Epilogue

In utter blackness, countless arms reach out toward me.

I scream, terrified—about to be grabbed.

‘Mother!’

Sobbing alone, sniffling, when a gentle hand rests on my head.

Warm. Soft. Caressing, like someone who truly cares.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘Mama…’

‘You had another nightmare, didn’t you? Come here.’

I’m wrapped in warm, comforting arms.

Soothed by the steady rhythm of a heartbeat, even sleep—which used to frighten me—now feels safe.

Drowsy, wrapped in warmth and quiet, I drift off… when a low male voice comes from behind.

‘You’ve been sleeping lightly lately, haven’t you?’

Big, gentle hands comb through my hair.

‘Had a scary dream. Maybe I should ask Driitra next time?’

‘Yeah… how about we three go into her dreams together, just like old times?’

“Fufu, sounds fun!”

“Come on, let’s sleep again. Elen, you’re still tired, aren’t you?”

“Thank you, Gadiel.”

The rustle of fabric, but the warmth of his arms holding me never fades.

Drowsily, I mumbled.

“Kashama… shobani iryuu…?”

“I’m here. Didn’t I promise?”

“Yeah. Always together.”

“Goodnight, Amuel.”

The name of a tiny, tiny goddess, granted a name of protection.

“Father was a hero, mother a spirit, and I— their daughter— a reincarnated one.” End