Aria's POV

“I don't know.”

Something in Jade's voice made my stomach twist. It wasn’t just the words, it was the way she said them. Her voice was filled with defeat, like she had already gone through every possibility and come up empty.

“She’s powerful,” Jade continued. “Too powerful. She’s my mother. I should know.”

Dread ran down my spine. I had never heard Jade sound this way before.

There was silence, then I asked.

“Will you tell me ...