"D-Daughter! You're speaking again!" the man exclaimed, his voice filled with sudden excitement. His tail continued to wag energetically, betraying the stern, imposing image he had projected just moments before.
Sara blinked in surprise, completely caught off guard. The man who had seemed so sad and intimidating had suddenly transformed into a kind, almost sweet figure. The contrast was jarring, and she didn't know how to react.
"Uh... yeah... I guess..." Sara replied, still trying to wrap her mind around the sudden shift in his demeanor.
Before she could say more, the man suddenly dashed forward, continuing to walk down the hallway with renewed energy. His pace quickened, and Sara found herself being held more tightly against him.
She could feel the warmth of his embrace, a stark contrast to the cold, mechanical image he had projected earlier. The hug was firm but comforting, and despite everything, she felt a strange sense of security in his arms.
--
After a while, they came to a stop in front of a huge door, its towering presence suggesting it was something important. The intricate designs etched into its surface gleamed under the dim lighting, and the heavy material gave it an air of significance.
"Are you ready, daughter? I have a feeling she will be very happy!" The man's excitement was palpable, his voice filled with anticipation.
Sara looked at the door, then back at the man, noting the eagerness in his eyes. She hesitated, thinking for a moment.
If I want answers as to what the hell is going on...
She nodded slowly, her resolve firming. Whatever lay beyond that door, she needed to face it to uncover the truth about her new reality.
The door suddenly opened, and Sara's eyes widened in surprise as a delicate, soothing scent filled the air. The room beyond was nothing short of breathtaking.
In the center stood a massive, royal bed draped in luxurious fabrics, its deep blue and gold covers shimmering in the low light. The bed itself was adorned with intricately carved posts and a canopy that looked like it belonged in a palace. Across from it, a large window dominated the wall, offering a stunning view of the sprawling city outside. The dark sky and tall buildings were visible through the glass, and just beyond the window, a balcony beckoned, with flowing curtains swaying gently in the breeze. Soft, warm light from the city below filtered into the room, casting a serene glow over everything.
At the foot of the bed stood a woman of striking beauty. She was tall, with long, cascading white hair that flowed down her back, ending in delicate blue shades that shimmered in the light. Her skin was a rich black, marred only by patches of vitiligo that contrasted starkly against the dark hue, creating a mesmerizing pattern. Her eyes were an intense blue, so vivid that they seemed to glow, drawing attention to their depth. She wore a white robe, simple yet elegant, which clung to her form and hinted at the impressive bust hidden beneath the fabric.
'So pretty...' Sara thought, momentarily captivated by the woman's beauty.
The man began to walk slowly into the room, and as he did, something caught Sara's eye. She noticed a mirror, its ornate frame glinting in the far corner of the room. She couldn't resist the urge to look at it.
As her reflection came into view, her eyes widened in shock. The face staring back at her was different from the one she remembered. Her once brown hair was now short and grey, and her eyes had changed to a deep, dark blue. She barely recognized herself.
'I really was reborn...'
--
The man, with gentle care, slowly placed Sara down on the bed. The moment she sank into the plush covers, she felt an overwhelming sense of comfort; the bed was incredibly soft, almost as if it were cradling her in warmth.
"Ah... Zakis with..." The woman's voice was as beautiful as it was smooth, carrying a melodic quality that seemed to resonate in the air. Her expression shifted to one of surprise as she looked down at Sara, her glowing blue eyes wide with astonishment.
Suddenly, tears began to well up in the woman's vivid blue eyes, spilling down her cheeks. The sight of her daughter—alive, awake—was too much to contain.
"...Aekira," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.