[Music recommendation: Jessie Marcella - Sanctum]
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Taking a deep, shaky breath, Solaira finally closed her eyes.
With a sudden, painful flash, she snapped them open again and cried out in distress, "Mother!"
Theia reached forward and wrapped her warm hands around Solaira's, encouraging her gently. "Do not fear the pain, Solaira. Face it. You are much stronger than that, and remember, you are not alone. I will be there with you every step of the way."
Solaira nodded and closed her eyes once again. As she did, the hard walls she had built around her mind began to collapse. With every wall she let down, memories began to flood into her head.
Her grip tightened around Theia, yet the goddess never pulled back. She stayed right there in front of her daughter. Her golden gaze took in Solaira's features lovingly, as if she were memorising every detail.
