Celeste's POV
*****
The roaring violet flames receded as my mother landed in front of us. The glow in her eyes dimmed, her gaze shifting from me to everyone else.
I swallowed as a bright smile stretched my mouth. "Mom. You're… here…"
"Yes," she took elegant steps closer. "Came as soon as I could after Caroline and Regina told me you were asking… questions. Got to your room and sure enough you weren't there."
Luther brought his mouth to my ear just then. "I thought Atlas said you should alert your parents?" He whispered much to my frustration.
"Not now, Luther," I shot back, a shaking exhale slipping past my lips. I broke the distance between my mother and me, grabbing her hands reluctantly. "I know I should've told you what was going on. But… this whole thing feels burdening enough already—"
"Exactly why you should involve your parents." Her fingers gripped mine, tender yet equally numbing. "And what's this I'm hearing about Atlas?"
