Aria's father, Ashter, woke up first, followed closely by Astrid.
Both men felt as though they had been asleep for ages.
Their gazes fell on Aria and Noelle as they rubbed their eyes, trying to clear their vision and shake off the heavy feeling lingering in their bodies.
"Father!"
"Husband!"
Of course, Ashter and Astrid were given no time to rest as the two women rushed to them, burying their heads against their chests.
"Husband, you're awake... I was so worried! I thought you'd leave me forever!" Noelle cried, clinging tightly to Astrid, her voice filled with raw emotion.
Ashter gently stroked Noelle's hair to comfort her as he looked around, trying to process everything. He recalled fragments of the past and then noticed his brother beside him, healthy once more, which filled him with relief.
