Blood and Snow 11: Resolved to Rule Read Online Free

father once said she died when she was thirty-five. But she didn’t look much older than me.
    “Abernathy told me what happened. The way your… they treated you,” I said softly.
    My mother blinked back tears. “I’m sure it was nothing compared to what you’ve had to go through.”
    I doubted that was true. Even though she hadn’t been around, I had others—Professor Pops, the brothers, Cindy, and my dad.
    She went on. “Growing up must’ve been so hard on you. But there’s no denying you’re incredible. I don’t think I could’ve helped you become any more amazing than you already are.”
    “Really?” My insides fluttered with pain, at hearing her say the words I’d always needed to hear.
    “Oh, yes. You appear human, but I sense your energy, your magic . You radiate power—everything beautiful and glorious as well as evil and terrifying. But there’s still so much humanity in you. Truly spectacular.” A worried expression pressed her brows together.
    What did she mean? And I wondered if her words were true, or just her way of trying to make me feel better. “Thank you,” I said softly.
    My mother leaned away, as though she were really taking me in. I immediately missed her nearness.
    “I’m really…” I began, but stopped. I wasn’t sure how to express all the feelings bottled up inside.
    She sniffed. “May I hug you?”
    The question seemed out of place, with all of her gear on, but I nodded.
    She moved closer so our knees were touching. Then she wrapped her arms around me. Her cheek pressed against mine. We stayed like that for several seconds. And I finally hugged her back, tentative at first, but then I pulled her closer. Tears clouded my vision, and my heart swelled with sympathy, care, and… love?
    Yes, I loved her. So, so much. And I missed her. Holding her in my arms filled me with joy.
    I was happy.
    In that moment I realized why Abernathy brought me into a city where the ruler wanted to use me. The dragon wasn’t betraying me, but trying to help. He wanted to give me back my mother.
    “Mom,” I whispered, hugging her tighter. I took in her scent—wild flowers. And the feel of her soft skin against my cheek. The way her fingers tightened against my back.
    After several more minutes she began to pull back. As she did, she whispered in my ear. “I’ll do what I can to help you and your friends leave. The Unknowns were right all along.” She smiled, and it was radiant.
    A surge of absolute affection cut through my heart, leaving it raw and tender. I wanted to leave. I wouldn’t be used. But I wanted to be with her too. “You’re coming with us, right?”
    A look, one I couldn’t read, crossed her features and vanished immediately. “Yes,” she said. “Of course.”
     

Chapter 6
     
    We stood together. She grabbed hold of my hand, and squeezed. We walked to the elevator-type opening, and the doors slid closed, sealing us in. At once it moved up, and then started moving sideways. After a few seconds the elevator seemed to slant downward.
    “What is this thing?” I asked, my brows bunched together the way my mom’s did.
    “Basically, it’s an elevator. You might as well settle in. We’ll be inside a while.”
    “It reminds me of rollercoaster, only not as bumpy.”
    She smiled.
    Something kept niggling in my head. I had to ask. “You’ve said, Unknowns, twice now. What is it?”
    My mother appeared startled. She glanced down, brushing her hands over her slick black clothing. “Not an it, but a who. The Unknowns are what we call Sharra and Silindra’s parents.”
    “Oh?” I’d seen them when I was inside Silindra’s mind. They didn’t seem real. More like ghosts or apparitions.
    “No one knows what exactly they are, so we call them the Unknowns. Kind of silly, I guess.” She shrugged.
    “But you’ve seen them? Like with your own two eyes.”
    “A couple of times. They came to me the first time right before you were born, and again a few days ago.” She