Damian stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist and offering another to Aurora. She took it gratefully, the soft fabric a stark contrast to the harshness of the tile. He led her back to the bed, the plush comforter a welcome relief from the coldness of the floor.
They lay there, their bodies tangled together, the sound of their breathing the only noise in the otherwise silent room. Aurora felt a strange sense of belonging, Damian’s arm was draped over her, his hand resting on her stomach, his fingers tracing lazy circles.
After a few moments, she found the courage to break the silence. “When will you bring back luna?” she asked, her voice quiet but steady.
Damian’s hand paused, his expression unreadable. “Luna?” he repeated, as if the name tasted foreign on his tongue. “Why do you care about her?”
Aurora’s eyes flashed with anger, her voice strong despite the tears. “Because she’s the only person here who doesn’t look at me like I’m a piece of meat. Because she’s been kind to me, even when she had every reason not to be. And because she’s my sister, in every way that matters!”
Damian’s hand stilled on her stomach, his expression unreadable. He studied her for a long moment, the silence stretching taut between them like a bowstring. Then, to Aurora’s surprise, his features softened. He sat up, his gaze never leaving hers.
“Very well,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “I will bring Luna to you. But remember, she is also my servant. Her kindness does not mean she is not loyal to me, or to my desires.”
Aurora felt a flicker of hope at his words, but she couldn’t let herself get too excited. She had learned the hard way that hope could be a dangerous thing in this place. She nodded, her eyes never leaving his.
Damian reached out tentatively, his thumb hovering just above her cheek. His touch was light, almost feather-like, but Aurora flinched away, her eyes wide. The movement was instinctive, a reflex from the months of fear and pain she had endured. She hadn’t realized she was doing it until she saw the flash of disappointment in his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, turning back to face him. “It’s just… it’s been a while since anyone has touched me gently.”
Damian’s eyes searched hers, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back into the pillows. “You need to trust me, Aurora. Do you think I would lie to you about something so… trivial?”
Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest. She had to know the truth, even if it was painful. “Did you… sleep with her?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Damian raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Luna? My, my, you are a curious little thing, aren’t you?” He paused, watching her carefully. “What makes you ask such a question?”
Aurora’s cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze. “I just… I want to know,” she replied, her voice firm despite the tremble in her chest.
Damian studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, with a low chuckle, he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. “Ah, jealousy,” he murmured. “Such a delicious emotion. But fear not, my pet. Luna serves a different purpose in this house.”
He took her hand in his, his touch gentle as he brought it to his lips. “I have never laid a finger on her in that way,” he said, his voice earnest. “She is too young, too innocent for my tastes. Besides,” he added with a wicked smirk, “you are more than enough to satisfy me.”
Aurora searched his eyes, looking for any hint of deceit. But all she saw was the truth, stark and unyielding. Relief washed over her, and she let out a shaky breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Damian reached out with his free hand, gently brushing a strand of damp hair from Aurora’s face. His thumb traced the line of her jaw before his hand cupped her cheek, his gaze never leaving hers. “As your master,” he said, his voice a soft growl, “I will bring Luna back to you. It’s the least I can do for my devoted mistress.”
The promise hung in the air between them, charged with meaning. Aurora felt her heart flutter at his words, a mix of hope and fear. She knew that with Damian, nothing was ever simple, but the idea of seeing Luna again filled her with a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Gently, he removed a damp strand of hair that clung to her cheek, his eyes never leaving hers. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. “You want Luna back, don’t you?” he murmured, his voice a seductive whisper that sent shivers down her spine.
Aurora’s heart raced. She didn’t know if it was from the hope of seeing her friend again or the way he was looking at her. She nodded, her voice barely audible. “Yes. Please, Damian. I miss her so much.”
He leaned in closer, his breath hot on her face. “Good girl,” he murmured before pressing his lips to hers in a gentle kiss that seemed to promise everything she longed for. When he pulled away, the smile on his face was one of pure, unbridled power. “Very well. I’ll bring her to you tomorrow. But remember, she’s not your friend. She’s a servant, and she’ll treat you as such unless I command otherwise.”
The sound of a knock on the door echoed through the room, jolting Aurora out of the haze of passion. She sat up, her eyes wide with panic. Damian, however, remained unfazed, his gaze never leaving hers.
Come in,” he called out, his voice still thick with desire.
The door opened, and in stepped a young maid, her eyes downcast. Aurora recognized her as one of the girls who had shown her disdain earlier. The maid looked at Aurora, a hint of curiosity in her gaze before it was quickly replaced by coldness.