A soft, rhythmic sound pulled me from the depths of unconsciousness. Heavy breathing, close to me. For a moment, I was disoriented, unsure of where I was or what had happened.

  As I blinked my eyes open, I caught sight of a familiar figure sitting beside me. Two golden eyes stared at me intently, shimmering with life and a barely contained energy.

  “Papa! You’re awake!” Nyxis chirped, her voice bright and filled with relief.

  Her words hit me like a warm wave. My chest tightened, and a smile broke across my face before I even realized it. Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling freely as happiness overflowed.

  “Nyxis,” I whispered, my voice trembling. I reached out, pulling her into a tight hug. “I love you, Nyxis.”

  She wrapped her little arms around me, her wings fluttering softly as she nestled against me. “I love you too, Papa,” she replied, her voice muffled but full of warmth.

  I held her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. She was alive—truly alive—and the weight of everything I had endured to bring her back felt suddenly lighter.

  “Oh my,” a playful voice chimed in, breaking the moment. “Is this the famous father-daughter bonding I see before me?”

  I looked up to see Rhea standing nearby, her golden aura subdued but her mischievous smile radiant as ever. Her hands were clasped behind her back, and she tilted her head slightly as she watched us.

  I looked up to see Rhea standing nearby, her golden aura subdued but her mischievous smile radiant as ever. Her hands were clasped behind her back, and she tilted her head slightly as she watched us.

  Nyxis pulled back from our hug just enough to look at Rhea, then glanced at me. “Papa, who’s that pretty lady she was there when i woke up and she felt familiar like a mother's touch to me?”

  I wiped the tears from my face and let out a shaky laugh. “That’s Rhea,” I said, meeting the goddess’ gaze. “She’s the one who saved us both.”

  Nyxis’ eyes widened, and she gave Rhea a curious look. “You’re a goddess? Like… the really powerful kind?”

  Rhea chuckled, stepping closer. “That’s right, little one. But you don’t have to call me ‘goddess.’ Just Rhea is fine.” She crouched slightly to meet Nyxis’ height, her smile softening. “And you must be Nyxis. It’s a pleasure to meet you properly.”

  Note: [ The God and Goddess are taller than Any Other Species]

  Nyxis tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. “If you’re so powerful, does that mean you’re stronger than Papa?”

  I nearly choked. “Nyxis!”

  Rhea burst into laughter, the sound ringing like a melody. “Well, your Papa is quite strong in his own way,” she said with a teasing glint in her eye. “But yes, I might be a little stronger.”

  Nyxis pouted, crossing her arms. “I don’t believe it. Papa’s the strongest!”

  I felt my cheeks heat up, and I scratched the back of my head. “Nyxis, let’s not challenge the goddess, okay?”

  Rhea straightened, still smiling. “She’s a feisty one, isn’t she? I like her spirit.” Her gaze shifted back to me, and her expression softened. “How are you feeling, Alexander? That was no small burden you took on.”

  “I’ve been better,” I admitted, giving Rhea a wry smile. “But I’m alive. And she’s safe. That’s all that matters.”

  Rhea nodded, her eyes full of understanding. “You’ve done well, Alexander. Rest as much as you need.

  I woke slowly, the faint aroma of something savory pulling me from my slumber. My body still felt heavy, but the sharp ache from before had dulled to a manageable throb.

  “Before anything else, eat this,” she said. “It’s a simple stew, but it will help you regain your strength.”

  I blinked at her in surprise. “You… made this?”

  She chuckled. “Of course. Even a goddess can cook, you know. Now sit, before it gets cold.”

  Not one to argue with a divine command—especially when it smelled this good—I sat and began eating. The first bite was heavenly, warmth spreading through me as the flavors danced on my tongue.

  I picked up the spoon, the warmth of the stew spreading through me with the first bite. It was delicious, far better than anything I’d tasted in a long time. “This is amazing,” I said between bites.

  “I’m glad you like it,” Rhea replied, settling into a nearby chair. “You’ll need your strength for what’s ahead.”

  Rhea turned her attention toward Nyxis, who had been sitting quietly by my side, watching me eat with wide, curious eyes.

  “Nyxis,” Rhea called, her voice soft but firm. “Go call your sisters. Tell them we’ll be having lunch together now, and tonight we’ll have a feast to celebrate.”

  Nyxis perked up, her golden eyes lighting with excitement. “Yes, Rhea!” she chirped, her small wings fluttering as she darted out of the room.

  As the door closed behind her, I couldn’t help but smile. “She’s… adorable,” I murmured, the corners of my mouth lifting despite my exhaustion.

  Rhea chuckled, her gaze following where Nyxis had gone. “Ah, yes. She is so precious, isn’t she?” Her expression softened, a motherly pride evident in her features.

  Something she’d said earlier struck me, and I glanced at her. “Sisters?”

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Rhea’s smile grew. “Yes, sisters. The other Skyrend that Belphegorr created using my essence. He saw them as weapons, but to me, they are my daughters.”

  I paused, spoon hovering midair. “So, Nyxis isn’t… alone?”

