[ELARA'S POV]
She was waiting outside the house when we got home.
I didn't recognize her at first. Twenty-three years changes a person.
But then she turned. And I saw it. The same green eyes. The same sharp nose. The face I'd spent my childhood trying to remember and forget at the same time.
Sofia.
My mother.
The woman who'd walked out when I was six and never looked back.
Damian saw her the same moment I did. His hand went to my arm. Protective.
"Who is that?"
"My mother." The words came out flat. Empty.
His jaw tightened. "Stay in the car."
"Damian..."
"Stay. In. The. Car." He was already getting out. Moving toward her.
I didn't listen. Got out anyway. Came around to stand beside him.
Sofia's eyes found mine. Something flickered there. Recognition. Maybe regret.
Too little. Too late.
"Elara." Her voice was different. Older. But still the same underneath. "You're all grown up."
"What are you doing here?" I kept my voice cold. Controlled.
