Serena and Valerie walk up the cobblestone path to the cozy cottage, the soft glow of lanterns spilling onto the porch. Inside, laughter and playful chatter echo as their children, Rodan and Cristina, enjoy their time with Leon.
As the door opens, Rodan looks up and immediately spots his mothers. His face brightens, but it also carries a hint of understanding. Carefully, he lifts his younger sister, Cristina, into his arms.
"Come on, Cristina," Rodan says gently, balancing her with practiced ease. He turns to Leon, offering a small, earnest smile. "Thanks for playing with us, Leon. I'll see you later."
Leon waves back. "Take care of her, Rodan."
Rodan nods seriously and bolts toward his mothers, his small but confident strides showing his natural sense of responsibility.
Serena kneels, smiling softly at her son. "Rodan, thank you for looking after your sister. You're growing up to be such a strong and caring big brother."
Valerie crouches beside her, placing a hand on Rodan's shoulder. "We're so proud of you, sweetheart."
Brianna and Cecilia approach from the kitchen, their expressions warm but shadowed by the weight of what's to come.
"Make sure you get some rest tonight," Brianna says softly, her eyes briefly meeting Serena's in a silent exchange of trust and concern.
"Take care of each other," Cecilia adds with a calm, reassuring smile.
After brief but heartfelt goodbyes, Serena and Valerie depart with their children, their figures silhouetted against the fading evening light.
Back home, Serena and Valerie set Cristina down on a plush rug while Rodan perches on a nearby stool, observing his parents with curious eyes. The couple's earlier composure begins to waver as thoughts of the cult and their mission creep into their minds.
Rodan notices immediately. "What's wrong?" he asks, his tone clear and steady despite his young age. "You both look... different."
Even Cristina, usually lively and playful, sits quietly, her small hands clutching a soft blanket as she watches her parents intently.
Serena and Valerie exchange a glance, surprised by their children's maturity. Serena takes a deep breath, kneeling in front of Rodan while Valerie lifts Cristina into her arms.
"We're going somewhere where there are bad people," Serena begins carefully, choosing her words with deliberate caution.
"But you don't need to worry," Valerie adds, her voice steady but warm. "We'll come back. We promise."
Serena places a hand on Rodan's shoulder. "While we're gone, we need you to be strong for your sister. Look after her, okay? And Leon, too."
His words bring tears to Serena and Valerie's eyes, though they quickly blink them away. Pulling both children into a heartfelt embrace, the couple marvels at their son's strength and their daughter's surprising calmness.
Back in their own cottage, Brianna and Cecilia finish packing gear as Leon watches from the corner of the room. His brows are furrowed, his young mind trying to make sense of the unease he senses.
"Mom," he begins hesitantly, "why are you so serious tonight? What's happening?"
Brianna freezes for a moment, her usual easygoing demeanor faltering. Forcing a smile, she tries to brush it off. "It's nothing, sweetheart. Just... part of being a hunter."
Leon isn't convinced. "But you've been a hunter all my life. You've never been this serious before."
Brianna sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly. Unable to answer, she kneels and pulls Leon into a hug, holding him tightly as if to shield him from the harsh realities she can't explain.
Cecilia, ever perceptive, steps in with her calm and steady presence. "Leon," she says softly, crouching to his level, "your mom is one of the best hunters out there. She's faced a lot of tough situations, and she always comes out stronger."
"But this one's different, isn't it?" Leon presses, his sharp intuition cutting through her reassurances.
Cecilia smiles gently, tousling his hair. "It's a little more serious, yes. But that's why your mom isn't doing it alone. She has me, Serena, and Valerie. And trust me, we're a pretty big deal in the hunter world."
Her lighthearted tone brings a small smile to Leon's face. "You'll protect Mom, right?"
"At all costs," Cecilia promises firmly.
Leon hesitates, then asks shyly, "Can you hug me too?"
Cecilia's face softens as she pulls him into a warm embrace. "Of course."
Watching them, Brianna feels a surge of gratitude and relief. For a brief moment, she allows herself to lean into Cecilia's unwavering support.
As the evening deepens, the women focus on their children one last time.
In Serena and Valerie's home, the couple tucks Rodan and Cristina into bed, whispering soft words of comfort. Rodan hugs them tightly, his small arms clinging to their necks.
In the other cottage, Brianna and Cecilia do the same for Leon, who finally drifts off to sleep, his face peaceful.
When the children are asleep, the women turn to their preparations. Serena and Valerie pack their weapons and supplies, their movements efficient but heavy with the weight of unspoken fears.
"We'll come back alive," Serena says, her voice firm. "For them. For each other."
Valerie nods, her hand brushing Serena's. "Always."
In the neighboring cottage, Brianna and Cecilia share a quiet moment of resolve as they finish packing their gear.
As the night settles around them, both(?) couples(?) retire to their beds, their thoughts filled with the promise of survival—for their children, for their family, and for the unbreakable bonds they share.
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Serena's POV
The room was quiet now, save for the soft rhythm of Valerie's breathing beside me. She had fallen asleep moments ago, her hand still loosely entwined with mine. The weight of the day—and the night ahead—had clearly taken its toll on her.
I was staring at the ceiling, the dim light of the moon entering our room. I can't sleep for gosh sake. My mind kept drifting off to the cult, demons, and my mission.
'Did this happen in the novel?' I tried to recall the novel, the things that I remember clearly are the events that happened to the MC.
Still, I tried. 'WAIT! Demons?? Cults??' I remember something! One of the heroine's background! Laura Juno!