Third person's POV
Kyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.
He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.
Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream.
"Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.
Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."
Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.
When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.
His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.
In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.
Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but now he was almost too obedient.
His eyes held a maturity and restraint that didn't match his age, which only made Tabitha's heart ache more.
"Kyrian, are you hungry? Should I cook something for you?" Tabitha asked gently.
"Yes," Kyrian nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with anticipation.
The thought of his mother cooking for him filled him with joy. He imagined the family sitting together for a meal, a scene he'd longed for.
Tabitha felt a pang of guilt. Her son had grown so much, yet she'd never cooked for him.
She remembered the time she'd almost jumped off a ship with Kyrian in her arms, overwhelmed by despair. Thank goodness she'd come to her senses.
Derek took them to his private suite. He often came to the mountains to watch over Kyrian from afar.
He was stricter with the boy, but that didn't mean he loved him any less.
As Kyrian's father, he always thought about Kyrian's future.
While Tabitha cooked in the kitchen, Kyrian excitedly told Derek about his recent experiences.
His eyes sparkled, and he even gestured animatedly when describing the fun parts.
But when Derek asked, "Do you blame me? You could've lived a comfortable life at home," Kyrian's smile faded. His expression turned serious and resolute.
Kyrian quickly shook his head. "No, Dad. You did it for me. When I grow strong, I can protect Mom. Dad, are you and Mom back together?"
His eyes were full of hope but also a hint of worry. He desperately wanted a complete, happy family.
Derek hesitated, unsure how to answer.
"Your face says no," Kyrian's shoulders slumped, his expression tinged with disappointment.
He sighed softly. "With a dad like you, who's so hard to figure out, when will I ever have a real family?"
His tone was light, almost teasing, but the longing for a united family was clear.
Derek ruffled his hair. "No matter what happens between me and Tabitha, the three of us are always connected. Nothing and no one can ever change that. I love you, and so does Tabitha. That will never change."
"Does Mom really love me?" Kyrian's eyes filled with doubt again. He looked down, fingers nervously twisting his shirt. "You said she found my siblings. She must like them more. She'll hate me because I was raised by the enemy."
His voice grew quieter, filled with insecurity.
"Who said I'd hate you? I love you more than anything," Tabitha said, kneeling behind him and wrapping her arms around him. "You and your siblings are all my precious children."
Kyrian's body stiffened, then relaxed. Tears welled up in his eyes, and a happy smile spread across his face.
Tabitha noticed how sensitive Kyrian was. He was constantly afraid of losing her love again, now that he'd finally gotten it back.
She patiently soothed him, repeating over and over how much she loved him.
Tabitha even cooked a delicious meal for Kyrian.
He ate until his stomach was round, reluctant to stop even when Derek took the fork from his hand.
Kyrian knew he couldn't eat his mother's cooking every day.
"Kyrian, come here," Tabitha called from the window seat.