TRISTAN

"No, no, wait," I said.

She froze, and I turned, pulling my mother into a tight embrace. The scent of pine and rain clung to her, the familiar comfort of home. "Oh, moon, I’m so happy you and Yelena are fine," she whispered against my shoulder before stepping back, her eyes shining with relief.

Marie was still right there, wrapping her arms around my waist. "My brother is back." She squeezed me once before letting go, stepping aside to give us space.

"I knew he would be back ...