Chronicles of Crowns and Chaos

Yun Shuyi's POV:

As I lay in the warm embrace of my parents, a sudden thought made me lift my head. I looked around the room and asked, "Mother… Father… where is Big Sis Vaelora?"

Both of them chuckled softly. Father smiled teasingly, "Oh look, dear, our son's just been reunited with us, and he's already asking about another woman."I blushed instantly, embarrassed.

Mother's voice suddenly turned cold and playfully sharp."Husband, we've only just found our son again, and you're already teasing him? Seems someone needs to be taught a lesson."

Father visibly shivered. I let out a giggle.

Mother reached over and gently tugged my ear." And you, mister," she said, mock-scolding me, "your mother is right here and yet you're already looking for another woman?"

I blushed even harder and fidgeted, unsure of what to say. Seeing my flustered expression, they both laughed gently.

Mother finally released my ear and said, "Your Big Sister left already. She returned to where she came from. But don't worry, she's fine."I nodded, still red in the face.

Then she began pinching my cheeks."Aww, my Shu'er is so cute when he blushes."

Father joined in proudly."Of course he is! Whose son do you think he is?"

Mother rolled her eyes with a smile."Hmph. As if! Our Shu'er got his cuteness from me, obviously."

I giggled again, watching them playfully bicker. Their smiles—so full of joy—made my heart warm.

A little while later...

Mei Ningshuang's POV:

I sat on a chair with Shu'er curled up in my lap, feeding him small bites. Across from us, my husband watched with the softest eyes, overflowing with love and guilt.

Then he asked the question I'd been longing to know."Shu'er… can Father ask you something? How have you been… all these years?"

Shu'er was quiet for a moment. He stared at the jade pendant resting on his chest. Then, in a small voice, he spoke:

"I… I don't remember much from when I was really little. Just the cold… and the dark.

But… the people in the village were kind. Not rich or strong… but they helped when they could.

One old man gave me a blanket. A lady sometimes let me eat from her garden.

I made a small house by the trees. It wasn't warm… but it was mine.

Some days… I was really hungry. I found fruits in the forest… and sometimes I got sick, but I didn't tell anyone. I didn't want them to worry.

I thought… maybe I didn't have a family. I tried to be okay with it. I told myself I'd keep going even if no one came. But…"

His voice broke.

"But I always had this."He held up the pendant, eyes glistening."I didn't know what it meant. Just that it was mine. I'd talk to it. At night… when I was scared, I'd whisper to it like it was my mother and father."

He looked up, his voice trembling.

"I tried my best, Father. I was alone… but I didn't give up. I waited. I waited for you…"

Tears spilled from my eyes. I couldn't hold back anymore. I hugged Shu'er tightly, pouring all the love I had into that embrace. I whispered, voice thick with emotion, "Shu'er… Mother is here. Mother is here now."

He clung to me tightly, sobbing.

"Mother… Father… please don't leave me again…"

Those words shattered me.

Yun Qingye's POV:

Hearing how my son had lived all these years… broke me. His voice, so small… so brave…My wife was hugging him so tightly, both of them crying.And then those words:

"Please don't leave me again…"

I felt my chest tighten painfully. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I reached out, placed my hand gently on his head, and said with solemn weight,

"Shu'er… this is your father's promise.

Your mother and I… will never leave you again. Never."

Ningshuang nodded fiercely, her voice unwavering.

"Yes, Shu'er. We'll never let you be alone again."

Yun Shuyi's POV:

Hearing those words… it was like a huge weight lifted from my heart. I smiled.

For the first time in my life… I felt safe. I felt loved. I felt… whole.

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 Twelve winters alone, with no hand to hold, I dreamed of warmth in a world so cold. Then your voices broke through the silent ache— And my heart, long buried, began to wake.

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 We searched the stars through endless night, For a cry lost deep in the fading light. Now he weeps within our arms once more— And all we lost, we vow to restore.

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