Chapter 40 - 41
Elodie’s POV~
The elderly woman frowned. “Elodie—”
“Mom’s here?” Liora’s voice broke through the quiet tension. She had just come down from the upper floor, her soft curls bouncing as she hurried forward. The sight of her, so bright, so innocent made my throat tighten. Two weeks. That’s how long it had been since I last saw her, and even now, I couldn’t bring myself to smile.
Before I could say a word, Liora ran into my arms. “Mom!” Her small body collided with mine, warm and trembling, her scent a mix of wild lilies and wolf. My heart cracked. I wrapped my arms around her gently, my voice barely escaping in a quiet hum. “Hey, baby...”
That was all I could manage.
The elderly lady cleared her throat softly, her expression smoothing into something polite, practiced. She never liked scenes, never liked emotions that bled into the air.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had tea made by your hands, Elodie,” she said with that faint, knowing smile. “Would you make some for me? I do miss your touch.”
I nodded automatically. “Of course, Nonna. Though it’s nearly dinner time—”
Amber, Dante’s sister, interrupted with a scoff, leaning back against the velvet sofa. “Oh, come on, we’ll eat soon anyway. Dante and York should be back any minute now.” She was dressed like she’d walked out of a fashion spread, sharp edges, red lipstick, and an attitude that could slice skin.
The mention of Dante’s name sent a strange ache through my chest. I tried to keep my face steady, but my pulse betrayed me.