The grand mansion stood tall, its polished windows reflecting the morning sunlight. Outside, Madam Catherine, Luna, and the rest of the maids stood in a neat line, waiting patiently. The air was filled with quiet anticipation as everyone awaited Aurora’s arrival. Madam Catherine’s stern expression softened slightly, though she still held her hands firmly behind her back.
Luna fidgeted nervously, glancing toward the driveway. “Do you think she’ll be okay?” she whispered to Madam Catherine.
Madam Catherine glanced at her and nodded. “She’s strong,” she replied. “And she has all of us to support her now.”
The sound of car tires crunching on the gravel made everyone turn. Damian’s sleek black car pulled up to the mansion, the engine purring softly before coming to a stop. The driver stepped out first, opening the back door. Damian emerged, his tall figure commanding attention as he walked to the other side of the car.
All eyes were on him as he carefully helped Aurora out of the car. She looked fragile, her frame slightly thinner and her steps unsteady. But there was a quiet strength in her eyes, a determination that hadn’t faded.
Luna took a step forward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Aurora,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.
Aurora’s gaze shifted to the group waiting for her. Her eyes widened slightly, surprised to see them all gathered outside. “What… what’s going on?” she asked softly, her voice still weak.
Damian placed a steadying hand on her back, guiding her forward. “They’re here to welcome you home,” he said with a small smile. “You’ve been missed.”
Madam Catherine stepped forward, bowing her head slightly. “Welcome home, Miss Aurora,” she said, her tone warm but formal. “It’s good to have you back.”
Aurora blinked, her lips parting in surprise. “Madam Catherine,” she said hesitantly, “you’re being… kind.”
The older woman’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. “Let’s just say things have changed,” she said. “You’ll see.”
Luna couldn’t hold back any longer. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms gently around Aurora in a careful hug. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said, her voice trembling. “I was so worried.”
Aurora returned the hug weakly, her eyes brimming with tears. “I missed you too, Luna,” she whispered. “Thank you for everything.”
One of the maids stepped forward, holding a tray with a glass of water. “Miss Aurora,” she said shyly, “you must be thirsty. Please, have some.”
Aurora accepted the glass, her hands trembling slightly as she took a sip. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked around at the smiling faces, her heart swelling with gratitude. “You’ve all done so much. I don’t know what to say.”
Damian stepped beside her, his presence steady and reassuring. “You don’t have to say anything,” he said softly. “Just focus on getting better.”
Aurora glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face. “You’ve changed,” she said quietly. “Everyone here has. What happened while I was gone?”
Damian smiled faintly, his gaze warm. “A lot has happened,” he admitted. “But we’ll talk about that later. Right now, you need to rest.”
Madam Catherine nodded in agreement. “Miss Aurora,” she said, “we’ve prepared your room for you. Everything is ready. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Aurora blinked, still taken aback by Madam Catherine’s kindness. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Luna stepped forward again, her eyes shining with excitement. “I helped with the room too,” she said. “I wanted everything to be perfect for you.”
Aurora smiled, her heart warming at Luna’s words. “You’ve always been so thoughtful,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Damian gestured toward the house. “Let’s get you inside,” he said. “You’ve been through enough today.”
As they walked toward the entrance, the maids trailed behind, whispering softly among themselves. “She looks so different,” one of them said.
“Stronger,” another added.
Luna caught Aurora’s arm gently as they entered the mansion. “I’ll help you to your room,” she said.
Aurora nodded, leaning on Luna slightly for support. As they made their way upstairs, she couldn’t help but glance around. The mansion felt different-warmer, more welcoming. It was as if the walls themselves had softened in her absence.
When they reached her room, Luna opened the door, revealing a beautifully arranged space. Fresh flowers sat on the bedside table, and the soft scent of lavender filled the air. The bed was neatly made with crisp, clean sheets, and the curtains had been drawn back to let in the sunlight.
Aurora’s eyes filled with tears. “You all did this for me?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Luna nodded, smiling brightly. “Of course,” she said. “You deserve it.”
Damian stepped forward, his expression serious but gentle. “Aurora,” he said, “this is your home. You’re safe here. Whatever you need, just say the word.”
Aurora looked at him, her heart aching with a mix of emotions. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I never thought… I never thought I’d feel safe again.”
Damian placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch firm but comforting. “You’re home now,” he said.
Aurora sank onto the bed, her body tired but her heart full. As Luna adjusted the pillows behind her, Madam Catherine appeared in the doorway.
“If you need anything,” Madam Catherine said, “just call for me or Luna. We’re here for you.”
Aurora nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, all of you,” she said.
As the others left the room to give her some rest, Damian stayed behind for a moment longer. He looked down at Aurora, his expression unreadable. “You’ll get through this,” he said quietly. “I promise.”
Aurora met his gaze, her eyes filled with gratitude. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope.