Chapter 24: Meredith, The Thorn by My Side
Draven.
Silence stretched between us as I studied my mother’s face. Time had barely left a mark on her.
Her skin was still smooth, untouched by wrinkles. Her youthfulness was the only gift her illness had given her. But as I stared into her distant black eyes, I saw how much it had stolen as well.
She had been battling it for two decades, worsening after she gave birth to my younger brother. She had never been the same after that.
"You don’t remember me?" I asked quietly. "I was here six months ago, and you already can’t remember?"
Her delicate brows furrowed at my words. A hand lifted to her temple, rubbing lightly. "I’m sorry," she murmured, voice gentle, hesitant. "My head... it’s a little messed up sometimes."
I exhaled softly, keeping my voice steady. "Mother, it’s me. Draven."
For a moment, she only blinked at me. Then, her smile shifted—warmer, familiar. A flicker of recognition surfaced in her dark gaze. Slowly, she reached out, cupping my face between her hands.
"My child, you have come," she whispered, her thumbs brushing my jaw, as if memorizing my features. Before I could speak, she stood and wrapped her arms around me.
I let her.
She felt smaller in my embrace—fragile. She tiptoed slightly, pressing a soft kiss to my left cheek before stepping back. Her smile brightened. "You’ve grown so handsome."