Chapter 296

The shorter skeleton spoke, voice lighter now. "My sons, you all finally came back." It sounded relieved. "Where’s Zedekiel? And my sister?"

The taller one added eagerly, "Were you guys able to get Ron back? Is that why you’re here now?"

It all suddenly dawned on Ludiciel who the skeletons were and his eyes burned with unshed tears as he forced himself to speak, voice barely above a whisper, "Mother?... Mariel?"

"Ludiciel," The shorter skeleton laughed, a sound filled with both sorrow and joy. "I knew you'd recognize us. Unlike your little brothers who are hiding behind you."

Tariel and Sariel peered cautiously from behind Ludiciel and Talon, their eyes wide with uncertainty. "Brother, are those really…?"

Prince Ludiciel inhaled sharply, willing himself to believe what his heart already knew. With a flick of his wrist, he dispelled the illusion he had unknowingly placed upon them.

The moment the magic faded, there they stood.

The Queen Mothe