Lenora held Genevieve's gaze for a while before rising slowly from the armchair. She moved with care, making sure every movement was calm so as not to alarm the already distressed woman any further. Sienna remained standing where she was, though her attention never left Genevieve.
"Genevieve," Lenora said softly, her voice held the same warmth it always had. "Before I do this, I need you to listen to me." Genevieve looked up at her, her face pale and streaked with dried tears. "I know you're frightened, and I know everything I've told you sounds impossible, but what you're about to see doesn't change who I am. It's just me. It has always been me, and it always will be me." She offered the gentlest smile she could manage despite the ache in her own heart. "I will not harm you in any way. I promise you that. I'll stay exactly where I am until you're ready, and if you tell me to stop before I begin, then I will."