  “No, Alexander,” she said gently. “She has family. Each of the Skyrend carries a piece of me, even if they were born in darkness. They are my children as much as Nyxis is.”

  “I see,” I said, still trying to process the idea of meeting more of these beings.

  Just then, the door swung open, and Nyxis came bounding back in. “Papa! Rhea! I brought them!”

  Behind her, five figures entered the room, each one radiating a distinct presence. Their appearances varied—wings of different shapes and sizes, eyes glowing in shades that mirrored the heavens. They were all unique, yet there was an undeniable connection between them.

  The Skyrend began to swarm around Rhea like chicks flocking to their mother. Their laughter and chatter filled the room, a cacophony of energy and excitement.

  But then, one by one, their attention shifted to me.

  “Wait! Hey! What—” I yelped as they ran toward me in unison, their exuberance overwhelming.

  Before I could even take a step back, I was on the ground, pinned beneath a pile of laughing, chirping Skyrend.

  “Kids! Stop! You’re overwhelming me!” I groaned, flailing as they tugged at my arms, wings, and hair in their excitement.

  Just as I thought it couldn’t get any worse, Nyxis joined the fray with a joyful shout. She leaped onto the pile, landing squarely on my chest.

  “Papa!” she chirped, her wings fluttering happily.

  The impact knocked the air out of me. “Nyxis—ack—you’re heavy!” I wheezed, trying to shift her weight. It didn’t help that she was practically as big as I was now, if not bigger.

  Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Hehe, sorry, Papa!”

  Before I could protest further, Rhea’s calm yet commanding voice cut through the chaos. “Alright, kids, playtime is over. Come eat your meal.”

  Instantly, the Skyrend scrambled off me, their energy shifting to excitement over the food waiting on the table. Nyxis gave me one last apologetic hug before darting off with her sisters.

  The Skyrend devoured their meal with gusto, Rhea watching over them with a serene, motherly smile. The sight was oddly heartwarming.

  Once they’d finished, Rhea stood and clapped her hands, drawing their attention. “Nyxis, girls, I need you to go hunting for tonight’s feast. Bring back a boar—something big enough for all of us to enjoy.”

  “Yes, Rhea!” they chimed in unison, their wings flaring as they prepared to take off.

  Nyxis turned to me, her excitement barely contained. “Papa, we’ll get the biggest boar ever!”

  I smiled and gave her a small nod. “Be careful out there, Nyxis.”

  With that, the Skyrend shot out of the house, their laughter echoing in the air as they disappeared into the distance.

  I let out a long sigh of relief, leaning back against the wall. “They’re a handful.”

  Rhea laughed softly, her eyes filled with fondness. “They’re spirited, just as they should be. Now, Alexander, while they’re gone, we have work to do.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Work?”

  She gestured toward the clearing outside. “If we’re going to have a proper feast, we’ll need to prepare a space for it. That means gathering wood, setting up a firepit, and finding enough seating for everyone.”

  I groaned, my muscles already sore from everything I’d endured. But there was no arguing with a goddess. “Alright,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. “Let’s get to it.”

  The two of us headed outside, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the clearing. Rhea moved with ease, her divine aura making even mundane tasks like gathering wood seem graceful.

  As we worked, she glanced at me with a smile. “You’re adjusting well to this, you know.”

  I snorted. “Adjusting might be a strong word. Surviving is more accurate.”

  She laughed, the sound light and melodic. “Fair enough. But you’ve done well, Alexander. Nyxis and her sisters already adore you.”

  Her words brought a small, unexpected smile to my face. “I just want them to be happy.”

  “They are,” she said softly. “And that’s because of you.”

  As we worked together, arranging logs and gathering more kindling for the fire, I took a moment to look around. The dense, gnarled trees of the cursed forest loomed overhead, their twisted branches silhouetted against the fading light. The air here was thick, carrying whispers of ancient magic and danger.

  “This place…” I muttered to myself, the realization hitting me all at once. “We’re in the cursed forest. Our original home.”

  I didn’t mean to speak aloud, but Rhea heard me and glanced over. She didn’t say anything, just smiled faintly and continued her work, the soft golden glow of her aura keeping the oppressive darkness at bay.

  A question had been gnawing at the back of my mind since earlier, and I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I stood, brushing dirt off my hands, and turned to face her.

  “Hey, Goddess,” I began, my tone cautious but firm. “I wanted to ask… if you care so much about your daughter, why didn’t you help her when she needed it the most?”

  Rhea paused, straightening up from where she’d been arranging the firepit. Her golden eyes met mine, calm yet piercing. For a moment, I thought she wouldn’t answer.

  Then she smiled softly, a hint of sadness in her expression. “A fair question, Alexander.”

  I waited, crossing my arms as she took a step closer.

  “I am a goddess,” she began, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of regret. “My interference in the mortal world could disrupt the balance of what is meant to happen. If I stepped in to save Nyxis, it could have altered the course of destiny in ways even I cannot fully predict.”

  Her words didn’t sit well with me. “So you stayed out of it? Even when she was suffering?”

  She nodded, her expression unwavering. “Yes. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t watching. After you killed Belphegorr and consumed him, I decided to see if you were capable of looking after one of my daughters.”

