Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

She was aware that people would try breaking Austin and Sarah apart but she was expecting a direct attack rather than going through her family.

It was shocking and slightly traumatizing for Amanda to see her father like that. He has always been a kind and gentle man who respected their decision. And even if his children made some mistakes, he helped them overcome them rather than shouting at them.

So, yes, this was the first time for the family of Lockwood to see the man shouting like that.

The plans to celebrate her birthday have already been forgotten. It was already an hour past midnight as Sarah stood at the doorstep and watched over her parents

Her father was still recovering from the malice he was inflicted with. Sarah noticed by his reaction that someone had implanted something unwanted in his head, which was making him believe that his daughter was in danger and Alex was the cause.

That's why she didn't think twice before sending waves of healing spells into his mind to cure whatever tumor was building within. As she expected, her spell did interact with something, and the collision caused Count Hades to lose consciousness.

Amanda was out there with Edric, the guy helping her to calm down, and Sarah couldn't be more thankful for him.

Her mother has fallen asleep with her hand connected with her husband.

It was a sad sight…she didn't want to see her family like this on her birthday.

"My shoulder is vacant if you want to cry." A familiar voice broke the train of her thoughts as she glanced at him with a faint smile.

"Can I not lean on you if I am not crying?"

Alex shrugged, "That was just an excuse. I can embrace a beauty like you any minute of the day."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, hearing his old-school pickup lines.

Well, she really needed to lean on him right now so she didn't think much and rested her head against his chest.

His rhythmic heartbeat helped her calm down as she clung to his shirt as if he were her sole lifeline.

"Tracing them is pointless. They were most probably not from the church." Alex said and his words implied about whom he was talking about.

"Were they under the influence of Eldorin?"

[Most likely.]

This time the small black blob on Alex's shoulder responded.

Sarah's grip on his shirt turned stiff as she added, "They are reaching out to the people close to us…stooping low just because they cannot man up and face the consequences of their actions."

Alex softly rubbed her back, trying his best to calm her down as he said, "We need to keep your, Rebecca, and Celestria's family secure. If they can reach out to them to manipulate them, they can also hold them hostage too."

Sarah drew a sharp breath…that is possible. Until now, they didn't believe they would reach out to people so closely connected to Alex.

But they underestimated those godly a**holes.

"Then what should we do now?" Another voice joined the conversation as Alex and Sarah turned toward them.

Natasha and Rebecca were standing there.

"Are we changing our plans for tonight?" Natasha asked.

Alex shook his head, "They won't target Celestria's family carelessly because of their status. And with Lord Steelhound, I hardly believe those people would approach him, considering his reputation."

"And getting rid of the servants sounds more important for now." Rebecca voiced in a tone that carried her concern.

Those servants were after Alex. And if they reached him first rather than the other way around, then Alex would be forced to face all three of them at once.

"Rebecca is right. We should prioritize getting rid of those needless bugs first." Sarah supported her.

Alex heaved a sigh, "Okay, we'll do that but before that, let's celebrate your birthday."

Sarah was startled, having the conversation suddenly shifting towards her birthday.

She stared at him with a questioning look in her eyes but Alex didn't respond to her and led the Saintess towards the dining space.

Natasha and Rebecca also followed them, the latter barely controlling her excitement.

Sarah's eyes brightened upon seeing the beautiful cake waiting for her at the table.

Celestria, Edric, and Amanda were standing there as well.

There were several gifts lined beside the cake. Some were wrapped and some were not.

Sarah turned towards her lover and asked him, "This…"

"God knows whether we will survive until your next birthday or not. So why not celebrate the occasion when we all are together?" Alex gave a soft kiss on her cheek and urged her, "Now, come and cut the cake. Cela and Amanda had worked hard."

Sarah looked at the two girls. One was standing proudly with her chest puffed out while Amanda just delicately smiled at her sister.

Sarah heaved a sigh as she approached the duo, "Really…I thought you would be depressed and all…"

"Well, I am shaken up but that couldn't stop me from making this day memorable for us."

The two sisters shared a brief hug before Sarah finally stood before the cake.

She held the knife and looked up—only to find her brother standing a little far away.

They shared a glance, a soft smile appearing on David's face which was responded with a smile by Sarah.

"Blow the candles now." Celestria urged, sounding more excited than the birthday girl.

Sarah blew the candles, and everyone started singing the birthday song—albeit very quietly so as not to disturb the Lockwood couple.

Sarah looked at the people around her…her friends, family…and her beloved.

She couldn't express what kind of emotion she was feeling right now.

The feelings of fullness have never been so vivid for her.

Having everyone she holds dear, close to her…if someone asks her then she would readily agree to stop the time just right here.

But every good thing has to come to an end.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.