Damian’s head rested weakly against the pillow, but his eyes were sharp as they moved between Raphael and Luna. The quiet hum of the machines filled the room as he gathered his thoughts. He took a slow, steady breath before speaking, his voice firm despite his condition.
“Raphael,” Damian said, turning his gaze to his brother.
Raphael straightened in his chair. “Yeah?”
“I need you to do something for me,” Damian said.
Raphael frowned. “What is it?”
Damian shifted slightly, wincing at the ache in his chest. “I need you to take Luna to see Aurora,” he said.
Luna, who had been sitting quietly, looked up in surprise. “Master Damian,” she said softly, “you don’t have to-”
Damian cut her off with a wave of his hand. “I’m not in any condition to go myself,” he said, his voice serious. “But Aurora… she can’t be left alone. She needs someone there for her.”
Raphael leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Why Luna?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Damian’s gaze shifted to Luna. “Because Aurora trusts her,” he said simply. “And so do I.”
Luna’s eyes widened, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. “You trust me?” she asked quietly.
“Yes,” Damian said, his voice steady. “You’ve been loyal. And Aurora has always spoken highly of you. If there’s anyone I can count on to look after her right now, it’s you.”
Luna’s cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her hands. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she murmured.
“Say yes,” Damian said firmly. “Aurora needs you.”
Luna swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. “I’ll do my best,” she said softly.
“That’s all I ask,” Damian said, leaning back against the pillows. He turned to Raphael. “Take her there as soon as you can.”
Raphael sighed, nodding. “Fine,” he said. “But you owe me for this.”
Damian gave a weak smirk. “Add it to the list,” he said.
Luna glanced between the two brothers, her mind racing. She had wanted to visit Aurora for so long, but now that the moment was here, she felt a mix of emotions-nervousness, responsibility, and a deep sense of gratitude.
“Master Damian,” she said hesitantly, “what do I need to do for her?”
Damian’s gaze softened. “Just be there for her,” he said. “Talk to her, hold her hand, remind her she’s not alone. Aurora is strong, but even the strongest people need someone to fight for them.”
Luna nodded, her resolve strengthening. “I’ll take care of her,” she said firmly. “I promise.”
Raphael stood, stretching his arms. “Well, looks like we have a trip to make,” he said, glancing at Luna. “Get ready. We’re leaving soon.”
Luna nodded quickly, standing up. “Yes, sir,” she said, bowing slightly.
Before she could leave, Damian called out to her. “Luna.”
She stopped, turning back to face him.
Damian’s eyes met hers, his expression serious. “Thank you,” he said softly.
Luna’s heart swelled at his words, and she gave him a small, sincere smile. “It’s the least I can do,” she said. “For you and for Aurora.”
With that, she left the room, her steps quick but steady. Raphael watched her go, a thoughtful look on his face.
“You really trust her, don’t you?” Raphael asked, turning back to Damian.
“Yes,” Damian said without hesitation.
Raphael raised an eyebrow. “You’re not usually this trusting.”
Damian’s lips twitched into a faint smirk. “Aurora changed that,” he said. “She taught me to see people differently. Luna isn’t just a maid-she’s family. Aurora saw that, and now I do too.”
Raphael nodded slowly, his respect for his brother growing. “You’ve changed, Damian,” he said.
Damian chuckled weakly. “It’s about time, isn’t it?”
Raphael smirked, standing up. “Rest up,” he said. “I’ll make sure Luna takes care of Aurora.”
“Thank you,” Damian said, closing his eyes as exhaustion began to take over.
Meanwhile, Luna prepared herself for the visit. Her heart was heavy with worry for Aurora, but Damian’s trust in her gave her strength. As she walked down the hospital hallway, she whispered softly to herself, “I won’t let you down, Aurora. I’ll be there for you.”