No one had seen this coming, not even Rowena. She stood frozen as Vione ran toward her and remained still as Vione hugged her tightly.

Rowena was completely still. Her world seemed to stop spinning at that moment. Impossible, she thought. This must be a dream. There was no way Vione could...

But the embrace and the tears of longing felt all too real. And no dream could ever evoke such overwhelming emotions. This was proof enough—Vione truly recognized Rowena as her mother.

"Vi-Vione." Rowena's voice trailed off. She blinked several times before gathering the courage to raise her arms and return Vione's embrace. "Y-you know who I am?"

Vione...