Luna’s teary eyes searched Aurora’s, desperation and hope warring within their depths. “But the master,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “He has men everywhere. If they catch us…”
Aurora’s heart clenched at the stark reality of their situation. The mafia’s reach was vast and unforgiving, and she knew that any escape attempt could cost them their lives. But she couldn’t let Luna’s words extinguish the ember of hope that had ignited within her. “We’ll be careful,” she assured her, her voice steady despite the fear that clawed at her insides. “We’ll find a way.” I promise, she added silently, a vow she intended to keep no matter the cost.
Miss Catherine’s words echoed in Aurora’s mind: ‘You’re new, you don’t know who Lily is’. She wondered if this Lily could be an ally or an adversary. The thought of forming a bond with any of the other girls here was a strange one, but if it meant protection and a better chance at survival, she was willing to try.
Aurora turned her attention to the trembling Luna, her heart aching for the young girl’s pain. “Come on,” she said gently, helping Luna to her feet. “You need to get cleaned up and rest.”
They walked over to the bathroom, the cold marble floor feeling like ice beneath Aurora’s feet. She turned on the shower, the sound of rushing water a small comfort in the otherwise silent room. Carefully, Aurora helped Luna step into the tub, the warm spray washing over her bruised body. The water turned pink as it washed away the evidence of the night’s horrors.
“You’re so kind,” Luna whispered, her eyes closed as Aurora gently washed the soap over her. “I’ve never had anyone take care of me like this before.”
Aurora felt a pang of sadness for the girl’s lonely life. “We’ll take care of each other,” she said firmly. “We’re in this together.”
The warm water cascaded down Luna’s bruised body, washing away the tears and the grime of the night. Aurora’s gentle touch was a stark contrast to the harsh treatment Luna had received from the guards. She felt a sense of protectiveness towards the younger girl, a bond forged in the crucible of shared suffering. “You’re so brave,” Aurora whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You survived tonight. And we’ll survive tomorrow, together.”
As Luna stepped out of the shower, Aurora wrapped her in a soft towel, her smile filled with reassurance. “I’ll be your big sister from now on,” she promised, her voice firm. “And I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.” It was a vow she made with every ounce of conviction she could muster, despite the fear that still coiled in her stomach.
They curled up on the bed together, Aurora’s arms around Luna, offering what comfort she could. Luna’s body was warm and fragile, a stark contrast to the cold, hard reality of their lives. Aurora’s thoughts swirled with plans and strategies, but she knew that for now, they had to bide their time, to wait for the right moment to act.
As the hours stretched on, Aurora found herself growing curious about the enigmatic Lily. “Can I ask you a question, Luna?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the ticking of the clock. “Who is Lily?”
The mention of the name sent a visible shiver through Luna’s frame, and she tensed in Aurora’s arms. Aurora felt a cold knot form in her stomach at the girl’s reaction, her curiosity piqued by the stark terror etched on Luna’s face. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly, her voice filled with concern. “What do you know about her?”
Luna’s eyes grew wide, and she swallowed hard before speaking. “Lily,” she whispered, as if the name itself were a curse. “She’s the master’s favorite. She used to be just like us, but he took a liking to her, and she… she did things. Horrid things.”
Aurora felt a cold dread settle in her stomach. “What kind of things?” she asked, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer.
Luna’s voice was barely a whisper. “She… she tells the guards who to punish, who to use, and how to do it. She’s doesn’t like anyone being prettier than her, and I don’t think she’ll be happy to see you here. She’s jealous, Aurora. She won’t like you being here.”
Aurora’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications of Luna’s words. “What do you mean, she tells the guards?”
“They… they do what she says,” Luna replied, her voice trembling. “If she thinks someone is getting too much attention, or if they don’t obey her, she tells the guards to… to break them.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted at the thought. “But why?” she asked, her voice filled with horror. “Why would she do that?”
Luna’s voice was small. “Because she can,” she said. “Because she’s the master’s favorite, and she knows she has the power to do whatever she wants. And if you cross her, if you do anything she doesn’t like, she’ll have you punished, Aurora. She’s… she’s not like the rest of us.”
Aurora’s mind raced as she held Luna close, her own fear of Damian and this new threat named Lily melding together into a toxic cocktail of dread. But she couldn’t let it show, not now. “Don’t worry,” she whispered, her voice a soothing balm. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
Luna’s body relaxed slightly against hers, the warmth of Aurora’s embrace offering a small measure of comfort. “Thank you,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering closed. “I’m just so tired.”
Aurora nodded, her thoughts racing. If Lily was the master’s favorite and had that much control over the guards, then they had to be even more careful with their actions. She didn’t want Luna to go through any more pain, and she certainly didn’t want to become another one of Lily’s pawns. But she also knew that they couldn’t live in fear forever. They had to find a way out of this hellish place.