A Mother's Peace, A Daughter's Promise

I couldn't tear my eyes away from Kaelen's face as he considered my question. The air between us felt charged with unspoken truths.

"I can't take away your pain, Hazel," he finally said, his voice low and gentle. "But I can offer you something else."

My heart stuttered in my chest. "What's that?"

Kaelen's blue eyes softened. "A chance to say goodbye properly. To create a final memory with your mother that isn't tainted by fear or confusion."

I blinked, tears spilling down my cheeks. "How?"

"I can arrange for your mother to be relocated to the human realm, to a place where she'll be cared for. And before she goes..." He hesitated. "I can give her one moment of clarity. One real conversation with you before she starts her new life."

The sob that escaped me was raw and unfiltered. Silas's arm tightened around my shoulders while Rhys squeezed my hand.

"You would do that?" I whispered.

"If that's what you want," Kaelen nodded. "It would be best for her to have a fresh start, with no memories of the Greys or the danger that's haunted her. She could have peace, Hazel."

I looked back at my mother's sleeping form, thinking of all the years she'd spent in fear, trying to protect me from dangers I hadn't believed in. The medication that dulled her mind, the restraints that had sometimes bound her body, the sterile rooms that had been her prison.

"Yes," I finally managed. "Please. I want that for her."

Kaelen stood, extending his hand to help me up. "Then we'll make the arrangements immediately."

---

Three days later, we stood in a small, sunny cottage near the beach. The teleportation had left me dizzy, and I leaned against Silas for support as I took in my surroundings. The house was cozy but modern, with large windows that let in the ocean breeze. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a wooden coffee table, and soft music played from hidden speakers.

"This is beautiful," I murmured, turning to Kaelen. "How did you find this place so quickly?"

He shrugged, but I could see a hint of pride in his eyes. "I have contacts in the human realm. Once I explained the situation, they were happy to help."

Mr. Sterling—who had accompanied us to assist with the portal—nodded approvingly as he surveyed the space. "You've done well, Headmaster. This will be a perfect transition home."

My bonds spread out, exploring the cottage with curious eyes. Rhys immediately went to the windows, peering out at the beach beyond. Jaxon stood rigid by the door, ever vigilant. Ronan examined the bookshelves with interest, while Silas stayed close to me, his hand warm against the small of my back.

"Your mother is in the master bedroom," Kaelen explained, gesturing down a short hallway. "I've arranged for a local doctor to check on her regularly, and there's a position waiting for her at the local library once she's settled. The cottage is paid for, and there's an account in her name at the bank in town."

Tears pricked at my eyes again. "You thought of everything."

"I tried to," he admitted. "You should know that I've also arranged for someone to watch over her discreetly. A Grey who lives nearby and works as a nurse. She'll make sure your mother adjusts well to her new life."

The thoughtfulness of his planning touched me deeply. This wasn't just duty; this was genuine care.

"Thank you," I whispered, the words wholly inadequate for what I was feeling.

Kaelen nodded briskly, clearly uncomfortable with my gratitude. "You should go to her now. I'll need to begin the process soon if we want to get back before nightfall."

My stomach knotted with anxiety. This was it—my final goodbye. I took a deep breath and turned toward the hallway.

"Do you want us to come with you?" Rhys asked gently.

I shook my head. "I need to do this alone."

The bedroom was bathed in soft light from gauzy curtains that danced in the breeze. My mother sat in a comfortable chair by the window, gazing out at the ocean. She looked peaceful, more relaxed than I'd seen her in years.

"Mom?" I said softly.

She turned, and her eyes—clear and focused—found mine. "Hazel," she breathed, a smile breaking across her face. "My beautiful girl."

I rushed forward, dropping to my knees beside her chair and taking her hands in mine. "Hi, Mom."

"This place is lovely, isn't it?" She gazed around the room with wonder. "I feel like I've been asleep for a very long time."

In a way, she had been. Lost in the fog of her paranoia and fear.

"You're going to live here now," I told her, trying to keep my voice steady. "You'll be safe and taken care of."

She nodded, accepting this information with surprising ease. "And you? Will you visit often?"

The question shattered my heart. I swallowed hard, squeezing her hands. "I can't, Mom. I have to go away for a while. But I wanted to say goodbye properly."

Her eyes clouded with sadness, but not confusion. "I see." She reached out to stroke my hair. "You've grown up so strong, Hazel. So brave."

I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. "I learned it from you."

"Me?" She gave a self-deprecating laugh. "I haven't been much of a mother to you."

"That's not true," I insisted fiercely. "You did everything you could to protect me. You loved me even when your mind was telling you terrible things. I know that now."

She smiled sadly. "I wish I could have given you a normal childhood."

"I wouldn't trade you for anyone else," I told her truthfully. "And I promise you, Mom, I'm going to find out what happened to you. I'm going to get justice for you."

Her expression changed, a flash of fear crossing her features. "Be careful, Hazel. There are dangerous people—"

"I know," I soothed, not wanting her to slip back into panic. "I'm safe now. I have people who protect me, who love me."

The fear receded from her eyes, replaced by maternal concern. "Are you happy, my darling?"

Was I happy? Despite everything—the danger, the confusion, the upheaval of my entire life—when I thought about my bonds, about the connections I'd formed, I knew the answer.

"Yes, Mom. I really am."

She nodded, satisfied. "Then that's all that matters." She squeezed my hands one last time. "I love you, Hazel. I always have, even when I couldn't show it properly."

"I love you too, Mom. So much." I leaned forward to kiss her cheek, breathing in her familiar scent one last time. "Be happy here. You deserve peace."

When I finally stood and walked toward the door, I turned back for one last look. My mother had returned her gaze to the ocean, a small smile on her face. She looked content. Free.

I slipped out of the room, tears streaming down my cheeks. Silas was waiting in the hallway, and he immediately pulled me into his arms.

"It's done," I whispered against his chest.

"You did the right thing," he murmured, stroking my hair. "She'll have a good life here."

I nodded, trying to believe it. After a moment, I pulled back and wiped my tears. "Where are the others?"

"In the living room. Kaelen is ready whenever you are."

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. "Then let's get this over with."

Back in the living room, Kaelen approached me with gentle determination in his eyes. "Are you ready?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

"I'll make it painless," he promised. "She'll simply fall asleep, and when she wakes, she'll have new memories. A life history that makes sense for this place, without the trauma or fear."

"Thank you," I managed to whisper.

As Kaelen disappeared into my mother's room, I found myself in the center of a protective circle formed by my four bonds. Jaxon stood slightly apart, but his eyes never left my face. Rhys held my hand, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin. Ronan's solid presence at my back was comforting, and Silas stayed close at my side.

Minutes later, Kaelen emerged, looking tired but satisfied.

"It's done," he said simply. "She's sleeping peacefully."

I nodded, feeling strangely hollow yet relieved at the same time.

"Do you want to go back now?" Kaelen asked carefully.

Silas squeezed my hand before suggesting, "Maybe we could take a short walk on the beach first? It might be good for us all to clear our heads before returning."

I looked out at the sparkling ocean, then back at the curious faces of Rhys, Ronan, and Jaxon—none of whom had spent much time in the human realm.

"Yes," I decided, feeling a tiny spark of something that might eventually become happiness again. "I'd like to show you all a small piece of my world."