The Matriarch of Somnia had not been seen in centuries.
She resided deep within her vast lair, living in complete seclusion. Only her children and the Elders of the clan were permitted to enter.
Even they rarely spoke of her.
Whenever she was mentioned, it was spoken with a mixture of reverence and caution. No one outside the inner circle of the clan knew what she did within the depths of her lair, nor why she had chosen to withdraw from the world.
For years, she had remained there. Waiting. Never showing herself to the rest of Somnia.
But when the youngest prince of Somnia returned home, it all changed. The ancient gates of her lair opened for the first time. And the Matriarch emerged. The mere sight of her was enough to silence the clan. Of course, no one saw her in her true form.
Prince Valerian had returned. And the Matriarch had emerged from her lair to finally reunite with her long-lost son.
