When the door shut, silence fell except for her shaky breaths. Victor knelt beside her.
“I know this is overwhelming,” he said softly. “Losing your mother… and discovering all of this.”
“I don’t know what to feel,” she whispered.
“You’re not alone now,” Victor said. “You’re family. And I’ll protect you.”
For the first time in years, Liana exhaled freely.
“This place… doesn’t feel like home anymore.”
“Then let’s build you a new one,” Victor said. “A future you choose.”
She nodded, believing it—finally.
