Aurora looked down at Amelia, who wore a faint smirk on her lips.
"He's likely dead by now—or perhaps not," Amelia said. "Release me, and I shall give you the antidote. I alone possess it, and I alone know how it works. So, make your choice."
"You will let him go as well," Amelia said coldly, referring to Jonathan, "or we all die together."
Aurora hesitated, then cursed under her breath. "Fine. Give me the bloody antidote."
Amelia's smile returned as she slowly rose to her feet, wincing from her injuries.
"I'll need to step outside first. Who's to say you won't strike me down the moment you get what you want?"
"And how am I to trust that you won't vanish and leave me with nothing?"
"You have no reason to trust me," Amelia admitted. "But I swear it—I will not betray you. My word may mean little, but I mean it."
Something in her tone made Aurora pause. Against her better judgment, she gave a slow nod.Amelia moved quickly to Jonathan's side, helping him up with effort.
