Shock

Aurora stood alone inside the massive room, facing a large mirror while staring at her reflection.

Both her hands were holding the earring Atticus had just given her as though it was an invaluable treasure.

This earring on her ear proved that what she had felt yesterday wasn't a lie. While she was sleeping, she had felt a comforting presence she had initially thought was her father, but considering the unfolding events, it was clear that it was Atticus.

Aurora knew from the way Atticus had behaved that he was feeling guilty that they had attacked her because they wanted to get to him.

And while this thought had always been in her mind, this fact only cemented it. It made her feel even more… useless.

'I'm a liability,' Aurora thought as she held the earring tightly. This was the last thing she wanted to be, especially to someone she cared about greatly.