BOLD AND UNRESTRAINED

As the first light of the day began to filter through the window, Emery slowly opened her eyes.

She hadn't had such a peaceful sleep in a long while.

Her lips stretched into a smile as she welcomed the new day with the hope to start a new chapter in her long stagnant life.

Her eyes then move to the small bundle sleeping in her arms, her baby.

Ian was snuggled up against her, his small body warm and peaceful in her arms.

She smiled and wrapped her arm tighter around him, feeling the love and joy of being a mother.

Feeling the warmth of his small body as he slept soundly against her, Emery's eyes welled up a little.

She had missed this more than anything, waking up to him every morning. Every night she had gone to bed imagining this moment, to hold him again and now it had come true.

If not for the advance in her spiritual power, she would have never gotten to experience this feeling, the feeling of being the mother.

Since the birth of her son Ian, she had never had the chance to hold him and feel his warmth. Though she had imagined this scenario countless times while trapped in her own consciousness, the reality proved to be vastly different.

Imagining loving someone and automatically beginning to love someone was totally different.

Emery's hand unconsciously tighten around Ian as she thought of the injustice and abuse her son had to suffer.

Her eyes flashed with anger and ferocity, darkness filling them as she glared ahead

"Ungh..." the dark thoughts brewing inside her were interrupted. Her hands loosen slightly.

She gently holds her son in her arms taking in his peaceful expression and tiny breaths. She felt a sense of contentment and gratitude for the warmth and love that her child brought to her life.

"Mom knew you had suffered but from now on Mom will protect you."

She leaned down and kissed Ian on the forehead, before getting up and walking to the washroom.

"Click" with the close of the washroom door, supposed to be sleeping Ian's eyes fly open.

His big blue eyes were filled with confusion, fear and earning that he didn't know of.

"Is she really going to change?" Ian murmured. A little hope bloomed in his heart, however, he brushed it off.

"What does that have to do with me?" Ian pulled the quilt over his head to cover himself.

He didn't want to be in the presence of the light peeking through the window.

He didn't want it at all. Regardless of how bright the day is, it will eventually be consumed by darkness.

Though he didn't understand the concept of being in the dark or in light, he knew if he hope for his mother's love and indulge in the thought of getting it and later if it happens to be an only illusion or his mother's whim for little, his already dark and gloomy world will be shattered completely.

So he refused to entertain the thought of basking in the light and feeling the warmth, thinking it will be nothing but a fleeting illusion to him, and his life would inevitably have to confront the darkness.

Struggling inside, Ian soon falls asleep again.

Even by the time, Emery came out of the washroom feeling refreshed, Ian was still asleep.

Seeing her son still asleep, Emery decided not to disturb him and instead walked towards the closet.

Emery looked through her closet, filled with dresses in the same dull shades of grey, black, and white. The clothes, chosen by that entity, not only lacked any vibrancy or liveliness but also felt tacky and unappealing to her, making her feel gloomy and uninspired.

Before her marriage to William, Emery was known for her bold and lively sense of style. Despite her shift towards more sophisticated and grounded colours in her clothing choices, she never imagined her closet would become so dull and uninspiring as it was now, she couldn't help but feel disappointed in how much that entity controlling her body changed her lifestyle along with William.

Emery let out a sigh as she went through her closet, hoping to find some colourful dresses she used to wear before her pregnancy.

Eventually, she found some hidden gems in a corner of the closet.

She was determined to reclaim her vibrant and bold sense of style, the one that had been lost over time.

Emery chose a royal purple gown with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid silhouette.

"Emery, with a hint of nervousness in her voice, called out to the white deer Hazel and asked, "Hazel, would this look good on me?" while pointing to the dress in her hand and the accessories and heels to go with it.

Emery felt a mix of confidence and hesitation as she looked at the outfit.

It had been five long years since she had last picked out clothes for herself, and she couldn't help but feel a little uncertain about her choices.

She needed reassurance and who might be a better option than her own spirit animal?

Feeling her partner's hesitance and doubt, Hazel nuzzle its head against Emery's leg to calm her down.

"It's a beautiful option. Take the chance. If it doesn't meet our expectations, we can always explore other options. Don't hold back. Failure is a learning opportunity. It is not something to be feared."

Hearing Hazel's words, Emery was stunned a little then she let out a charming laugh.

"You are right. It seems being dormant for 5 years has blunted some of my edges. I have forgotten to be brave instead become timid. So let's change clothes along with it, I will shed all my anxiety, fear and timidity," nodding her head with determination, Emery change into the gown.

"How do I look?" raising her chin high and looking confident, Emery asked.

Emery's striking red hair and blue eyes are perfectly highlighted by her elegant outfit. The deep red satin gown with lace overlay and beaded detailing accentuates the warmth of her hair and the coolness of her eyes.

The silver strappy heels and diamond stud earrings with matching bracelet add a touch of luxury that further enhance her natural beauty. The loose cascading curls and bold, dramatic makeup with smoky eyes and red lips complete the look and exude confidence and allure.

"Perfect!" Hazel's exciting and full-of-approved voice rings inside, Emery's head.

Emery, as she was getting ready and preparing for the day, was unaware that her little prince had finally woken up.