Aurora shook her head, eyes wide. “No. No, that can’t be. You’re saying he—”
“—is your mate,” Elara finished gently.
The words dropped like stones into still water.
Aurora stared at Damien, searching his face for denial, but found none. Just that steady, unreadable gaze that made her feel seen and vulnerable all at once.
“You knew?” she whispered.
Damien exhaled, slow and heavy. “Yes.”
“For how long?”
“The moment I saw you.”
Aurora’s throat closed up. She looked away, hands gripping her knees as she tried to keep her composure. “And you didn’t say anything?”
“What would you have done if I did?” he asked softly.
“I don’t know!” she snapped, the emotions finally breaking through. “I barely understand what’s happening to me. My whole life, I thought I was broken— worthless because I
