Alexis
I let out a cry of pure joy, flying down the stairs to pull Valen into my arms. My precious boy was safe and right here in front of me. The tight hug I gave him probably squeezed the breath out of him, but he didn’t complain. Instead, he clung to me, pressing his small body against mine as if he’d missed me just as much.
“Mommy!” he squealed, burying his face against my neck. I lifted him up, showering his cheeks, forehead, and tiny nose with kisses, tears streaming down my face in a mixture of relief and guilt.
“Oh, my baby, I am so sorry,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I held him even tighter. “Please, please forgive Mommy. I promise I’ll never leave you again, not for a single second.”
Valen nodded, his little head bobbing up and down.
“That woman took me,” he said, f
