Chapter 350:
“Get lost. We know where we’re going,” the driver growled in anger, flashing his canines at the guard, who immediately cowered away.
“That was something,” I said, laughing at the poor guard. “I wanted to play nice before, but he doesn’t deserve it.”
“I can make him lose his job, just say the word, ma’am.”
“No. Just leave the poor guy alone,” I replied, turning away from him with disinterest as I walked into the large dining room.
My family hadn’t changed their routine.
I froze in place as my parents came into view, and emotions overtook me.
My mother was the first to notice my presence, and before she could process, the jar of orange juice in her hand slipped, spilling everywhere.
“AURORA!” she screamed in ecstasy, disbelief filling her eyes.
Aurora
“Mum,” I mouthed, unable to speak.
It felt as though my voice had been seized by an invisible force.
Tears flowed freely down my face, my emotions overwhelming me. It was hard to control. I couldn’t help but succumb to them. More tears poured from my eyes, flooding my vision the moment reality sank in.
Mum.
I hadn’t said that word in years.
All I knew was pain—suffering, brief moments of love, only to be hit by abandonment.
My throat felt blocked, my voice cracked. My vision was blurry.
Møɍɛ ųρɗα†єş ıŋ ɢαℓŋσνєƖş.ƈσʍ
Without moving, I stood rooted to the spot, admiring my mother through teary eyes.
Goddess, I missed her.
She hadn’t aged a bit.
It was as if her beauty had doubled over the years, but beneath her flawless face, there were dark circles and heavy bags under her eyes.
I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me that she had been crying during sleepless nights.
My grip tightened around the tiny strap of my bag as I tried to wipe my tears.
Old memories crashed over me like a tidal wave, the weight almost causing me to collapse.
“Go to her, Aurora,” Rue encouraged, her voice firm but filled with emotion.
But I couldn’t. Not because I didn’t want to feel the warmth of her body against mine. I was simply overwhelmed by emotions, struggling to catch my breath. Silence hung in the air as everyone in the room watched us.
The moment my mother threw her arms wide open, I ran towards her, throwing myself into her embrace. I sobbed hard, burying my face in her chest as my hands clutched her tightly. I was afraid that she would slip from my arms again. I didn’t want to lose her a second time.
“Baby,” she sniffed, tightening the hug as tears fell onto my hair. “I thought I lost you. I thought I would never see you again. Every night, I soaked my pillow, begging the Moon Goddess to lead you back to me.”
Wiping her tears, she cleared her throat. “I thought that was the last time. I almost went to the King’s castle to get you. Your father kept insisting how dangerous it was. But thank the Goddess you’re here. I can’t believe this.” She cried before breaking the hug.
Her surprised eyes didn’t leave mine, still staring at me in disbelief.
