Chapter 213 Her mother’s Room

Chapter 213: Chapter 213 Her mother’s Room

Talia’s POV

The morning light filtered through the window, soft and pale, and I woke to find Kaelen already dressed and standing by the window. He turned when he heard me stir, and his gray eyes softened as they found mine.

"Good morning," he said, walking to the bed and sitting beside me. "How did you sleep?"

"Restless," I admitted. "But I have had worse."

He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face. "I have to meet with Cain for some final arrangements planning."

I nodded, and he leaned down and kissed my forehead. "I will be back soon."

Then he was gone.

I lay in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling and thinking about everything that lay ahead.

I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, heavy and cold. There was so much I did not know, and so much I was afraid of. But I also knew that I could not let fear stop me, because I had come too far to turn back now.

I thought about the Ashen Lands, Malachai, and my mother who had been waiting for me for fifteen years.

There was so much I did not know, and so much I was afraid of.

I decided to visit Grandfather Aldric one more time before we left.

I wanted to see him one last time, to hear his voice, and feel his presence before I walked into the unknown. He had been my anchor since I arrived at Blackmoor Valley, and I needed that strength now more than ever.

I could still remember the first time I had walked into his quarters, even though I was composed, I was still a frightened, broken girl who had lost everything and trusted no one.

But now I was walking in as a wolf who had found her strength, her pack, and her purpose, all because he had refused to give up on me when everyone else had.

I dressed quickly and walked through the hallways to his quarters. The torches flickered, and the shadows danced on the walls. When I reached the door, I knocked softly.

My hand trembled slightly, and I steadied it before I knocked again. I did not know why I was so nervous, because I had seen him like a hundred times before. But this time felt different, this time felt like goodbye.

"Come in," he voice called out from inside the room.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. He was sitting by the fire, with his gray eyes soft but tired.

I could see the exhaustion in his face, and the weight of the years he had carried. But when he looked at me, his eyes lit up with warmth. He was still strong, still steady, and still the grandfather I had come to love.

He smiled when he saw me.

"Talia," he said. "I was hoping you would come."

I sat beside him, and I took his hand.

His skin was warm and wrinkled, and I could feel the bones beneath. He was getting older, and I knew that this might be the last time I saw him. The thought made my chest ache.

"I wanted to see you before we leave." I said softly.

He squeezed my hand.

His grip was weak but firm, and I could feel the love in his touch. He had always been there for me, and always believed in me, and I did not know how I would ever repay him.

"I am glad you did." he said, smiling softly.

We sat in silence for a moment, and I felt the warmth of the fire on my skin. But it did not reach the cold in my chest.

"I am nervous," I admitted. "I do not even know what my mother looks like now. I do not know what kind of room they have her in, or if she is even still alive."

Grandfather Aldric was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "Your mother actually stayed in a room in this stronghold before she disappeared. It has been left untouched ever since."

I stared at him, as my eyes widened in surprise.

The words came out in a whisper, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. My mother had been here, she had walked these same halls, and slept in this same stronghold. It felt like I was closer to her than I had ever been.

"She stayed here?" I asked.

He nodded. "When she came to see Kaelen’s father, she stayed for a few nights. The room is still there, just as she left it."

My heart pounded. "Where is it? Can I see it please?"

Grandfather nodded, and described the location.

His voice was calm and steady, and I hung on to every word. I wanted to remember every detail, every turn, and every step of the way.

"It is at the end of the east corridor, past the old library. The door is worn, but it is still there." He said.

I stood up. "I want to see it."