Escape.

Aurora's cheek stung painfully as she glanced around in fear, uncertain of her surroundings. Stephen had left her, promising to return for her. But what if someone sought to harm her before he did?

Even so, she knew he must have had a plan—he would not have left her here without reason. 

She decided to leave and find somewhere to rest, gathering her breath, when suddenly, a sharp whooshing sound cut through the silence. Instinctively, she turned toward the source of the noise. 

Adrian? 

"What are you doing here?" she asked, alarmed. Though she had been searching for her brother desperately, she still could not shake the nagging doubt that he was truly her kin.

Something about him did not feel right. After all, she had not known him for years. 

"Aurora?" He raised an eyebrow, his expression composed, almost indifferent. She had to admit, though—he had grown into a striking man, his demeanor calm and assured.