The Living Rose

My mother's eyes bore into mine, searching for something hidden within their depths. Her face briefly softened with recognition, but a storm brewing in her expression quickly replaced the softness. "You lied to me, Vesper."

"No, Mother, I'm not Vesper," I whispered urgently, my voice trembling with the weight of my words. "I'm Rose, your lost child. You have two daughters, twins, Mother. One of th