The morning air in the matriarch's private dining room was serene, filled with the soft clinking of teacups and the gentle hum of the magical heating charm. Lyra, still basking in the warmth of Eris's prolonged embrace from earlier, sat beside her sister, a new, subtle brightness in her eyes that Eris savored. Their mother, the formidable Lady Aster, presided at the head of the table. Her gaze, though sharp from years of responsibility, softened as she looked at her daughters.
"Good morning, my dears," Lady Aster said, her voice clear and strong. She was a woman of elegant stature, her once vibrant features now etched with the quiet dignity of leadership and the lingering sorrow of loss. She had inherited their family's aristocratic title after the passing of her beloved Duchess—a formidable woman who had defended their lands with valor. Lady Aster had since proven her own strength, tirelessly working to stabilize their honor and power in a world that constantly demanded resilience.
Eris smiled, a genuine, radiant curve of her lips. She moved her chair closer to Lyra, simply enjoying her sister's presence. Lyra leaned into Eris's side, a soft sigh escaping her, her eyes meeting Eris's with pure, open affection. Lady Aster watched them, a flicker of profound relief and quiet joy crossing her face at the evident closeness between her daughters.
Eris's gaze settled on her mother. Lady Aster, always so beautiful, even now with the subtle lines of experience around her eyes. Eris remembered small, cherished moments from this past life: her mother's gentle hand guiding her first spell, her unwavering support during difficult times, the quiet strength that radiated from her even in moments of profound grief after the Duchess's passing. The scent of Lady Aster's unique perfume, a blend of ancient herbs and dignified floral notes, brought a wave of tender nostalgia.
A pang of bittersweet longing touched Eris's heart. This world, for all its beauty and its society led by powerful women, was also fraught with peril. Beyond the grand cities lay wild lands teeming with monstrous creatures, and the memory of the devastating alien invasions still haunted the collective consciousness of those who had lived through them. Eris, as a Twelve-Circle Mage, knew firsthand the brutal reality of war and the immense power required to face truly overwhelming threats.
"Mother," Eris said softly, her voice filled with a deep reverence. She rose and walked around the table, not to challenge, but to embrace. Lady Aster, surprised by the unexpected gesture, paused her movements. Eris gently took her mother's hands, then drew her into a strong, loving embrace.
Lady Aster stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into her daughter's arms, a profound sigh escaping her. Eris inhaled her mother's familiar scent, a scent that now carried the wisdom of a seasoned leader and the quiet strength of a widow who had rebuilt. It was a comforting anchor in her vast, reawakened mind.
Eris's thoughts drifted to the path of a mage. She knew better than anyone how difficult the Circles were. Most mages were categorized by their progress: low-rank, mid-rank, high-rank, and then the more advanced tiers, each requiring the accumulation of vast mana and rigorous self-discipline. But true mastery came only from completing a Circle, from reaching that peak of power where mana could truly be harnessed. Yet, there were limits. Many Circles, beyond the easily accessible ones, were considered impossible to open, never before achieved in recorded history.
She remembered her youth, the early struggles. There were times when she wasn't a full Circle mage, when she was weak, just a beginner. She had barely survived, relying on raw instinct and the guidance of her mentors. Eris recalled the faces of those who had fought bravely to protect the Empire, or to simply maintain their strength, only to fall in battle against the relentless threats. It filled her with a pang of sorrow, a deep understanding of their sacrifices.
Eris, in her past life, had been the one to push beyond those known boundaries. She had opened the path to those higher, previously unattainable Circles, venturing beyond the magic world's known limits, climbing through dangers, experiencing both soaring victories and crushing defeats. She had been the only one to continue the war, protecting the world against cosmic threats.
But now, she was back. Back to the beginning, a Twelve-Circle Mage again, with all that painful experience and knowledge. A wave of bittersweet nostalgia washed over her. She knew the struggles, the sacrifices. And this time, she wouldn't let those she loved perish.
She held her mother tightly, then pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, a promise shining in her own. "I'm here, Mother," Eris murmured, her voice steady and full of conviction. "I'm here to protect you. To protect us all."
Lady Aster's eyes, filled with quiet gratitude, met hers. The breakfast, forgotten for a moment, now seemed less important than the profound connection that filled the room. Eris was no longer just her daughter; she was a beacon of hope and strength, a silent promise against a dangerous world. The bond between them, already strong, deepened with the unspoken weight of Eris's returning power and unwavering love.
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