Edward and I finally made it back, and the first thing we saw was a woman with long red hair and pale green eyes, dressed in a black outfit and her apron. She wore a stern expression on her face.
"Boys, you've been outside far too long — it's almost nightfall! What do you have to say for yourselves?"
"It was Raz's fault. He spent the whole day wandering around like an idiot."
"Sorry, Adèle. I didn't notice the time slipping by — the city is so lively it's easy to lose track." I said, shooting a dark look at Ed.
"Haaaa, at least warn me next time. I worry when you disappear for that long, alright?"
"Alright, I promise."
"By the way, the Soul Awakening exam will take place in three days. I hope you're excited, boys. I wonder which of the six Founders will be your strongest connection."
"Great, I am SO excited. I'm jumping for JOY at the thought. I can't even sleep anymore," I said, my sarcasm barely concealed.
Adèle fixed me with a withering glare. I instantly turned a shade paler — this woman's punishments are terrible. Better to stay on her good side.
"I can't wait, Adèle. I'm truly impatient! I'll become a powerful Emissary and earn a lot of money to help you and the children."
Adèle looked at Edward with a radiant smile. "Ed, you always think of others so much — think of yourself too, it matters."
"Don't worry, it's only natural that I help you. You're my family, after all."
I watched Ed after those words, and I couldn't help but smile. He's such a big-hearted idiot. I have to keep an eye on him, otherwise he'll get taken advantage of one day.
"Thioller and the others are already asleep, I take it?"
A nod from Adèle confirmed what I thought. A shame — I wanted to bother them a little before going to sleep. That'll have to wait until tomorrow then.
"Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, you two," I said, turning to leave.
"Raziel."
I stopped when I heard my name. "You and I need to talk." I turned back around to face Adèle.
I already knew where this conversation was going. "Why did you disappear this afternoon?" she said, giving me a reproachful look.
"You know very well why."
Edward cut into the conversation. "Well, I wish you both a good night. Please don't argue too much." He turned and left.
Adèle let out a weary sigh. "Raz, everything I do is for your own good. It's time for you to explore new horizons — the world is vast and has so much more to offer you than this place."
"Where you see an opportunity for me, I see a way of getting rid of me."
Adèle looked at me with a shocked expression and quickly replied, "Of course not! Where did you get such an idea? I only want you to be happy, Raziel." Adèle's eyes glistened with tears. "I may not have given birth to you, but I raised you. You are like a son to me — just like Ed and the children — so I forbid you from ever saying something like that again!"
"I'm sorry. That's not what I meant," I said, lowering my eyes.
Adèle stepped closer and gently wrapped her arms around me. "I forgive you," she whispered, closing her eyes.
Adèle has always been the only mother I ever needed. She gave me her love. I never needed to know who my birth parents were — because Adèle is enough. I need nothing else.