CHAPTER 161: ELYRIA...2

The front doors of the brothel creaked softly as air drifted in. The scent of rain and rose oil mixed together felt faint and familiar. Lirien appeared at the entrance, her hair still damp, a thin robe wrapped loosely around her body. Her bare feet touched the polished wood floor as she reached for the door handle and pulled it open.

There she was.

Elyria.

Her hair was tangled and dull, her eyes heavy from exhaustion. Mud stained the edge of her dress, and in her arms, she carried a sleeping child. A white dog lay at her feet, panting weakly. The woman who once carried herself like a queen now looked fragile, human, and tired.

For a moment, Lirien couldn’t move. Her lips trembled. The last time she had seen Elyria, she had been smiling... waving from a carriage, promising to return soon. That "soon" had turned into ten long years.

"Elyria..." Lirien whispered.

Elyria looked up slowly, and when their eyes met, a tired smile spread across her lips.

"It’s been a long time, Lirien. I’m... back,"

Lirien’s vision blurred. Before she could stop herself, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her old friend. Elyria’s body was cold, her shoulders shaking lightly, but she hugged her back with a small laugh.

"Don’t cry, Lirien," she murmured. "You’re still a crybaby, aren’t you?"

But Lirien couldn’t help it. Tears slipped down her cheeks... silent, uncontrolled.

"You stupid woman," she whispered against her shoulder. "Do you know how long I waited?"

"I know," Elyria said softly. "I’m sorry."

The noise drew attention. Some of the Omegas working on the upper floor leaned over the railing. A few more peeked from behind the red curtains, whispering among themselves.

"Is Madam... crying?"

"No way. Madam Lirien? She never cries."

"Not even when Rin drives her crazy!"

They giggled quietly, curious and confused, eyes wide as they watched their Madam sob openly in front of a stranger. None of them knew who Elyria was. But they all felt there was something different about her... something powerful yet gentle.

Lirien wiped her tears quickly and stepped back, still holding Elyria’s arms.

"Come inside before someone sees you."

Elyria smiled faintly. "You still act like a mother hen."

"And you still look like a mess," Lirien shot back, sniffing and forcing a small smile. "Come on."

The dog followed them quietly, its paws making soft sounds on the floor. The brothel was alive with the faint hum of music from another room, but as the two women passed, everyone stopped talking. The air seemed to shift, heavy with curiosity.

Lirien led her upstairs, ignoring the stares. She opened the door to her private room and gestured for Elyria to enter.

"Lay him down there," Lirien said, pointing to the large bed. "He looks exhausted."

Elyria nodded gently, moving closer to the bed. She placed the small boy down carefully and brushed his messy hair aside. "He’s just asleep. The biscuit worked faster than I thought."

Lirien frowned. "Biscuit?"

"It had medicine in it," Elyria said, sitting down slowly on the edge of the bed. "Only half a dose, though. Enough to make him sleep."

Lirien’s brows drew together. "Medicine strong enough to knock out an adult? What exactly have you been running from, Elyria?"

Elyria looked down, her hand resting on the boy’s chest.

"Trouble. Too much of it."

Her voice was low, heavy with fatigue. Lirien stared at her for a long moment, then asked quietly,

"Who is he?"

Elyria smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth as she answered, "My son."

Lirien froze. "Your... son?"

Elyria nodded. "His name is Winter."

The room fell silent. Even the faint music from below seemed distant. Lirien blinked, still trying to process the words. Elyria. The woman who swore she’d never fall in love again. The one who said she’d never bring a child into this cruel world. And now here she was... holding a sleeping boy with gentle hands.

Without another word, Lirien turned toward the door and called out, "Lia! Kiro!"

Within seconds, two young Omegas hurried into the room.

"Yes, Madam!"

"Bring food. The best we have. Chicken, fruit, wine, everything. Now."

They exchanged glances, startled by her tone, then nodded quickly and left.

Elyria chuckled softly. "You’re still bossy as ever, Lirien."

Lirien crossed her arms, eyes glistening.

"Don’t start. You look like you haven’t eaten in days."

"Well, that’s not far from the truth," Elyria said with a tired laugh. "We’ve been running since last night. My son barely made it through the woods before panting and I had to feed him the biscuit. Even the dog fell asleep immediately we reached here."

Lirien glanced at the white dog curled up near the corner, breathing softly in deep sleep.

"Even she looks exhausted. Whatever you were running from... must’ve been serious."

Elyria gave a faint nod but didn’t elaborate. "I’ll tell you everything," she said quietly. "But not now. I can’t think straight."

Lirien sighed and knelt in front of her.

"Fine. You can talk after you rest. Take a bath first. Eat. Sleep. We’ll talk later."

"Still giving orders," Elyria murmured with a smile.

"Someone has to," Lirien replied, standing up. "You look like you’ll fall apart any second."

A knock sounded on the door, and Lia and Kiro entered with trays full of steaming dishes. The aroma filled the room... roasted chicken, soup, rice, bread, and a jug of wine. Lirien helped them set it on the table.

As they worked, the two Omegas whispered among themselves.

"She looks so much like Rin," Lia said softly.

"I was just thinking that," Kiro replied. "Same silver hair. Even the eyes..."

Elyria’s head turned sharply.

"Did you just say Rin?"

Both Omegas froze. Lirien’s expression changed immediately. "Elyria..."

"Is Rin here?" Elyria interrupted, voice trembling.

"Calm down," Lirien said gently. "He’s here, but..."

She turned to Kiro. "Go get him. Tell him to come here,"

Kiro hesitated.

"Madam... I’m afraid he’s not at the brothel."

Lirien blinked. "What? Where did he go?"

"I have no idea. He left some hours ago. Sasha followed him." Kiro shrugged like he was showing he couldn’t stop Rin from leaving.

Lirien groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That boy never stays still."

Elyria’s eyes filled with worry. "He’s not here? Did he run away because of me?"

"No, no. It’s not because of you. He left earlier before you even arrived. He’ll be back," Lirien said quickly. "Don’t worry."

Elyria pressed her hands together.

"I need to see him, Lirien. I have to... He... There’s no way, Rin will forgive me after what I did to him. I’m a bad mother,"