Page 463 of Reign

I never thought I would see it again.

“You found it?”

“Your father had someone retrieve it that night. Angelo found it among his things at the estate.”

My hand shakes as I reach for the pendant.

Luciano catches my fingers gently.

“Let me put it on you.”

“On me?”

“Of course on you. Your mother would have wanted you to have it.”

“But it came from Papa’s estate. That means it belongs to Angelo.”

Luciano shakes his head. “It was kept in a box with your name on it. Your father was keeping it for you.” His thumb brushes over the engraved letter. “It’s yours, Elena.”

Yours.

The tears start again.

I don’t try to wipe them away this time.

Luciano shifts me until my back rests against his chest. I keep the journal clutched in both hands while he gathers my hair over one shoulder and fastens the necklace behind my neck.

The pendant settles against my chest.

My fingers close around the tiny gold circle.

For the first time in years, Mamma feels close enough to touch. She’s in the words held against my chest. In the gold warming beneath my fingers. In this room with me.

I turn back toward Luciano.

“Why did you do all of this?”

“Because I love you.” He says it like the answer should be obvious. “And because you’ve spent too long asking permission for pieces of your own life. These were always yours.”

I look down at the journal.

His hand settles over mine.

“Choose one,” he says.

I glance up at him. “One?”

“To read.”

“You want to read one of Mamma’s journals?”

“I know how you lost her.” His thumb passes over the worn leather. “Let me meet your mother.”

Chapter 63

Luciano

One Month Later