Aurora hadn't moved since the night before. She was still curled up on the couch, blanket tossed over her shoulders like armor.
Elara walked past her, heading to the kitchen. She was done begging.
Or… she told herself that.
"I made coffee," Elara called out without turning around.
No answer.
She walked back into the room and stood in front of her. "Still ignoring me?"
Aurora cracked open one eye. "I'm trying not to hurt you, Elara."
"Then stop running," she snapped. "Stop deciding everything for both of us. If you want to ruin me, fine. But ruin me with me, not behind my back."
That pulled Aurora upright. Slowly. Like something dangerous uncoiling.
"You're playing with fire," she whispered, stepping forward.
"Then burn me."
And just like that—Aurora kissed her.
But this kiss wasn't desperate. It was possessive. As if claiming territory.
She pushed Elara against the wall, lips crashing against hers, their bodies grinding, mouths hungry. No slow build this time. Just raw tension snapping after too long.
Elara moaned into her mouth, grabbing her by the shirt, pulling her closer. She didn't care anymore. Let her heart break later. She wanted this.
Aurora's hands slipped under her clothes again—but this time, she didn't stop.
The shirt came off. So did the hesitation.
Everything turned hot, fast. Elara gasped as Aurora's mouth moved lower, her fingers trailing fire.
She had never done this before—but right now, it didn't matter. All that mattered was Aurora.
And how her name sounded falling from Elara's lips like a prayer.
---
☁️ Aftermath
They lay tangled on the bed, breathless. The sheets were a mess. Their bodies, flushed. Their hearts, unsure.
Aurora stared at the ceiling.
Elara reached for her hand. "What now?"
Aurora didn't answer right away. Then softly, "Now I hate myself."
Elara blinked. "What?"
"I told myself I wouldn't touch you like that. Not until you wanted me."
"I did," Elara said. "I do."
Aurora turned toward her. Her eyes were red. "You're still too innocent for this. You don't know what I become when I love someone."
"Then let me find out."
"You'll regret it."
Elara pulled her closer. "Maybe. But you'll regret it more if you keep pushing me away."
---
🕳️ The Emotional Collapse
Later, Aurora stood on the balcony, robe wrapped tight, hair in her face. The city stretched below, golden and uncaring.
Elara joined her.
"You always come out here when you want to disappear," Elara said.
Aurora didn't answer.
"You love me?" Elara asked suddenly.
Aurora flinched. "I don't want to."
"That's not an answer."
"I do," she finally admitted. "But I'm terrified of it. Love means giving someone a knife and asking them not to kill you."
Elara stepped behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist. "Then don't give it to me. Share it with me."
Aurora leaned back into her. For once, she let herself be soft.
"Stay," she whispered.
"I'm not going anywhere."
---
🔥 Cliffhanger Twist: A Knock at the Door
The next morning, they were curled in bed when someone knocked.
Three times. Loud. Sharp.
Aurora frowned. "Who the hell—"
She opened the door.
A man in a dark suit stood there. Cold eyes. Professional smile.
"Elara West?"
Elara stood behind her, suddenly alert.
"Yes?" she said.
The man handed her a folder. "You've just inherited a property from a deceased client. You're requested to attend a private reading of the will. In Florence, Italy."
Aurora's face changed. "What the f*ck?"
The man added, "Also, the deceased requested you go alone."
Elara's voice was small. "I don't know anyone in Florence."
But the document was real. Stamped. Signed.
Aurora took it from her and flipped through.
At the bottom:
> "To Elara West, my only living blood heir…"
Aurora's jaw clenched. "Who the hell are you really, Elara?"
Elara's eyes were wide. "I don't know."
---