CIAN
My mother's gaze then back to Aldric. Her eyes held recognition and something else. Something that looked like surprise mixed with relief.
"When did you even arrive?" she asked.
Aldric's expression softened. Just slightly. The hard edges around his mouth eased and his eyes warmed in a way I hadn't seen in years.
"The moment I heard it wasn't the rot you were afflicted with, I had to come," he said. "How couldn't I?"
My mother's smile grew. It transformed her face. Made her look less like the fragile woman in the hospital bed and more like the strong Luna I remembered well.
"Do not run away this time," she said. Her voice was quiet but firm. "Please stay for a while."
Aldric nodded once. Slowly. His jaw worked like he was trying to keep emotion from showing on his face. "Trust me, I'm not leaving anytime soon, Morrigan."
