You're not my mother

The torrential rain poured down like endless waterfalls, drenching everything beneath the gray sky. Under the thick curtain of rain, a woman with long silver hair, exuding an air of nobility and authority, walked slowly. In her arms was a newborn baby wrapped snugly in soft, warm fabric. Strangely enough, despite the heavy rain, neither of them was wet. A translucent barrier, glowing faintly with a red hue, enveloped them, shielding them from the downpour

The baby in her arms remained in a deep sleep, its small face serene, completely unaware of the rain or the steady footsteps of the woman carrying it. The woman kept her gaze fixed ahead, unwavering. Each step she took was light but resolute, radiating an aura of untouchable majesty

In the distance, through the rain and darkness, a massive castle loomed, standing tall against the black sky. The castle possessed a beauty that was both grand and cold, built entirely of white stone that stood out under the faint flashes of lightning streaking across the heavens. The sharp architectural lines of the structure evoked a sense of power and regal dominance

The woman approached the castle's grand gate. Before she could stop, the heavy doors swung open automatically, creaking deeply, as if welcoming its true master. She entered without hesitation, and immediately, two long rows of knights in silver armor, bearing a crest of an eye with feathered wings, knelt down. Their movements were synchronized, respectful, yet their voices carried an undercurrent of fear

"Welcome home, my lady!"

The silver-haired woman did not spare them a glance, maintaining her elegant and cold demeanor as she strode forward into the castle. The protective blood barrier surrounding her dissipated gently as she crossed the threshold

Inside the castle, the light from massive crystal chandeliers above illuminated the vast, imposing space. Servants in immaculate uniforms quickly lined up along the path, bowing deeply, not daring to lift their gaze to meet hers

An older woman, her face kind yet sharp-eyed, stepped forward from the line of servants. Bowing deeply before the silver-haired woman, she spoke with utmost respect

"Welcome home, my lady"

The silver-haired woman gave a slight nod, her cold eyes briefly resting on the older woman

"Hela, summon the girl I selected earlier to my chambers" she commanded, her voice refined but piercing, leaving no room for disobedience

"Yes, my lady. I will see to it immediately" Hela replied with a nod. But her gaze lingered on the baby in the lady's arms, a mixture of curiosity and caution in her eyes

"And the child..."

The silver-haired woman cast a glance at the baby in her arms, her eyes momentarily contemplative before she spoke

"Cassius Eclipse. That is his name. Treat him as you would treat me"

Her words sent a wave of shock through those present. Their eyes betrayed their astonishment, but none dared to voice their thoughts. Only Hela, despite her apprehension, forced herself to ask

"Eclipse... Will he be your son?"

The silver-haired woman stopped in her tracks, her eyes flashing with icy sharpness

"No. He is not my son. He never will be" Her voice, though quiet, carried immense authority and a faint edge of anger, compelling Hela to bow her head even lower

"Understood, my lady" Hela replied quickly, not daring to press further

The woman resumed walking, carrying Cassius deeper into the castle. The expansive hallways, with their high ceilings adorned with ancient oil paintings and intricately carved white stone columns, seemed to stretch on endlessly. The light from the crystal chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floors, creating a space that was both dazzling and cold

At last, she stopped before a grand door, its surface intricately engraved. The door opened slowly, revealing a spacious room that was simple yet elegant. Everything in the room was pure white: the large bed draped in soft silk sheets, the understated yet refined armchair, and the minimalist vanity table.

In one corner of the room stood a small crib, already lined with warm blankets, as if everything had been prepared in advance.

The woman gently laid Cassius down in the crib

"Wake up" she said softly, her silver eyes gleaming with a strange light

Cassius's eyes gradually fluttered open

"Welcome, Cassius" she said, her tone now softer, almost tender

"You've arrived at your home"

The woman leaned down, placing her delicate hand on the baby's cheek, her icy gaze softening ever so slightly

"It's been far too long"

"I am your destiny"

She pressed a slender finger gently to Cassius's lips and whispered

"I am Celeste Comet Eclipse"

"Your ... Celestial"

Cassius stared at her in innocent wonder, and, as if drawn to her, his tiny fingers reached out and grasped her finger, holding on tightly to the mysterious woman before him