Boreas POV

After a while, Henry signaled me to show myself. And I did. I took a deep breath and stepped out from where I’d been hiding. As soon as they saw me, there was this frozen moment of silence, like everyone was trying to process what they were seeing. Then, all at once, they rushed at me...shouting my name, wrapping me in tight hugs, and bombarding me with questions.

It was overwhelming, in the best possible way. I felt a flood of emotions as they surrounded me, pulling me back into their circle as if no time had passed at all. For a moment, I just stood there, letting it all sink in. These were the people I’d known for so long, and here we were, together again. It was almost too good to be true. When the initial excitement calmed down, I knew it was time to explain everything. As I spoke, I could see their expressions shifting from disbelief to amazement. I told them about the reincarnation, about the magic, the battles, and everything in between. They listened, hanging on to every word, their eyes wide with wonder. 

Part of me had expected them to be skeptical, to think I was pulling some elaborate prank. But instead, they were enthralled, asking questions, laughing at the crazier parts, and genuinely seeming to believe me.

After the initial rush of excitement and shared stories, the group began to split up, each wanting a moment to catch up with me one-on-one. It was overwhelming, but in a good way as everyone was eager to reconnect with me, and I was happy to oblige. The first to pull me aside was Abigail. She was always the quiet one, the kind of person who observed more than she spoke.

"You know," she said, "You look exactly the same, heck, younger even. It’s like you haven’t aged a day. What’s your secret?"

"Well, you know, reincarnation has its perks. You, on the other hand… Well, let’s just say you’ve aged. Gracefully, of course. How's the kids, you were the first of us to have them."

"Good, they're about to finish high school soon, my son, John also found something he really likes, so that's also great."

"But I’ve got to ask…about these new friends you brought along. I’m just making sure you’re okay, you know? That you haven’t gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd or something."

"I'm not gonna make the same mistake again."

"Since you've gotten your girlfriend pregnant. What are your plans for the kid? Do you want them to stay over there or come here?"

"Kids. I'm having twins." I corrected her, "And I'll have them stay there."

"Isn't it dangerous? With your magic and monsters?"

"I'll make it safe, besides, I can't just have their mom come to this world against her will."

"But what if you’re the bad influence? I mean, you’ve been through a lot. Who’s to say you won’t pass on some of your… recklessness?"

"Oh, I probably am the bad influence. Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly your typical role model. But I’m going to do my best. I want to give them the kind of life that… that I always wanted. One where they’re free to be themselves, to explore and learn. And yeah, maybe I’ll make mistakes along the way, but I’m going to be there for them, no matter what."

"You've mellowed out."

"Of course I have."

"But you are a bigger womanizer."

"...True."

Isabella POV

I was currently surrounded by Boreas' friends or some even consider themselves as his siblings as they talked to me about his past, all of them so eager to share stories that painted a picture of a life I had only glimpsed. They asked about the twins, insisting that we bring them for a visit at least once. I promised I would, sensing how much they cared for him. As I listened, I found myself piecing together the parts of him that I didn’t know.

The stories of his uncle though...the fact that he's still alive makes me wish that I can go there and do something to get some revenge. They talked about his troubled days, and the way he struggled but always pushed through. It made me admire him even more, knowing how far he had come. Yet, there was a small part of me that felt a twinge of jealousy as I glanced over at him, deep in conversation with Abigail. I never thought I’d be the possessive type, but seeing them together, even if it was just an innocent conversation, stirred something in me. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones making me feel more protective, or maybe it was just that Abigail knew a side of him that I never would. Either way, I found myself wanting to wrap my arms around him and remind everyone that he was mine now.

I took a deep breath, pushing those thoughts aside. This wasn’t the time to let jealousy creep in. 

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As I found myself standing next to Derrick, one of the quieter members of his group of friends, I could tell there was something he wanted to say. He seemed hesitant, almost as if he wasn’t sure if he should bring it up, but after a moment, he finally spoke.

"Isabella," he said, "I'm glad Boreas have you by his side, but please really look after him."

"Of course, Derrick. I love him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he’s okay."

Derrick sighed, running a hand through his hair as he looked away for a moment, lost in thought. When he spoke again, his tone was filled with a mix of concern and regret.

"He’s a good guy, you know? He always has been. But… his uncle, that man messed him up. After the cops returned him to his uncle’s house when he ran away, things got so much worse for him. I don’t think any of us realized just how bad it was until it was too late." he explained

He then told me about how, after being sent back to that abusive household, the mistreatment escalated. His uncle became even more violent, and the emotional and physical abuse took a severe toll on him. 

"After that," Derrick continued, "He started making friends with the wrong crowd. I think he just wanted to feel loved, to feel like he belonged somewhere, even if it wasn’t with the right people. That’s when he got into smoking drugs and even a bit of drinking. He used them to escape, to forget the pain he was going through. It was his way of coping, I guess. He’s come a long way since then, but those memories, that pain, it doesn’t just disappear. He’s going to need someone who can understand that, someone who can help him through the tough days. I believe you can be that person for him."

"Thank you for telling me this." I replied

"He’s lucky to have you, Isabella. And I think, with you by his side, he’s going to be just fine."

"Where is that uncle of his now?"

"I rather not know, but...they're currently still living in the same state, they just moved to a much better place after using Boreas' parents' wealth, well, more like their inherited wealth...they invested it well, and it didn't seem like anything got to them yet, though I did pray for karma to catch up, even more so now since I know Boreas is alive and justice still hasn't been delivered."