C37 STEFAN’S MOTHER IS ALIVE?

Mia’s voice was calm but clipped. “Just wanted to let you know we’re back,” she said, standing at the doorway where Mose and Stefan sat.

She looked at him for just a second longer, then turned away, walking down the hallway without another word. Elena followed suit, her silence more scathing than any insult she could’ve thrown.

The door didn’t slam, but it might as well have.

Mose made to rise