Chapter 82
Thorne’s POV
Is it really possible that Aurora could be the daughter of the Lycan King?
Just the thought is shocking and seems impossible because she’s human. She grew up human, acts human, and smells human. Everything about Aurora, other than her silver hair, is entirely human.
I look at the woman I love to find her staring, wide eyed at the witch in front of us. A witch who is saying that there’s something buried inside of Aurora.
If she truly is the daughter of a Lycan, the thing buried in her could be a wolf. Though, even if it’s far down, she should still be able to feel it, shouldn’t she? I’ve never heard of anyone not being able to feel their wolf.
Again, I look to Aurora as everyone stays silent. I can scent the unease and anxiety flowing out of her. I’m not sure if I can sooth her, but I will do anything I can to try, so I pull her into my lap. The small gasp that falls from Aurora almost makes me smile, but soon, she leans back into my hold as I settle an arm firmly around her waist.
The motion doesn’t go unnoticed by Luna Ashford.
She raises a brow at me, but she doesn’t say anything. Like me, she probably doesn’t want to add more tension. So, I do what I can and let out the soft rumble that I know Aurora likes. It’s soft enough that the others might not be able to hear it, but I know Aurora will.
“This… this is crazy,” Aurora mutters, shaking her head. “I can’t be… I’m not…”
Aurora’s words trail off, and I hold her slightly tighter.
“We don’t have to fully chase this avenue yet, but I will be letting my brother know what Madame Maura said,” Luna Ashford announces, standing. She always looks regal, but tonight, in her golden gown, she looks like a queen. In her own way, I guess she is.
Her eyes linger on Aurora’s trembling form for a moment before turning to me. “If she is my niece, and if my brother wants to contact her, I will be in touch.”
“Mrs. Ashford, how can you know?” Aurora asks shakily, looking up at the tall woman. Luna Ashford smiles softly at Aurora, and I try to remember the last time I saw this woman smile. I’ve met her a few times during the signings of peace treaties, and she’s always looked so cold and confident.
The smile softens her face, showing me a new side of the Luna.
“My brother will know,” she says to Aurora, though, I can tell it doesn’t help Aurora calm down. She’s trembling ever so slightly in my hold. “If you are of his blood and have a Lycan soul within you, we will find it.”
Aurora nods stiffly, and I wonder- not for the first time- what’s going on in her head. I know she’s worried, but is there any excitement beneath the anxiety?
“I’ll take more blood to study further,” Madame Maura says, and unlike before, Aurora holds her hand out without hesitation. I watch closely as the witch cuts her palm again, collects the blood, and seals the wound.
Magic like that would definitely be helpful in a battle, which is probably why witches tend to stay neutral when there are disputes.
Through the whole process, Aurora stays quiet, but her confusion, fear, and unsteadiness is clear to me. I can feel it and scent it drifting in the air and surrounding us.
“Oh, and Alpha Thorne…” I look up to find Luna Ashford staring heavily at me. “There are eyes and ears everywhere in this goddess-forsaken place, so word may have already leaked about our meeting here. If any harm comes to her while I am getting affairs in order, I will hold you personally responsible. I’m not sure what your relationship is with Aurora, but until I know for certain that she is not my niece, I leave her in your care.”
Yep. A queen who could ruin me with just a few words.
Nodding, I bow to the best of my ability while holding Aurora in my lap and watch as the woman leaves with a swish of her skirt.
“Child, I suggest you take your mate home,” the witch says softly, making me look up. Had she just… I glance at Aurora who is still staring into space.
“I will,” I tell her while standing and hauling Aurora into my arms.
Aurora was silent the entire drive home, and even as I carry her upstairs, she doesn’t speak. It’s eerie and beginning to worry me. Even as I carry her into the bathroom, she barely moves. She leans into me when I set her on her feet, but she doesn’t talk, doesn’t question me, and doesn’t move.
She doesn’t even blink when I unzip her dress and let it slide to the floor.
I feel almost like I’m doing something wrong as I carefully undress both of us and step into the shower. She’s pliable, like a putty that’s been left in the heat too long.
Carefully, I wash her body, scrubbing lightly so I don’t hurt or scare her. I move through the motions of a regular shower, wishing I knew what was going on in her head. Does she realize that she looks like she’s comatose?
“Aurora, I need you to say or do something? Are you hurting?”
Slowly, Aurora closes her eyes and lets her head fall back. For a moment, I think she’s about to pass out, but she doesn’t fall. She merely stands there and allows me to continue washing her hair.
As I climb out of the shower, I carry her into the bedroom and slide a pair of her comfy pajamas on. I even apply her medicine, and still, she doesn’t come out of whatever trance she’s in.
“Aurora, you’re starting to scare me,” I tell her, wondering if I should call Anders. She could be in shock or the concussion from yesterday could be catching up to her.
“Anders, is there a reason Aurora’s concussion would cause her to act strangely?”
“No, Alpha. She’ll probably have headaches and maybe some light sensitivity,” he says. “What do you mean by strangely?”
“She got some unexpected and possibly life changing news tonight. Honestly, she’s been quiet and almost unresponsive ever since.”
There’s a pause for a few minutes before his response comes, “If it was too much for her to understand, she might have slipped into a state of shock. Just keep her safe and warm, and she’ll come out of it after a while.”
Sighing, I look down at my woman. I just have to wait… which is basically the same thing as saying there’s nothing I can do.
“Aurora, I need you to talk to me. I don’t know how to help if you don’t talk to me,” I whisper, laying down and pulling her to my chest. I make sure she’s tucked snuggly against me, wrapping my arms around her. “I don’t know if you’re hurt or just shocked.”
When she still doesn’t reply, I sigh and gently brush my hand down her hair, hoping it will offer some sort of comfort.
“Thorne.”
Big, concerned eyes look up at me as she finally speaks, “Do you think I could really be a Lycan?”
