Chapter 212: Mother 2

My mind was caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of conflicting emotions—confusion, sadness, happiness, and wonder. The unexpected turn of events had left me grappling with a myriad of thoughts, each vying for attention in the chaos of my mind.

As Isabella's, or rather my mother's, hug tightened around me, I felt the swirling emotions within me gradually releasing their grip.

It was a comfort that transcended the physical, easing the turmoil in my mind.

Tears welled up in my eyes, a testament to the overwhelming mix of emotions that coursed through me as I reciprocated the embrace.

"Mother...?" I mumbled, uncertainty lacing my words. The situation was as perplexing as it was emotional, and I found myself at a loss for how to navigate it.

"Yes, yes, it's your one and only mother, my dear Ian. I missed you!" she exclaimed with genuine warmth, gently stroking my head. The sound of her voice, the touch of her hands, all mirrored the motherly presence I had longed for.

Lifting my head to meet her gaze, I saw a gentle smile spread across her face.

Although she assumed Isabella's body, the essence within undeniably belonged to my mother.

Questions swirled in my mind—how had this come to be?

Had my mother somehow possessed Isabella? And why, amid such a profound breach of causality, were there no repercussions?

The goddess herself remained silent for some reason as well, seeing as there was nothing happening even though the holy nation was part of her domain.

'Does she not sense mother?'

Mother's gentle touch traced the contours of my face, her fingers caressing every curve with tender affection.

"Mm~! Looks like my baby is as cute as ever. The face might be different, but the same Ian I know still lives in there" she remarked with a contented smile, her gaze filled with maternal pride.

Moving from my face to my body, her hands explored with curiosity, trailing from my neck down to my shoulders.

A look of surprise flickered across her features as she encountered the firm muscles that adorned my frame.

To my bewilderment, she nodded approvingly and even licked her lips?

"Have you been working out, baby~?" she inquired, her fingers gently squeezing my biceps as she surveyed my physique with a pleased expression.

Despite the temptation to fabricate a response and spare myself any embarrassment, I knew I couldn't deceive Mother.

She possessed an uncanny ability to discern truth from falsehood, seeing straight through any facade I might attempt to construct.

I'm sure she could see through Loki's lies with ease as well.

"Ah, no... my body was already like this," I admitted truthfully.

Despite the challenges and hardships he faced especially the relentless bullying, the original Adrian had undergone basic training in swordsmanship and muscle development as part of his upbringing in House Tellus.

The instinct for self-improvement ran deep within him, instilled by the demands of his noble lineage.

"Hmm~ your original body was also quite well-built, but this chiseled physique, coupled with your handsome looks, makes you even more beautiful, baby~" she playfully remarked as her hands slowly traversed my chest and stomach.

Her excitement bubbled over as she thoroughly examined my abs and chest muscles.

Even though this wasn't the reunion I had envisioned, the sheer joy of being able to converse with Mom again after a prolonged absence eclipsed any disappointment.

This marked the longest period in my entire life that I had been separated from her both physically and spiritually.

Witnessing her happiness, I found myself unbothered by whatever antics she might indulge in.

The satisfaction radiating from her smile was more than enough to outweigh any reservations.

"Mom..." I said to her

"Hmm?"

"That's something you shouldn't be touching you know?" I said to her as I stopped her hands from unzipping my pants.

"Oh, come on what's wrong? It's not like it's the first time I've seen or touched your dear junior besides you have a new body now, I'd like to check the differences~" she said with a smirk.

Despite her persistently unreasonable behavior, even if her claim held some truth, the whole situation felt awkward.

I promptly intervened, stopping her hands from unzipping my pants.

In response, she made a dissatisfied face, her cheeks puffing up in frustration.

As cute as her expression was, I stood my ground, aware of the many times I've succumbed to her persuasive charm.

Undeterred, she continued her inspection, running her hands over me for a few more minutes before expressing her satisfaction with a nod.

"Her conscience will return before this night ends, so let's enjoy our time together, okay, baby?" Mother's words, delivered with a warm smile, marked the beginning of a peculiar night.

She gently placed me on the bed and wrapped me in a comforting hug, the soft murmur of contentment escaping her lips.

It became evident that she intended to rest for the night, embracing the temporary reprieve that Isabella's body provided.

As I lay beside her, I contemplated the forthcoming headaches.

'Ana usually comes early in the morning....'

Explaining Mother's presence in Isabella's body to Ana would undoubtedly be a complex endeavor, but for now, I decided to allow Mother the indulgence of a peaceful night's rest.

Anyways at least I confirmed a few things about her.

The realization struck me that Isabella bore deep scars, wounds not visible to the naked eye but etched into the fabric of her soul.

Her memories.

I had sensed her profound fear during the temple incident, even in the mere act of touching her directly.

The vulnerability she displayed when our hands brushed or when we linked arms betrayed an underlying apprehension, a fear of being touched that transcended the physical realm.

Even though she acted natural I can tell that she was feeling fear for some reason back then.

It might be because she was nervous with her plans with me back then.

Even still....

'She was afraid of something' I pondered, the pieces of Isabella's complex emotions slowly falling into place.

The trauma she faced must be something that mother deliciously ate right now.

'I wonder how much she'll change the moment she wakes up'

Well at least I get a new ally?

"What is her nightmare?" I asked out of curiosity but mother just shook her head and told me that it was something Isabella had to tell me herself.

Despite the lingering complexities of the situation, the essence of it was surprisingly straightforward.

When Isabella attempted to peer into my soul, Mother, recognizing her unique value, took swift action.

Instead of reprimanding or dismissing her, Mother enticed Isabella's soul with the love she so desperately craved.

In the midst of the enigmatic cosmic dance, Mother's seemingly drastic actions served a purpose.

Isabella, in her pursuit of understanding, had inadvertently caught the attention of a being worse than gods.

Mother, in her own mysterious ways, provided Isabella's soul with the profound connection and love she sought.

Reflecting on the situation, I acknowledged the stroke of luck that Isabella held for merely being alive.

'Still she was lucky that mother took a liking to her'

Mother's protective nature, veiled by the guise of what some might perceive as malevolence, would typically result in swift retribution for those who dared to harm me.

This awareness had always lingered in the back of my mind, influencing my tendency to avoid violence whenever possible.

The paradox of Mother's love was evident – a fervent, almost excessive, protection that, in its nature, harbored the potential for the destruction and eternal pain of one's soul.

In the midst of my contemplation, Mother's sudden inquiry jolted me from my musings, sending a tremor through my entire body. With a gentle touch to my cheeks, she redirected my gaze, and our eyes locked in an intense exchange.

"By the way, Baby~ I heard you've got some pretty beautiful lovers... Do you mind telling me about them? I was really! really!! Really!!! Curious!!!! back when Nyarla told me all about them" she inquired with a seemingly innocent tone, though an underlying intensity lingered beneath her words.

The air around us seemed to tighten, and despite the softness in her voice, I couldn't shake the feeling that a wrong move could lead to dire consequences.

The subject of my romantic entanglements had always been a delicate one, especially considering Mother's protective nature and her rather extreme reactions to those who might pose a threat to me.

My mind raced as I navigated the delicate terrain of this conversation.

Mother's curiosity was a double-edged sword, and while I understood her genuine interest, I also sensed the potential dangers of revealing too much.

The pressure mounted as I grappled with how much to divulge, acutely aware that one misstep could lead to a confrontation with the formidable force that was my mother.

"Uh, well, you see... it's a bit complicated," I began tentatively, choosing my words with care.

I knew she would eventually ask about them especially knowing how mom feels about me but...

'Fuck...'