Don't Be Like Your Mother

{Elira}

~**^**~

Part of me felt lighter, hearing Uncle Marc's apology and knowing he still cared. But his last real words echoed in my chest:

"When it's truly a place for you, I will come to bring you back."

Back to the Beta residence — the house I had once called home when my father still lived. That place had been my whole world then: stone corridors warmed by my mother's laughter, the study that had smelled of ink and leather, and the steady calm of my father's presence.

Now, that same house was filled with memories that hurt. Regina's cold commands and cruel treatment. Lady Maren's scornful gaze.

Even if my uncle meant well, I couldn't imagine going back and calling that place "home" again.

But I couldn't help but wonder why he was so eager to bring me back.

Was it guilt? Responsibility? Or did he truly believe I still belonged there?

I took a slow breath, forcing the ache down.