Chapter 178

Stefan couldn't shake Mia's voice from his head. The way she'd sobbed those words 'My mom, she's alive' like they were being torn from her soul.

Every logical part of his brain told him it was impossible, but the raw certainty in her eyes had stopped him cold.

He hadn't argued. Instead, he'd held her face in his hands, made her look at him, and said the only thing that mattered: "I'll help you get her back. No matter what."

The promise had worked like magic. Her tears slowed, her breathing evened out, and when he lifted her into his arms, she melted against his chest. By the...