Aurora's POV
The world seemed to narrow to a pinpoint, focused solely on the enigmatic stranger before me. His eyes, deep and ancient as the cosmos itself, held mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.
"Who are you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.
His smile was both beautiful and terrifying. "I have many names, little Priestess. But you may call me Orion."
The name sent a shiver through me, resonating with something deep in my bones. Before I could question it, Orion continued.
"You've been lied to, Aurora. Your entire life has been built on a foundation of half-truths and carefully crafted deceptions."
I felt Mason and Ethan tense on either side of me, but I held up a hand to stop them from intervening. "What do you mean?" I asked, my vo
