The consequences of the struggle against the hidden town's forces weighed heavily on Avery as she returned to Blackthorn with her party. The sector was still reeling at the revelation of the hidden city, but Avery had barely absorbed her own exhaustion before being summoned to the council room by Professor Russo.
"Avery," Russo began, her tone urgent, "there is something you must recognise. "Approximately your mother."
Avery froze. She had never acknowledged much about her mother. She'd been informed that her mother had passed away, a fading memory lost to time. However, the expression on Russo's face told her that this had evolved into something different—something important.
"What do you suggest?" Avery asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
