Chapter 340. The Unacceptable Truth

Aurora’s POV

I froze, staring at Ashton as though my ears had betrayed me. “What do you mean by that?” I asked, my voice cracking even though I tried to keep it steady.

Before Ashton could answer, muffled voices reached us, struggling, frantic sounds that twisted my stomach. We all turned just as Maggie stepped out from behind another jagged rock, her fingers digging into Avery’s arm. Avery was bound tight, gag stuffed in her mouth, her eyes wide with panic as she tried to pull free.

As soon as she saw us, Avery’s struggles became frantic as she tried to run towards me, but Maggie grabbed her by her hair and yanked her back so hard that Avery cried out in pain, tears streaming down her cheek.

“Maggie, stop this madness this instant!” I shouted, my chest tight with anger.

She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she looked right at Ashton, her expression cold, almost triumphant.

“The vessels are ready,” she said simply, as though that explained ever