At the moment, the wind stilled.
And so did Aurelius.
She watched him closely with trembling eyes, waiting for any deep reaction.
Anything. He just stared at her.
"Theo...dora?" He repeated slowly, like his tongue had forgotten how to work. The name tasted different in his mouth.
Then, his eyes dragged over her. Like, he really stared at her like it was his first time seeing her because in a way, it kind of was. Everything he had ever assumed, analysed and argued about her burned into ash before his eyes.
And then, it really hit him.
He was staring at a girl. A woman.
"You're...," His voice cracked sharply, "You're a girl?" He sounded stupid, yes, but he didn't know what else to say.
Theo swallowed again, "Yes, I've been hiding it since the day I got here,"
Silence settled between them again.
The wind picked up again, carrying her scent and wrapping it around his nose.
