Aurora's POV
Clara looked at me steadily, imagining what I would say.
“This is about everything,” I said. “I’ve spent my whole life being pulled into battles I didn’t choose. I won’t do it again.”
Clara sighed. “They were thinking of naming you Head of Council Affairs. Some even suggested—”
My stomach twisted. “Stop,” I said sharply. “Don’t say it.” She stopped.
“I won’t sit in council meetings,” I said. “I won’t give orders. I won’t stand on another platform while people argue over my name.”
“Aurora—”
“I meant it,” I said, my voice shaking now. “I just want quiet. I want to wake up without expecting war. I want to breathe without feeling responsible for everyone’s fate.”
The silence stretched between us.
“You’re afraid,” Clara said gently. She stared at me steadily.
I looked ba
