Take My Hand
Aurora’s POV
I blink against the soft hospital lights as I realize…
It’s been hours. The room is alive with noise–chater, teasing, laughter, and low groans from my
brothers.
They’re scattered around, some leaning against walls, some slouched in chairs, all half–exhausted
but clearly alive and here. My chest tightens with warmth, seeing them together, so alive, so real.
“Alright,” Matteo’s voice cuts through, sharp but calm. “I think Rora here has had enough
excitement for one day. She should rest.
“Immediately, a chorus of whines fills the room. “What? Nooo!” Jace protests, slumping dramatically. Leon whines right alongside him, and Andrei mutters something about Matteo being
more uptight than him.
I can’t help it–I giggle.Matteo walks over to Nico and ruffles his hair, and smiles. “You know what
to do, fratellino.
“(Little brother)Nico’s eyes widen, and before he can argue Raphael’s voice echoes from the
hallway” No, let her rest!”
“I said OUT!”
“ANDREI! “I cover my mouth to hide my laughter, picturing the sight in my head: Raphael as a fierce mama bear, scooping up each squirming, whining cub and tossing them toward the hallway.
It’s quiet after Matteo leaves. Too quiet. The kind of silence that feels like it’s waiting for something.Nico’s still standing near the doorway, his hair a mess, shoulders heavy, hands shoved in his pockets like he’s holding himself together.
I bite the inside of my cheek and finally whisper,
“Thank you… for saving me.
“He shakes his head right away. “Don’t thank me.
His voice sounds rough, like gravel.
“But I mean it,” I say, a little stronger. “If you had been there–”
“I was supposed to protect you,” he mutters, jaw clenching. “And I failed.
Chapter 158
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“Something in my chest twists. “You didn’t fail,” I whisper. “I–I’m still here.
“He exhales, long and uneven, but doesn’t look at me.So I take a breath, heart thudding.
“You know… when we first met,” I start softly, “you didn’t take my hand.
“His head snaps up, confusion flashing across his face.


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