I had to make sure I didn't waste any time. I ran downstairs and saw an irate Susan as soon as I entered the hall.

"You're both snakes, you and your closest friend! You've crossed too much." She spat, her voice shaking with wrath.

Susan, in her fit of anger, raised her hand to slap me, but I grabbed her wrist before she could.

What was wrong with her?

My thoughts were solely focused on Aurora's predicament, and I lacked the patience to ...