"No, that's impossible." Oriana was the first to snap out of her stunned silence, her eyes locked hard on Seraphine like she was desperately searching for any crack in Voren's explanation. "One of the warriors clearly described Doctor Ash as blonde."
Voren didn't look surprised at all. He simply leaned back in his seat with total ease. "Take off."
The pilot obeyed immediately, and the helicopter lifted smoothly into the air. Only once they were high above the ground did Voren turn his full attention back to his mother, a deep look of disappointment crossing his face. "Mom."
Oriana frowned sharply. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Voren shook his head slowly. "Did you really forget about those silicone masks Kael and I used whenever we wanted to dodge your endless lectures?"
The silence following his words was expected. Then realization hit Oriana like a freight train. She froze completely, the color draining from her face in a sickening rush.
