What Are You So Afraid Of

Aurora lay in bed, her body exhausted after the long day. Earlier that afternoon, she had faced off against Collete in yet another argument.

Collete had stormed into her room, threatening her again, saying she wasn't fit to be a mother.

Aurora stood her ground, but Collete's words still stung. Right after the argument, Tristan had called, sensing that something was wrong.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Tristan had asked, concern filling his voice.

"I'm fine, Tristan," Aurora had lied, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I can handle Collete. She doesn't scare me anymore."

Tristan had hesitated on the other end of the line. "Just remember, I'm here if you need me. You don't have to go through this alone."

"I know," Aurora had whispered, her heart softening for a moment.

Tristan had always been there for her, ever since she escaped to Sweden.

He was her rock, her constant support.

But tonight, even his words couldn't chase away the overwhelming tension that filled the mansion.

Now, lying in the darkness, Aurora stared at the ceiling, her mind buzzing with too many thoughts.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the memories from her past started to creep in, pulling her back to a time she wished she could forget.

Soon, she drifted off to sleep, but her rest was far from peaceful.

In her dream, she found herself back in the mansion, trapped once again in that cold, unwelcoming place.

The grand halls stretched endlessly, and everywhere she turned, she felt those familiar eyes watching her.

Daemon's family. They were all there—whispering, judging.

She could feel the weight of their cruel words, calling her "too average," "not good enough."

Suddenly, she was in her old bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Her hands were trembling as she held the pregnancy test.

That tiny pink line confirmed what she had feared back then—she was pregnant.

Her heart raced with a mix of fear and hope. Maybe Daemon would care now.

Maybe this would change things.

She ran through the dark corridors, searching for him, desperate for some sign of love or care.

But when she opened the door to his office, her heart broke all over again.

There he was, with another woman. The image burned into her mind, just like it had that night so many years ago.

The betrayal, the pain, it all rushed back, making her feel small and weak.

Aurora jolted awake, her heart pounding. She gasped for air, trying to remind herself that it was just a dream.

But the fear and helplessness felt too real. She sat up in bed, wiping her sweaty palms on the sheets, her mind racing.

Just as she tried to calm herself, the door creaked open.

Daemon stood there, his cold, piercing gaze locked on her.

Aurora's breath hitched. Of course, he would show up now, just as she was shaken to her core.

"What's wrong?" Daemon asked, his voice as calm and unreadable as ever. "Bad dream?"

Aurora swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. She didn't want to show him her vulnerability. Not now. Not ever again.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, but her voice betrayed her, a slight tremor slipping through.

Daemon didn't move. He just stood there, watching her like he always did—calculating, observing. He could see right through her. He always knew when she was lying, but he let it slide this time.

"You don't look fine," Daemon said, taking a step into the room. "What were you dreaming about?"

Aurora tensed, feeling her heartbeat quicken. She couldn't let him get to her.

She had a plan, and she needed him to believe that she was weak, that she was the same woman she used to be.

But that was the hardest part—pretending when every fiber of her being wanted to lash out at him for everything he had done.

"I said it was nothing," she snapped, regretting the sharpness in her tone immediately. She couldn't afford to show her anger.

Daemon raised an eyebrow. "Nothing, huh? Funny, because you were thrashing around like you were reliving something pretty intense."

Aurora clenched her fists under the covers, trying to maintain her composure. "It's late. You should go back to your room."

Daemon stepped closer, his presence filling the room with an unnerving tension. "Why do you always push me away?" he asked quietly, his eyes never leaving hers. "What are you so afraid of, Aurora?"

She wanted to scream. How could he ask her that after everything he had done?

After years of coldness, after abandoning her, after forcing himself on her that one awful night.

He was the reason for her nightmares. He was the one who made her feel so powerless.

But she couldn't let him see her anger. Not yet.

"I'm not afraid of you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I just want to be left alone."

Daemon's gaze darkened, and for a moment, Aurora thought he might press further.

But then he stepped back, giving her one last look before turning toward the door.

"Suit yourself," he muttered, his voice cold. "But don't forget, Aurora... You're still mine."

Aurora watched him leave, her body trembling with rage and fear. She wasn't his. Not anymore. And soon, he'd realize just how wrong he was. But for now, she had to play the part.

For now, she had to be weak.