A bright light flashed in Kaito's eyes, leaving him disoriented and unable to move. He could speak, but only within his mind.
"W-What the heck with this bright blinding light?!" he gasped inwardly as the radiance slowly faded and shapes bled back into view.
Voices reached him soft, excited, close.
A mother's joyful laughter.
A father cheering her on.
As Kaito's vision sharpened, he scanned the surroundings: old stone bricks, wooden beams, the faint scent of herbal incense. Confusion punched him in the chest.
"I-I don't u-understand?!"
His gaze drifted to the two faces hovering over him—strangers, yet watching him with tenderness. He wanted to speak, but his newborn throat could only produce tiny breaths.
"Wh-who are they?"
The woman's lips curled into a warm smile, her eyes shining with fresh tears.
"Hey, honey, what should we name him?" she asked softly, glancing at her partner.
The father answered without hesitation, pride swelling in his voice.
"Gottfried..."
Then again, firmer:
"Gottfried Searstone."
Kaito's mind spun.
"Am I dreaming?! What are they saying?!"
His new mother slowly rose, cradling him with delicate care. She carried him to a nearby cradle—where another infant lay.
His new sister...?
Marie smiled and gently poked the baby's cheek, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Elias... come here."
Elias stepped beside her, peering into the cradle.
"Yes, Marie?"
"Does this always happen in the Searstone family?" she asked, worry pulling at her brows. "I'm kind of concerned. Our babies didn't even cry after birth—neither Gottfried nor Almira."
Elias nodded thoughtfully. "I'll bring my father, Louis. He's an expert sorcerer; maybe he can explain."
He placed a comforting hand on Marie's shoulder before leaning in to kiss her. She flinched and blushed softly as the two stepped away, leaving Kaito alone with his thoughts.
Kaito's mind spiraled.
"Who is she?! And who am I? Don't tell me..."
Images flashed—
The car swerving—
The fall—
The flames—
His body collapsing—
Kaito's tiny body trembled
"D-D-Don't tell me! I... got reborn!"