Chapter Fifty-Three

The days following our harrowing escape from the pirate den had been a torturous blur. Aelia had spent a grueling twelve hours in the medical chamber, her life hanging in the balance. I had watched, my heart in my throat, as the machine worked its magic to revive her from the brink of death. She lay now in my bed, peaceful in slumber, her fragile form a stark reminder of the atrocities she had endured.

I remembered the trembling, the pitiful sobs that had escaped her as I undressed her and gently bathed her trembling body. Her words had been a whisper, barely audible, a heartbreaking testament to her pain.

As the sun set on the fourth day since our return to the Night Court, Aelia's trembling persisted even in her sleep. The room was bathed in the soft hues of twilight when Elara entered, carrying a tray of soup. I took it gratefully, the warm bowl a comforting presence in my hands.

"Is she any better?" Elara's voice held a mix of concern and hope, her eyes soft as she reached out to touch my shoulder.

I managed a fleeting smile, one that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Not yet," I admitted, my heart heavy with the weight of my sister's suffering.

Elara's hand squeezed my shoulder gently. "Don't lose hope, Aurora. She's strong, just like you."

I feigned a nod, a facade of strength that crumbled as soon as Elara left the room. The balcony beckoned, a respite from the confines of my thoughts. The village-like city sprawled before me, bathed in the gentle embrace of twilight. The fading sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a fleeting beauty that contrasted with the turmoil in my heart.

I hadn't left this room in days, consumed by my sister's pain and the haunting memories of what we had endured. But now, the gnawing hunger in my belly urged me to venture out, to find sustenance for myself.

I drifted through the corridors, the castle eerily quiet as if holding its breath. Kaden was nowhere to be seen, adding to the unsettling stillness. My steps carried me farther than I intended, the castle's architecture unfamiliar as I found myself in an expansive courtyard. A bridge, a narrow span over a chasm in the mountain, led to an old stone tower nestled beneath the overhanging expanse of the castle.
In the center of the courtyard blazed a large bowl of fire, a mesmerizing dance of flames that seemed to call to the pain within me.

Without conscious thought, I approached the fire, my hand reaching out mindlessly. The heat seared my skin, a punishment I welcomed for my perceived failures—to Aelia, to my sisters, to myself.

The burning pain intensified, a searing reminder of my guilt and anguish. But then, a strong hand enveloped mine, pulling me back from the brink of self-inflicted torment. Kaden stood before me, his eyes a storm of concern and emotion.

"What are you doing?" His voice was a mixture of shock and urgency, his grip on my hand unwavering as he held me back from the flames.

Tears blurred my vision as I met his gaze, my pain laid bare before him. "I’m failing them," I whispered brokenly, the weight of my failure suffocating me.

Kaden's grip tightened, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of my emotions. "You did what you could, Aurora. You're not alone in this."

In his presence, the pain I had inflicted upon myself seemed senseless, a futile attempt to shoulder a burden that wasn't mine alone to bear. My shoulders shook as the sobs I had been holding back spilled forth, my head falling against his chest as he enveloped me in a protective embrace.

"You're not alone," he repeated, his voice a soothing balm that eased the ache in my heart. And in his arms, I allowed myself to release the weight of my guilt, to find solace in the reminder that even in the darkest of moments, I had allies who shared the burden of my pain.
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Kaden's POV:

I held Aurora in my arms, her sobs echoing through the chambers of my heart. "Let's get you to bed," I murmured, my voice a low and soothing cadence. Gently, I led her to my room, the warmth of her body pressed against mine a bittersweet comfort.

I laid her down on the bed, her vulnerability and pain etched across her features. My heart ached as I watched her, a mixture of love and helplessness swirling within me. The thought of her suffering, the weight she carried, gnawed at my soul, and I yearned to ease her burden.

Her fragile form looked so small at that moment, and my heart leaped at the thought of her. The depth of my feelings for her was a relentless ache, a love that defied time and circumstance. Yet, the helplessness I felt was equally overwhelming, knowing that I couldn't simply erase her pain with a snap of my fingers.

After ensuring she was settled, I left her room, my steps carrying me through the silent halls. Callum and Zade had returned, their behavior boisterous, though they had the air of battle-hardened warriors. As I walked past them, I playfully pushed their feet off the table, earning their chuckles.

"Back from your brooding?" Zade quipped, his grin revealing mischievous charm.

