Chapter 20
In the kitchen, Tanin sat on a stool, watching her mother move about with practiced ease. Emily prepared her favorite dish, humming softly as if nothing had ever been wrong between them. It was a sight Tanin hadn't seen in years, and for a moment, her façade faltered.
"Mom," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Emily turned to her with a curious smile. "Yes, darling?"
Tanin hesitated. The words "I missed you" hung on the tip of her tongue, but instead, she said, "Thank you for always taking care of me."
Emily's smile widened, and she walked over, cupping Tanin's face in her hands. "You're my daughter, Tanin. No matter what happens, I'll always love you."
The words stabbed at Tanin's heart, a cruel reminder of what she'd lost in her previous life. If only you had said that before Kitana poisoned your mind against me, she thought bitterly.