Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 35

**TITLE: Stars Refuse To Blink by Asa River Knox**
**35 CONTENT: Be Quiet, Not A Burden**

**Aurora’s POV**

Raphael and Andrei are no longer here.

The echo of Raphael’s gentle hand brushing through my hair plays on a loop in my mind, a bittersweet reminder of his promise—two weeks until they return.

Two weeks. Fourteen days stretching into what feels like an eternity. Three hundred and thirty-six hours ticking away, each second amplifying my sense of abandonment.

As I navigate the hallway, I tread softly, each step carefully calculated to avoid disturbing the fragile silence that wraps around me like a heavy blanket. The last thing I desire is to shatter this quietude, this delicate peace that offers me a fleeting sense of comfort.

If I can remain unnoticed, perhaps I can blend into the background, an invisible presence in a world that feels increasingly hostile.

My hands bury themselves deep within the folds of my sleeves, fingers curling tightly around the fabric as if it can shield me from the weight of my solitude. I lower my gaze, even though the corridor is empty; it’s a habit I’ve developed, a precaution against the judgment I fear might lurk around any corner.

A flicker of doubt creeps into my mind—should I venture into the den? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. That room is usually filled with the boisterous energy of Leon, or Jace, and sometimes Nico, who sprawls across the couch as if he owns the entire space.

Instead, I find myself inexplicably drawn toward the kitchen. Perhaps it’s the idea of brewing a cup of tea, a small act of normalcy amidst the chaos. Or maybe it’s just a way to keep my hands occupied, a distraction from the oppressive weight of loneliness pressing down on my chest.

Stepping into the kitchen, the atmosphere shifts instantly. The weight of their stares collides with me like a physical force.

Matteo leans against the counter, arms crossed, exuding an air of casual arrogance that makes my stomach churn. Luka is slumped at the table, his eyes glued to his phone, radiating indifference. And there’s Nico, standing by the fridge, a bottle of water clutched in his hand, his gaze fixed on me with a disdain that feels like a sharp knife.

I turn to the cupboard, desperately searching for tea—a source of warmth to soothe my frayed nerves—and that’s when Nico’s derisive snort pierces the air.

“Oh, look. The little mouse is feeling brave today,” he mocks, his voice dripping with sarcasm that stings like a slap.

Luka doesn’t even bother to lift his gaze from his screen.

“Shouldn’t you be hiding in a closet or something? Crying about the weather?”

His words cut deep, and Matteo adds something in Italian, his tone low yet sharp, a whisper designed to wound:

“Così patetica… non vale nemmeno la pena di essere notata.”

(So pathetic… not even worth noticing.)

I don’t understand the words, but their meaning is clear. Clenching my hands around a mug, my heart races with anxiety.

“No, you’re not. You’re tearing her apart,” Leon retorts, his gaze searing into Luka, a fierce intensity igniting the atmosphere. “That’s not talking.”

Luka raises an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on his lips, clearly unfazed. “Oh? Now you’re her bodyguard?”

Leon stands his ground, unyielding, a wall of strength between me and the others. “Maybe. Someone has to be.”

Matteo mutters something again in Italian, too quiet for me to catch this time, but the tension is palpable, electric. Leon strides past the others, stopping beside me. His voice drops to a softer tone, almost tender, a balm to my frayed nerves.

“Get your tea, Aurora. Let’s go to your room.”

I nod, still trembling from the confrontation, my heart racing with a mix of fear and gratitude.

Clutching the mug tightly, I leave the kitchen, Leon’s hand resting gently on my back, a steadying presence amidst the chaos. His touch feels like a lifeline, the only thing preventing me from crumbling into a million pieces.

**Conclusion**

As I step away from the kitchen, a fragile sense of safety begins to envelop me, the warmth of Leon’s hand on my back providing much-needed solace against the storm of harsh words and judgments. The echoes of Luka and Nico’s taunts still linger in my mind, but they now seem diminished, overshadowed by the fierce protectiveness emanating from Leon. In that moment, I realize that I am not merely a burden to be dismissed; I am deserving of care and respect. The shadows of loneliness that once threatened to engulf me begin to recede, replaced by a flicker of hope ignited by Leon’s unwavering support.

As we make our way to my room, my heart begins to mend, piece by fragile piece. The journey ahead may still be fraught with challenges, but with Leon by my side, I feel emboldened to face whatever comes next. The weight of solitude that once pressed down on me begins to lift, replaced by the comforting knowledge that I am not alone in this struggle. In the quiet of my room, with steam rising from my mug of tea, I allow myself to breathe, to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, I can carve out my place among the stars that refuse to blink.