Genevieve's arms wrapped around me like a protective shield, her frail body somehow radiating more strength than anyone in this entire pack. I sank into her embrace, careful not to lean too heavily against her elderly frame while my back throbbed with pain from Seraphina's attack.
"My dear child," she whispered against my hair. "I've been gone far too long."
Tears streamed down my face, but for once, they weren't entirely from grief. After endless months of fighting alone, I finally had someone on my side—someone with real power.
"I missed you so much," I choked out.
Genevieve pulled back, her amber eyes—so like Julian's yet infinitely kinder—examining my face. Her weathered hands cupped my cheeks, thumbs gently wiping away my tears.
"I'm here now," she said firmly. "And I want to know everything. But first, we need to tend to your back."
