Chapter 95:

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm hue over the massive bed where I lay nestled in Mama's embrace. My tiny fingers clutched onto her nightgown, afraid that if I let go, she might disappear. My body still trembled from the lingering fear of my nightmares, and though I knew I was safe, my heart pounded erratically in my chest.

"Shh, my love," Mama whispered, gently rocking me in her arms. Her voice was like a soothing melody, wrapping around me like a protective shield. "Mama's here. No one will ever take you away again."

I buried my face in her warmth, inhaling the comforting scent of her perfume. The memory of dark figures grabbing me, the suffocating blindfold, the cold metal against my skin—it all came rushing back, making me whimper softly. Tears threatened to spill again, but I fought them back. I didn't want to be weak.

Papa sat at the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing through my hair with trembling care. His eyes were red-rimmed, his expression one of sheer agony. "Noah... I should have protected you better. I should have never let this happen."

"It wasn't your fault, Papa," I murmured, my voice hoarse.

He swallowed hard, shaking his head. "No... I failed you." His hands clenched into fists, and I could see how much pain he was carrying inside.

My sisters gathered around me, their expressions a mix of sorrow, anger, and deep love. Olivia was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "We should have been there. We should have stopped it before it even happened."

Sophia, always the composed one, was visibly struggling to keep her emotions in check. She reached out and cupped my cheek gently. "You're safe now, baby brother. That's all that matters."

Isabella's fists were clenched tightly, her entire body rigid with restrained fury. "Noah, I swear on everything—I won't let this happen again. I'll personally oversee the security from now on."

Mia, usually so full of energy, had tears streaking down her cheeks. "You don't deserve this, little one... We should have been stronger, better."

Emily adjusted her glasses, a rare vulnerability in her gaze. "I'll modify our security systems, set up new measures... no one will ever get close to you again."

Charlotte sniffled, wiping at her tears. "I'll design something—anything—to keep you safe. I don't care what it takes."

Lily, the youngest of my sisters, reached out and held my hand gently. "We love you, Noah. More than anything. You're our precious little brother, and we'll never let anyone take you from us."

I looked at each of them, my chest tightening with emotion. They were all hurting because of me. I hated seeing them cry. I wanted to tell them that I was okay, that I would be fine, but the truth was... I was still scared.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the moment. The head maid stepped inside, her eyes red and swollen. She approached hesitantly before kneeling beside the bed. "Young Master... I-I'm so sorry... I failed to protect you..."

I blinked at her, confused. "Maid sister… why are you crying?"

Her lips trembled, and she let out a choked sob. "Because… because I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most."

I tilted my head slightly, my exhaustion making my thoughts sluggish. "But… I had fun playing with you in the garden."

A strangled cry left her lips, and she covered her mouth with her hands, her shoulders shaking. "You're too kind, Young Master… I don't deserve your forgiveness."

Mama reached out, placing a comforting hand on the maid's shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. But from now on, I will personally ensure that nothing like this ever happens again."

Papa nodded firmly. "Security will be tightened. I won't take any chances with my son's safety."

The atmosphere in the room was thick with unspoken emotions. My body was exhausted, but my heart felt full. I was loved. I was protected.

As the night stretched on, my eyes grew heavy again. Mama kissed my forehead, whispering sweet nothings as she ran her fingers through my hair. "Sleep, my love. Mama is right here."

I clung to her warmth, my body still sore, but my heart a little lighter. I knew the nightmares would come again, but as long as I had Mama, Papa, and my sisters by my side, I would never be alone.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew that the people responsible for my suffering wouldn't get away with it. My father would make sure of that. But for now, all I wanted was to rest in the safety of my family's love.

As the world faded into darkness, the last thing I felt was Mama's hand gently cradling me and her voice, soft and full of love, whispering, "Sleep, my precious baby. You are safe. You are home."