He kissed her temple, his hands splayed possessively across her belly.
For a few minutes, they said nothing.
Just breathing together, listening to the storm's slow birth beyond the cliffs.
Valeris spoke at last, her voice soft.
"When I was transferred into this body—Melina's—I thought maybe I'd get to know what family love feels like from a child's perspective. But even the memories I received were just like mine in the real world. I thought I might glimpse something different… not the life where I was only an heir who had to prove her worth."
She shook her head slightly.
"But here? In this world? They're worse. Just masks. Tools. Knives. In my original world, I was a tool, yes—but at least I was somewhat loved. But this Melina's world… it's been pure torment. From childhood until now, nothing but struggle."
Asher's arms tightened around her.
"They're not your family," he said firmly. "They're characters. Shadows. You owe them nothing."
