Part 94
When Aura finally comes in, she's carrying a tray—tea again, the same blend as always. Her smile is soft, too soft, and her voice trembles as if she's afraid to break something invisible between them.
"You're awake," she says. "You needed rest."
Adrian watches her carefully. Every word, every movement feels rehearsed. He forces a small, careful smile of his own.
"Yeah," he says quietly. "Thank you… for helping me. But Alex, I really need to go home now. My mom will be worried."
She looks at him for a long moment, as if she's trying to decide. "Home?" she repeats. "This is home. For now. You're safe here."
Her words twist something in his chest. He wants to argue, but not yet. Not directly.
He takes a slow breath. "I know you mean well," he says softly. "You've always tried to protect me. But you don't have to do it alone anymore. We can both go back—together."
That makes her pause. He sees it—the flicker of confusion, almost fear, as if she's realizing the world outside still exists.
"Together," she echoes. The word tastes uncertain on her tongue.
Adrian keeps his tone gentle, steady. "If we go back, no one has to know anything happened. You can still help me. You can still be there for me. But this—staying hidden—it's not what you really want, is it?"
For a heartbeat, she looks almost human again. The mask slips, her shoulders sag, and something like guilt passes through her eyes.
Then she shakes her head, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
"You'll understand soon," she says softly. "You just need a little more time."
Adrian nods slowly, hiding the tightness in his throat.
Inside, his mind is already turning, searching for cracks in her certainty. Because he knows now—calm words might be his only way out.