Orion's Sin

Aurora's footsteps echoed softly down the hallway outside Davina's room, before she turned into the grand entrance of her parents' quarters. The warm glow of lanterns spilled out, casting a golden light on her face as she stepped inside. Her parents and grandparents were gathered in the sitting area, their faces lit up with conversation. Aurora's stride faltered slightly as she approached them, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her thoughts. "Good evening," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She collapsed onto a nearby chair, her face a mask of disappointment and frustration. The room fell silent, the only sound was the soft hum of the lanterns. "Good evening, my child," her family replied in unison, their voices gentle. The silence that followed was expectant, heavy with unspoken questions. Aurora's gaze drifted, unfocused, as if staring into the void. "I'm following them to the kingdom," she said, her voice flat, devoid of emotion. Her words hung in the air, a st