Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1006

Jereva caught her with ease, letting out a chuckle as she twirled Zoey in the air.

"Ohhh, my cute little niece!" she cooed, squeezing Zoey tightly.

She finally put Zoey down, cupping her small cheeks.

"You get cuter every time I see you. I might just steal you away one day."

Zoey giggled, nuzzling into her touch.

"Where have you been?" she pouted. "You’ve been gone forever!"

Jereva smiled, brushing a strand of Zoey’s hair behind her ear.

"I know, I know. I’ve been busy. I’m sorry."

"Too busy for your cute niece?" Zoey huffed, puffing out her cheeks.

"I thought you loved me."

Jereva laughed, pressing their foreheads together.

"Ohhh, my sassy little girl. What would I do without you?"

Zoey grinned.

"You’d be boring!"

Jereva threw her head back, laughing loudly.

"And she’s proud too."

They laughed together, their laughter filling the room.

But then, Jereva’s smile softened.

"So," she said, looking around. "What are you doing in your room at this time of day?"

Zoey’s expression darkened.

"Nothing…" she muttered.

Jereva raised an eyebrow.

"You had another falling out with your mom, huh?"

Zoey frowned, crossing her arms.

"She’s always complaining!"

"Always controlling me. Zoey, do this. Zoey, do that."

"What if I don’t want to?"

Jereva laughed again.

"And did you tell her this?"

She smirked.

"How about I go help you tell her?"

Zoey froze.

Slowly, she turned to Jereva.

Her tiny hands grasped at her aunt’s sleeves in panic.

"You wouldn’t do that, would you, Aunty?"

Jereva chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"You’re literally the cutest."

Then, she squeezed Zoey’s cheeks.

"AH! HELP! HELP! ATTACK!!" Zoey giggled, squirming in her grasp.

Jereva finally let go, grinning as Zoey rubbed her cheeks with a fake glare.

But then her smile faded slightly.

"Zoey…" Jereva said softly.

"Celestial isn’t the easiest person. But I promise you, she means well."

"She just wants what’s best for you."

Zoey bit her lip.

"I know, Aunty…"

Her eyes hardened.

"But only I should decide what’s best for me, right?"

Jereva’s smile returned, and she tapped Zoey’s nose.

"Oh, just look at my smart cutie."

"Tickle attack!"

Zoey shrieked.

"AHHHHH! NO! NOOO!!"

She collapsed, laughing uncontrollably, screaming for help.

As the moment passed, Jereva’s expression turned somber.

"…Zoey," she said, her voice softer.

"I’ll be heading to the military soon."

Zoey froze. Her joy faded instantly.

She looked up at Jereva with wide, sad eyes.

"Must you leave?" she whispered.

Jereva nodded.

"I must."

Her voice was gentle, but firm.

"Our planet is under attack, and we have to protect it."

Zoey’s small hands clenched into fists.

"But there are billions of people on this planet. Why must you go?"

Jereva smiled sadly.

"Because, little star…"

"As those privileged with strength, it is our duty to defend it."

Her warm hand landed on Zoey’s small shoulder.

Zoey’s lower lip trembled.

"Then…" she hesitated.

"Can I come with you?"

Jereva chuckled softly. Her grip tightened.

"Not yet," she said gently.