Aurora’s POV

Mother Elara waited until the small group had settled in the low-lit sitting room. Her face showed no surprise, only a steady calm. She studied me for a long moment, then asked, “Aurora, have you ever cut your hair?”

The question was simple. I blinked. For a second my mouth went dry. “Yes,” I said slowly. I kept my voice low. “The last time I cut it… someone threw dog poop on it. It was when I was still… young. That was before my hair turned silver.”

Selene, made ...