Chapter 104. Not a Goodbye

Aurora’s POV

It was early morning when we reached the gates. The air was still, save for the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call. I stood with Caleb, Jade, and Caroline, the four of us clustered together, watching as Damien walked toward us. His steps were deliberate, his expression calm, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of emotion he tried to keep buried.

“You’re really leaving, huh?” Caleb broke the silence, crossing his arms over his chest. His voice was casual, and I was sure that he had meant it as a tease, but I could see the seriousness in his eyes. Caleb and Damien’s relationship had been on the mend.

Damien nodded, stopping just a few feet away from us. “I have to. The arrangements are in place, and staying any longer would only complicate things.”

Jade glanced at Caroline, his brow furrowed slightly. “You’ll be back, though, right? After all, we’re now part of a family.”

Damien’s gaze shifted to Caroline, a