Damian stood by the hospital window, his arms crossed as he gazed outside. Luna stood nearby, waiting for him to say something. The air between them was heavy with emotions after Aurora’s awakening. Damian turned to Luna, his expression calm but firm.
“Luna,” Damian said, his voice steady. “I want you to go back home.”
Luna’s eyes widened slightly. “But Master Damian, I can stay and help,” she said quickly.
Damian shook his head. “No,” he replied. “You’ve done enough. I need you to go back and make sure the house is ready for Aurora’s return. Tell the other maids to clean and arrange everything properly. She’ll need a peaceful place to recover.”
Luna hesitated, her hands clasping nervously. “Are you sure you’ll be fine here alone?” she asked.
“I’ll be fine,” Damian assured her. “The doctors are taking care of her, and I won’t leave her side until she’s ready to come home. But the house must be perfect when she arrives. Can I count on you for that?”
Luna nodded quickly. “Of course,” she said. “I’ll make sure everything is done.”
Damian gave her a small, grateful smile. “Good,” he said. “The driver is outside waiting to take you back. Go now, and let me know if anything comes up at the house.”
Luna bowed slightly before turning to leave. As she walked down the hospital hallway, her thoughts were full of Aurora. She was relieved her friend was awake, but she also felt the weight of the responsibility Damian had just given her.
When Luna arrived at the mansion, she stepped out of the car and hurried inside. The house was quiet, but as she entered the grand hall, she saw Raphael leaning casually against the staircase railing, sipping a glass of wine. He looked up when he saw her, a curious smile playing on his lips.
“You’re back,” Raphael said, setting down his glass. “How’s my dear brother? And Aurora?”
Luna stopped in front of him, catching her breath. “Aurora is awake,” she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Raphael straightened, his smile widening. “She’s awake?” he repeated, his tone filled with surprise. “Well, that’s good news.”
Luna nodded eagerly. “Yes,” she said. “Master Damian stayed at the hospital with her. He told me to come back and make sure the house is ready for her return.”
Raphael chuckled softly. “That sounds like Damian,” he said. “Always focused on what’s next. But I’m glad to hear she’s doing better. I know how much she means to him.”
“She means a lot to all of us,” Luna said quietly.
Raphael tilted his head, watching her closely. “You’ve always been close to Aurora, haven’t you?” he asked.
Luna smiled faintly. “She’s like a sister to me,” she admitted. “I’d do anything to help her.”
Raphael’s smile softened. “That’s why I like you, Luna,” he said. “You have a good heart. If there’s anything you need to make this house perfect for Aurora, just let me know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Raphael,” Luna said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Raphael waved her off. “Go on now,” he said. “You’ve got work to do.”
Luna gave him a quick nod before heading down the hallway. She made her way to Madam Catherine’s quarters, knocking softly on the door before entering.
Madam Catherine looked up from her desk, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Luna,” she said, setting down the papers she was reading. “What is it?”
“I have good news,” Luna said, stepping inside. “Aurora is awake.”
Madam Catherine’s expression softened, a rare smile appearing on her face. “That is good news,” she said. “How is she?”
“She’s still weak,” Luna explained. “But Master Damian stayed with her at the hospital. He asked me to make sure the house is ready for her return.”
Madam Catherine nodded, standing up. “Then we have work to do,” she said. “Aurora deserves the best. I’ll gather the maids and start assigning tasks.”
Luna hesitated for a moment. “Thank you, Madam Catherine,” she said softly. “Aurora will appreciate it.”
Madam Catherine placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder, her gaze steady. “You’ve always cared deeply for her,” she said. “It’s good to see that hasn’t changed.”
“She’s always been there for me,” Luna replied. “I want to do the same for her.”
Madam Catherine gave her a small nod. “Then let’s get to work,” she said.
The two women left the room, and Madam Catherine began gathering the other maids, instructing them to clean and prepare Aurora’s room. Luna joined in, helping wherever she could. As she worked, her mind kept drifting to Aurora’s face, the way her eyes had opened and looked around.
“She’ll be home soon,” Luna whispered to herself, her heart swelling with hope.
By the time the preparations were underway, the house was buzzing with activity. The maids worked tirelessly, and Luna felt a sense of peace knowing they were all working together for Aurora’s sake.
For the first time in a long time, things felt right.