Liah's POV

I stood behind Aurora, with a comb in my hand, brushing her hair carefully.

Every pass of the comb felt like a test, too soft, and she’d accuse me of being useless, too hard and she’d snap about the pain.

I met her eyes in the mirror, and they cut into me.

“You’re quiet,”

She said, her lips curving into a smirk.

“Too quiet. Most girls chatter when they’re nervous.”

I looked down, trying to seem obedient.

“I have nothing worth saying, my ...