Chapter 328

AURORA

I picked up the photograph from the desk, staring at Piper’s youthful, radiant face. A sigh escaped my lips as I placed it in a drawer and locked it away.

“Evander, this is the right thing to do,” I said softly.

I walked around the desk and sat beside him. His head remained down, and his shoulders trembled as he cried quietly. I had never seen him cry before. Evander, who always seemed so composed and strong, now looked completely shattered. His love for Piper ran deeper than I’d ever imagined.

“You don’t have to forget her completely,” I said gently. “Try to see her as someone special—a dear friend you would have loved to share your life with, but circumstances made it impossible.”

My words seemed to cut deeper. His shoulders shook harder as silent sobs wracked his body. I let the silence stretch, offering comfort by gently rubbing his back.

“Aurora,” he finally whispered, lifting his head. His eyes were red and puffy, though he’d clearly tried to wipe away the tears. “I still want her heart, but since I can’t have that, can I at least ask for her forgiveness?”

I nodded, offering an encouraging smile. “Of course, Evander. I’m sure Piper will forgive you if you ask her sincerely. But…”

His brows furrowed, and he leaned forward slightly. “But what?”

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “I think you’ll also need to apologize to Warrick.”

Evander’s shoulders slumped as he stared into the distance, lost in thought. “If that’s what it takes to be in her good books,” he said after a long pause, “then I’ll do it.”

I smiled and patted his back reassuringly. His lips curved into a faint smile, though I couldn’t tell if it was genuine.

Suddenly, the office door swung open with a bang. Dane stood in the doorway, a tray of food and water balanced in his hands. His raised foot explained the dramatic entrance—he must have kicked the door open.

“Be, I’m here!” he declared with a wide grin. But as his gaze fell on Evander, his smile faded, and his expression turned neutral. He walked into the room without a word.

Dane set the tray on the desk, pulled a chair from the corner, and placed it beside Evander. Taking my hand, he guided me to sit beside my cousin before settling into his chair behind the desk.

“I didn’t realize you were here, Evander,” Dane said casually, leaning back. “I would have brought something for you too.”

Evander shook his head slightly, his voice subdued. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

Dane glanced at me, his questioning gaze lingering. I gave him a slow blink, silently asking him to let it go. He sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes briefly as if to reset his thoughts.

He served me a plate of food, pushing it toward me before preparing his own. Picking up a spoon and fork, I began eating. Dane watched me for a moment, his silent trust evident. He didn’t question me or fuss, which warmed my heart.

Dane’s trust had grown so much recently. In the past, he would have peppered me with questions, but now he simply let me be. It made me smile inwardly. He was becoming the man I’d always wanted him to be.

I nudged Evander’s leg gently. When he looked up, I gestured to the food. “Come on, let’s eat together.”

Evander hesitated, parting his lips to speak, but I handed him a fork before he could refuse. He sighed, then reluctantly began eating in small bites.

As I glanced at Dane, I found him smiling; his eyes were filled with warmth. Through our mind link, I heard his voice clear and strong.

“You take care of everyone so well,” Dane said telepathically.

I smiled but didn’t respond, focusing on my food.

Our mind link had strengthened significantly as our bond deepened. It was as if our souls had become intertwined, making communication effortless.

“I love you, my Luna,” Dane’s voice came again, full of affection.

Raising my gaze to meet his, I smiled softly, my head still bowed over my plate. “I love you too. Now, eat, please,” I replied through the link.

Dane chuckled aloud, breaking the silence. “Fine,” he said, grabbing his fork with exaggerated flair.

Evander looked at him with a raised brow, confused by the sudden outburst. I stared at Dane, wide-eyed, silently asking why he had to reply out loud.

Dane winked at me before focusing on his meal, leaving me to shrug at Evander apologetically.

Eventually, we finished the meal, and Evander turned to me with a small smile. “Thanks, Aurora.”

“It’s nothing,” I replied. “The food is for everyone. Why are you thanking me?”

He shook his head. “It’s not about the food.” Taking my hand, he kissed it lightly. “It’s for being an incredible cousin. You’ve knocked some much-needed sense into me today.”

I pursed my lips, unsure how to respond. “I just told you the truth,” I murmured.

“Aurora, you’ll never admit it, but you’re amazing. What would I do without you?”

“Nothing,” Dane interjected, his tone playful yet sincere.

I turned to him, catching the affectionate smile on his face.

Shaking my head, I began gathering the empty plates and stacking them on the tray. “Flattery will get you nowhere,” I muttered.

“Aurora’s amazing like that,” Dane said, taking my hand and kissing it. “She’ll never acknowledge it, but she’s the best there is.”

I was caught off guard, unsure how to respond. A grin spread across my face despite my attempt to stay composed.

Dane flipped my hand over and placed a few pills into my palm. He handed me a glass of water, which I quickly drank after swallowing the medication. “Thank you,” I said quietly.

Evander, sitting quietly until now, suddenly spoke. “Dane, I want to apologize. I’m sorry for causing a scene this morning…for making your sister upset. I’ve been such a fool.”

Dane looked at him thoughtfully before replying. “I don’t blame you, man. Honestly, I felt like doing the same thing to Warrick. If Aurora hadn’t calmed me down, I probably would have done worse.”

He winked at me, and I felt my cheeks flush as memories of the morning’s events surfaced.

“Aurora is the chosen one, isn’t she?” Evander said. “She knows how to handle everything.”

I shook my head, dismissing their words. But Evander wasn’t done.

“Aurora, I need your help,” he said seriously.

I furrowed my brows, turning to him. “What is it?”

“I need you to help me fix the mess I made with Piper and Warrick this morning.”

“No?” I exclaimed, wide-eyed, looking between him and Dane in disbelief.