Isolde stepped forward, her voice smooth and taunting. "He won't tell you the truth, Aurora. But I will."

Aurora's blood ran cold. She had never fully trusted Isolde, but something told her that the witch held the key to Damon's darkest secrets.

"Tell me," Aurora demanded, her voice fierce.

Isolde's smile widened. "Damon never wanted to break the curse. He wanted to control it. And you—" She paused, savoring the words. "You were the key to his victory. Once you fall completely into his grasp, he'll use your power to conquer not just this realm, but the mortal world as well."

Aurora's heart pounded, the world spinning around her. Was this the truth? Had she been nothing more than a tool in Damon's quest for power?