Darkness. That was all he remembered. One moment, he was in a sterile hospital room, the steady beep of a monitor echoing in his ears, and the next, an endless void. He had died—there was no doubt about it. His body had long been failing him, and though he had fought to stay alive for his loved ones, he knew the end was inevitable. There was no pain now, no regret, only an overwhelming sense of peace.

But then, the voice came.

“Your time in that world has ended, but your journey is far from over.”

The voice was warm, almost musical, but carried an undeniable weight. It felt neither male nor female, and yet it resonated with authority. He tried to speak, to ask what this meant, but his thoughts seemed to swirl and scatter like leaves in the wind. Before he could process what was happening, the darkness gave way to a blinding light. It wasn’t harsh or overwhelming, but instead comforting, like the first rays of dawn after a long, cold night.

“You have been chosen,” the voice continued. “For your kindness, your resilience, and your unwavering spirit, you will be granted a second chance. A life in a new world, one filled with magic and wonder. Live well and leave your mark.”

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Before he could respond, the light intensified, and he felt himself being pulled—no, reborn.

When he opened his eyes again, everything was different. The sterile hospital room was gone, replaced by the soft glow of a fire. He felt small, impossibly small, and his body was wrapped snugly in warm blankets. Two unfamiliar faces hovered above him, both filled with awe and joy. A man and a woman—his new parents.

The woman, her face flushed with exertion but radiant with love, held him close. Her long brown hair framed kind green eyes that shimmered with tears. “He’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The man beside her laughed, his voice deep and hearty. He had a rugged look, with sun-kissed skin and calloused hands that spoke of hard work. “He’s going to be strong,” he said proudly. “I can feel it!”

The woman cradled him against her chest, her touch gentle yet protective. “Welcome to the world, my sweet Liam.”

Liam. That was his name now. He didn’t understand everything yet, but one thing was clear: he had been given another chance, and this time, he would make the most of it.