Two days later, inside the obsidian-fanged halls of Vexena's towering fortress…
The black-marble throne room shimmered with eldritch light as a swirling, violet portal opened in midair. Veena stood before it, dressed sharply in a travel tunic of deep green, her long white hair fluttering from the residual magic. Vexena and Virelle were already there, arms open.
"Oh, do you have to go?" Virelle clung to her leg like a cat refusing to be bathed.
Veena chuckled, patting her head. "I promised Vuvi I'd be back by today. She gets twitchy when I'm late. I'll come visit soon, I promise."
"You better!" Virelle pouted dramatically. "I'll be so mad. You won't hear the end of it! I'll hex your books!"
Vexena, regal even in her silk morning robe, gave Veena one last lingering hug, her voice soft. "I'm just happy to have you back in my life. After everything."
Veena smiled and nodded. "Me too, Mom."