  I blinked, taken aback. “Wait, you’ve been testing me this whole time?”

  She chuckled lightly. “Not entirely. I could have taken Nyxis with me, yes. But when you accepted my offer to save her, a contract was formed between us. That allowed me to step in without violating the balance.”

  I frowned, trying to wrap my head around her explanation. “A contract?”

  “Yes,” she said, gesturing toward my shoulder. “Take a look.”

  I glanced down, pulling back my shirt to reveal an unfamiliar mark etched into my skin. It glowed faintly, shaped like a sigil of intertwining wings and branches. It looked… oddly familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it.

  “What is this?” I asked, my brow furrowing.

  She smiled, stepping closer to trace the symbol lightly with her finger. “It’s proof. Proof that you are capable of raising a Skyrend. It means I acknowledge you as her guardian, her father.”

  The weight of her words settled over me, and I looked at the mark again, this time with a strange mix of pride and unease. “So… this is your way of saying I passed your test?”

  She nodded, her golden eyes warm with approval. “Exactly. It’s also a reminder of the bond between us. As long as you bear that mark, you have my blessing—and my trust.”

  I let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “Oh, is that so? Well, I guess I’ll take it.”

  She laughed softly in return, her melodic voice carrying through the clearing. “You’ve earned it, Alexander.”

  As we resumed our preparations, I couldn’t help but feel a bit lighter despite everything that had happened. The cursed forest no longer seemed as foreboding, and the mark on my shoulder felt less like a burden and more like a badge of honor.

  For better or worse, I was bound to this strange family now. And for the first time in a long while, I didn’t mind the idea one bit.

  It wasn’t long before Nyxis and the other Skyrend returned, dragging an enormous boar behind them. The thing was massive—easily the size of Nyxis herself.

  “Rhea Papa! Look what we got!” Nyxis chirped excitedly, her wings fluttering with pride.

  Rhea smiled warmly, patting her on the head. “You’ve done well, Nyxis. All of you. Now, get yourselves cleaned up and play with Papa Alex while I prepare dinner.”

  The Skyrend cheered, their boundless energy making me brace myself for the chaos to come.

  “Papa, come on!” Nyxis called, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the others.

  “Wait, hold on!” I protested, but there was no escaping their enthusiasm.

  For the next hour, I found myself running around like a madman, playing every game imaginable with Nyxis and her sisters. They were relentless, tackling me, chasing me, and generally wearing me down to the point where I thought I might collapse.

  Finally, Rhea’s melodic voice called out to us. “Dinner’s ready!”

  Relieved, I followed with the Skyrend, where Rhea had set up the party venue. The space was breathtaking she decorated it too—a massive opening inside the cave that offered a clear view of the night sky was made( it wasn't there before but now yeah). The stars sparkled like scattered diamonds, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the scene.

  At the center of it all was the feast. The boar had been roasted to perfection, its aroma filling the air and making my mouth water. There were side dishes, too—salads, roasted vegetables, and even freshly baked bread.

  I didn’t even try to hold back. “This… this smells amazing.”

  Rhea smiled, her golden eyes sparkling with pride. “Eat to your heart’s content. It’s a feast for all of us to enjoy.”

  And enjoy it, I did. The meat was tender and flavorful, seasoned with a blend of herbs that made every bite a delight. The side dishes complemented it perfectly, each one crafted with care.

  “Rhea, this is incredible!” I said between bites, practically inhaling the food.

  She laughed softly. “I’m glad you think so.”

  As the Skyrend joined in, chattering and laughing, I found myself relaxing. For the first time in what felt like ages, I was truly at peace.

  But then I noticed Rhea watching me, her gaze curious and intense.

  I set down my fork, tilting my head at her. “Hey, Rhea, is something wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

  She leaned back slightly, her smile turning playful. “You look… different now.”

  Confused, I glanced down at my hands—and froze.

  “The fuck is this?!” I blurted out, staring at my arms. They were thicker, rounder, and—oh no—softer. “No way. Hell nah. Hell nah.”

  I scrambled to my feet, looking at my reflection in a polished piece of metal nearby. My face was fuller, my stomach protruding slightly, and I looked… plump Again!!!.

  “What the hell is this?!” I shouted, turning to Rhea. “Did you do this?!”

  She burst out laughing, her melodic voice echoing through the cave. “It must be your skill, Gluttony,” she said between giggles.

  “Gluttony Damn Man So i can't stay on the slimmer side?! Man, but still, damn!” I ran my hands over my face and stomach, trying to process what had happened. “This is messed up!”

  Rhea’s laughter didn’t stop, and even Nyxis and the other Skyrend started giggling at my expense.

  I groaned, flopping back into my seat. “Fine. Laugh it up. But I’m cutting back starting tomorrow!”

  Rhea smirked, handing me another plate of food. “Sure, Alexander. Tomorrow.”

  Not Again I hushed

  Despite my protests, I couldn’t resist the temptation and ended up finishing the plate. As the laughter and warmth of the feast surrounded me, I realized I didn’t mind too much.

  Maybe being a little rounder wasn’t the worst thing in the world—especially if it meant moments like these.