Dragoncrest Cliffs Till my heartbeat stops

even with all this time apart, val could read in rosalyn a hesitance. something within was breaking off from a greater part; something within was sinking.

he wished to hug her when she shared the news of stepping down. he wished to dispel her anguish immediately. but no touch could ever restore the pieces of rosalyn's mind that left her like flotsam.

he startled when she mentioned his mother. raleska. while he fought -- almost viciously -- against the thought stryx had planted in his mind, hearing it from rosalyn was different.

his mother.

val's eyes softened. "maman, you are my mother." he had so many questions, but none of them mattered in this moment. not when rosalyn seemed unspeakably vulnerable and un-whole. you and erzulie. nothing will change that. not even you forgetting me or everyone you love.