I leaned against the head of the table, my expression more serious now. "We have matters to discuss."

Elara entered a few moments later, holding a bouquet of nightshade flowers. The sight of her brought a fleeting smile to my lips. Then, Isodel's dramatic entrance stole the spotlight, her descent from the ceiling as dramatic as ever. "Nice of you to join us," I remarked dryly.

She was a vision in her assassin attire, mud-caked boots a stark contrast to her lethal grace. "Someone had to keep you all on your toes," she retorted, her words laced with her trademark candor.

I sighed, my exasperation evident. "Clean up the mess," I said, my voice firm, but not unkind.

"Don't get your panties in a twist," she shot back, her insolence a fearless demeanor.

With a roll of my eyes, I turned to Zade. "Report on your latest mission."

Zade and Callum exchanged glances before Zade spoke up. "We're assisting a rebellion on six planets against the Empire. Their chances are uncertain."

Callum leaned back, his casual demeanor mirroring Cassian's devil-may-care attitude. "I'm working closely with the Prince of Jasmir, trying to train their militia. The problem is, most of them are farmers."

Nodding, I acknowledged their efforts. "Keep working on it. Every bit of resistance matters."

Isodel leaned forward, her intent clear. "I want my next assignment."

I seized this moment, a calculated opportunity. "The three sisters," I proposed, watching her closely.

Isodel's fingers absentmindedly brushed against her white quartz blade. "You already know how I feel about that. The Astran line is dead. I want to help planets that are still functioning."

I met her gaze steadily. "We're helping our refugees."

Her reply was daring, a challenge in her words. "Keeping their corrupt rulers away is probably best. Give me an assignment that actually helps people."

Elara's presence seemed to shrink within her seat, her flowers suddenly drooping as if weighed down by the tension. I attempted to assert authority. "I command you, Isodel."

“We vote on missions,” she replied, unbothered. Isodel was the only creature in the seven worlds who did not fear me. Well, she and Aurora, the human currently nestled on my bed. But Aurora only pretended not to care, Isodel, Isodel genuinely did not.

"I override," I declared, my voice a clear proclamation.

Laughter reverberated through the hallways of my sacred space, the grand arches and oppressive darkness seemingly receding in size.

"Well played, brother," Callum chimed in, rising from his seat and heading for the exit. Even Elara, usually adherent to protocol, couldn't suppress her laughter, rising along with the rest

"Am I dismissing all of you?" I demanded, but they continued to walk away. "Hey!" My frustration rising, I used a swift gesture to seal the heavy iron door. Removing my helmet, I revealed my intent, my unwavering resolve.

Isodel hissed in irritation, her glare a weapon that could halt wars. Zade and Callum straightened, immediately resuming their seats. Elara appeared on the verge of tears, her distress palpable.

"It's not a joke," I exclaimed, my stance unwavering. My gaze remained locked on Isodel, the weight of my seriousness evident in my unmasked face. "I am commanding you, Isodel. The votes are four to one."

"It's not," came a soft voice. My attention shifted to Zade, usually the quietest among us. The youngest male of my inner circle, his wavering tone hinted at vulnerability.

Zade avoided my gaze, his focus fixed on the wall ahead. Only his profile was visible, the white tattoo on his face catching the light. "I agree with Isodel. It is not feasible. We're better suited for other missions now."

"Zade," I said cautiously.

Abruptly, Zade stood, Callum reaching out to steady him. Emotion rarely surfaced in Zade, indicating something beneath the surface.

"We never pursued Xaden," he spoke, and my world shattered. Xaden, Zade's brother, had been taken captive by the Empire two years ago.

Elara, ever the mediator, attempted to interject. "It was a different circumstance."

Zade challenged her. "How, Elara? How, Kaden?”

I held Zade's gaze, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. There was nothing I could say at that moment, no defense to offer.
Thus, silence became my response. Everyone dispersed after that. Zade stormed off, Isodel trailing, while Callum and Elara lingered.

"Go," I directed, my voice carrying a dismissive edge as I poured a glass of red. "Go!" The word burst from me again, accompanied by the crash of the wine glass shattering against the unyielding stone. In a fit of frustration, I turned, fully expecting to find an empty strategy room. Yet, a strange sensation lingered, as if a ghost's imprint clung to the space. Angrily, I muttered a curse under my breath and refilled my glass, sinking into a chair beside a grand window obscured by somber gray clouds.