Chapter 288: Return
As the group emerged from the darkened ruins of the cult's hideout, they were greeted by the sight of the soldiers standing in disciplined formation outside. The air was crisp, the remnants of battle lingering in the atmosphere.
Among the soldiers stood Catherine, who had remained outside, watching over the reinforcement forces with a vigilant expression.
Chris and Rosalyn had left her outside when they entered the hideout, citing her safety, which left her with incredible annoyance but being the one who respects her elder's decision, she obliged.
However, as soon as her eyes landed on the little girl nestled in Rosalyn's arms, Catherine's composed demeanor cracked. Her emerald eyes widened in surprise before quickly softening with overwhelming affection.
"Oh my goodness!" Catherine gasped, rushing over, her hands instinctively reaching out. "Who is this precious little angel?"
The little girl blinked up at her, momentarily unsure of how to react to yet another new face. But Catherine's warm smile and gentle presence quickly put her at ease.
"Papa found me," the girl answered innocently, snuggling against Rosalyn's chest.
Catherine froze for a brief second before turning to Adrian with wide eyes. "Papa?" she repeated, her lips twitching in amusement.
Adrian sighed, already knowing that this was going to be a recurring topic. "It's a long story."
Catherine let out a small laugh but quickly returned her attention to the child, her heart melting as she gently brushed a few strands of hair away from the girl's face.
"You are absolutely adorable," she cooed. "You must be so tired, little one. Do you want me to hold you for a bit?"
The little girl considered it for a moment before nodding. Rosalyn carefully handed her over, and as soon as the child was in Catherine's arms, she wrapped her tiny arms around her neck, making Catherine's heart practically burst with affection.
Chris pouted slightly. "Hey! I had her first!"
Catherine chuckled. "And now it's my turn," she teased, lightly swaying the girl in her arms. "She's so warm… I could hold her forever."
Adrian shook his head, amusement flickering in his golden eyes before he turned his attention to the soldiers. It was time to give out his orders.
"We're done here," Adrian said, his voice firm but composed. "Prepare a carriage for us to return to Everhart Manor."
One of the captains immediately saluted. "Yes, my lord."
Adrian's gaze then shifted towards another group of soldiers who stood beside the bound and restrained cultists.
These were the ones they had captured during their assault on the hideout—the ones who hadn't been eliminated outright.
"Bring the captured cultists with us," Adrian ordered. "They will be interrogated upon our return."
"Yes, my lord!" The soldiers saluted again, immediately moving to carry out his instructions.
With everything settled, the group waited for the carriage to arrive. Meanwhile, the women took turns fussing over the little girl, who had become the center of everyone's attention.
Chris, Sophia, Eve, Isabella, Catherine, and Rosalyn all took turns holding her, each vying to be her favorite.
Seraphina watched from the side with an amused smile but didn't interfere. She was more focused on the implications of capturing the Abyssal Harbinger's soul and what potential secrets it might unlock.
After a short while, the sound of hooves and the creaking of wheels signaled the arrival of their carriage. The grand, sturdy vehicle, adorned with the Everhart crest, pulled up before them, ready to take them home.
Adrian helped the ladies and the little girl inside before stepping in himself. As soon as the carriage door closed, the vehicle began its journey back to Everhart Manor.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was lively as the little girl bounced between the women, playing and laughing.
Sophia playfully lifted her into the air, making her giggle, while Eve used her shadow abilities to amuse her with small tricks. Chris clung to her the most, determined not to be outshined.
Even Isabella, who normally maintained a more composed presence, found herself gently fixing the child's hair while Rosalyn hummed a soft melody, keeping her calm.
Catherine, being the little fan girl of Adrian, sat near him, glanced at him with a face full of admiration.
"I never expected you to return with a daughter, big brother. As expected you are amazing."
Adrian sighed. "Neither did I."
Catherine chuckled before looking at the little girl, who was now crawling towards Adrian. "I suppose she really has taken a liking to you."
The little one reached Adrian and, without hesitation, climbed onto his lap, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.
"Papa!" she chirped.
A deep warmth filled Adrian's chest as he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, securing her in place. "Comfortable?" he asked.
The little girl nodded vigorously. "Mmhm!"
She then turned her attention to the carriage window, her eyes widening in wonder as she took in the moving scenery.
"Wow!" she gasped. "Everything is moving so fast!"
Adrian chuckled at her innocent amazement. "That's because the carriage is moving."
She pressed her hands against the window, her nose nearly touching the glass as she watched the trees, hills, and distant mountains pass by.
"It's so pretty," she whispered.
The women, watching her fascination, couldn't help but smile.
"She's like a little kitten experiencing the world for the first time," Eve mused, amused by her reactions.
Chris nodded eagerly. "She's been sealed inside that little box for no one knows how long. No wonder she's so amazed."
Rosalyn's expression darkened slightly at the thought, her hold tightening just a little. "I wonder what circumstances led her to that situation," she murmured.
"We will investigate her origins, don't worry. We will make sure she won't face any danger," Adrian assured as he looked towards Rosalyn.
The little girl, however, was blissfully unaware of the heavy thoughts lingering in the carriage. She was too preoccupied pointing out every new thing she saw outside.
"Papa! What's that?" she asked excitedly, pointing towards a distant river that glistened under the sunlight.
"That's a river," Adrian answered.
She gasped. "It's so big!"
The others chuckled at her enthusiasm.
For the rest of the journey, she remained nestled on Adrian's lap, her small hands resting against his chest as she slowly began to relax.
The warmth of his embrace, combined with the rhythmic movements of the carriage, made her eyelids grow heavy.
Soon, her excitement gave way to exhaustion, and she let out a small yawn.
"Tired?" Adrian asked gently.
The little girl sleepily nodded. "Mm… but Papa is warm…"
She then snuggled against him, letting out a tiny sigh of contentment before drifting off to sleep.
The women watched the scene unfold, and despite their usual competitiveness, none of them interrupted.
Instead, they shared knowing smiles, acknowledging that, despite everything, this child had found safety in the arms of the man they all cherished.
As the carriage continued toward Everhart Manor, the atmosphere was peaceful. The cult was eradicated, and though they had not yet found a direct way to lift Christine's mother's curse, Seraphina's capture of the Abyssal Harbinger's soul might provide unexpected answers.
For now, they could afford to rest as they had completed their mission spectacularly.