Chapter 32: Trial of nothingness, Trial of void

Kael opened his eyes, his head feeling fuzzy. His vision was dim, and a throbbing heat made him feel dizzy.

"Where am I? What's going on?" Kael thought, puzzled.

Just then, he heard a female scream, followed by the sound of something crashing.

"You bitch! Leave me the fuck alone! I earned that money, and I decide what to do with it! Fuck you!" A man's furious shout rang out before the door slammed shut.

Kael's breath hitched. His body trembled as an overwhelming sense of déjà vu gripped him.

"No... no, no, no..." He bolted toward a room, his heart pounding. As he got closer, the sound of soft sobbing reached his ears—familiar, painfully familiar. His hands shook, and tears welled up in his eyes as he slowly pushed the door open.

"M...Mom?" Kael's voice quivered, breaking into sobs.

There, sitting on the bed, was a woman, her shoulders trembling as she cried.