The Life of a Villain Healer

The house settled into a quiet rhythm as the night unfolded. Serena gently placed Crissy into her crib in the soft glow of her room, humming a soothing lullaby. Crissy's little fingers curled, her peaceful expression a reflection of trust and comfort in her mother's care.

Meanwhile, in another room, Valerie tucked Rodan into bed, stroking his hair as she whispered sweet dreams. Rodan clung to her hand for a moment, his protective nature easing as sleep claimed him, comforted by his mother's presence.

Across the hall, Brianna and Cecilia found themselves sharing a spacious, albeit slightly awkward, room. Neither voiced their thoughts on the arrangement, choosing instead to embrace the moment. They shared quiet conversations that flowed naturally, bonding over shared stories and laughter.

When Leon insisted on sleeping with his mother, Brianna, Cecilia didn't mind at all. In fact, she offered for Leon to sleep in the middle, ensuring he felt safe and loved, a gesture that Brianna deeply appreciated.

Once Crissy and Rodan were peacefully asleep, Serena and Valerie retired to their own room. Wrapped in each other's arms, they exchanged whispers of gratitude for their little family before drifting into a serene slumber. The night was tranquil and full of warmth, each member of the household held in the embrace of love and connection.

As the first light of dawn hinted at tomorrow's arrival, an unspoken excitement buzzed in the air. Everyone, from the littlest member to the eldest, carried the anticipation of a new day filled with promise, love, and shared adventures. It was a beautiful, peaceful night, the kind that lingers in memory as a cherished moment of togetherness.

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Valerie's POV

The faint hum of the alarm clock drew me from my sleep. It was 4 AM, and the cottage was cloaked in the quiet stillness of early morning.

I blinked a few times, letting my eyes adjust to the dim light seeping in through the curtains. Beside me, Serena lay sound asleep, her face serene, her breathing steady.

Leaning over, I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll be back before you know it," I whispered softly, knowing she wouldn't hear me but finding comfort in saying the words anyway.

Sliding out of bed, I stretched briefly before heading to the bathroom. The cool tile under my feet jolted me fully awake as I turned on the shower. The water was brisk but refreshing, washing away any lingering grogginess.

I stepped out, toweling off quickly before slipping into a plain white t-shirt and a pair of comfortable gray sweatpants—nothing fancy, just something practical for the long day ahead.

Before heading downstairs, I took a moment to check on the kids. First was Rodan's room. I opened the door quietly, peeking inside to find him sprawled across his bed.

His green hair was tousled, and one arm dangled lazily off the side. He always looked so peaceful in his sleep, a sharp contrast to his usual energetic and protective self. I leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Take care of your sister today," I whispered.

Cristina's room was next. The soft glow of her nightlight bathed the room in a warm hue. My baby girl was nestled snugly in her crib, her tiny hands curled into fists as she dreamed.

I couldn't resist leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. My heart swelled with love for her—and for Rodan and Serena. They were my world.

Downstairs, the scent of coffee greeted me before I saw Cecilia sitting at the kitchen table, her fingers wrapped around a steaming mug. She looked up and smiled knowingly. "Morning, early bird."

"Morning," I replied, grabbing my own cup. I took a sip, savoring the warmth.

We got to work quickly, discussing the furniture Brianna had requested for the cottage.

Cecilia had a sharp eye for detail, and we went back and forth about the style and practicality of different pieces. It was a good thing she was here; her input was invaluable.

Once we had a clear plan, we gathered our things and headed out. The forest around the cottage was dark and quiet, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep over the horizon. The world felt almost otherworldly at this hour, the air crisp and cool.

The crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound as we made our way toward the forest's exit. But just as the tree line came into view, a rustling noise stopped us in our tracks.

"Did you hear that?" Cecilia asked, her voice low and cautious.

I nodded, already reaching for the blade at my side. From the shadows, three massive bear-like creatures emerged, their glowing red eyes locked on us. Their thick fur bristled, and their growls reverberated through the forest.

"Great," I muttered, gripping my weapon tightly.

Cecilia and I moved instinctively, years of experience guiding our actions. The first bear lunged at me, its claws swiping dangerously close.

I sidestepped, slashing at its exposed flank. It let out a roar of pain but didn't falter. Beside me, Cecilia engaged another, her movements swift and precise.

The fight was intense but brief. We worked in tandem, driving the creatures back until the last one collapsed. The forest fell silent once more, save for our heavy breaths.

"You good?" Cecilia asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

I nodded, sheathing my blade. "Yeah. You?"

"Never better," she said with a grin. Look at her, she was so worried when I told her she'll be living here. But she's not even sweating.

Anyway, we wasted no time storing the monsters in our space pouches. Their hides and claws would fetch a decent price, and nothing ever went to waste.

As we stepped out of the forest and into the open road leading to the mall, the first rays of sunlight painted the sky in shades of pink and gold. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

The hardest part of the morning was over. Now, it was time to focus on building a home—a place where my family could grow and thrive, piece by piece.