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CHAPTER 323
"Aunt Nerissa. It really is you."
Nerissa felt her heart swell hearing Astrid's voice one more time. Her anger was now completely and totally gone. As long as Jareth did not interfere, obviously.
"Astrid. Oh my goodness. I..." Not giving her room to talk, Astrid close breached whatever gap that was left within them and hugged her tight, shutting her eyes close as well.
"I've missed you. I thought you were gone, that you left me." Astrid hugged her tighter than before as she let her tears wash over her, letting it flow down her cheeks and unto Nerissa's cloak.
Recovering from the shock with which Astrid had used to hug her, Nerissa hugged her back, rubbing her hand against the small of her back to ease her worries and help sooth her pain.
"I know. I am sorry dear. It was all my fault."