Chapter 11
Aurora sat by the window, wrapped in a thick shawl, her gaze fixed on the quiet beauty of autumn outside. The air carried a crisp chill, and the late morning light streamed through the glass, bathing her pale skin in a gentle warmth. Her breakfast sat untouched on the tray beside her. She hadn’t had much of an appetite since last night. Her body still felt weak from the fever, and her thoughts felt just as heavy.
All night, she had lain awake thinking of Grayson. The way his hand had touched her forehead—so unexpectedly gentle—and yet his words had remained distant, detached, and cold. Nothing about him made sense.
A sharp knock pulled her from her thoughts. Before she could speak, the heavy oak doors creaked open.
Grayson entered.
He moved with quiet command, his tall fram
