Arias opens his eyes against the sunlight shining in from the windows and he groans. Quickly, he pulls the blankets up to his face. He had long grown past the need to hide from the sun, but as a vampire, it was still a nuisance to him. Also, the sun signified something else that he'd rather not think about.

Arias tries to go back to sleep, but having seen the light he couldn't let it go. Frustrated, he pulls the blanket backs down and angrily looks out of the window. Dammit. Another day. What mundane tasks will I once again be forced to accomplish? He asks himself bitterly.

Suddenly, a memory comes to mind. Oh yeah, I was overthrown yesterday… He thinks, considering what that meant for him. So no domain administration? That’s pretty good. But now I have to find something new to keep myself busy… He thinks with a sigh.

He looks around, and slowly, he realizes that he didn’t know where he was. Arias sniffs the air, looking for a sign and frowns. I smell a woman. Mature and sweet. Slightly tangy. Could be a bit feisty? No open wine so I probably didn’t eat her… He thinks.

Suddenly the door opens. Myriam walks into the room and sees Arias sitting up on the bed. Seeing that the child was fine, she smiles. “Good, you’re awake. I saw that your injuries have healed but I was still a bit worried. Come now, wash up. We have to go to the market today. Breakfast is waiting on the table.” She says as she walks over and removes the blankets from Arias before rubbing his hair with a teasing smile.

Arias watches with a blank face as an unknown woman ruffles his hair before walking away and leaving the room. His eyebrows raise, not knowing what the situation was. Have I reincarnated? As a son in a loving family? Do I have siblings? He couldn’t help but ask himself.

Arias checks his body and the immense power hiding within registers itself in his mind. Nope, same body. He thinks as his curiosity for the woman grows. Is she just a friendly lady? He wonders.

“Come on! Hurry up!” A voice calls from the other room.

Arias shakes his head and decides to just go with it. I might as well do this today. It’s better than nothing. He thinks as he gets out of the bed.

…

…

Arias sits at the table and looks at the plate of pancakes, a frown beginning to form on his face. No meat? He thinks, somewhat dissatisfied.

Myriam sits down and smiles, looking at the boy with some expectation. “What’s wrong? Your food will get cold.” She says, urging him on.

Arias puts on a bitter smile, deciding to give in. Whatever you say, lady. You’re the boss. He thinks as he takes a piece of a pancake with a fork. Arias lets out a sigh, then, reluctantly, he begins to eat.

A glow begins to form around Myriam as she watches the boy eat. “How is it? I'm not the best cook, but its passable for my needs. How ‘bout I bake a cake in the afternoon?” She asks, a pleased smile on her face.

“Hmm. It’s good.” Arias says, before his demon lord instincts kick in and he begins to push. “But how ‘bout a steak in the afternoon?” He asks.

Myriam lets out a laugh. “My. You’re not shy, are you? Did you eat a lot of steaks at home?” She asks, beginning to prod.

Arias puts on a guarded smile. He’d rather not reveal too much information if he could help it. Unfortunately, at that moment, he did look somewhat shy. “I ate meat, yes.” He says, somewhat awkwardly.

Myriam’s female instincts immediately begin to kick in. Slight lack of boundaries, converses awkwardly. No siblings? She thinks, beginning to process what she could. “What about your parents? What did they like to eat?” She asks.

A slight frown appears on Arias’ face. “No parents.” He says.

A blank sort of sadness is expressed on Myriam’s face. “Oh.” She says as anxiety begins to build within her. Change the subject, change the subject! Quick! She thinks somewhat hurriedly. “And where did you grow up? You seemed to be traveling when I met you.” She says, her face an image of calm and collected.

Arias’ mind drifts to long buried memories, his face looking somewhat distant and solemn. “Somewhere far away.” He says.

Myriam clears her throat, finding herself somewhat road-blocked. Come on, give me more than that. She thinks. “Do you travel often?” She asks.

Arias considers the question. “Overall, yes.” He says.

A bitter smile forms on Myriam’s face, feeling some defeat from the socially awkward child. “I’ll get you some milk.” She says as she stands up.

Arias raises an eyebrow. Why is there so much consideration in her manner? Like she knows me enough to care? He thinks, unsure but curious.

…

…

Like an obedient child, Arias walks forward through the market holding Myriam’s hand as she leads the way.

Myriam looks down at the boy and worry forms on her face. I’ll have to go back to the capital. The boy will need to go to school. She thinks, beginning to plan out her next steps. Myriam never thought of herself as a mother, or even the sort of person who would adopt, but the boy had walked into her life, and if Myriam was one thing, she was a fighter. Since fate dared to frame the question, she would dare to answer. I’ll be the best damn mother you’ve ever seen! She thinks with determination.