Bella's POV
Hours had passed since I stepped through Fiona's front door, yet every glance she cast our way triggered fresh tears. The absurdity wasn't lost on me, especially when my own eyes refused to stay dry.
Her home carried the familiar comfort of lavender and lingering kitchen aromas, onions from whatever she'd been cooking earlier.
"Sweet Jesus, it's really you," Fiona sobbed, her voice breaking as she wrapped Toby in another embrace. The sight shattered what little composure I'd managed to gather. My throat constricted painfully, tears spilling before I could stop them. Dark thoughts invaded my mind, scenarios where I might have woken to find my son gone forever. What if something terrible had happened to Toby? To me? My mother couldn't survive such devastation. The mere possibility sent fresh waves of agony through my already battered chest.
I knew I should feel grateful toward Mr VALERIUS'Empire, but something deep in my gut warned me to keep my distance from that man.
