Chapter 411: The Sigil Returns
Ethan lay in bed, his Soul Sense silently trailing Rose and Mia as they returned to their room. Both girls collapsed onto their beds, not even bothering to remove their clothes—ready to spring back into action at a moment’s notice if needed. Through the link, Ethan gently nudged their minds, guiding them into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Back in his own room, Fern and Crystal quietly tended to him with practiced care. They wiped his hands, feet, and face with warm towels, then gently turned him over and massaged his shoulders and legs. Not a single word was spoken between them.
After everything was done, Crystal pulled out a thin straw and carefully slipped one end into the corner of his mouth. She then took a sip of some warm liquid, holding it in her mouth before feeding it to Ethan through the straw.
The substance flowed slowly, fragrant and soothing, slightly warm after passing through her mouth and the length of the straw. How hot had it been when she first took it in?
Ethan was stunned.
Had they been feeding him like this for the entire three years he’d been unconscious? No wonder he hadn’t starved. The care, the patience... it struck him in a way he wasn’t prepared for. No one had ever looked after him like this before.
His chest tightened, and moisture welled in his eyes. Just as Crystal finished giving him a mouthful, his Soul Sense stirred again. The two girls stiffened momentarily, then their bodies relaxed as they drifted into sleep.
Ethan sat up slowly, catching both of them before they could slump over. He hooked the small bowl Fern had been holding with his foot and caught it perfectly between his toes. After laying the girls down gently and covering them with a blanket, he brought the bowl to his lips and took a tentative sip.
Warm. Like freshly cooked food. His heart trembled.
He placed the bowl on the table, then carefully lifted each girl and carried them to their beds, tucking them in properly. For a moment, he just stood there, silently watching them. Then—
Grrrr...
His stomach growled again. With a small grin, he picked up the bowl and downed its contents in one go. He had no idea what it was, but as it entered his body, warmth spread through every limb like a gentle wave of heat. He exhaled sharply.