Flora's POV

I push open the door to our house, the familiar scent doing nothing to calm my racing heart. My mother steps inside first, still holding Aurora close to her chest as if afraid someone might snatch her away again.

The second she sets foot inside, she whirls around to face me.

“Flora,” she says, her voice sharp with worry. “Why were we taken? Who did this?”

I open my mouth but close it again. How do I even begin to explain?

She places Aurora gently on the couch before taking a step toward me. “Flora, answer me.”

I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. “It’s over...