The world Julian had created hummed with satisfaction, as if it too was celebrating his return. Flowers bloomed brighter. The fountain's water sang louder. The very air seemed charged with joy.
He was home.
As the emotional reunion continued, Seraphine stood beside her mother Eleanor at the edge of the garden. She watched the scene with a smile, but her brow was furrowed slightly, as if working through a puzzle.
Finally, she turned to Eleanor, her voice curious and slightly confused. "By the way, Mom... why does Aunty Regina call Dad by 'son'? And I also heard Dad call her 'mother.'"
The question hung in the air for a moment. Eleanor looked at her daughter, then at the pile of bodies in the garden. A smile tugged at Eleanor's lips, and then she laughed.
