Not long after the encounter with the mirror, a new figure appeared in the castle. Isolde, a powerful witch and former ally of Damon, arrived without warning. Her arrival sent ripples through the realm. Aurora felt it immediately—the magic in the air shifted, darkened.

Isolde, with her dark eyes and silver hair, approached Aurora one evening while Damon was away. "You shouldn't trust him," she said, her voice like silk laced with venom.

Aurora narrowed her eyes. "Why should I believe you?"

Isolde smiled, a cold, knowing look. "Because I was once in your place. He used me, too."

The witch's words struck a chord deep within Aurora. Could it be true? Was she merely a tool for Damon's endless ambitions?

"You'll never escape him unless you make a choice," Isolde continued, stepping closer. "Do you want to be his forever? Or do you want to break free?"

Aurora's heart raced. Isolde's words planted seeds of doubt, and she couldn't shake them.