Aurora pulled Adrian close, wrapping her arms around him as though her embrace could shield him from the weight of their fear.
Tears threatened to spill, blurring her vision, but she blinked them away, silently pleading for her mother's safe return.
It was the first time they had been caught before they could vanish—and it chilled her to the bone.She did not care that her mother was a witch.
A witch, yes—but one who had never harmed a soul. She had only ever fought to protect her children. And now she was out there alone.
"Mother will be all right, won't she?" Adrian asked, his voice low and tight with emotion. He was only ten, but he felt deeply—too deeply. Just like their mother.
Aurora ran a hand through his hair, trying to summon a smile. "Of course she will," she murmured, though she scarcely believed her own words.
"Come—shall we play a game? A clever one?"Adrian's face lit up, if only faintly, and he nodded. Aurora sat up straighter and held out one hand.
