99 : Can't Walk

VERENA

“Ezzie!” My eyes water with tears. Elijah lets me go, and I run towards him.

Dad lowers him gently to the ground. I engulf Ezra in a crushing hug, burying my face in his hair. A choked sob escapes my lips as his small arms wrap around my waist. Relief and a fierce sense of love for him wash over me in waves. We were so close to losing him.

“Mommy!” He yells, hugging me back tightly. I close my eyes, letting the tears fall. My baby. He’s safe. It worked.

My gaze meets Elijah's. His dark eyes, usually cold, now hold a depth of relief that mirrors my own. A silent understanding passes between us. No matter how distant we are now, we have faced the darkness together. As I look up, the first rays of dawn peek over the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of gold and pink. It warms my heart, filling it with hope.

Thank you, Selene. I show the goddess my gratitude for saving my son.

I break the hug and look at Ezra. His eyes are red and puffy. I wipe his cheeks and kneel to match hi