Since Aubree would be returning to Elysium soon with Claude, she and Aurelia decided to spend the day shopping together in the capital.
It was Aubree's idea, of course—wanting to savor one last outing with her daughter.
Aurelia had protested, pointing out that her mother was heavily pregnant and growing weaker by the day due to the daemon child inside her.
Walking was difficult, and she tired easily. But still, Aubree's spirit burned brightly, undeterred by her condition.
After all, it had been more than two years since they could walk the streets like this—free and unhidden.
No cloaks to mask their identities, no hoods drawn low, no pretending to be someone else.
Back then, they'd moved like fugitives, always watching their backs, erasing every trace of their presence.
It had been exhausting—mentally and physically—especially for Aurelia, who had started traveling at just fourteen years old, robbed of the chance to make real friendships.
