He Thought She Was Dead, But His Son Knew His Mother's Heart

A Mother's Instinct

As the white linens lay scattered like fallen snow on the polished marble, Liana stepped over them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. A profound, almost visceral maternal longing washed over her. She extended her open palms toward Matteo, her voice a breathless, emotion-choked soprano. "Let me hold him, Mr. Varric. Please... he knows my heartbeat." Her lower lip trembled, but her gaze was steady, filled with an undeniable connection. Matteo’s jaw muscles tightened, a flicker of stunned hesitation crossing his face as he met Liana’s tear-filled eyes. Genevieve watched, her expression a mixture of annoyance and something unreadable. Driven by a primal need to soothe the crying child and perhaps by a deeper, unconscious pull, Matteo carefully transferred the screaming infant into Liana's waiting arms. The instant Nico settled against Liana's collarbone, a miracle occurred. His violent crying ceased, replaced by a tranquil silence. Tiny fingers latched onto her collar, and Liana, her voice a warm, velvet maternal cadence, whispered, "Shh, my little star, Mommy is right here, you're safe now." Matteo stumbled back a half-step, his eyes wide, his breath catching behind closed lips. Genevieve’s arrogant facade began to crack.