Chapter 161. The Last Feast

Aurora’s POV

A heavy weight sat on my chest, my breath caught in my throat as if some invisible force pressed down on me. My dreams had been restless, a swirling mess of distorted faces and whispered voices, none of which I could hold on to. The moment my eyes fluttered open, I wished I had stayed asleep.

Harmona was looming over me, her face unnervingly close, a smile curling at her lips that sent an instant jolt of unease through me. It wasn’t a warm, welcoming smile—it was eerie, stretched too wide, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. My heart slammed against my ribs as I flinched back, my body jerking upright before I could stop myself.

“What—” My voice came out hoarse, still thick with sleep. “What are you doing?”

Harmona didn’t even blink. Her expression remained unsettlingly composed, as if my startled reaction was expected. If anything, her smile deepened. “Today is a special day, Aurora,” she said, her tone syrupy yet firm, as if she