Athena didn't have to wait long before she spotted a figure in a dazzling military uniform stepping out of a gleaming hover car.
That guy looks as if he is the son of heaven with a male lead halo! Wow, what a handsome man.
Lawrence Demerin, her older brother, exuded an aura of authority and confidence.
Wait, he looks familiar...
As a thirty-year-old major general stationed at Asenus Base, he was a distinguished figure, the youngest to achieve such a rank on Planet A and a household name in the galaxy.
His appearance drew immediate attention. Passersby stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide with recognition.
Is that guy so popular here?
Some discreetly, or not so discreetly, lifted their optical brains to take pictures, their whispers buzzing through the air.
Athena's composure nearly cracked when Lawrence suddenly called out, his voice ringing loud and clear.
"Little sister!"
That...
That is my own brother?
Damn, that's why his face looks similar to mine!
The whispers around them erupted into full-blown chatter.
"Did he just say little sister?"
"Is she really related to the famous Major General Demerin?"
"Why haven't we heard of this before?"
Even though Athena could feel the pressure of inquisitive eyes on her, she managed to smile calmly as Lawrence walked over and embraced her tightly.
"Big brother! I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, allowing herself to relax in his arms.
"I'm glad you finally decided to come home," Lawrence said, his voice filled with genuine relief.
The moment felt surprisingly natural, the bond between them palpable despite the unfamiliarity Athena felt in her borrowed body.
"Look at them."
"They look identical!"
"Wow! The sister of the major is so pretty!"
After releasing her, Lawrence glanced around at the growing crowd. With a protective hand on her shoulder, he guided her toward his hover car, parked a short distance away.
The magnificent interior was an abrupt contradiction to the modest life she had been leading lately, so Athena settled herself into the passenger seat.
Lawrence slid into the driver's seat, the car smoothly lifting off the ground as they began their journey to the Demerin Estate.
The ride was quiet at first, the hum of the engine the only sound between them. But Lawrence broke the silence, his tone light and teasing.
"You've been away too long, Athena. I thought you might've forgotten us."
Athena chuckled softly. "Never. I just… needed time."
Nah, your sister actually had no plans of coming back unless she had proven something.
He glanced at her briefly, his expression softening. "Well, we're just glad to have you back. Mother and Father will be thrilled."
Athena's heart clenched slightly at the mention of their parents, but she nodded, her gaze fixed on the cityscape that whizzed by.
I wonder what it feels like to have a mother and a father.
This homecoming was a leap into the unknown, but with Lawrence by her side, she felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could make this life her own.
I have an amazing and kind brother.
Athena is so lucky to have one...
-
Wow! I've been to many places, but I've never seen a place as beautiful as this estate.
As they arrived at the Demerin Estate, Athena couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the place.
I still can't believe technology has evolved this far.
The compound was vast, with several elegant houses scattered across immaculately manicured lawns.
I suppose every Demerin lives here.
With architecture that combined traditional nobility with contemporary sophistication, each structure had an enduring beauty.
Her eyes immediately landed toward the largest house at the center of the estate.
What a beautiful sight!
Its towering spires and intricate details made it clear that it belonged to the head of the family, Duke Nathaniel Demerin, their formidable grandfather.
Athena recalled from the memories she inherited that their grandmother, Jodie Elizabeth, was no ordinary noblewoman, she was the dynasty's third princess.
I never thought my family would have such close relations with the imperial family. Athena thought critically, the realization sinking in as she stepped out of the hover car.
Will they have strict rules?
Lawrence joined her, and together they approached the entrance. The estate's steward, Elder James, was already waiting for them.
His silver hair and keen eyes softened the instant they met Athena. "Young Lady Athena, welcome home," Elder James said warmly, bowing slightly in greeting.
His tone carried genuine affection, and Athena felt a twinge of guilt for her initial hesitation about returning. As they entered the house, Athena froze in surprise.
The grand hall was bustling with people, Athena's grandparents, uncles, aunts, and several other family members she vaguely recognized based on the memories.
It seemed like the entire Demerin clan had gathered to welcome her back.
They are all here...
At the head of the room stood Duke Nathaniel himself, his imposing presence impossible to ignore.
Despite his age, he carried himself with a strength that spoke of decades of leadership. His sharp eyes softened just slightly as he addressed her.
"We've been waiting for you," the Duke said, his deep voice resonating through the hall.
Athena felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. It wasn't every day that one had to face an entire room of expectant family members, let alone a family as prominent as the Demerins.
Still, she straightened her back and stepped forward, offering a polite bow. "Grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, uncles, aunts, everyone… it's good to be home."
Her grandparents exchanged a glance, and her grandmother, Jodie Elizabeth, gave her an encouraging smile.
Grandmother is not ordinary, I can feel a strong power radiating from her.
Athena knew very well that she was the cherished jewel of the Demerin family, the only girl in her generation. She had been pampered and doted upon by everyone.
Yet, the original Athena had always harbored a fierce desire to carve her own path, to reach her dreams without relying entirely on her family's influence.
She could feel their steady backing and collective concern for her as she stood in front of them.
"Athena," her grandmother spoke, her tone gentle yet firm. "You've grown into a fine young lady. We're proud of you." Athena's heart swelled with emotion.
This was her chance, not just to honor the love and care they had given her, but to prove that she could achieve her goals and make her own mark on the galaxy.
Athena, I'll carve our path!