This is so well written, Dreemie, so many emotions well described, distinct but mixed together. I don't know how to really describe what it evokes in me. Definitely the mother-daughter bond is so beautiful, so strong that it brings me a lot of joy. Just knowing that they are together makes whatever happens next less scary. And now Bryd has joined in their essence. Derek doesn't stand a chance now but maybe they show him mercy and let him live, in some form or shape. Maybe not. After what he had done to Aria he deserves the worst. Time will tell. I bet you are finding it VERY difficult to hold back the last chapter. It must be like those times when I bought my kids a present I knew they would really, really like but I had to wait till their birthday or Christmas to give it to them. It happened more than once that they got an early surprise, haha. I can't wait to hear the end of your story, @dreemsteem, even if I have to wait until Thursday, lol.