She was elegant and poised as always. She smiled when she saw me, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Aurora, thank you for coming," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I've been wanting to talk to you for a long time."

I nodded, my eyes locked on hers, trying to read her expression. My guard stood beside me, his eyes scanning the surrounding area, ever vigilant.

Hannah gestured to the bench beside her. "Please, sit down. I want to talk to you about Asher."

I hesitated for a moment, but then sat down, my guard remaining standing.

"Asher can be...difficult," Hannah said, her voice measured. "But he's my...