intrepidity

Aurora wanted to stay in this bathroom. Forever.

It was bigger than any room she'd ever called her own, and the bathtub—oh, the bathtub—looked like something out of a fairy tale. Its edges were smooth and inviting, painted in soft pastel yellow that matched the rest of the space. She could almost imagine sinking into it, the warm water washing away the weight of everything she'd carried for so long.

Her chest tightened, her throat prickling with the threat of tears. She blinked rapidly, trying to focus on something else—the neatly organized towels by the sink, each one folded with care, their edges perfectly aligned. She smiled softly when her gaze landed on a bathrobe hanging near the door, covered in tiny, cheerful ducks. It was adorable, and somehow, it felt like it was waiting just for her.

Aurora leaned against the sink and carefully washed her face, her fingers moving delicately as if she might disturb the pristine order of the bathroom. The warm water felt like a balm, soothing her in a way she hadn't known she needed. For the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself breathe.

Reluctantly, she stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hands clutching Thumper close. To her surprise, Alec was waiting for her, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall.

"Hi, sweetheart." he greeted warmly, his smile easy and comforting. "Just wanted to take you to Aiden's office. He wanted to talk to you." He held out his hand, his expression so gentle it made her chest ache.

Aurora hesitated for only a moment before slipping her small hand into his. His grip was firm but kind, like he was holding something fragile he didn't want to break. As they walked, he hummed softly, the sound filling the silence of the long, elegant hallways.

When they stopped in front of a dark brown door, Alec knocked lightly before crouching down to her level.

"Alright, hun," he said softly, his voice as warm as his gaze. "Aiden will bring you to the kitchen after you two talk. Then we'll have dinner. Is that okay, baby?"

Aurora's cheeks flushed a rosy pink at the endearment, her gaze dropping shyly to the floor. She nodded, her grip on Thumper tightening.

Alec's smile widened slightly, and he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Good girl," he murmured, his tone so soft it felt like a blanket wrapping around her.

He opened the door for her and gave her a gentle nudge inside. The quiet click of the door shutting behind her felt impossibly loud.

"Sorellina," Aiden's voice broke the silence, steady and low.

Aurora's eyes darted to him. He was seated behind a massive desk, papers scattered in neat piles, his dark green eyes lifting from the work in front of him. For a moment, his gaze seemed unreadable, but then it softened, a crack in his otherwise stoic demeanor as he noticed the stuffed bunny in her arms.

He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Have a seat," he said, his voice softer now, almost kind.

Aurora hesitated; her feet rooted to the plush carpet as she clutched Thumper tighter. The room felt too big, too formal, and yet there was something in Aiden's gaze—a quiet, unspoken promise that she wasn't alone anymore.

Taking a shaky breath, she stepped forward and sat down, her small frame nearly swallowed by the oversized chair.

"I know all this must be quite overwhelming for you," Aiden began, his voice a careful balance of warmth and authority, "but I want you to know how truly thrilled we are to have you back with us. You've been missed, Aurora—more than words can say."

Aurora couldn't look away from him, her chest tight with emotions she didn't fully understand. His voice carried a steady reassurance that made her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in years. She could listen to him speak forever, if only to remind herself that someone cared enough to speak to her like this.