The carriage rocked gently as we made our way to the court, but the motion did little to soothe my frayed nerves. I stared out the window, barely registering the familiar London streets passing by. Today was the day I would finally confront my mother—the woman who had abandoned me to create a new family elsewhere.
"Isabella." Alaric's voice pulled me from my thoughts. His hand covered mine, warm and reassuring. "You don't have to do this if you're not ready."
I turned to face him, drawing strength from the concern in his eyes. "I need answers, Alaric. I've waited my entire life for this moment."
"I know." He squeezed my hand. "But I don't want you hurt again."
A weak smile tugged at my lips. "Some hurts are necessary for healing. Besides, I have you to return to afterwards."
Outside our carriage window, I could hear the twins, Reed and Cassian Vance, bickering as they rode alongside us. Despite my anxiety, their familiar squabbling brought a momentary distraction.
