Hayley’s POV

The night was filled with dread as my birth mother, Elara, rallied before me. She had an air of quiet authority and also warmth, assuring the round table that there were plenty more stories behind her eyes. The forest itself sounded as though it were whispering and waiting; they felt the breathless anticipation in its hollowed, quaking trunks, perhaps hearing rumblings beneath their roots awaiting further news.

Aiden took his place by my side and gripped my hand in comfort. His assurance of still being there was all the burden I needed to carry on and hear whatever darkness Elara had hitherto kept hidden.

Elara sighed, her voice...