Chapter 71

• Aurora’s POV
• The van’s oppressive interior made it nearly impossible to breathe. The thick, metallic scent of blood from the bruise on my cheek hung heavily in the air, mixing with the stifling heat that seemed to amplify every drop of sweat trickling down my face and neck. The taste of iron coated my tongue, and my heart burned with an intense mix of sorrow and wild grief.
• This was my punishment for letting my guard down, for becoming too relaxed and exposing myself in public. I had always been cautious, but now it seemed my carelessness had led me directly into the jaws of danger.