The boardroom of the Veyra Foundation buzzed with unease. Aurora sat at the head of the long polished table, her posture poised but her pulse racing. It was her first time leading an official meeting since her return, and the room was filled with influential faces some loyal, some watching, some waiting.

She began her presentation with confidence, highlighting new initiatives to expand the Foundation’s reach. The numbers were strong, the vision clear. For a moment, she felt in ...