"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

Chapter 259: Family and Surprises

Seraphis pushed open the large wooden doors of the guild, stepping inside with her usual grace. The familiar hum of activity stopped the moment she crossed the threshold. It was as if time had slowed, the rustle of parchment and the clink of armor falling silent as every pair of eyes in the room shifted toward her.

She raised a brow, scanning the room with a hint of confusion. Guild members, who had once greeted her with simple nods or casual glances, were now whispering amongst themselves. Their murmurs were too low for her to catch all of them, but the words she could hear were enough to know that her recent actions had stirred more than a little curiosity.

As she made her way deeper into the guild hall, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. She had never been one to enjoy being the center of attention. And yet, it seemed as though her personal life had become the guild’s favorite topic.

“Looks like the rumors are true,” she overheard one of the newer recruits mutter, his voice full of intrigue.

“What rumors?” another voice answered in a hushed tone.

“That she adopted four new kids. Azrael, Veylan, Sena, and Lilith,” the first voice responded.

Seraphis’s footsteps faltered ever so slightly, though she quickly masked it with her usual confident stride. So, the rumors were true. She had adopted four more children. But the way the guild members spoke of it—like some sort of gossip—left a bitter taste in her mouth. It had been a difficult decision to take on the responsibility of raising others, but she had chosen to do so out of love, not to be the subject of idle chatter.

Ignoring the whispers around her, she walked up to the stairs that led to the second floor. The guildmaster’s office was up there, and that was where she needed to be. The last time they had spoken, the air had been thick with tension, but she had known this conversation was inevitable. It had been months since she had first decided to adopt Azrael, and since then, her family had grown with the addition of Veylan, Sena, and Lilith. They were no longer just people she cared for; they were her children now, and she had done everything in her power to provide for them.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Seraphis knocked on the door of the guildmaster’s office. A few moments later, she heard the deep, familiar voice of Kix.

“Come in,” he called, and Seraphis opened the door without hesitation.

Inside, the guildmaster’s office was the same as always—bookshelves lined with dusty tomes, a large desk cluttered with paperwork, and a window that offered a view of the bustling city below. Kix sat behind the desk, his hands steepled in front of him as he watched Seraphis enter with a raised eyebrow.

“Ah, Seraphis,” he said, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “I suppose you’ve come to discuss your... growing family.”

Seraphis closed the door behind her, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. “I’ve come to speak about the rumors,” she said, her voice steady, though there was an edge to it. “I’ve been hearing a lot about my decision to adopt.”

Kix leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying her for a moment before he replied. “I imagine it’s quite the topic of conversation around here.”

Seraphis crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “It is,” she said, her tone a little more clipped than usual. “And frankly, I’m not sure what everyone finds so surprising.”

The guildmaster chuckled softly. “I think it’s less about the adoption itself and more about the fact that you—of all people—have opened your heart to others. You've always been so independent. It’s a bit of a shock to the system for some of us.”

Seraphis’s expression softened at the remark, but she quickly masked it with a shrug. “I don’t need anyone’s approval. I did what I had to do. They needed someone to care for them, and I’m capable of doing that.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Kix said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “But adopting four children, Seraphis… that’s a significant responsibility. Azrael, Veylan, Sena, and Lilith—they’re a lot to take on.”

She nodded, the weight of the responsibility clear in her mind. “I know. But I’ve never been one to back down from responsibility. Each of them came to me for different reasons, but they all needed a family. I may not have one of my own, but I can still offer them that.”

There was a long silence between them as Kix considered her words. He had always admired Seraphis’s strength, but this was a side of her he hadn’t seen before—the side that carried the weight of others on her shoulders. It wasn’t a burden she wore lightly, but it was one she bore with dignity.

“They’re lucky to have you,” Kix said finally, his voice quieter now.

Seraphis gave a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m lucky to have them, too.”

Another long silence passed, and then Kix leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there? You’ve become a mother to them, Seraphis. And I think you’re realizing just how much it takes to care for others. Especially when the world around us is so… unpredictable.”

“I know,” she replied softly. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. They need me, and I’m going to be there for them, no matter what.”

Kix nodded, his gaze filled with something akin to pride. “I’m sure you will be.”

Seraphis hesitated for a moment before continuing. “I don’t expect anyone to understand my choices. I never have. But I’m doing what feels right for me. What feels right for them.”

“I understand,” Kix said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “And I think that’s what matters most. You don’t need anyone’s validation. You’ve already proven that you’re capable of handling whatever life throws at you.”

Seraphis smiled faintly, the tension in her shoulders easing. “Thank you, Kix.”

He gave her a knowing look. “You’re not just fighting for yourself anymore, Seraphis. You’re fighting for them. And that changes everything.”

She nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the truth in his words. “I know. I’ve been through a lot, and so have they. But together, we’ll face whatever comes next.”

Kix leaned back in his chair again, his eyes softening as he regarded her with something like admiration. “You’ve come a long way, Seraphis. I’m proud of you.”

She looked down at her hands, the quiet acknowledgment settling deep within her. “I never thought I’d be here, but I don’t regret it. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them.”

Kix smiled faintly. “You’re not alone in this. The guild is your family too.”

Seraphis glanced up at him, her gaze filled with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. “I know. And I appreciate that more than you know.”

As the conversation wound down, Seraphis stood, ready to leave. She had come for answers, for understanding, and she had found them. The guildmaster’s words had given her the reassurance she needed. She wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

Before she left, she turned back to Kix. “Thank you, Kix. For everything.”

He nodded in return. “Anytime, Seraphis. Anytime.”

With that, Seraphis left the guildmaster’s office, her heart a little lighter. The guild members were still whispering in the hall below, but now, as she descended the stairs, she held her head high. She had a family, a purpose, and the strength to face whatever the future held.

And that was all she needed.