Chapter 314. Realizing What’s at Stake

Aurora’s POV

The door shut behind Jade with a low thud that seemed to echo longer than necessary, and then... silence. Ashton stood with his jaw clenched and hands slightly trembling at his sides, a mixture of guilt and anger in his eyes. I could see it - the way he wrestled with the weight of things he couldn’t control. I let the silence sit for a few seconds longer, because even though I wanted to break it, I also didn’t want to rush into the moment and startle him.

“I don’t blame you,” I finally said, my voice low, careful. “What happened... it’s not your fault.”

He looked at me, startled, maybe even a little relieved, but still struggling. “Aurora, I-” he started, but I raised a hand gently, stopping him.

“It’s Jade. He’s the one who’s changing,” I said, pressing the truth between us like a blade laid bare on the table.

“Lately, it almost feels like...” I paused, searching for the right word, something that wouldn’t give too much away without