My mother nodded, seeming to accept my promise. "See that you are, Asher. I don't want to see you get hurt again."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for worrying my mother. "I'll be fine, Mother. I can take care of myself."

My mother raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "Can you, Asher? Can you really take care of yourself when it comes to Aurora?"

I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I knew my mother was just trying to protect me. "Mother, I'll be fine. I promise."

My mother nodded, seeming to accept my reassurance. "Alright, Asher. Just be careful, okay?"

I nodded, feeling...