The black stone door stood open.
Golden light poured out of it.
Warm.
Peaceful.
Beautiful.
Vivian's breathing stopped.
Inside the light stood a woman.
Her mother.
"Elara…" Vivian whispered.
The woman smiled softly.
Her voice was gentle.
"Vivian… come."
Her hand reached forward.
The golden world behind her looked perfect.
A quiet home.
A calm sky.
No storms.
No trials.
No pain.
Sebastian tightened his grip on Vivian's hand.
"Vivian."
She did not answer.
Her eyes were locked on the woman.
Tears slowly filled them.
"My… mother…"
The woman nodded slowly.
"Yes, my child."
"I've been waiting."
"Come with me."
Vivian's voice trembled.
"I… I thought you returned to the palace."
She took a slow step forward.
"Are you still here?"
The woman smiled warmly.
"I stayed because of you."
"You don't have to suffer anymore."
"Just come."
The golden light brightened.
Soft wind flowed out of the doorway.
Warm.
Comforting.
