Chapter 9
608 Words
Aurelia’s POV
I sat on the bed, knees pulled to my chest, staring at the door like I could will it to open.
It had been hours since Khyron left. Hours since he had looked at me with those red, piercing eyes that felt like they stripped me down to my bones.
I hated him.
No. I hated this situation.
I hated that I was trapped here. I hated that my parents were probably losing their minds. I hated that my boss might think I had abandoned my job.
The door opened and Riven stepped inside carrying another tray.
“You missed dinner,” he said, setting it down on the table.
“I am not hungry,” I muttered.
“You should eat,” Riven said, softer this time. “Your body went through hell out there. You need your strength.”
I glared at him. “I do not need food. I need a phone.”
He paused. “I need to call my parents,” I said, voice tight. “They probably think I am lying dead in a ditch somewhere. And my boss. I cannot just disappear without telling anyone where I am.”
Riven studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Wait here.”
He left and came back a few minutes later holding out a sleek black phone. “You get one call. Put them at ease. But do not say anything about us.”
I snatched the phone, hands shaking as I dialed my mother. It rang twice before her frantic voice answered. “Aurelia? Aurelia, is that you? Where have you been? We have been worried sick.”
Tears stung my eyes. “I am okay, Mom. I swear I am safe. I just needed a little time away. Something happened and I cannot explain it right now.”
“You cannot just vanish like that,” she cried. “Your father has barely slept.”
“I will explain soon,” I promised, throat tight. “Just trust me. I am okay.”
There was a long silence. Then she said softly, “Come home soon, baby.”
“I will,” I whispered, though I had no idea when or if I would.
When the call ended I sank back onto the bed, the phone still clutched in my hand.
Riven’s voice was quiet. “Feel better?”
I nodded, wiping my eyes. “Thanks.”
“Eat,” he said, nudging the tray closer. “You will need it.”
This time I did not argue.
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Khyron’s POV
The training grounds echoed with fists hitting punching bags, warriors sparring, and the distant howl of wolves running the perimeter.
I should have been more focused. Instead every strike felt sluggish, every command blurred by the sound of my own thoughts.
Kael paced in my head again. She is calmer now. I can feel it.
I growled under my breath. “You have been paying too much attention.”
You should be paying attention too, Kael shot back. She matters.
Jarek appeared at the edge of the grounds. “Riven says she called her family. Put their minds at ease. She is eating again.”
My jaw clenched. That was good. It was what I wanted, was it not?
“Keep her under watch,” I said curtly. “No one but you, Riven, or Tomas goes near her.”
Jarek raised an eyebrow. “You do realize you sound obsessed, right?”
I turned away, refusing to answer. But inside, I knew Jarek was right. The thought of it made my chest tighten even more
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