Chapter 711 A Terrible Mother

Chapter 711 A Terrible Mother

"Mom..." Rachel mumbled with a look of guilt and worry as she began to approach her shocked mother.

Cecilia's voice cracked, a dozen terrible thoughts clashing in her mind as she stammered, "Wha...What are you doing here?"

"You must know why she's here by now, Cecilia," Asher said, his voice calm yet firm.

Cecilia slowly turned to him, her gaze filled with a dawning horror as he added, "She's here to help you see the truth."

"No...no...this can't be happening..." Her eyes darted between Rachel and Asher, the puzzle pieces falling into place, forming a picture she couldn't bear to look at. Rachel's introduction of Asher to her, the lingering glances, the secrecy—it all suddenly made an unbearable kind of sense. All those dots finally connected in her mind. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

She looked at Rachel, her voice breaking, "Don't tell me this is true... Were you working with him all along? Since when? How could you do this to me...your own mother?"

Rachel's face softened, and she quickly closed the distance between them, taking her mother's hands into her own, "Mom, I'm sorry I kept this from you. I didn't want to hurt you, but I couldn't just tell you without...without making you react like this. I wanted to wait for the right time."

"The right time to make me understand what, Rachel?" Cecilia's voice quivered, a mix of pain and anguish in her eyes, "That you've been colluding with a demon for angels know how long? Did this start... Was it after that quest... when Hellbringer attacked you?"

Rachel let out a shaky sigh, her eyes filling with memories that weighed heavily on her soul, "Yes, that was when everything started to change, even if it began in the worst way possible. Back then, I wanted him dead more than anything."

"Oh, my poor, poor girl..." Cecilia's tears fell as she held Rachel tightly, murmuring, "I'm to blame for ever making you feel that way. I was so focused on keeping our family's image intact, on helping your father... I left you out. But from now on, I'm here for you, no matter what you're facing."

A soft smile touched Asher's lips as he watched mother and daughter cling to each other, both finally shedding years of burdens that had kept them apart. He'd doubted Cecilia would understand, but he'd underestimated just how deeply she loved Rachel, a love that clearly transcended status and reputation.

Remembering Cecilia's past, which she had revealed to him, he felt it made sense.

Cecilia turned to Asher, her expression steady but curious, "So... you saved my daughter during the Quest of the Worthy?"

Rachel bit her lip, anxious her mother might not be able to accept the whole truth. Asher's gaze met Cecilia's, and he sighed, "It's complicated, but yes... I saved her life. I won't lie to you. At first, I caused her pain, using her to target your husband. I thought that was the only way."

Cecilia's face hardened, but Asher went on, his voice carrying a solemn weight, "But somewhere along the way, I realized how wrong that path was. I wanted her to see the truth, even if she had to walk a hard road to get there. And now I'm glad to have a just Hunter like her by my side, fighting for what's right."

Cecilia's expression softened with understanding, though a lingering sadness clouded her gaze. She let out a deep sigh. "I understand now why you've done what you've done. But...this war between our worlds is endless. That's why I even considered Derek's plans—to end the war and bring peace. But I know now that peace earned by cruel means is no better than the war itself. But... even if you stop my husband, the bloodshed would continue. So what's the point?"

Asher's eyes reflected a glimmer of determination as he shook his head. "The angels and devils have trapped us in this endless cycle, making us believe survival depends on fighting and bloodshed. But I believe there has to be a way, somewhere, for all of us to coexist in peace. It won't be easy to find, but until then, we have to focus on stopping the disaster that threatens both of our worlds now. So are you willing to do what's right, Cecilia? The choice you make here and now could decide the fate of your world."

Rachel's gaze was anxious as she looked at her mother, hope and worry mingling in her eyes. Cecilia's hands slowly clenched into fists, her mind and heart battling as she came to the precipice of a decision that would change not only her fate but that of countless others.

Finally, she lifted her head, her eyes blazing with resolve as she looked between Asher and Rachel. Her gaze fixed on Asher, and she spoke with firm conviction, "I will do whatever is necessary to protect my world from true evil if that answers your question."

Asher smirked, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Then let's start with this—tell us everything your husband is planning next."