Chapter 67

Theda POV

Recognizing the shock on their faces, my heart swelled with a mix of joy and bittersweet emotion. It had been over four long months since I last saw them, and the separation had taken its toll. The weight of the time apart suddenly hit me, and I couldn't stop the tears from welling up in my eyes.

Without hesitation, I sprinted towards them, closing the remaining distance with lightning speed. With my arms outstretched, I enveloped them in a tight embrace, my mother and brother returning the gesture. The warmth of their bodies and the sound of their beating hearts reassured me that they were safe and together once again.

My eyes caught a glimpse of the vase my brother, Axel was holding behind and I stopped myself from laughing, knowing that he was ready to attack whoever it was that had entered the room if it wasn't me. At least he had become mature, and I'm certain he must have been defending and protecting our mother in my absence from my evil stepfather's hands.