Hailee POV
There she was. Mother Violet. My nanny from birth… the one who had been more like a mother figure in my life. She stood waiting just beyond the gates, a bag slung over her shoulder, her dark hair gleaming in the fading light. The moment I saw her, the dam inside me broke.
I dropped my own bag and ran straight into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "Mother…" My voice cracked, broken. "I'm alone. I—I have nothing left."
Her arms wrapped around me tight, strong, and comforting, and she whispered into my hair, "No, you're not. You have me. Always."
I cried harder, clinging to her as though she were the last solid thing in my world. She pulled back just enough to brush away my tears, her eyes shining with a mix of sorrow and concern.
"Don't worry, Hailee. You're with me now. And I'll never let them hurt you again."
Through my tears, I choked out the question, "Where… where are we going?"
