Chapter 285: Everyone’s Reaction

As Adrian and Seraphina made their way back through the dim corridors of the ancient hideout, the eerie silence of the place lingered.

Only the occasional flicker of light from their surroundings and the soft breathing of the little girl broke the stillness.

The weight of their discovery—the nameless child, the woman who had given her life to protect her, and the mysterious token—hung between them like an unspoken mystery waiting to be unraveled.

It didn't take long for them to reach the central altar, the spot where they had first split up to search the hideout. Yet, as they arrived, they found no sign of the others.

"They're still searching," Adrian murmured, glancing around at the empty space. His sharp gaze flickered toward the various pathways leading deeper into the hideout. He had expected at least some of them to have returned by now.

Seraphina hummed in agreement, adjusting the little girl in her arms. "It's best we wait here. They'll come back soon."

Adrian nodded. "Agreed. We need to decide how to handle this situation together."

As they settled in, Seraphina shifted slightly, cradling the child against her. The little one, who had been so full of energy earlier, had unknowingly drifted into sleep. Her tiny face was relaxed, her breathing soft and rhythmic. The warmth of Seraphina's embrace must have lulled her into slumber.

Seraphina gazed down at her, a fond expression crossing her features. "She fell asleep just like that," she murmured, amusement laced in her tone. "She really does trust us."

Adrian exhaled softly, watching the child's peaceful expression. "She does. And that makes this even more complicated."

His voice was thoughtful as he leaned back against one of the stone pillars. "We don't even know who she really is, yet she's already calling us her parents."

Seraphina chuckled. "She's not the only one. You've already started acting like a father."

Adrian shot her a glance, raising a brow. "I wouldn't go that far."

Seraphina smirked. "Oh? Then why did you go out of your way to collect that woman's body? Not everyone would have done that."

Adrian remained silent for a moment before sighing. "Whoever she was, she gave her life to protect this child. She deserved more than to be left behind in some forgotten ruin." His gaze softened slightly. "If nothing else, I want to give her a proper burial."

Seraphina regarded him for a moment, then nodded. "It's a good decision. I respect that."

They fell into a comfortable silence, waiting patiently for the others. The dim lighting of the altar chamber cast a warm glow over them, making the moment feel strangely intimate.

Despite the oddity of their situation, there was an undeniable warmth between them as Seraphina cradled the sleeping child and Adrian stood by her side, ever watchful.

Not long after, the sound of footsteps echoed from one of the passageways. Adrian's sharp senses immediately caught the familiar energy signatures approaching.

"They're back," he said quietly.

A moment later, Isabella emerged first, leading the group of returning companions. She carried herself with her usual confident stride, though a flicker of curiosity crossed her expression when she saw Adrian and Seraphina waiting.

Following behind her were Sophia, Rosalyn, and Chris, all appearing slightly worn from their search but otherwise unharmed.

As they drew closer, their eyes naturally fell upon the unexpected sight before them—Seraphina holding a small, sleeping child in her arms.

There was a beat of silence as the women registered the scene. Then, almost in unison, their expressions softened.

"She's adorable!" Sophia was the first to react, her usually composed demeanor slipping slightly as she stepped closer, her eyes practically sparkling. "Who is she?"

Rosalyn's gaze lingered on the child's mismatched eyes, even in sleep strikingly unique. "Her hair… it shifts colors," she murmured in fascination.

Chris, meanwhile, was already leaning in slightly, trying to get a better look. "She looks so tiny," she whispered, careful not to wake the child.

Seraphina smirked at their reactions. "I see we have some admirers."

Isabella crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Care to explain why you're holding a sleeping child in the middle of an abandoned hideout?"

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's… a long story."

Sophia chuckled. "I think we have time."

Adrian exchanged a glance with Seraphina before nodding. "Alright. We'll explain everything."

He gestured toward the altar steps, indicating they should all sit before diving into the events that had led them here.

As the group settled in, the atmosphere shifted. The seriousness of their discovery was evident, yet there was also a subtle warmth lingering in the air.

The little girl, nestled against Seraphina, continued to sleep peacefully—unaware that she had already captured the hearts of those around her.

Adrian took a deep breath before beginning. “We found her in a hidden chamber, protected by a barrier. There was a woman with her… but she didn’t make it.” His voice was steady, but there was a hint of something deeper beneath—respect, regret.

Seraphina adjusted her hold on the child and added, “She sacrificed herself to keep this little one safe. We also found this.” She reached into her robe and pulled out the mysterious token they had recovered. The intricate design glinted under the torchlight.

Eve leaned in slightly, examining the token with narrowed eyes. “It looks old… possibly noble?”

Isabella hummed thoughtfully. “A bloodline crest, maybe?”

Adrian nodded. “That’s what I suspect. Whatever the case, we need to look into it. But there’s one more thing.”

He hesitated for a moment, then smirked slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s already decided we’re her parents.”

The reaction was instant.

“WHAT?!”

Sophia’s loud exclamation echoed through the chamber, startling everyone—but none more than the little girl in Seraphina’s arms.

The child flinched, then jolted awake with a soft whimper. Her silver-crimson eyes blinked drowsily as she looked around, clearly confused by the sudden noise.

Then, her gaze landed on Adrian and Seraphina, and almost immediately, her sleepy expression brightened.

“Mama… Papa…” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes as she reached toward Adrian with tiny hands.

The entire group fell silent.

Chris, who had been holding back her excitement, clutched her chest as if physically struck by how adorable the moment was. “Oh. My. Gosh.”

Rosalyn’s lips twitched into an amused smile, while Isabella pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing.

Sophia, on the other hand, had frozen in place, staring at the child in shock. “W-Wait. Hold on. You weren’t kidding? She actually—?!”