Astrid extended her hand, reaching toward the Lily of the Valley that floated in the air. The flower's white petals glowed like soft embers in the dark. The light reflected in her golden eyes.
"Mother…."
The moment Astrid's fingertips brushed against the petals, the world around her was consumed by light. Everything turned white, the walls, the air, even the shadows, faded until nothing remained but luminescent white.
———!
The warmth of the glow wrapped around her, and in an instant, all sense of time and place vanished.
"It took you a while."
"...!"
Astrid turned toward the voice. It was heartbreakingly familiar. A sound so beautiful it made her chest tighten. The moment she heard it, her heart shattered into pieces. It was a voice she hadn't heard in so long. A voice she had longed for more than anything.
"Mother…"
Her voice trembled as she took a step forward.
"Mom…"
Another step followed. Her vision slowly blurred with tears.
"I…"
