Warmth.
That was the first thing I felt. Not the cold or the confusion of death, but warmth that seeped into my fragile body and held me still. Slowly, with monumental effort, I pried open my heavy eyelids.
A woman's face hovered above mine—long golden-auburn hair framing tired but tender eyes. She cradled me carefully, as if I were a treasure that might shatter in her arms. Around her stood maids in crisp uniforms, faces usually impassive but now lit with quiet joy.
"Congratulations, My Lady," one whispered reverently.
"You've given birth to a fine boy," another added.
The woman's lips curved faintly. "Thank you…" her voice was warm despite exhaustion.
The chamber around us was vast—velvet curtains, candlelight glinting off polished wood, a chandelier above. Paintings and vases spoke of wealth.
So… I'd been reincarnated straight into nobility. Not bad. Not bad at all.
The heavy double doors opened. A tall man entered, coat trimmed with silver, boots echoing across marble. His tense features softened the moment his eyes found her.
"Risa, darling?"
She smiled weakly. "Darling… It's a boy."
Relief melted into joy. He rushed forward, kneeling beside her. "A son…! Wonderful, simply wonderful!" He kissed her forehead, then my tiny brow. "His name shall be—Lucian."
"Lucian…" she repeated softly, her gaze tender. "Yes, that's a wonderful name. Our Lucian."
Well then. I guess that makes it official. Lucian Varnheart. A name straight out of an epic novel. Not gonna lie—I kind of liked it.
He rose, pride swelling in his chest. "Announce it to the entire estate! From this day forth, let all know—my son, Lucian Vanheart, is born!"
The maids bowing deeply. Their voices rose together, "Yes, Master!" The doors swung open as several hurried out, their footsteps echoing down the corridor.
The chamber settled again, now quieter, only two maids lingering discreetly in the corners to tend to their lady.
Risa traced a trembling finger along my cheek. "My little Lucian…"
Her husband leaned close, voice thick with pride. "He has your eyes, Risa—blue as the sky itself."
She laughed softly. "And his hair—golden, like mine."
He smiled. "Then he carries beauty with him."
Her tired smile deepened. "But his face… he already looks like you."
Pride gleamed in his eyes. "Then he'll grow to be a fine man."
My tiny fingers clenched his, pure reflex—but to them, it was a miracle. Their soft laughter wrapped the room in warmth.
Almost enough to make me forget I was a reincarnated teenager stuck in a newborn body.
The peace didn't last long.
A sharp knock—then the door burst open. Two children bounded inside, trailed by flustered maids.
The first was a boy of about seven years old, his dark hair combed into neat perfection. He wore an elegant vest of navy and silver, polished boots that clicked with each confident step, and an expression that suggested the entire world was already his.
The second was a girl, no older than four, ribbons bouncing in her golden curls as she skipped along with unrestrained joy. Her blue eyes sparkled like morning dew, and she hummed happily as if her entire life had just gotten more exciting.
Their father's grin widened. "Jason, Susan, come quickly. You have a new brother."
Susan gasped, hands to her mouth. "A baby? Really?!"
She wriggled free and darted to the bedside. Jason followed, composed but smiling despite himself.
They peered down at me like I was some rare treasure.
Jason crossed his arms. "I am Jason Vanheart, your elder brother. You must remember that."
Oh, I'll remember. Not that it'll help when I can't even hold my head up yet.
Susan leaned close, eyes wide. "I'm Susan! Your big sister! That means I can take care of you, right, Mama?"
Risa chuckled. "Yes, dear. But not yet—you're still too little to carry him."
Susan pouted, then brightened. "Then I'll wait! I'll protect him, Mama. I promise!"
My little heart gave a squeeze at her words. Unfortunately, my body chose that exact moment to betray me. Tears welled in my eyes, spilling out as loud, ugly wails burst from my throat.
Really, body? Really? Way to ruin the wholesome sibling moment.
Susan jumped back. "Mama! Why is he crying? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, sweetheart," Risa soothed. "He's only hungry."
Jason tilted his head, thoughtful. "He cries, and everyone rushes to comfort him. The privilege of being the youngest." He smiled faintly. "Still, he's my brother. I'll make sure he never wants for anything."
Their father gave an approving nod. "Spoken like a true Vanheart."
Susan puffed up proudly. "Then I'll help feed him!"
"Not yet, love," Risa laughed. "You'll help when he is a little older.""
Susan deflated for a heartbeat, then nodded fiercely. "Then I'll take care of him every day!"
Their father chuckled. "That's enough for now. Let your mother and brother rest."
Jason straightened his vest. "Very well."
Susan waved both hands. "Bye-bye, Lucian! Sleep well!"
Their father lingered a moment longer, kissing Risa's hand. "Rest, my darling. You've given me a son—I could not ask for more." Then he, too, left, his footsteps fading into silence.
Only the soft crackle of fire and my faint cries remained.
"Hungry little one," Risa murmured, adjusting me gently. The maids moved to help as she cradled me closer.
Her arms enveloped me, warm and secure. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat and the soft hum of her voice filled the air. The warmth spread through me, quieting my cries, easing me into peace.
My eyelids drooped.
Sleep claimed me before another thought could form.