Riley's POV
She gently lifts my chin, forcing me to meet her knowing gaze. "Your mother is at peace, Riley. She loved you deeply and carries no blame in her heart. Her only concern has always been your safety, which means we need to solve this mystery together. Do you understand?"
My vision blurs as tears threaten to spill. "You can actually communicate with her?" The words barely escape my lips in a whisper. The woman's expression softens with understanding. "I can feel her presence and connect with her spiritual energy. She remains close, doing everything within her power to shield you from harm." The tears flow freely down my cheeks at her revelation. My mother hasn't abandoned me. She's still watching over me, still protecting me. For the first time in weeks, genuine hope blooms in my chest.
