Chapter 51 Yearning for a Shoulder

But Ethan, with his kind heart, reincarnated quickly. The curse of vengeance followed him through each life.

Ethan looked at the scenes of his tragic past, feeling as though hundreds of arrows pierced his heart, leaving him gasping in agony. “Mother… I don’t want to continue anymore. I want to return to my true life, as Julian Pierce.”

Victoria shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. “Julian? Look again.”

The mist shifted, revealing the blurry image of Julian Pierce at a party, flashes of cameras in his face, deafening music pounding in his ears. Glass after glass of alcohol was offered to him, and he couldn’t refuse. Each sip burned his throat. He felt dizzy, his body losing control, burning up like he was on fire. He tried to stand, but his legs trembled, unable to support him.

“Julian, you’re drunk. Let me take you to your room,” came the voice of a film investor.

The scene shifted to a lavish room where Julian was surrounded by powerful men. He struggled, resisting with all his strength, but it was in vain. They filmed him, blackmailed him, forcing him to become their plaything. Even through the foggy visions, Ethan could feel his own pain and utter hopelessness.

The mist continued to unveil heartbreaking images—Julian’s lifeless eyes, his bruised body, night after night of serving wealthy men who treated him like an object to be used and discarded.

“I… I can’t bear it anymore,” Ethan collapsed, trembling.

The final image was of Julian throwing himself from the rooftop of the high-rise.

“No…!” Ethan shook his head, screaming in agony.

Victoria nodded softly, “Now, at last, the hatred within you… it has reached its peak.”

She gripped his hand tightly. “Ethan, this is your final life. You must return and release the hatred within you. This is your only chance. If not, you will become a vengeful spirit, never able to find peace.”

As the mist slowly faded, so did Victoria’s figure. Her voice echoed in Ethan’s ears: “Ethan… always remember… I will be with you.”

Ethan Caelan awoke abruptly, whispering softly, “Mother! Don’t go! Don’t leave me!”

But the peaceful garden scene before him had vanished. Instead, the faint glow of candlelight illuminated the familiar room.

His body felt strangely clear; every pain, every labored breath was vivid: "I... have returned to Ethan's body again?"

He tried to move, but his entire body felt shackled, bound tightly and unable to move. A warm breath brushed against his temple, mixed with the familiar scent of ambergris: “It’s Valerius Evander.”

Ethan looked over at the face of the one lying beside him. Valerius was holding him tightly in his sleep, his expression unexpectedly peaceful and serene. There was no trace of the cruelty or savagery he showed when he had forced himself on Ethan.

Ethan tried to lift Valerius' arm, wanting to push him away. But having just returned from the brink of death, his strength was completely depleted, and all he could do was gently shake Valerius' arm.

Sensing the movement, Valerius suddenly woke, his eyes wide and filled with joy as he saw Ethan had regained consciousness. For a moment, his face lit up: "Ethan! You’re awake! Thank the heavens, you’re finally awake."

Valerius sat up, examining Ethan’s body. “How are you feeling?”

Ethan’s mind was still lingering on his mother, the terrifying images from his dream leaving him emotionally shattered. Ethan closed his eyes, and silent tears rolled down his cheeks.

Seeing this, Valerius grew worried, gently wiping away the tears that streamed down Ethan’s face. He asked repeatedly, “Are you still in pain? Tell me where it hurts.”

Ethan trembled, his eyes still closed, and whispered in agony from deep within: "Don’t... don’t touch me."

Valerius panicked: “What are you saying? I’m right here… Ethan…”

“Mother… have you left me again?” Ethan murmured, his voice weak and fragmented.

Valerius grew more anxious and called out to the physician: “Summon Doctor Henry Thorne at once!”

Henry had been waiting outside the door and, upon hearing the order, immediately stepped into the room and knelt down. "Your Majesty, I am here."

“Ethan has awoken; check on him immediately,” Valerius commanded.

Henry obeyed, quickly approaching the bed and carefully checking Ethan's pulse. Observing Ethan’s tormented expression, Henry 's face grew grave, his brow furrowing deeply.

Valerius, noticing Henry’s concern, felt his heart tighten with fear. He anxiously pressed, “How is he? Is something wrong?”

Henry withdrew his hand and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the prince has passed the critical stage, but his pulse is still weak, cold energy has invaded, and his blood is depleted. Moreover..."

Henry hesitated for a moment, unable to meet Valerius' gaze.

“What else?” Valerius asked urgently, the sense of unease rising within him.

“Your Majesty… the prince’s mind appears to have been severely disturbed. His spirit is unsettled, as though he has lost his senses. If he continues to be agitated, it could lead to madness,” Henry said softly, his eyes filled with apprehension.

“Madness?" Valerius turned to look at Ethan’s tear-streaked, delicate face. He shook his head. “Impossible. How could he go mad?”

At that moment, Valerius felt as though his heart was being squeezed. The events of the past few days had caused Ethan to endure far too much, to the point where his mind had become damaged. It was all his fault… he had driven Ethan to this state.

Valerius turned back to Ethan, his gaze filled with pain, and demanded of Henry: “Is there a way to heal him?”

Henry replied respectfully, “At this moment, the prince needs rest, to recover in a calm environment, and to avoid anything that might frighten him. I will also prescribe some calming herbs to help him sleep and restore his strength.”

“Very well, go and prepare it,” Valerius said wearily.

Henry bowed and quietly left the room, gently closing the door behind him. Now, only the two of them remained.

Valerius carefully lay back down beside Ethan, hesitantly wrapping his arms around him. “Ethan… I’m sorry.”

Valerius, the emperor, the ruler of the realm, had never apologized to anyone before. But now, seeing Ethan so tormented, he wanted nothing more than to take on all the pain himself.