Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
“My baby!”
It takes a moment before I recognize her, and then she plows into me. Her arms grip me tightly and sobs burst over her lips.
Mom.
I stand frozen for far too long before I manage to lift my arms and wrap them around her.
“Thank Awo,” she gasps. “I’ve missed you so much.”
My throat strains and my eyes burn, then her familiar scent drifts to me, and my body jerks.
The moment is too intense, and my lips part with a silent cry as I break down in her embrace. Instantly, I feel Raighne’s warmth flow through me, letting me know he’s close by should I need him.
Mom’s hand cups the back of my head, and she rains kisses down on the side of my face while I cry my heart out.
“Oh, to hold Eryon’s baby in my arms again,” she sobs. “Awo has blessed me.” She keeps peppering me with kisses until the intense feelings settle into an awkwardness that tenses the air.
Mom pulls slightly back, and as her gaze drifts over my face, a happy smile spreads around her mouth. “You look just like your father.”
My chin trembles, and my voice is hoarse with guilt as I whisper, “I’m sorry Dad and Roark died because of me.”
She shakes her head, her features tightening with sorrow. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart. They died honorable deaths.”
She hugs me to her chest again and sucks in a quivering breath. “You and Brenna have returned safely to me. I’m thankful for that.”
When she lets go of me again, she reaches a hand out to Brenna and gives her arm a squeeze. “You’ve both made me so proud.” She glances down the corridor, then says, “Come. You must be exhausted.”
“We are,” Brenna mutters. “I’m going to clean up. I’ll see you at dinner.”
When Brenna walks to the stairs and takes them up to another floor, Mom keeps staring at me.
She lifts a hand to my hair and brushes her fingers through the short strands.
“I had to cut it,” I whisper.
“It will grow back.” She gives me a trembling smile. “I missed you so much, Alchera.”
When the urge to cry swells in my chest, I swallow hard.
“Do you remember me?” Mom asks, her voice hoarse.
I nod, then suck in a deep breath, trying to calm the overwhelming emotions.
“We’ll make new memories,” she says as she brushes her hand over my cheek. “But first, you need to rest.”
She takes my hand and leads me up the stairs. When we near a doorway, Mom says, “We didn’t change anything in your room. It’s exactly as you left it.”
My room.
I stop in the doorway, and my eyes flick wildly over the single bed with warm pelts. There are stars made of paper hanging from the ceiling, a wooden dressing table, and a three-legged stool.
On the dressing table, there’s a hairbrush and dried flowers standing in a clay vase.
I take a step inside, then my eyes land on the doll that’s made of fabric with wool for hair. I move closer, and when I pick up the doll, Mom says, “You never went anywhere without her.”
I look at the brown freckles on her face and whisper, “Freckle.”
“You remember her?” Mom asks, her tone hopeful.
“I think so.”
I set her down on the pillow and turn to face my mother. Looking at the pale blue dress she’s wearing with a leather corset, I have to admit she’s more beautiful than I remember.
The awkwardness gets worse, and feeling out of place, I glance around the room again.
“I’ll leave you to freshen up and get some rest. When you’re ready, I’ll be in the sitting room.”
I nod, giving her a nervous smile. “Thanks.”
“Dinner is at sundown in the dining room,” she mentions as she walks into the corridor. “You can tell me all about your adventures.”
Adventures.
I watch as she disappears down the corridor then shake my head.
None of what I went through was an adventure.
I sit down on the side of the bed, and covering my face with my hands, I let out a shuddering sigh.
Even though I used to live here until my sixteenth birthday, it doesn’t feel like home.
I climb to my feet and hurry out of the room, heading down the corridor toward the side door. With every step I take, my emotions spiral into a chaotic mess.
“Raighne. I need you.”
“On my way,” he instantly replies.
I run up the narrow cobblestone path in the direction of the forest as if Adeth herself is behind me. The shadows close in on me, chilling my skin until I can’t feel the heat from the sun any longer.
“Raighne!” I scream, desperation coating the word.
Suddenly, strong arms wrap around me, and I’m lifted off my feet as Raighne catches me. I’m hauled against his chest, his warmth engulfing my entire being.
“I’ve got you. I’m here,” he says as he lifts me bridal style.