Aurora straightened her dress, glancing at her reflection in the mirror on the wall. Her heartbeat was steady, though her thoughts raced. She knew what she had to do next return to Damian. Every step mattered. She had to ensure her composure was flawless, even if the room she was walking back to would be filled with prying eyes and calculating smiles.
As she left her chambers, the faint echo of her footsteps filled the hallway. The house was alive with the murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter from the drawing room. Aurora walked with purpose, her silk robe flowing around her like liquid moonlight.
She entered the grand hall once more, her entrance catching the attention of the guests scattered across the room. Glasses clinked, whispers followed her, but she paid them no mind. Her focus was on Damian, who stood near the hearth, his presence commanding as always. His dark eyes found hers immediately, a flicker of amusement dancing in them.
Damian’s smile was subtle but sharp, his body language exuding both power and ease. The room seemed to quiet as Aurora crossed it, her every movement drawing attention. The silk robe clung to her figure, its delicate fabric doing little to shield her from the weight of their stares.
When she reached him, Damian’s gaze lingered on her, assessing and possessive. Without a word, he extended his hand, pulling her closer. Before she could react, he gripped her firmly by the hips, drawing her body flush against his. A gasp escaped her lips, but she quickly masked it. His boldness wasn’t surprising, but the setting made it all the more daring.
Damian’s hands slid lower, resting on her curves, his grip firm yet controlled. His lips claimed hers in a deep, commanding kiss. The room seemed to freeze around them, the guests too shocked-or too entertained-to look away. Aurora’s cheeks burned with a mixture of embarrassment and something deeper, but she didn’t resist. She knew this was as much a performance for the others as it was for her.
As the kiss broke, Damian leaned close, his voice low and velvety. “Did you enjoy your little stroll, my pet?”
Aurora’s fingers tightened slightly on the hem of his shirt, her voice soft but steady. “My lord, I only wished to see Luna to her room.”
Damian raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. “And yet you’ve kept me waiting. What shall I do with you, Aurora?”
Her heart raced, but she forced herself to smile faintly, meeting his intense gaze. “Please, my lord,” she said, tugging gently on his shirt, “may I rest for a while? Just a little.”
For a moment, Damian said nothing, his dark eyes studying her. Then, he chuckled, the sound rich and laced with something that made her stomach flutter. “Very well,” he said, releasing her and gesturing toward the hallway leading to his chambers. “But don’t think I’ll forget how long you kept me waiting. Go now.”
Aurora nodded, lowering her gaze in submission before turning to leave. The weight of the guests’ stares followed her as she exited the room.
The hallway leading to Damian’s chambers was quieter, the thick carpets muffling her steps. As she approached the door, the grandeur of it struck her anew-the intricate carvings on the wood, the polished handles that gleamed under the soft glow of candlelight. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The air in Damian’s chambers was warm, filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and leather. The room was a testament to his wealth and taste-dark wood furniture, plush rugs, and a massive bed draped in rich fabrics. Aurora’s steps were hesitant as she moved further inside, her gaze darting to the corners as if expecting his presence to engulf her again.
She let out a small sigh of relief when she realized she was alone, if only for a moment. Moving to the large window, she pulled the curtains back slightly, letting in a sliver of moonlight. It cast a pale glow over the room, softening its edges.
Aurora sat down on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing over the fine silk of the sheets. She knew Damian wouldn’t let her rest for long, but for now, she allowed herself a moment to breathe.
Her thoughts drifted to Luna, to the gratitude in her friend’s eyes as they parted. Luna’s safety was a small victory, but it felt monumental to Aurora. She knew Damian had his reasons for granting her requests, but she wasn’t naive enough to think it was pure kindness.
Her moment of quiet was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Aurora’s head snapped up, her heart skipping a beat as Damian stepped into the room. He closed the door behind him with deliberate slowness, his eyes locking onto hers.
“You’ve made yourself comfortable,” he remarked, his tone teasing as he approached.
Aurora stood quickly, smoothing her dress as she dipped her head. “Thank you, my lord, for allowing me a moment.”
Damian said nothing, his eyes roaming over her as he came to stand before her. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The gesture was gentle, but there was a possessiveness in his touch that sent a shiver down her spine.
“You look tired,” he murmured, his voice low. “Have I been too demanding of you, my pet?”
Aurora hesitated, her words careful. “I only wish to serve you, my lord.”
Damian’s lips curved into a slow smile. “And you do so beautifully,” he said, his hand trailing down her arm. “But don’t think I’ll let you grow lazy. Rest while you can, Aurora. Tomorrow, you’ll have much to prove.”
Aurora nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor. “Yes, my lord.”
Damian tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Good,” he said, his tone soft but firm. “Now, lie down. You’ll rest here tonight.”
Aurora’s breath caught, but she obeyed, moving to the bed and slipping beneath the covers. Damian watched her for a moment before turning away, his movements unhurried as he removed his jacket and loosened his shirt.
As he settled into the chair by the hearth, Aurora allowed her eyes to close, her mind racing.