The secluded glade seemed to hush in anticipation as Evelina prepared to reveal the long-buried truths to her daughters. Alden's steadying presence at her side lent her strength, but still, she found her throat tightening with a maelstrom of emotions.

"Where to begin..." she murmured, more to herself than to her rapt audience. "I suppose the simplest place to start is with an admission – much of what you thought you knew about our family's past has been... a facade, of sorts. A veil of lies and half-truths, spun to protect you from the harsher realities."

Lyra and Luna exchanged a wide-eyed glance, but remained silent, sensing their mother's need...