In a secluded alleyway, Aengus, Bella, and the Sky Phoenix Queen stood alone, their expressions tense yet filled with unspoken emotions.
"I can't believe how beautiful you've become," Chrystia said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "The last time your mother showed me a glimpse of your grown-up profile, I was in awe. Her skills in such matters are unparalleled."
"My mother still remembers me?" Bella asked, her voice steady, though her heart raced with suppressed excitement.
Chrystia smiled warmly. "Yes, she does. She misses you every moment of these past years. You've never left her heart."
Bella's eyes shimmered with a mixture of joy and sorrow, but she quickly masked her emotions.
"But, niece," Chrystia continued, her tone shifting to one of concern, "tell me, why have you come here? And why do you look more like a human than a demon? What's going on?"
Aengus immediately signaled Bella with a subtle gesture, cautioning her to tread carefully.
Understanding his intent, Bella replied calmly, "Aunt, there are some secrets I cannot share with you just yet. I hope you can understand."
Chrystia's expression softened, though worry still lingered. "And why have you come here, Bella?"
Bella straightened, her voice resolute. "We're here to meet my mother. I want to ask her if she still wants to come with us."
"To where?" Chrystia asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"To our home," Bella said, her gaze softening as she glanced at Aengus.
Chrystia fell silent, her brow furrowed as she pondered the situation deeply.
After a long pause, she asked, "And what if she says no?"
"Then we'll leave," Bella replied bluntly.
"I see... Don't you want to meet your grandmother and grandfather?" Chrystia asked cautiously, her tone probing.
"Hmph... my grandparents..." Bella scoffed, her voice filled with a mixture of bitterness and disdain.
"I'm sure they don't care about me. Otherwise, they wouldn't have allowed my mother and me to be separated in the first place. But I'm not scared of them either," Bella declared, her tone growing fiercer as Phoenix flames flickered around her clenched fist. "Let them come if they dare."
"Aunt, please take us to my mother. We promise we will do nothing else if she refuses to leave," Bella pleaded earnestly.
Chrystia studied Bella's face for a moment before nodding.
"Okay, come with me..." she said calmly, turning to lead the way.
Aengus observed the queen closely, peering into her heart to judge her sincerity. Though she seemed genuine in her intentions, he knew that didn't mean their request would be granted so easily.
But Aengus welcomed challenges. No one had forced him to his limits since he had risen to power like an unstoppable tide.
On the way, they encountered Evan and Stella.
Aengus stopped in front of the duo, who stood nervously, unsure of what was about to happen.
"Tell me," Aengus said, his tone calm yet commanding. "Do you want to join my Empire? I will give you a chance at a second life as thanks for your small but valuable help."
Evan and Stella didn't hesitate for even a second. "We accept, Your Majesty!"
Having learned his true identity as an Emperor, only a fool would let such an opportunity slip through their fingers.
Bella and Chrystia glanced back curiously, watching the interaction unfold.
"Very well, off you go," Aengus said with satisfaction.
With a wave of his hand, a spatial portal opened before Evan and Stella. The siblings exchanged a grateful look before stepping into the shimmering gateway, disappearing into the Liberation Empire.
Aengus turned back, meeting Chrystia's wide-eyed, impressed gaze.
"Did you really send them to your Empire just like that?" Bella's aunt asked incredulously.
"And what if I did?" Aengus replied, his voice cold but calm. "Are you already thinking of blocking space to prevent me from using that skill? If so, remember this—you'll only bring doom upon yourself by attempting to force my hand."
Chrystia clenched her jaw but said nothing further. The sheer conviction in his words and the immense aura he exuded left her with no retort.
With a flick of her fiery robe, she turned around and resumed walking, her attendants following closely behind. Bella walked beside Aengus, throwing him a proud smile.