Aurora felt the weight of Damian’s hand on her shoulder, his grip firm yet unhurried as if reminding her of the invisible chains she wore. Despite the calm expression she had mastered, her mind raced, trying to calculate her next move. Luna’s trembling form beside her brought a surge of determination she hadn’t known she possessed. If nothing else, she had to get her friend out of this suffocating room.
Turning slightly, Aurora tilted her head up to Damian, her voice measured and soft, “My lord, may I take Luna to my chambers? She looks… unwell, and I believe she needs some time to recover.”
Damian’s eyes locked onto hers, sharp and assessing. For a moment, she thought he might deny her, but then his lips curled into a smirk that sent a shiver down her spine.
“Of course, my pet,” he murmured, but as she moved to stand, his hand shot out, pulling her back. In one fluid motion, he guided her to sit on his lap, his arm snaking around her waist. The scent of wine on his breath was intoxicating, yet it made her stomach churn.
His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, “Don’t keep me waiting, Aurora.” The words were laced with both a threat and a promise, and she nodded, swallowing the unease that threatened to overwhelm her.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Damian released her, his eyes lingering as she rose and beckoned Luna to follow. The room was eerily silent as they made their way out, the weight of the guests’ stares pressing against Aurora’s back. She didn’t look back, knowing she had to appear composed, even if her heart hammered against her ribcage.
In Aurora’s Chambers
As soon as the heavy door shut behind them, Luna let out a shaky breath, collapsing onto the edge of the bed. Tears streaked her face as she looked up at Aurora, gratitude shining in her eyes.
“Thank you,” Luna whispered, her voice breaking. “I thought… I thought I’d never get away from them.”
Aurora knelt beside her, taking Luna’s hands in her own. “You’re safe now,” she said firmly, though the words felt like a fragile promise. “I won’t let them hurt you again.”
Luna’s gaze dropped to their joined hands, her brows furrowing. “But why? Why would you risk Damian’s wrath for me?”
Aurora hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around Luna’s. She could feel the weight of the truth pressing down on her, but she knew there was no point in hiding it.
“Because I’m his mistress now,” Aurora said, her voice low but steady. “That gives me a little power, enough to protect you. But it also means…” She trailed off, her eyes hardening. “It means I have to play his game. I have to survive his world.”
Luna’s eyes widened. “His mistress? Aurora… does that mean-”
“It means he owns me,” Aurora cut in, her tone sharp but not unkind. “And I can’t afford to forget that.” She sighed, releasing Luna’s hands and rising to her feet. “Damian might favor me now, but that doesn’t mean I’m safe. Lily won’t let this go easily. She’s had his attention for too long, and she won’t give it up without a fight.”
Luna looked up at her, her face pale. “Then why stay? Why not run?”
Aurora turned to the window, her gaze distant. “Because running isn’t an option. Not yet. I need to bide my time, gather my strength.” Her hands clenched at her sides. “Damian trusts me right now, and I have to use that. For both of us.”
A Sudden Intrusion
The sound of footsteps outside the door made both women freeze. Aurora turned quickly, her finger pressed to her lips as she motioned for Luna to stay silent. A knock echoed through the room, sharp and insistent.
“Aurora,” came a voice, cold and biting. It was Lily.
Aurora’s heart sank, but she forced herself to remain calm. She approached the door and opened it just enough to see Lily’s sharp features, her expression a mix of fury and disdain.
“Enjoying your new position already?” Lily sneered, her eyes flicking past Aurora to the room beyond. “Don’t get too comfortable. You won’t last.”
Aurora met her gaze head-on, refusing to back down. “Is that all, Lily? Or did you come here to admire what you’ve lost?”
Lily’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Aurora thought she might lash out. But instead, the older woman leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. “You think you’ve won because Damian likes your pretty face? He’ll tire of you, just like all the others. And when he does, you’ll wish you’d never stepped into this house.”
Aurora’s jaw tightened, but she refused to let Lily see her fear. “We’ll see about that.”
Lily straightened, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “Oh, we will.” With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the corridor.
Aurora shut the door, leaning against it as she let out a shaky breath. Luna was at her side in an instant.
“What did she say?” Luna asked, her voice trembling.
Aurora shook her head. “Nothing I didn’t already know.” She pushed off the door, her resolve hardening. “But I won’t let her win. Damian might think he controls me, but I’ll find a way to turn this to my advantage. For both of us.”
Luna nodded, though doubt lingered in her eyes. “Just… be careful, Aurora. Please.”
Aurora offered a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I will. Now get some rest. You’ll need your strength.”
Preparing for the Next Move
As Luna settled onto the bed, Aurora moved to the window, her mind racing. The view of the darkened estate offered little comfort, but it reminded her of the world beyond these walls-a world she would one day reclaim.
For now, she had to play her part. She had to endure Damian’s games, outsmart Lily’s schemes, and protect Luna. It was a dangerous path, but Aurora had no intention of failing.
With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and turned back to the room. The fight was only just beginning.