I Was Reborn in Another World, But I Awoke Inside a Corpse

Chapter 368: A Heart That Waited

The sun dipped low over the Glimmering Plains, where silvergrass danced with the wind and golden pollen shimmered like stars across the open field. The light here always softened around dusk, as if the world itself knew when it was time to speak more gently.

Isaac stood near the edge of a wide pond, watching the mirrored sky ripple with every breeze. He had come here seeking stillness—just a moment to breathe beneath the violet horizon.

But he wasn't alone.

Footsteps rustled behind him. Light, quick… familiar.

He turned just as Lisette emerged from the tall grass, her fox ears flicking slightly and her cheeks already pink. She wore a simple traveling robe dyed in soft earth tones, and her long auburn tail swayed behind her with barely concealed nervous energy.

She stopped several paces away.

"…Isaac."

He smiled faintly. "Lisette."

They stood in silence for a few seconds, the breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers between them.

She stepped closer, hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"I—I wasn't sure if you'd come here alone today," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "I mean, I didn't follow you! Not exactly. I just—uh, well, I knew this is where you usually walk around sunset, and… and…"

Isaac's smile grew. "Lisette."

Her ears twitched. "Sorry. I'm rambling."

He didn't speak. He waited.

And after another small breath, she looked up at him. This time, her golden eyes didn't waver.

"I'm eighteen now," she said softly. "And I've been in love with you since before I even understood what love meant."

Isaac blinked.

Her voice shook a little, but she pushed forward.

"You were always kind to me. You listened when I spoke, even when I didn't know how to say anything clearly. You protected us when no one else would. But it wasn't just that. I admired your strength, your wisdom… and how gently you treat those who follow you."

Her fingers curled tightly around the fabric of her sleeve.

"I didn't want you to feel pressured, or cornered. That's why I waited. But now…" She hesitated, swallowing. "…I need to know. Even if you say no. Even if you tell me I'm imagining things."

She finally looked up again. "Do you feel anything for me?"

The breeze carried the silence for a long, long moment.

Then Isaac stepped forward.

His hand rose, gently brushing a loose strand of hair from her cheek.

"I do."

Lisette froze.

"I always have," Isaac added softly. "But you were young… and I didn't want to influence you. I thought maybe you'd grow out of it. That it was just admiration or a passing infatuation."

She said nothing, still stunned.

"But you didn't," he continued. "You stayed true. You waited. You chose to become someone strong on your own. You never asked me for anything. And… I never stopped noticing you."

Lisette's breath caught in her throat.

Isaac stepped closer still, cupping her cheek.

"I think I was just afraid," he admitted. "Afraid of accepting something I already wanted."

She burst into tears.

But not out of sadness.

"I didn't think you'd say yes," she whispered, trembling.

"I know," he murmured.

She flung her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. He held her without hesitation, his arms warm and steady.

They stood there as the sky faded from violet to blue, the pond behind them reflecting stars.

And for the first time since Emberlight was born, Lisette no longer felt like she had to chase anything.

She had arrived.

Chapter 369: Congratulations and Complications

The dining hall in Emberlight's northern residence wasn't known for drama. It was, in fact, known for tea, mooncakes, and quiet conversations beneath floating lanterns. But tonight, there was a different sort of energy—one that made the air just a bit warmer and the atmosphere just mischievous enough to put Lisette on edge.

She sat at the table, stiff as a soldier, a steaming cup of jasmine in hand. Her cheeks were already pink, and she had yet to say a word.

Next to her, Isaac looked far too calm for someone about to deliver news that would ripple through four goddesses' worth of strong personalities.

Across the table sat Sylvalen, poised and serene with a gentle smile already blooming on her lips.

Beside her, Asmodeus rested her cheek in her hand, purple eyes glinting with curiosity.

And finally, draped dramatically over a velvet chair like it owed her rent, Lilith swirled her juice in a goblet like it was wine.

"So…" Sylvalen said softly, eyes flicking between Isaac and the clearly-panicking foxkin girl, "You've decided to share something with us?"

Isaac gave a quiet nod.

Lisette… made a squeaking noise.

"We're together now," Isaac said, as straightforward as ever.

Sylvalen smiled with genuine warmth. "I see. Then congratulations, Lisette."

"Wha—! I mean—thank you! I-I mean yes!" Lisette shot to her feet, ears perked, tail bristled, face glowing crimson. "I mean I'm grateful—really grateful—and honored and—did I say thank you?"

"You did," Asmodeus said with a light chuckle. "Twice, in fact."

Then she added, "It's good to see another heart finally find its way to him. Just be warned—he's more affectionate than he looks. Especially at night."

Lisette immediately went scarlet and sat back down so fast her chair made a squeal on the floor.

Isaac… pretended to sip his tea.

Lilith, who had been suspiciously quiet, leaned forward, a grin spreading across her face like a sunrise threatening mischief.

"So, Lisette," she said sweetly. "Now that you're officially one of us…"

Lisette blinked nervously.

"When's our night together?"

The entire room paused.

Sylvalen sipped her tea with perfect grace.

Asmodeus raised an eyebrow but looked more amused than surprised.

Isaac choked slightly. "Lilith—"

"I'm just saying," Lilith continued with mock innocence, "we all share. We're a very open family. And it's important to bond, you know?"

Lisette made a sound that resembled a dying flute.

"I—I think—maybe we can just have a picnic first—?"

Lilith grinned wider. "A moonlit one?"

"I—I meant a no-moon one!"

Sylvalen set down her cup with a soft laugh. "Lilith, stop tormenting her. You'll scare her out of her own bedroom."

"She's already in Isaac's," Lilith replied with a wink.

"I'M GOING TO THE GARDEN," Lisette yelped, shooting out of her chair and nearly knocking over the teapot. "Alone. With air. Fresh air. Lots of air. BYE."

She disappeared in a blur of flustered fox energy and trailing silk.

Asmodeus chuckled behind her fingers.

Sylvalen smiled with a sigh.

And Lilith raised her goblet in mock victory. "Another blush unlocked."

Isaac rubbed his forehead. "She's going to hide in the orchard for a week."

Lilith leaned against him. "Mmm. She'll forgive me."

"…Eventually."