The instinct to survive, raw, primal, undeniable, tore through every other emotion clouding his mind. The shock, the fear, the incomprehensible absurdity of it all… none of it mattered before the crushing need to live. His tiny mouth, once open in a wail of terror, latched onto her breast on its own.
Warmth spread across his tongue. Sweet, rich, and thick, it overwhelmed his senses, so real, so vivid, it made his newborn head spin.
Gulp.
The single swallow was like a miracle. More satisfying than any meal he had ever imagined in his starving days. The endless, clawing emptiness that had haunted his stomach for so long was washed away, replaced by a soothing, comforting heat that spread through his whole body. His cries fell silent, replaced with faint, desperate suckling sounds, each one more frantic than the last.
But his mind was chaos.
'W-what is this?! What's happening?! Am I… am I seriously drinking… milk?! From a… from her…?!'
His blurred vision could only make out pale skin so close to his face that it nearly filled his world. A faint, gentle scent of lavender lingered in her warmth, mixed with something fresh and clean, like rain-soaked air on a quiet night. Her heart's rhythm pulsed against his cheek, steady and calm, a lullaby in itself.
'I-I was hit by a truck… I was bleeding out… I saw stars… light… and now… this?'
He tried to push her away, tried to move his arms, but they only gave the smallest twitch. His body was too weak, too helpless, and the milk was too warm, too good.
The maid, watching from the side, softened as his cries faded into steady feeding. Relief crossed her elegant face.
"It seems you were correct, Lady Rain. He was simply famished."
"Of course he was."
Rain's voice was low and tender, a hum that resonated in her chest, vibrating softly into his tiny body. She shifted him gently, making sure he was secure. "My little Rainzzy. My sweet, precious son will grow strong by drinking Mama's milk."
'Son?!'
The thought exploded in his head, sharp and frantic, but his lips refused to release her. His body betrayed him, continuing to nurse, every instinct screaming to keep drinking.
'What is she talking about?!'
He tilted his head just enough to see her face. She was smiling down at him with an expression so full of warmth it left him frozen. Her eyes carried no mockery, no scorn, no pity. Only love. Pure, deep, and unconditional. It was so foreign it felt terrifying—more terrifying than the maid's horns.
He had been an unwanted child, ignored, insulted, and left to starve. But here, in the arms of this woman, he was being gazed upon as though he was the most important existence in the world.
As he continued to drink, the storm inside him began to quiet. The milk in his stomach dulled the gnawing hunger. The steady warmth of her body seeped into him. The gentle rocking motion lulled his mind. Lethargy, heavy and irresistible, wrapped around him like a blanket.
His thoughts weakened, breaking apart into fragments.
'It's… warm… Is this… what being full feels like…?'
His eyes fluttered shut. His mouth slipped free, a drop of milk trailing down his lip. His tiny body went limp, surrendered to exhaustion.
For the very first time in his short, harsh life, he fell asleep not cold, not starving, not alone—
but safe, warm, and completely bewildered.
"He's sleeping now… he looks so cute," the maid whispered, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink as she gazed at the tiny child nestled in Rain's arms.
Rain smiled softly, carefully lowering him onto the bed. She lay down beside him, her long hair spilling over the sheets as she looked at his small face. A bright, almost childlike joy bubbled in her voice.
"Ahh, I'm so happy! My son looks so adorable! Don't you think so too, Kena?"
The maid—Kena—nodded gently, her eyes lingering on the sleeping infant.
"Yes, Lady Rain. He looks just like you and…" She paused, her expression softening, her voice growing quieter. "…I wish Master Yanzzy were here… to hold young Master Rainzzy in his arms."
Rain froze at those words. Her smile faltered, her gaze dimmed. For a moment, silence filled the room before her eyes closed halfway, sorrow flickering in their depths.
Kena gasped, realizing her mistake. She covered her mouth in panic. "I-I'm sorry, Lady Rain, I—"
But Rain shook her head and forced a gentle smile.
"It's okay… Thank you for caring so much about our family."
Kena lowered her hand, her expression turning firm as she spoke with resolve.
"No, Lady Rain. I will always support the Kaze family—until my very last breath."
Rain's eyes softened once more. She looked at her with a warm, tired smile, her voice quiet yet filled with affection.
"Yes… please do. Because you are part of the family too, Kena."
The maid's face turned red, her lips trembling as she struggled to reply. In the end, no words came—only silence, as she lowered her gaze to hide her blush.
Rain rolled over, pulling the child close into her embrace, pressing his small body against her warmth.
"I'll be sleeping for a while too. Please tell the others to continue with their work," she murmured drowsily.
Kena bowed slightly. "Yes, Lady Rain. Have a good rest."
She turned and walked toward the door, her steps quiet. Before leaving, she looked back one last time. The sight of Rain curled protectively around the sleeping baby brought a soft, genuine smile to her lips. Holding that warmth in her heart, she stepped outside and gently closed the door behind her.
As the door clicked shut behind Kena, the room fell into quiet stillness. Rain's eyelids fluttered open, her dark gaze settling on the tiny figure nestled against her. A tender, sorrowful expression crossed her face, a mix of love and lingering ache.
She reached out with gentle fingers, cupping his small head as if he might vanish if she held him too loosely.
"Dear… are you seeing this…?" she whispered, her voice trembling softly in the silence.
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, then slowly drifted closed. With that faint, wistful smile still on her lips, she allowed herself to sink into sleep.