Fantasy Dungeon XII

He kissed her temple, his hands splayed possessively across her belly.

For a few minutes, they said nothing.

Just breathing together, listening to the storm's slow birth beyond the cliffs.

Valeris spoke at last, her voice soft.

"When I was transferred into this body—Melina's—I thought maybe I'd get to know what family love feels like from a child's perspective. But even the memories I received were just like mine in the real world. I thought I might glimpse something different… not the life where I was only an heir who had to prove her worth."

She shook her head slightly.

"But here? In this world? They're worse. Just masks. Tools. Knives. In my original world, I was a tool, yes—but at least I was somewhat loved. But this Melina's world… it's been pure torment. From childhood until now, nothing but struggle."

Asher's arms tightened around her.