Chapter 37

Rudolf's POV
Finally, after so much fighting, I had defeated my enemy’s troops. Relief and victory flowed through me, but I could not let my guard down. When the situation began to calm down, I looked around the corner of the cave, and from afar, I saw the figure I had dreamed of the most—Emma!
“Emma!” I shouted, feeling a mixture of panic and happiness as I saw her, even though she looked frightened in the corner of the cave. She was sitting there, eyes full of tears, and I immediately ran to her.
As I approached, I could see how vulnerable and protective my daughter was. Quickly, I reached for her hand and pulled her into my arms, feeling the warmth and affection I so desperately craved.
“It’s okay, honey. I’m here. I’m taking you home!” I said softly, trying to soothe the fears she felt inside her. My embrace created the safe space she had been longing for.
With Emma in my arms, I felt a new strength flow through me. I wasn’t alone—I had a loyal army to help me through whatever it took to save my daughter.
She looked up at me, her voice shaking weakly.
“I’m taking you home, where we belong,” I said confidently. “We’re getting out of here.”
As I turned to head toward the cave exit, I felt an incredible surge of energy. Each step felt lighter with Emma by my side, and it was as if the world was opening up to us.
Still, I remained vigilant. Even though the enemy forces were defeated, I couldn’t ignore the risks that still loomed. “Come on, we can’t stop. Stay close to me, and trust me. We’ll get through this together,” I said, making sure Emma was comfortable and safe.
When we finally reached the mouth of the cave, the morning sun greeted us. The beauty of the light illuminated all the darkness we had been through, and I knew that our journey was not yet over, but we had come a long way.
With determination, I stepped out of the cave, feeling free.
“Nothing will ever separate us again, Emma. I promise to always protect you,” I said, praying that everything we had been through would be a valuable lesson that would strengthen us in the future.
I took my daughter, Emma, home to Mikayla’s modest house on the beach. As soon as we arrived, my heart was filled with gratitude and happiness. Seeing the house now reminded me of how precious our family was.
As we entered the house, Mikayla immediately greeted me with a mixed expression—worry and relief beyond comparison. “Rudolf! You’re finally back! And Emma…,” Mikayla said, her voice shaking with emotion and love.
Daniel, our twin who is also almost 2 years old, quickly crept towards his older sibling, welcoming Emma’s arrival. Seeing the two of them gathered, I witnessed my twins releasing their longing. Joyful cries and laughter echoed in the room, creating a real sense of happiness.
“Emma!” Daniel shouted cheerfully, reaching for his sister’s hand, and the two of them embraced each other. Watching the moment, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. There was nothing more beautiful than seeing our two children reunited after going through so much fear and uncertainty.
Emma smiled, her bright smile making all the burdens in my heart feel lighter.
As I watched them, Mikayla came over and hugged me tightly, giving me warmth and support.
“I was so worried about you two. Seeing you again makes me feel like the whole world is shining again,” she said in her soft voice.
I hugged her back, feeling how strong she was despite the burdens she had been facing.
“I’m okay, Mikayla. We’re back together now, and I promise I won’t let this happen again,” I said, conveying the sincerity in my heart.
We stood there, hugging each other as we listened to the laughter of children playing.
Gratitude and happiness filled the place, and I knew that I had found what was truly most precious—my family. Even though our past was full of hardships, I was sure that we would get through it together, facing the future stronger.
“Now, let’s all be together. I want us to celebrate our togetherness,” I said, trying to chase away all the dark shadows that had ever existed.
Mikayla grabbed the first aid kit and started to treat my wounds. When she opened the box, I realized how badly I was injured—from head to toe, everything was hurt. The pain started to be felt as she rubbed my wounds slowly.
“How did you get hurt like this, Rudolf?” she asked, her voice full of worry.
I shook my head, trying to explain even though I felt exhausted after the long journey. “I had to fight through a lot to find Emma. There were many obstacles I had to face on Ghost Mountain…” I said, remembering everything that had happened.
Seeing her increasingly anxious face, I knew that she didn’t want me to neglect my health. “We better go to the hospital. You need stitches on some of the gaping wounds,” Mikayla said firmly, trying to ensure my safety.
I tried to smile even though the pain was still there. “I don’t want to bother you any further. We just got back together, and I want us to enjoy this time.”
But Mikayla didn’t stay silent. “Rudolf, this is not the time to argue. You have to get better. I can’t imagine anything happening to you. Emma and Daniel need you,” she said, her eyes showing how caring and loving they were.
After hearing that, my heart fluttered remembering how important I was to my family. “You’re right, Mikayla. Maybe it’s time for me to think about myself too,” I replied, nodding.
With full support, Mikayla immediately helped me to stand up. The pain was sharp every time I moved, but her presence kept me motivated. The two of us walked out of the house, and Emma and Daniel followed us curiously.