At Varek’s mother's words, I jolted back. Her grip tightened to prevent me from leaving her embrace. “You will never be bonded to my son. Leave. I promise you will live to regret it otherwise.”
Finally, she let go and allowed me to step back. I’m sure the shock showed on my face, but Varek seemed unaware while he greeted his family. Surprisingly, his mother had settled her face into an expression of joy, “I’m so glad you found her, Varek! I trust the trip wasn’t too arduous?”
“No, of course not Mother. We stopped for a night at Aunt Caryn’s and got plenty of rest for the second half of our journey. She wishes you well, of course.”
At this, her expression flickers so quickly I almost miss it. Before anyone else notices, her face is back to normal. No longer the joyous expression of befor
