Chapter 33 – Finally Returning Home
Tears had drained from Cordelia's eyes long ago, but the weight of everything still lingered in her chest. Slowly, she wiped the last traces of sorrow away and turned to her parents, a trembling but genuine smile breaking through.
Her voice was quiet at first, thick with emotion, as she recounted the battles, the moments they almost lost hope, and the unbreakable bond forged between her and Adrian.
Juliana and Paulo listened intently, their hands clutching hers tightly, eyes shining with a mixture of pride and relief.
After a brief exchange of glances, Paulo spoke softly, his tone filled with warmth:
"Cordelia, would you introduce us to the one who stood by your side through it all?"
Cordelia's face lit up in a radiant smile.
"Adrian," she called out, "come here."
Adrian stepped forward, his body still aching, but his expression calm and resolute.
"This is my father, Paulo… and my mother, Juliana."
Both nodded respectfully.
"It's an honor to meet you," Adrian said sincerely.
Paulo moved closer and placed a firm, grateful hand on Adrian's shoulder.
"Adrian… you saved us all. Thank you. And thank you for protecting our daughter when we couldn't."
Adrian blinked, momentarily taken aback, then smiled humbly.
"She protected me just as much. We came through this together. Partners, right, Cordelia?"
She nodded quickly. "Partners."
Paulo smiled and stepped back, trusting them both.
Adrian's gaze drifted toward the shimmering cave entrance behind them.
"Well… I guess it's time to leave. Are you ready?"
Cordelia stole one last glance at the place that had held her parents captive for so long, then nodded firmly.
"Yes. We're ready."
A soft, golden light enveloped them. A gentle wind swirled at their feet, carrying sparkling flecks of divinity. The cave trembled beneath them, and in a flash of radiant brilliance—they were gone.
Silence returned to the cave—empty, sacred, finally at peace.
In the blink of an eye, they stood outside the cave's mouth. Sunlight spilled over the world, and the city stretched out before them.
Cordelia blinked as the light dimmed, then gasped softly.
"We made it," she whispered, her voice barely steady. "We're finally free."
Her parents pulled her into a tight embrace, their faces awash with overwhelming emotion. Juliana gripped Cordelia's hand, while Paulo wrapped his arms around them both.
"Thank you for fighting so hard, my dear," Juliana murmured, tears in her eyes.
Adrian watched the reunion quietly, a gentle smile playing on his lips. Then he stepped forward, producing a small folded piece of paper from his pocket.
"Cordelia," he said softly, offering it to her, "here. My address."
She accepted it, curiosity flickering across her face, then slipped it into her bag.
"Your address?"
Adrian gave a small grin and turned away.
"Meet me tomorrow. There's something important we still need to do."
She tilted her head, puzzled.
"Tomorrow? What do you mean?"
His expression turned serious.
"We have to deliver that letter—the one we found with the map. I promised him we would."
Cordelia's eyes widened slightly, then softened with understanding.
"Oh... right. The letter. Of course."
They exchanged a silent nod before parting ways. Cordelia stayed close to her parents, while Adrian disappeared into the trees.
He pushed through the foliage until he spotted it: his old bicycle. Rusted and bent, but still intact.
A smile broke across his face as he swung a foot over the pedal and pushed off, rolling down the dusty path toward the city.
The wind rushed past him, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the hum of cicadas. His legs ached, but he felt alive. Free.
Eventually, the city's skyline came into view. Familiar streets welcomed him back, even if much had changed during his absence.
He stopped before the orphanage gate.
For a moment, he simply stared at the old building—the only home he'd ever known.
Just as he reached out to knock, a loud shout rang from inside.
"ADRIAN TURNED INTO A DELINQUENT!"
Noah's wide eyes appeared at the window as he pointed at him, then dashed inside.
Adrian blinked, flustered.
"H-Hey! Stop yelling!"
Footsteps thundered down the hall.
The door swung open.
Maria stood there.
Her eyes widened as they took in his changed appearance—the battle scars etched into his posture and even his clothes.
Before he could say a word, she closed the distance and pulled him into a fierce embrace.
"Welcome back, my son," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Adrian stood frozen for a heartbeat.
Then slowly, he wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm home," he said quietly.
And this time, he truly meant it.
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