- Heaven's Last Breath -

Under the Starry Sky

- Jade -

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"M-Mother?"

Hearing that word from Aaron was certainly surprising. As I looked to the wine haired boy beside me, he tightened the grip around my waist and I could sense his nerves.

"Oh, Ayaan, it has been so long! You haven't changed a bit, with that cool face of yours. I am glad to see that you are healthy and doing well." The woman who appeared to be Aaron's mother greeted him with a delighted voice although he didn't seem to share that same excitement.

"And who might you be? Oh, you must be the War-"

"What are you doing here?" Aaron quickly stepped in front of me as if to protect me from his mother's sight.

"Oh wow, I would have thought that you'd introduce me to your special lady friend, Ayaan but I cannot help it if you are not ready. When am I making arrangements for your marriage ceremony?"

I felt Aaron's breath become cold, as if he resented the woman before him. I could only sense genuine emotion from her so I wasn't sure what his reason was for acting this way. But I trusted Aaron before anyone else, so I kept my guard up.

"Aaron brother! To be surrounded by so many beautiful women, I could only hope to be the man you are one day." Hurakan knelt down to his knees, earning a laugh and smile from the rest of the group, diverting everyone's attention from the three of us. The look in his eyes suggested that he knew more about the relationship between Aaron and his mother than he was letting on.

Aaron's gaze was fixed only on the woman before him.

"Ishchel, I asked you a question."

"Hm? Is that any way to address your mother? I raised you from birth so some respect is in order."

Aaron didn't sway one bit, "You raised me? Is that what you call it?"

"Of course, because I am a loving mother who would do anything for her son. Ayaan, you know I am the only one you can trust in the Palace, right?"

"State your business or you won't be returning to Heaven."

Ishchel shuddered on the spot, though it was clearly an act, "How can you be so cold to your mother? I only came here to return something to you."

At that, she reached into the front of her dress, pulling out a small, engraved wooden box. A golden lock sealed it shut but with the wave of her hand, Ishchel opened it up. As she did, a bright golden glow poured out from the inside, the Celestial woman smiling endearingly.

"These were taken from you after all. I'm only here to return them." Ishchel quickly closed the box but from that one glance, I could tell Aaron knew what was inside.

"I shall leave them here and take my leave. Now, give mommy a kiss-"

"You can leave now."

Feeling rejected, Ishchel frowned. She turned to the others, saying her goodbyes before leaving through the front door.

"Uh, what was that about?" Ariel spoke up, clearing the silence.