Eira's voice rang out brightly as the little one ran toward her —her laughter trailing behind like soft, lilting music.
Even from a distance, Adelyn could see her radiant smile and those glittering, lively eyes —
And without even realizing it, her own gaze softened in response to hers.
The tension that had been quietly sitting within her all this while seemed to ease, if only a little.
Before she could even register the thought, she had already dropped to her knees, her arms opening instinctively—
Ready to gather the little girl into her embrace.
Eira didn't hesitate in the slightest.
If anything, her expression bloomed even more upon seeing Adelyn like that up close. She rushed forward and threw herself straight into her arms, hugging her tightly —her small arms wrapping securely around Adelyn's neck, her body clinging to her like a koala clinging to a tree.
"Mama, Eira missed you and came to see you."
Adelyn stilled.
