As Aurelia led me briskly towards the SUV parked outside the orphanage, I couldn't shake off the lingering unease that gnawed at me like a persistent shadow. The weight of Vervain Wood's ominous words hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the otherwise serene afternoon.
The chill in Aurelia's demeanor was palpable, a stark departure from the warmth she had shown moments ago. I reached out tentatively, my fingers longing for the comfort of her touch, but she withdrew her hand, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
"Aurelia..." I began, my voice trailing off as I struggled to find the right words.
"Not now, Lydia," she interjected, her tone clipped and distant.
I swallowed hard, feeling a pang of hurt at her abrupt dismissal. But now wasn't the time for confrontation; we had far more pressing matters to contend with.
