Ch 39: Going back

Serena's POV

I cleared my throat. Loudly.

Nothing.

I tried again, this time with a little dramatic flair.

Finally, Brianna looked up, blinking as if she had just noticed us standing there. Her eyes widened in shock. "When the hell did you two get here?"

Valerie just shook her head in amusement, but I gasped, placing a hand over my heart like I had just been gravely wounded. "Wow. Just wow. I thought we had something special, Brianna. All those battles, all those near-death experiences… and you don't even notice me?" I sighed dramatically. "I feel so used."

"Serena," Valerie muttered, nudging me with her elbow.

Brianna rolled her eyes but smirked anyway. "Drama queen."

"Yes, yes, I'm known for my theatrics," I waved it off before getting back to the real reason we were here. "Anyway, where are the baby's parents?"

For a moment, Brianna's face flickered with something sad and heavy. "I don't know where the father is… but the mother is probably dead."

A pang of sadness hit me, and I instinctively brought my hands together, closing my eyes in a silent prayer. Even though I already knew Laura Juno was an orphan—because, well, I read about it—it was still heartbreaking to hear it confirmed.

A child with no family.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat.

Even though I already knew the answer, I still asked, "Should we wait for the father?"

Brianna hesitated before nodding. "Yeah… We should give it a few more hours."

So we waited, filling the time with idle conversation. I told them about my earlier talk with the kids, which earned plenty of smiles. But the best reaction? Definitely Cecilia's.

When I casually mentioned that Leon had asked about her, she actually lit up. And, I swear, I saw the smallest hint of pink on her cheeks.

Valerie smirked. "Well, well, someone's making an impression."

Cecilia huffed, crossing her arms, but the pleased little smile on her lips completely betrayed her.

Yeah. Leon totally had her wrapped around his little finger.

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A few hours later, we were making our way toward the nursery, freshly changed into casual clothes. And not to be that person, but I looked stunning.

I was rocking an oversized olive knit cardigan over a fitted V-neck white shirt, dark joggers, and ankle boots. The perfect mix of cozy and stylish.

Then there was Valerie.

My gorgeous fiancée was in a black cropped hoodie over a form-fitting tank top, ripped jeans, and lace-up combat boots. The whole aesthetic screamed hot emo who could totally ruin my life in the best way possible.

Which, coincidentally, was exactly my type.

Next up was Brianna, looking effortlessly intimidating in a fitted black tank top layered with a loose, off-the-shoulder gray sweater, paired with high-waisted dark blue jeans and combat boots. Her entire aura screamed, "piss me off and see what happens."

And then there was Cecilia, who went for a more relaxed but practical look—loose white asymmetrical tunic with rolled-up sleeves, fitted cargo pants, and high-top sneakers. The look suited her perfectly, highlighting all her best features.

All in all? We looked like a squad of fashion-forward badasses.

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We arrived at the reception desk, and the nurse sitting there did a double-take when she saw us. Her eyes widened, and I could practically see the gears in her head turning as she recognized us.

It was always funny watching people have that "oh crap, I'm talking to S-rank hunters moment."

To her credit, she recovered quickly. "Can I help you?"

Brianna stepped forward. "Has anyone picked up the baby that was in the attack?"

The nurse glanced at her records before shaking her head. "No, there have been no visitors for that baby."

We exchanged looks before nodding. "Thanks," Valerie said, and we turned toward the viewing window where the babies were.

Rows of tiny newborns lay swaddled in their little beds, some sleeping, others wiggling around. And there, among them, was her.

Laura Juno.

She was even smaller than I expected, with soft, curly brown hair and a round, chubby little face. She looked peaceful, completely unaware of the cruel hand fate had dealt her.

"She's adorable," I murmured.

"If only we knew her father or guardian," I added, glancing at Valerie. "Cristina could have a little playmate."

Valerie hummed in agreement. "Yeah… that would be nice."

I checked the time—almost 3 PM. "Alright, time to head home."

Brianna sighed in relief. "Finally. I get to see my son again."

Just as we turned to leave, Brianna suddenly paused. "Cecilia, what's wrong?"

I frowned, turning to see Cecilia still staring at the baby.

"Cecilia?" Brianna asked again, her tone a little softer this time.

Cecilia blinked, as if snapping out of a daze, then shook her head. "It's nothing," she murmured before quietly following us.

I narrowed my eyes slightly but didn't push.

We had been here long enough.

It was time to go home—to my babies.