"Mother!"
Suddenly, a soft, babyish voice came from within the glowing sphere.
Rory froze mid-step.
She turned back in disbelief and stared at the drifting light.
Before her eyes, the small white orb slowly changed shape. The glow softened, gathering and condensing until it revealed a tiny child—no bigger than a toddler—standing where the light had been.
The little boy was completely naked, his skin pale and tender like fresh petals. Atop his head grew a delicate, translucent flower, shimmering with faint rainbow light.
He looked up at Rory with bright, delighted eyes.
"Mother… I finally found you."
The child looked almost exactly like a miniature version of Yuel.
Rory stared in stunned silence as the tiny figure ran forward and threw himself into her arms.
Her instincts took over. She caught him automatically, cradling the small, warm body against her chest.
"You're saying… you're my baby?"
"Mm-hmm!"
