Chapter 31: Vulnerability Isn't An Option

Logan's arms tightened across his chest as Aura tried to sidestep his questions. The night had an eerie stillness, and while Aura had claimed to be thinking, her nervous energy told a different story.

"I'm serious, Aura," Logan pressed, his voice more firm this time. "You can trust me. If these people are from your past, they might not just disappear because you tell them to."

Aura's eyes flicked toward him, her expression unreadable. For a fleeting moment, Logan thought he saw fear or perhaps it was anger. She was a fortress, every expression carefully calculated.

"I don't need you to play hero," she said after a beat, her voice cold. "This isn't one of your action movies, Logan."

The jab stung, but Logan didn't back down. "This isn't about playing a role. I care about you."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words lingering in the air. Aura's shoulders tensed, her fingers twitching slightly at her sides.