Aurora's POV
In the shadows of the hallway, I felt Gabriel's eyes on me. The dim light caught his face, and something different burned in his gaze - something soft and warm I'd never seen before.
But my heart stayed silent.
"Just say it," I said flatly.
"You're different now," he breathed. "When you turned me down, you were like ice. That's not the Aurora I knew."
"That Aurora's gone," I cut him off. "If you're here for old memories, save your breath."
Gabriel moved fast, blocking my escape.
“You’re right.”He dropped his head, his voice rough with emotion. "I made a mistake, Aurora."
"What?" The words hit me like a physical blow.
"I was wrong. I miss having you there, miss you being close. I'll get rid of Anna if she's causing trouble. The competition - I'll help you win it."
I f
