Jojo finally shifted back into his wolf form after making sure Sisi was warm enough. He jumped onto her lap, curled up into a small ball, and fell asleep almost imdiately as he was close to the person he loved.
Kael stared at his son, who would rather sleep on this witch’s lap than his. He scoffed, thinking that Jojo had changed far too much after being separated for nine months.
He wasn’t angry with his son, but he was irritated that his place in Jojo’s heart seed to have been replaced.
’Does it really take less than a year for a toddler to change the way he looks at you?’ Kael pondered. ’Maybe he was too young back then and doesn’t truly rember his father. anwhile, this witch stayed by his side during the crucial age of nearly five.’
Nevertheless, Kael made a ntal note: he had to find a way to separate Jojo from Sisi so the boy could grow up safely, without the risk of becoming a sacrifice.
Kael turned his head when he heard footsteps at the cave entrance. Grishaw and his subordinate appeared, dragging an unconscious tiger beastman behind them.
The tiger was in a sorry state, but the eagles were no different either. They were bruised all over after having to fight the witch with her vines.
They tossed Marik onto the ground before their king and knelt. "My King, this tiger is on the brink of death, but his resilience is remarkable. When we found him, he was still muttering."
"Sisi?" Kael guessed.
"Yes, My King. But not only that," Grishaw added. "He muttered ’Sisi’ and ’Jojo’ several tis before going silent."
...
That was unexpected.
Kael knew this wretched pair must have been deeply entangled, perhaps even in love. But he hadn’t expected the tiger to include Jojo in that small, twisted family.
It was confusing. If Marik truly despised cursed beings, there was no reason for him to protect Jojo instead of killing him outright. In fact, wouldn’t it be easier to just kill Jojo the mont they t? Why went on so far to kidnap and raise Jojo?
But Kael didn’t care.
In the end, both the tiger and the witch would die by his hand once they returned to the Beast Kingdom.
"Tie him up and make sure he can’t escape," Kael ordered. "And don’t feed him. None of you would stand a chance if he regains even a fraction of his strength."
"Understood, My King!"
"We will depart for the kingdom at dawn," Kael added before reentering the cave.
He sat closer to the bonfire. Though his body heat alone was enough to endure even the coldest blizzard, he still enjoyed the warmth of the fire. From this position, he could also keep watch over his son and the witch, ensuring neither rolled into the flas while asleep.
Jojo muttered Sisi’s na in his sleep, then followed with, "Dad... dy..."
Kael frowned.
’Why is he dreaming of ? I’m right here. He could hug if he wanted.’
He gently touched Jojo’s head to soothe him but didn’t move him, knowing the boy would be upset if taken from the witch’s lap.
*
anwhile, Sisi felt as though she were traveling through a wormhole, the sa sensation she felt after she fought against that bear. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself before a towering tree, its branches heavy with fully blood flowers and quivering vines protruding from the ground.
Just like before, the giant tree seed delighted to see her, at least Sisi could sense its cheeriness. Sisi smiled and caressed its bark.
"I’ve returned, Elder."
Si... si... it’s... Grandma...
"Grandma?" Sisi raised her brows. "You’re my grandmother?"
Yes... my... dar... ling...
Sisi found the idea to be ridiculous, how could a giant tree be her grandmother? And yet, she sensed an undeniable familiarity. Her instincts told her the tree wasn’t lying.
Anyway, there was no harm to make others happy. She never had a grandmother in real life too.
She nodded slowly. "Then... I’m glad to be back, Grandma."
The tree seed overjoyed. Flowers around it released strong fragrances Sisi had never slled before, and petals rained down as if spring had arrived early just for her.
Sisi smiled, though countless questions lingered. She knew this wasn’t rely a dream—it ant sothing, because this was the second ti she dread of this giant tree.
But her current priority was Jojo.
She was deeply worried about him. The last thing she rembered was Jojo trying to attack the crimson-eyed wolf.
She doubted Jojo could injure that man at all. After all, she had stabbed him in the chest herself, and he hadn’t even flinched.
He claid to be Jojo’s father, but what if he was lying? What if he intended to kill Jojo because of his incessant crying?
Her anxiety surged, and she couldn’t relax even in this beautiful place.
"Grandma, can you help return to the real world? I need to check on my son," Sisi pleaded.
She had long regarded Jojo as her son, though she never asked him to call her ’Mother’, that title should only co when he chose it himself.
But... Sisi... Grandma... misses... you...
"I’ll co back, Grandma," Sisi said gently. "If this truly is my ho, I’ll return naturally, won’t I? But I have a son to care for. When he grows a little older, I’ll bring your great-grandson to et you. I’m sure you’ll be happy."
The giant tree swayed at the words great-grandson, joy overwhelming it. At last, it released Sisi.
Then... return... to... your kind... Sisi... the... sprites... are... waiting...
"Sprites?" Sisi had no ti to ask more before she was pulled into the wormhole again.
She jolted awake and scanned her surroundings.
A cave. A bonfire. And Jojo sleeping on her lap.
It reminded her of the cave she once shared with Jojo and Marik.
’Wait... am I still dreaming? Or was the escape and the battle with that crimson-eyed wolf just a dream—and I’m still in our old cave with Jojo?’
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