Everyone else gathered, concerned about Emily. Nirik walked over to explain the situation.
"As you know, Emily's condition is temporarily stable. Her life force won't deplete after merging with the artifact. However, her memories are in fragments due to her body being in the process of rebirth. Rest assured, Adam can take his time to recover before getting the other artifact. I'll be back again when he is ready to leave. Please refrain him from making rash decisions on pushing to get the rest of the artifacts, as he needs to be prepared mentally and physically. Everyone here is wondering what happened to Adam? While you may see him return here instantly, he has gone through life and death situations multiple times in the other world. He has suffered through harsh environments and was at the brink of death. That is why he needs time to regain back his ability to go through another ordeal," Nirik explained.
"Yes, I've seen Mom and Dad almost die in my world. I hope everyone here can help carry their burden while they are here," Azrael spoke, stepping forward.
"You're Adam's and Lyra's son?" Arthur asked.
"I wouldn't say I was born as their child. They adopted me while I was alone in that world. However, I'm connected to both of them via blood and have both their memories. So technically, I am somewhat of their son," Azrael explained.
"Well, now that everyone is aware of what both of them went through, I advise you to help them stay here until they are ready to go. Please relay the concern of Emily's safety to both of them. I'll see everyone again soon," Nirik said as he transformed into his Kirin form and shone a bright light before disappearing.
Dharka kept looking at Leon as he got closer and sniffed him. Leon, however, ignored Dharka as he attended to the twins, who were drinking some milk.
"So, big brother and big sister have a son," Alyssa said.
"No, he isn't their son. That's why big brother asked us to treat him as another brother," Alynna retorted.
"Both of you listen," Albert interjected. "Since Adam said that he is your brother, just treat him as one. Don't need to think unnecessary things. Please treat your big brother Adam nicely, he must have gone through so much in the other world."
"It's time for bed for both of you. Leon, escort them to bed, please," Helena said.
"Azrael, would you want your own room, or would you feel more comfortable to sleep with Lyra or Adam?" Helena asked.
"I don't mind having my own room. I don't want to disturb my parents sleeping together," Azrael said innocently. Arthur and Albert choked and spat their tea hearing it.
"Big brother cheats on Emily?!" Alynna said, overhearing what Azrael had just said.
"Stop it, big brother had no choice but to sleep together, idiot," Alyssa argued.
"How would you know that?!" Alynna retorted.
"Enough, both of you. Go to sleep now!" Helena said, sternly ending their bickering.
Azrael smiled, seeing his new family's antics. As Leon escorted the twins up, Dharka followed behind, still sniffing Leon. Leon duplicated himself, with one Leon going into the kitchen with Dharka sniffing and trailing him. The other Leon brought the twins into the room. Helena escorted Azrael into his own room as Arthur spoke to Albert about the business he had secured in the other kingdom.
Meanwhile, Emily had calmed down as both her parents stayed with her until she slept, comforting her like they did in the past, tapping on her while humming a melody. Emily dozed off, holding onto both her parents.
As hours passed, Adam suddenly realized the direness of getting the next artifact. "What am I doing?! Emily needed me! I need to get the rest of the artifacts!" Adam said to himself.
Before he could teleport, Lyra stood before him. "Stop! You need to calm down!" Lyra insisted.
"No, Emily needed me! We need to get the artifact as soon as possible. She will return to herself!" Adam replied, desperate.
Lyra put both her hands on Adam's face. "Please , I need you to look at me! Emily is stable, I heard what Nirik said about her situation to Azrael. You need to calm down. Please," Lyra pleaded, her eyes puffy and swollen from crying.
Adam looked at Lyra's face, seeing her distress, and finally hearing her words. "Emily is stable?!" Adam asked, a wave of relief washing over his heart.
"Yes, she is stable, but you're not," Lyra confirmed. "I know it's hard for you to accept what happened to Emily. However, I'm here for you. Right here, to stay with you through this. Please be patient for my sake. We will get the artifact and get Emily back to her usual self." Lyra embraced Adam.
Adam felt her genuine care, and his heart ached suddenly. It had been too tiring for him, but he had stayed strong for Emily. "Can you stay a little longer like this?" Adam said, his voice cracking. Adam's legs weakened as he dropped to his knees, his head buried in Lyra's body as he hugged her.
Lyra stood firm, embracing Adam's head. "You don't need to be strong here. Let me shoulder this with you," Lyra said, her voice weak with emotion.
Adam began to cry again, finally allowing himself to be vulnerable in front of Lyra. Lyra felt her heart hurt, embracing the man she loved while he suffered for someone else. Lyra's own tears started falling as she stood there, comforting Adam and stroking his hair.
As time passed, Adam's exhaustion kicked in, and he passed out while hugging Lyra. Lyra transformed, and her spears surrounded them, helping remove some of the weight of carrying Adam. Lyra flew over near a river with the good shelter of a large tree, and they lay down underneath it. Her wings covered both of them from the elements as Adam fell comfortably asleep on Lyra's lap. Lyra started humming an angelic tune, soothing Adam's heart through the night.