife, probably. The luxurious dress of the woman couldn't be compared to that of a maid's afterall.

Behind them, barely visible, was a fragile-looking woman with a white veil covering her eyes.

Valac didn't flinch. He remained seated on the edge of his bed, his hands clenched into fists on his lap. His head felt heavy, the dizziness still threatening to overwhelm him, but he forced himself to meet the duke's gaze without wavering.

What the hell is going on? Why are they all here?

The Duke's wife, Lady Elenora, stood beside him, her lips curled into a cruel smile. She had always despised Valac, seeing him as nothing more than a stain on her family, a reminder of her husband's infidelity.

Now, she had an excuse to let her hatred spill without consequences.

"Of course, he's cursed," Elenora sneered, crossing her arms as she glared down at him. "It's only fitting for someone like him. I told you from the beginning, my lord, he's nothing but trouble for our family."

Oh… So, they are here to play this game. Well, I'm used to it. Continue.

Valac remained silent. His head throbbed, and he could feel Lav trembling beneath the bed. The tiny dragon was still too weak to defend him, and Valac had no strength to stand up to them.

But he wasn't going to grovel either.

I'm sorry, Lav. Endure a bit.

"Master Valac… I…" the maid whispered from the ground, raising her head a little, her voice barely audible. She was still trembling, clutching her hands together as if trying to become invisible.

The Duke ignored her completely, his focus solely on Valac.

"I've had enough of your insolence, boy. You've brought shame upon this household with your cursed presence. You are hereby banned from all family gatherings, effective immediately. Don't show your face at the gatherings at all."

Sure. But, why does my chest hurt? Could it be that I can feel original Valac's emotions?

Valac's chest tightened, but he couldn't falter.

Looks like the venom's acting up. Of course, the Duke would seize this opportunity. This wasn't about the curse; it was about getting rid of his shame… his illegitimate child, like they always wanted.

Whether it was his father in past life or this life. It was always the same. Why the f**k do you not use protection, f***ers!? Do you think we want to be here!? We want to be illegitimate!?

Lady Elenora's smile widened at the Duke's orders, satisfaction gleaming in her cold eyes. "Perhaps now you'll understand your place, Valac. You were never meant to be a part of this family. You were just a mistake."

Yeah! A mistake your husband made, obviously.

Valac's hands automatically trembled, the words were biting into him more than he wanted to admit.

Looks like Valac's body is really habituated to this stuff. Well, I suppose I need to control my body better before going to Moonlit Cavern. But, before that…

"I never asked to be part of this family," Valac said, his voice low but steady. "If you want me gone, just say it. I'll be gone."

Lady Elenora's eyes flashed with annoyance at his defiance. "You insolent—"

"Enough."

The Duke's voice cut through the room like a blade, silencing Elenora instantly. He stepped closer to Valac, his gaze hard and unforgiving. "You will not speak unless spoken to, boy. This curse—" he spat the word, "—is an embarrassment to the Noctis name. You will be confined to your quarters unless summoned by me directly. Do you understand?"

Well, I can train in peace.

Valac's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "I understand, Your Grace."

What else was there to say, anyway?

The Duke turned to leave, but before he could, the beautiful frail woman stepped forward.

Her face hidden behind the veil, her hands gripping the arms of the maid who guided her. Valac's heart clenched at the sight of her.

Who is this woman to Valac?

It wasn't long before he got his answer. The woman's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she spoke, "Valac… my son…"

Lady Elenora's eyes narrowed, her expression twisting. "Your son? Hmph. You can barely see, Darina. Do you want to put your son in more trouble?"

So, it's Valac's biological mother.

Valac flinched at Elenora's words but Darina stood her ground, her blind eyes turning toward where she sensed Valac was sitting. "Please, my lord… He is not cursed. Valac has never—"

"Quiet, Darina," the Duke snapped, his patience clearly running thin. "You have no place in this discussion. Just because I made a maid my concubine. It doesn't give you any right to interfere with my decision!"

Valac could see the pain flash across his mother's face, but she didn't argue. Instead, she bowed her head slightly, her grip tightening on the maid's arm.

Elenora sneered at the sight. "Of course, she would go against you and defend him, my lord. Pathetic. That's why these poor creatures are pathetic."

Valac's blood boiled at her words, but he remained silent. What good would fighting back do?

I'll make you pay back bit by bit.

The Duke glanced at his wife but said nothing. Instead, he turned back to Valac, his expression one of finality. "You will not leave this room unless I command it. Is that clear?"

Valac nodded again, his throat tight. "Yes, Your Grace."

Without another word, the Duke turned on his heel and strode out of the room. Lady Elenora followed close behind, her smug smile still firmly in place.

Darina, Valac's mother, remained where she was, her hands trembling as she reached out toward him. "Valac…"

Is this what a mother's warmth is? I never had this as Aamon. Mom died after giving birth to me. Now, that I have it as Valac, I can't lose it.

"I'm fine… Mom," Valac said softly, forcing a small smile as he stood up, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to pull him back down. He moved toward her, gently placing his hand over hers.

"You don't have to defend me. I'll be okay. Please just be healthy."

He meant those words as Aamon. Maybe even Valac who wasn't here anymore. But, that didn't matter. Names didn't matter. She was his mother. That's all that mattered.

Tears welled up in Darina's sightless eyes, her fingers tightening around his. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

Valac's heart ached at her words, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he pulled her into a gentle hug, whispering, "It's not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. I'll fix everything. I promise."

The maid, still standing nearby, watched them silently, her face pale and her eyes filled with guilt.

Darina pulled away, her hands trembling as she reached up to touch Valac's face. "Be careful… my son. Elenora might play more tricks to get rid of you now that you're vulnerable."

Valac smiled weakly, nodding. "Don't worry, mom. Trust me, okay?"

"Okay…"

I need to move carefully. I have someone to protect.