Chapter Twenty-Seven
* The Brushstroke of Truth*
“A gift?” Aurora’s voice cut through the stunned silence. Her sharp, old eyes were fixed on the small black USB drive as if it were a curious insect. “A file on a little stick. How modern.” She waved a dismissive, wrinkled hand. “No. If you have a gift, child, let us see it. Truly see it. I am too old for ghosts in a machine.”
All eyes went from the USB drive to Lyra. The digital evidence was powerful, but Aurora wanted something tangible. Something she could understand.
Lyra looked at Xami. He gave a single, slow nod. Show them.
“Alright,” Lyra said, her voice clear. She stood up. “I have it here. One moment.”
She walked out of the dining room, her footsteps echoing in the hall. The tension at the table was a living thing. Naomi was f
