The Ethermal Chronicles

Alex awoke in an unfamiliar environment, cradled gently in the arms of a woman wearing a pristine white coat. Her demeanor was professional yet kind. Around him, women of all ages stood, their faces alight with curiosity and joy as they gazed at him.

"I guess I got a second chance at life because of that strange woman," Alex thought, a mix of disbelief and wonder swirling in his mind.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. It's a boy," the woman in the coat said warmly, her voice soft but tinged with pride.

On the bed lay a white-haired beauty with delicate cheekbones and cherry-red lips. Her face radiated both ethereal grace and maternal warmth. Despite the exhaustion etched into her features, her presence commanded quiet reverence.

"Thank you, Tasha," Chloe replied softly, her voice weary yet filled with gratitude and love.

Tasha adjusted Alex in her arms, wrapping him snugly in a soft white blanket before leaning closer to Chloe. The newborn felt a strange comfort in the blanket's warmth, though his tiny body remained still. Chloe's tired yet eager eyes lit up as she reached out.

"My baby boy," Chloe whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "After all these months... you're finally here. I can't believe I'm holding you at last." She cradled him delicately, her words overflowing with love and wonder.

Across the room, a sharp-eyed woman stood silently, her gaze piercing yet thoughtful. Lara's expression softened momentarily, though a flicker of concern crossed her features.

"Tasha," Lara said, her tone sharp but measured, "why isn't the baby crying?"

"Mother, please," Chloe interjected, her voice calm but firm. "Not every baby cries at birth. He's fine. I can feel it."

Lara's eyes narrowed as they shifted between Chloe and the newborn. "Let me see him."

Without waiting for a response, Lara stepped forward and carefully took Alex from Chloe's arms. She examined him with methodical precision, tilting him gently before delivering a sharp smack to his bottom.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" Alex's indignant thoughts screamed as the unexpected sting jolted him out of his silent awe.

A faint wail escaped his lips, more reflexive than pained. Lara's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she handed him back to Chloe.

"There we go," Lara remarked. "A good cry is healthy. It shows he's alive and strong. Strength this family will need."

Chloe pulled Alex close, her protective instincts flaring. "Mother, that wasn't necessary. He's perfect just the way he is."

Lara arched an eyebrow. "Perfect, yes. But even perfection sometimes needs a push."

Before Chloe could respond, the door swung open, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. A middle-aged woman entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. Her radiant smile exuded warmth, yet her regal bearing demanded respect.

"The Matriarch," someone whispered reverently. Instantly, the women in the room bowed deeply.

"We greet the Matriarch," they said in unison, their voices filled with deference.

The Matriarch's sharp gaze swept over the room, lingering on Chloe and the baby in her arms. Her smile softened, though her regal aura remained intact. "So, this is the newest addition to our family," she said, her voice rich and melodic.

As she approached, her eyes briefly met Lara's, and her smile widened slightly. "Lara, it's been too long. You really should visit more often."

Lara inclined her head with a faint smile. "Matriarch Zelda, you look as young as ever. But you didn't think I'd miss my daughter's childbirth, did you?"

Zelda nodded approvingly before turning her attention to Chloe. Her gaze, though assessing, softened as she noted Chloe's exhaustion.

"You look radiant as always, Chloe," Zelda said warmly, "though I can see you're weak. Tasha, why hasn't she been given a recovery potion yet?"

Tasha froze, her face draining of color. "I-I apologize, Matriarch," she stammered. "I got carried away... I'll fetch it immediately."

"Carried away?" Zelda's voice rose a pitch, her sharp tone slicing through the room.

Realizing her mistake, Tasha quickly bowed. "I'm so sorry, Matriarch."

"You should thank your lucky stars this is a joyous occasion," Zelda said, her voice like tempered steel. "Otherwise, your negligence would have cost you far more than embarrassment. Go now. And remember—if my daughter-in-law's health suffers because of your foolishness, your entire family will face the consequences."

Tasha bowed deeply, trembling. "Y-yes, Matriarch. Right away." She hurried out of the room, her footsteps brisk with panic.

As the door closed, Zelda approached Chloe, her expression softening. "Rest, Chloe. This child isn't just your son; he's the future of our family. We'll ensure he has everything he needs."

With surprising tenderness, she took Alex into her arms, cradling him as though he were made of glass.

"You look just like your father," Zelda murmured, her voice tinged with melancholy. "It's a shame he won't see you for a while, thanks to those fools who think we're weak."

Her hand tightened around Alex, and the air grew heavy with an oppressive, raw power that emanated from her like a storm.

Lara stepped closer, her sharp eyes narrowing. "They still won't give up?"

Zelda's gaze darkened, her frustration clear. "No. If I had my way, I'd wipe them off the face of this earth. But I can't leave—not while my husband remains in seclusion. I am this family's strongest protector."

"You should believe in your son. He's not weak—he's almost as strong as you are," Lara reminded her.

Zelda sighed but nodded. "I know. But you know how he is—always searching for peaceful resolutions. That takes time when the war could end so much faster with decisive action."

Lara smiled, reminiscing. "Yes, I remember. But his way isn't bad. He'll return as soon as the war ends."

Zelda smirked mischievously, a plan forming in her mind. "Blade!" she called.

Her shadow shifted and morphed into a man who bowed deeply.

"I have a message for Aron. Make sure he receives it," Zelda instructed, her smirk widening as she transmitted the message through mental communication. Blade disappeared into a wisp of smoke.

Lara narrowed her eyes at Zelda. "What are you planning now?"

Zelda smirked but said nothing. "You'll see."

The door opened again as Tasha returned with an assortment of medicines. She was visibly shaking under the weight of Zelda's displeasure.

"I'm back, Your Majesty," Tasha said nervously.

"Less talking, more working," Zelda commanded, her tone sharp.

After ensuring Chloe's recovery, Zelda and Lara left the room