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"When my father told me he was marrying me off to Nero Imperioli, I prayed for someone to save me. And you did." The barest ghost of a smile tugs at her rosebud lips. "So thank you."
I stand rooted to the spot, stunned into silence. Since the day I marched into that church and stole her away, Aurora has been my captive. And I have done my level best to remind her of that—to remind her that she will never be free, never leave Elysium.
That she could look upon me as a savior, instead of what I really am…it shakes me to my core. Before I can scrape together any semblance of a response, Aurora runs a hand through her hair. "Anyway, I'm tired. I still can't get used to these topsy-turvy days and nights. So I think I'll just turn in, if that's alright."
She wants me to go. Needs time to process everything. I can give her that, at least.
I move forward and turn down her bedcovers, plumping the pillows the way I've seen Mrs. Graves do for me. She gives me a curious look but doesn't object when I gesture for her to get in. Once she's nestled under the soft covers on her side, I smooth them over her shoulder and pause to dim the bedside lamp.
"Sleep well," I murmur. On impulse, I brush the hair back from her face. Her eyes flutter closed at the contact, and then I bend over and press my lips to her temple. She gives a happy hum.
I have to force myself to withdraw and make my exit.
At the door, I glance back just once. Aurora lies on her side, face peaceful in sleep. Something warm stirs in my chest at the sight. With a soft click, I pull the door closed behind me.
I spend the night with only half a mind on business, earning irritation from Lyssa, who also wants to know why Aurora wasn't at the training session with the other recruits. I make some half-hearted excuse for her that I know will only further convince Lyssa that my getting close to Aurora was a bad idea, but I don't have the energy to argue with my Wolf tonight.
Because yes, maybe it was a bad idea, but I can't change it now. Don'twantto change it. Aurora's words play over and over in my mind. She thought of me as her savior. I was the answer to her prayers.
Me. The monster who put her in chains.
And despite all the lies I told myself, I have been cruel to her in her time here. Cruel and—andmean. I might not have physically hurt her, but I sure as hell did a number on her psyche.
The hour grows closer toward dawn. Usually I would be thinking about bed around now, with the sun just beginning to turn the sky from black to gray. Instead, I find myself heading to her room again, after sending instructions down to the kitchen.
This time, when I knock gently at her door, she responds with a sleep-husked "Come in."
I enter to find her sitting up in bed, yawning. She looks at the clock and then gives me a quizzical look. "Isn't it late for you to be up?"
I allow myself a small smile. "I hear most people sleep through the night hours, just like you have. I thought it might be fun to see how the other half live. See what the daytime has to offer, since it's so popular." I move to the window and pull the curtains back fully, allowing sunshine to spill across the room. Aurora squints against the unfamiliar brightness, and then gasps.
"The shutters! They're?—"
"I had them opened."
"But…" She runs to the window and stares down with hungry eyes at the grounds below.
"Today, you may spend as much time as you like outdoors, in the gardens, in the sunlight."
Aurora's eyes go wide, uncertainty shadowing her face as she turns back to me. In this gentle morning light, I can see how drawn she really looks, and I curse myself for it. "But," she saysagain, "I thought you didn't want me wandering the grounds during the day. In case someone saw."
"Nero already knows exactly where you are. And if he wants to spy on you to torture himself, well—I'll be happy to provide him the opportunity."
I watch as she slides on a pair of slippers and pulls her robe tight around her. She's too thin, and those clothes are much too big for her, though they'll have to suffice for now. I make a mental note to take her shopping again soon for some pajamas. And perhaps some sundresses. Pretty things to wear while tending the gardens.
"I thought we could have breakfast on the terrace," I say casually, and the way her eyes go wide makes me want to laugh. "If you think you'd like that."
"Yes. Yes, please."
I lead her down through the kitchen and out onto the back terrace. The table is already set for two, with pastries and tea at the ready. I pull out Aurora's chair, earning another curious look. She murmurs her thanks as she takes a seat.
I settle across from her and pour each of us a steaming cup of coffee. God knows I'll need it if I'm to stay up so late past my usual bedtime. Aurora adds a dash of cream and sugar to hers before cradling the cup in her hands. She closes her eyes as she sips, savoring the flavor along with the morning sun on her face. A small hum of satisfaction escapes her.
It's the same noise she makes when I touch my lips to her throat.
She gazes out at the grounds bathed in morning light. "Everything looks so different in the daytime."
"It's a nice change of pace." I sit back, content to watch the interplay of emotions on Aurora's face as she takes in this new view of her surroundings. The way the sunlight brings out the honey tones in her hair, turning her skin golden. She looks so at home here amidst the flowers and fountains.
