The word hung in the kitchen between us.
I'd spoken the words without really thinking, and now they hung in the air, unshakeable and final. Damien's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw something there that I'd never seen before - a flash of emotion that he couldn't hide, a glimpse of feeling that he hadn't carefully managed or controlled. It was as if his usual mask had slipped, just for an instant, and I caught a glimpse of what lay beneath. His expression was raw and unguarded, and it startled me, because I was used to seeing the polished, measured version of him, not this unvarnished, unscripted reaction.
For a brief, unguarded moment, his expression revealed a deep sense of loss, as if something precious had been taken away from him.
"Aurora," he said.
"I think it could
