Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 34

**TITLE: Stars Refuse To Blink by Asa River Knox**

**Chapter 34: Alone**

**Aurora’s POV**

The tranquility of my room is interrupted by a gentle knock, a sound so different from the usual jarring raps that have become the backdrop of my life. This knock is tentative, almost shy, as if the person on the other side is unsure if they should intrude upon my solitude.

With a heavy heart and a mind still foggy from sleep, I lift my head from the cool, comforting embrace of my pillow. My eyelids flutter open, squinting against the soft morning light that spills into the room. A dull throb pulses in my wrists, the bandages a stark reminder of the battles I have fought recently. My entire body feels like it’s been weighed down with lead, the fatigue wrapping around me like a heavy quilt, making every movement a struggle. Despite the haze, I manage to croak out, “Come in,” my voice barely a whisper, fragile and uncertain.

The door creaks open slowly, revealing Raphael first, his tall frame silhouetted against the light, followed closely by Andrei. The weariness etched on their faces tells a story of its own—deep shadows beneath their eyes hint at sleepless nights and burdens too heavy to carry alone. Their presence carries an undeniable weight, a seriousness that sends a shiver of apprehension racing through me.

As they step into the room, I instinctively pull the blanket tighter around my shoulders, seeking comfort and security. “What’s going on?” I ask, my voice steadier now, though the tremor in my heart betrays my calm facade.

Andrei steps further inside, deliberately closing the door behind him with a slow, measured movement. He crosses his arms over his chest, his posture rigid, and I can feel the tension radiating off him. “We didn’t want to leave without checking on you first,” he states, his tone flat, but I can sense the underlying concern simmering just beneath the surface.

“Leave?” I echo, the word striking me like a physical blow, a sharp pang in my chest. The thought of them departing sends a rush of anxiety coursing through my veins.

Raphael catches the flicker of fear that dances in my eyes and quickly steps forward, his voice soft and soothing, a balm for my frayed nerves. “It’s just work, Aurora. We’ll be gone for two weeks. But no more than that.” His words are meant to comfort, but they only serve to intensify the storm brewing within me.

My throat constricts, a knot of dread tightening as I try to process the implications of their absence. “You’re leaving? Both of you?” The disbelief in my voice is palpable, the words spilling out like a torrent.

Andrei nods, his expression unwavering, a rock amidst the chaos. “We have something important to take care of. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

But worry is all I can do. Instantly, my heart races, a frantic rhythm echoing in my ears as I clutch the blanket tighter, feeling the fabric crumple beneath my fingers. A thousand thoughts race through my mind—what will happen to me while they are gone? Who will be here with me?

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