Page 25 of Serpent & Saviors

Soft light filtered through the tall windows, illuminating polished wood floors and an intricately carved staircase. Everything about it felt…lived-in, yet well-kept. This was a place meant to be filled with family.

Then, movement caught my eye. A woman stepped out of one of the rooms, her silver hair catching the light. I stared in shock. My breath caught, and for a moment, the house, the warmth, even Marcus beside me, all faded into the background.

I knew her.

Eleanor was Andrew’s nana?

The realization hit as strongly as a wave. The last time I’d seen Eleanor was at my Gran’s funeral. They were childhood friends. My grandmother used to speak fondly of her. They held a special connection. I’d met her on several occasions as a teenager.

“Eleanor?” I stammered, my voice tinged with disbelief and astonishment.

The woman froze mid-step. Her hand flew to the delicate necklace at her throat, toying with it. Her gaze flickered from me to Andrew, her lips parting slightly as if searching for words that wouldn’t come.

Her brows knitted together, and she gave a small, startled shake of her head, like she was trying to piece together a puzzle.

“Tori?” she muttered in confusion.

Eleanor used the nickname my grandmother and mother used. Her eyes widened with recognition. I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering in my ears.

“Oh, my goodness, dear, it’s been so long. How are you?” She rushed over, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. “Where have you been all these years? I tried looking for you after everything, but you disappeared.”

Overwhelmed by the emotion, words escaped me. She engulfed me in a hug, and I melted into her. The feeling of her warm embrace was so soft and motherly, it had me sobbing.

Andrew walked over. “What’s going on?”

“Seems they know one another,” Marcus murmured.

“Andy, dear, this is so amazing. I can’t believe it.” Eleanor’s excitement rose as her cheeks flushed.

“Nan, you’re squeezing her too tightly,” Andrew warned, but I didn’t care. I snuggled deeper into the woman.

Starved for touch that wasn’t sexual, I wanted to soak it all up so I’d have a memory to hold on to later.

“You hush. She needs a hug is all. This is amazing. Tori, I’ve got something you’re going to want to see. Come with me,” Eleanor whispered.

I stood there, metaphorically scratching my head. My grandmother knew Victoria? How? I wanted to ask a thousand questions, but seeing her sobbing in my grandmother’s arms had me frozen in place. It could wait. Marcus gestured for me to step out of earshot.

Whispering, he said, “Just so you know, Victoria thinks Kinsley is your girl.” A half-grin played on his lips, his expression laced with amusement.

“Why on earth does she think that?” I asked.

“Beats me. Maybe she read the note she left you. She chose Kinsley’s playlist to listen to on the way over. Do what you will with that info.”

“Did you find out anything else?” I asked, barely holding back a chuckle.

“She disassociates.” His face grew serious. “With a husband like hers, I can’t say I blame her.”

“I noticed it a few times and was trying to find a way to approach it, but it’s not like I needed one other thing to harp on her about. She told me she doesn’t need a therapist.”

“Probably a good thing you’re not her doctor then. You have broken all kinds of ethical rules with this one.”

I groaned, not needing the reminder. He slapped me on the back.

“I’m going to head out. I’ve got to gather up Kinsley and drop her off at Sophia’s,” he chuckled. “She’s still mad at the guys for quote, ‘not loving her anymore and sending her to the ends of the world as punishment.’”

I shook my head and grinned. “That ought to be a fun ride for you.”

“I’ve got an epic sad song playlist all ready to go for the little shit. As well as jellybeans. She’ll love it.”