The morning sun cast soft golden light across the windows as Alpha Theo buttoned his shirt.
Kimberly stood nearby, tying her hair into a bun, her face calm but her eyes distant.
"Are you ready?" Theo asked, watching her from the mirror.
Kimberly gave a slow nod. "As ready as I can be."
They were heading to the Lantern House, one of the oldest and most sacred places in that part of their world.
Neither of them truly knew what to expect, but both hoped it would offer answers, or at least a direction.
After checking their things one last time, they left their room and walked to the living room.
The mysterious woman who claimed to be Kimberly's mother was already waiting. She sat gracefully, hands folded on her lap, eyes calm as always.
"Good morning," she said with a soft smile as they entered.
"Good morning," Theo responded.
Kimberly walked over and hugged the woman briefly, though she still struggled with what to call her.
