intrepidity

Chapter 4

Aurora watched the exchange with wide eyes, her lips curving into an unguarded smile. The easy banter, the teasing, the affection—it all felt like something out of a dream. A family. Her family.

Atlas, undeterred, turned his attention to Aurora. "So, Thumper's the new favorite, huh?" he asked, feigning jealousy. "Do I even stand a chance?"

Aurora giggled again, the sound a little freer this time. "Maybe," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of playful mischief.

Atlas gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if he'd been struck by an arrow. "Betrayal! By my own sister, no less! How will I ever recover?" he wailed, tilting his head back in an exaggerated display of despair.

Antonio glanced up from the book he was reading next to Marco, his face deadpan as he delivered his retort. "Your heart's on the left side, idiot."

"Oh, right. Thanks, Tonio." Atlas gave a mock salute before returning to his theatrics. "But that doesn't matter right now. What matters, my dear brother, is the heartbreak. My own baby sister—my flesh and blood—chooses a bunny over me. The audacity!" He pouted dramatically, directing his wounded expression at Aurora.

Aurora, trying her best to stifle her giggles, smiled at Atlas' antics. Her small, shy laugh only encouraged him further.

"Thumper is my best friend," she whispered, holding the plush bunny up for him to see. Her tone carried an unshakable certainty, as if no one in the world could replace Thumper. To her, he wasn't just a stuffed animal—he was her safe place.

Atlas gasped again, this time clutching the table as if to steady himself. "Salt in the wound! Ouch!" Despite his words, he couldn't stop smiling at her. She was just so precious, he thought, like something out of a dream. He didn't just want to protect her—he wanted to carry her around in his pocket and shield her from the world forever.

Elias chuckled softly from where he was rummaging in the fridge. He pulled out a carton of orange juice and turned to Aurora, his tone gentle but firm. "Sweetheart, you're going shopping today with Roman and the twins. You need clothes, school supplies, and anything else you might want."

Aurora's smile faltered slightly. She didn't think it was necessary. She had clothes—didn't she? They weren't much, but they were hers. And school supplies? She had no idea what she'd need, but surely it wasn't worth spending her brothers' money. They'd already done so much.

Still, she didn't want to argue. Nodding quietly, she hugged Thumper tighter and murmured, "Okay."

Elias walked over and kissed her forehead gently, his hand briefly brushing over her hair in a comforting gesture. "Good girl," he said warmly, smiling down at her.

Aurora smiled back, a small, private sort of smile, one that lingered long after Elias had stepped away. It wasn't about the shopping trip—it was about how cared for she felt, how safe she was with them

"Aurora."

Her name was spoken softly yet firmly, drawing her attention. She turned to see Aiden standing behind her, dressed impeccably in a sleek black suit. He looked every bit the authority figure, yet his expression held a hint of warmth as he addressed her.

"How was your sleep?" he asked, his voice calm but genuinely curious.

Why were they asking her that?

It was such a strange question, one no one had ever bothered to ask before. She fidgeted slightly, mumbling a quiet, "Good," before adding a small, almost shy, "Thank you."

Aiden's expression softened at her response, but the moment of tenderness was fleeting. His jaw tightened as his phone vibrated in his pocket. With a sigh, he pulled it out, his demeanor shifting back to one of cold efficiency.

"Marcus, we're leaving now," he said, his voice carrying the authority of a man used to being obeyed.

Marcus, seated at the far end of the table, groaned but complied, stuffing the rest of his toast into his mouth before standing. As he passed Aurora, he ruffled her hair affectionately, though his expression was still irritated. The casual gesture startled her, but it left a small, lingering warmth in its wake.

"So," Roman began, his deep voice drawing her attention. He was seated beside her, his posture relaxed yet attentive as he glanced at the plate she was nervously pushing around. "Shopping?"

Aurora blinked up at him, caught off guard as she heard him speak to her. But the gentle smile Roman offered made her feel less uneasy. Without realizing it, a tiny smile tugged at her lips, and Roman's own smile grew in response.

"Good," he said, his voice light and encouraging as he reached out to pat her head softly. "Go change. We'll leave in five."

Aurora nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of anxiety and anticipation as she stood and left the table. She felt anxious about the outing, unsure of what to expect.

But as she passed the living room, the sound of Atlas bickering loudly with Antonio over something inconsequential brought a small, fleeting sense of calm. Their banter was playful, almost childlike, and for a moment, it reminded her that maybe—just maybe—this wasn't something to fear.

As she slipped upstairs to change, she couldn't help but think: maybe this family, with their warmth and quirks, wasn't as overwhelming as she thought.

author note - hiii everyone, i hope you enjoyed that, next chapter will be shopping! pls keep commenting, and don't forget to vote :)

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