Aurora's voice was too calm. The kind of calm that didn't match anything inside me. She stepped fully into my room like she'd been standing outside listening to my heartbeat.
Mind if I sit? she asked softly.
I just shook my head a little. I didn't trust my mouth, felt like if I said even one word, I would cry again.
My throat did that stupid tight thing again. Why was she being kind to me of all people.
She sat on the edge of my bed, adjusting her skirt like she needed something to do with her hands. The room felt too small for her presence. And the more gentle she acted, the worse I felt. It was like her kindness was peeling me open.
Lyra, she said slowly, I noticed you didn't stay too long yesterday. I didn't see you when I got home. I asked Mason, but he didn't say anything. She sighed, like it bothered her more than she wanted to admit. He's been down. Really quiet, and I thought maybe something happened.
I looked away. The guilt hit so hard I felt dizzy.
She studied me for a few seconds, then continued, but that is not really why I'm here. She looked almost unsure for a moment, then she continued, I wanted to thank you.
My brain actually stopped.
Thank me? For what? Ruining lives? Why would she even want to?
You've helped me so much, she said gently. Ever since we had to let the butler and the house help go. It has really been stressful. They stole from us and everything was just a mess. And now it's just me doing everything, so having you around has been… honestly, a relief. I really appreciate it.
I didn't say anything, because I couldn't. I was undeserving of every word coming out of her mouth.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I need your help again. I will be traveling soon and I need the house sorted—everything clean, everything in order. And I need you to follow me today to get groceries.
My heart dropped when she added, I already spoke to your mom, and she agreed.
And then, the final blow. Mason will come with us. I'll make sure he does, he needs to start getting used to all this.
My stomach twisted so hard I felt like I'd swallowed a knife.
She gave me one last soft look, as she held my hands gently, then stood up and left my room as quietly as she had entered.
I sat there for a long time, staring at nothing, trying not to fall apart again.
Getting dressed felt like moving underwater. I walked over to their house with this heavy pit in my stomach. Mason was in their living room, pretending to be watching TV, that I could literally see was switched off.
He didn't say hi, didn't even look at me, didn't even pretend like I existed.
He eventually did glance over. But the look in his eyes made my chest tighten. It wasn't full of disgust, but it wasn't good either. More like hurt, he didn't want to show, mixed with irritation he couldn't hide.
I wanted to disappear. I could feel my eyes getting wet again. Crying in front of him would have finished me. I already embarrassed myself once.
Meanwhile, Aurora suspected nothing, she was acting like everything was normal. Talking about the grocery list, the weather, random things. Mason and I walked behind her like two ghosts.
At the store, it was worse. I tried talking to him twice.
He ignored both.
Not a word.
Not even a nod.
By the time we got back to the house, my nerves were fried, I was stressed and tired. We put the groceries away in this painfully loud silence. Aurora went upstairs, and I was about to escape, like literally escape, when Mason grabbed my arm.
Not rough.
Not gentle either.
Just enough to stop me.
His fingers were warm, my hand was cold. The contrast made my stomach flip weirdly.
Lyra, he said quietly. Did you mean it?
My chest tightened. Mean what?
He looked straight at me. When you said you wanted a different Hale.
Everything inside me collapsed inward like a building falling in slow motion.
I didn't mean it like that, I whispered. I'm really sorry, Mason. I swear I didn't…
Before I could finish, he pulled me closer and kissed me.
It wasn't messy or rushed, it wasn't confused. It wasn't like yesterday. It was slow, warm, real. His hand slid up, resting on my breast, then he fondled it slowly. Enough to make me want him even more. The other hand wrapping around my waist like I belonged there.
My whole body went hot. My breath trembled. And for a moment, it was just him and me. Nothing else, no mistakes, no Ethan, no guilt. Just us.
For a while, my knees didn't feel like they could hold me. I didn't even know where to put my hands.
But the second my brain caught up, reality hit me hard.
I pulled away a bit too fast. I—I have to go, I whispered, already stepping back.
He didn't stop me. He just stared with this expression I couldn't read. Was it hurt, maybe confused, maybe something else.
I rushed out the door.
On the porch, I paused to catch my breath. My heart was still racing. Then I heard Aurora's voice from inside, faint but clear enough to send my stomach straight to hell.
"…and Mason… just make sure she understands. Everything."
Everything? I froze. My heart dropped so fast I actually felt light headed.
What did she mean?
Was she talking about chores?
Or something else?
Did she see us?
Did Mason tell her?
Did she already know?
My palms went sweaty immediately. I stood there like an idiot, holding my breath, trying to pick up the rest of the conversation, but I couldn't make out anything.
All I knew was that fear, real fear, the kind that makes your ribs feel tight, climbed back into my chest and refused to leave.
By the time I finally forced myself to start walking home, my legs were shaking.
I didn't know if I should run or confess something I wasn't ready to admit.
Aurora's voice stayed in my head the whole way.
Fear had knocked again. And honestly?
It felt like it was planning to move in permanently.