“After I died, as a soul, I wandered the continent for decades, searching for someone with a soul similar to mine. Someone who could fill the empty vessel of my daughter.”

“But I was a human in my past life, not related to the fairy race at all.”

“Oh, have you forgotten already? I mean, you were the chosen one in your past life. There must have been some sign on your body.”

“If you mean a sign… Are you talking about the imperial mark I had?”

“Humans express it that way.”

According to her explanation, the mark I possessed in my past life was given to those with souls as clear and transparent as those close to the celestial realm. It had no connection to figures like emperors. The fact that it began to appear frequently among the imperial princes was just a coincidence, and even if the mark was forcibly transferred to someone else, the inherent power of the soul wouldn’t change.

Perhaps the reason there weren’t many holy princes in the empire was that many, like me, were unfairly robbed of the mark and killed.

“I was planning to wait until you naturally faced death. Human lifespans are quite short compared to vampires. I thought it wouldn’t be such a long time.”

“…The wait was probably shorter than I expected. In my past life, I faced the flames unjustly.”

“Yeah, I witnessed you engulfed in flames in the empire. And I made up my mind then—to summon your soul into my daughter’s empty body.”

For a moment, Daphne’s gaze turned toward me.

Eyes filled with affection, tenderness, and a hint of sadness.

It was clear that she had been watching me for a long time in my past life.

“I thought you might resent me. That’s why I haven’t revealed myself until now. Although I don’t have much time left… I wanted to meet you at least once.”

“I don’t resent you. Instead, I’m grateful. You gave me the opportunity to live a new life.”

“Thank you for thinking that way.”

With an emotional expression, she hesitated for a moment, then knelt down and embraced me carefully.

In the arms of my mother for the first time, a warm and pleasant scent emanated.

It felt like I might burst into tears from the warmth, similar to what I had felt from Sione.

“Even though you may not have been my child from the beginning, I consider you my daughter. My cute daughter, Bella, born from my heart.”

“….”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. You’re growing up, and I couldn’t even help you put on your shoes properly. I’m truly a pathetic mother.”

“No, I already know that you’ve done a lot for me.”

“I wanted to do more for you. Eat together, play with dolls. Dress you up beautifully like a princess and throw a party. I wanted to do all that for you.”

“Then let’s do that. Let’s meet again here, just like today.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much time left. The power of the soul is limited. I used to be able to cross over to the real world frequently, but now it’s impossible. Maybe seeing you today will be the last time.”

“Where is that kind of talk? I’ve only just met you now!”

Emotions surged, and I couldn’t seem to keep control.

I had just learned everything.

That I was reborn again, all thanks to her. That I was worthy of being loved by a parent, a fact I realized less than a few minutes ago.

As I learned this, the thought of parting with my mother made everything before my eyes pitch-dark.

“Don’t go, Mom. Even if it’s just your soul, that’s fine. Stay by my side like this. Will you?”

I clung to her as if begging, sobbing like a child.

This should not be happening. The most heartbreaking thing should be losing a mother.

I knew it in my head, but my heart couldn’t accept it.

“Thank you for calling me Mom, my lovely daughter. I will always be by Bella’s side. Even if I can’t see you again, that fact won’t change.”

“Don’t say that, sniff. It feels like I won’t be able to see you again!”

“Don’t cry, always be strong. Just keep going on as you are now. Our Bella has the power to make anything she wishes come true.”

After finishing her words, Daphne kissed my cheek briefly.

After gently cradling my small head in her arms, she affectionately patted my back.

“You have to stay healthy, Bella. Don’t hate Dad too much. Vampires lose some of their emotions when they lose their companions. It’s to forget the pain.”

“But Dad seems to really dislike me. He said he doesn’t want to see me.”

“Vladimir’s cold treatment towards you is not your fault. It’s the result of pushing himself too hard.”

“I don’t really understand… How should I think about Dad?”

“Time will solve everything. If you leave it alone and let it flow, the river will naturally find its proper course.”

Whoosh.

At that moment, a strong wind blew, and the surrounding scenery gradually disappeared.

Sensing that the time of farewell had come, I held Daphne tightly.

But her body was fading away more and more.

“I love you, my daughter. Please cherish yourself. Don’t forget that Mom will always be by your side.”

Paah.

A bright light that sharply pierced the eyes spread out in all directions.
Instinctively, I tightly closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I was back in my room.

“Mom…?”

I looked around, searching for Daphne, but of course, she was nowhere to be found.

With a bewildered expression, I gazed down at my empty hands.

Even though the soft skin and warm heat I had touched were so vivid.

Mom wasn’t by my side.

I was alone again.

“Is this really the end of our meeting? There are still so many things I haven’t said…”

Feeling melancholic, I burrowed back into the blanket.

I wanted to talk to someone about what I had just experienced. However, for now, I wanted to savor the lingering feelings of meeting Mom a bit longer.

After a few hours of dozing off in bed, I realized that something about my body had changed.

My once young body had finally entered the early teens.