Aurora's eyes flicked open, and she found herself sitting up in an unfamiliar bed. She rubbed her eyes with her hand and stretched her body, letting out a cute yawn before taking a moment to get her bearings.
The first thing she noticed was that her body felt different, surprisingly good. It was a stark contrast to the constant pain she was accustomed to. No aches, no bruises, no pain at all.
She gingerly examined her body, marveling at the absence of the usual marks. This newfound change felt both strange and wonderful.
However, like a lightning bolt, the memory of the previous day came rushing back. She quickly realized that she wasn't in her own room, although she wouldn't admit it in public, her room was filled with giant pink teddy bears.
But this room looked different, it was very plain. A wave of realization washed over her, and her eyes widened as she recalled the events from the day before.
She quickly jumped up from the bed, checking the time immediately, she saw it was already passed 8.
'No!' Panic set in as she screamed inwardly, realizing that she was running late. She dashed to the door, flinging it open, and stepped into the living room where Atticus and Ember were sitting at the table.
Their gazes turned toward her as she entered. Aurora immediately smelt the scent of food in the air making stomach growl loudly.
She quickly placed her hand over her mouth and cleared her throat awkwardly, her cheeks turning beet red.
Atticus, looking somewhat amused by her predicament, broke the silence. "Come sit and eat," he said.
Aurora hesitated for a moment, her internal struggle evident on her face, "I can't, I have to leave. Dad will be waiting for me," she replied hurriedly, while walking towards the door, her body slightly trembling as if foreseeing what she would go through because she was late.
"Aurora," Atticus, who had remained seated, called her name. Aurora stopped and turned to look at him.
His voice was serious as he said, "Aurora, if you don't want to, then don't do it. You're the owner of your own life. Walk out that door, and I'll never interfere in this matter again."
His words struck a chord within Aurora. She had not known Atticus well, but the seriousness in his expression and the sincerity in his voice were undeniable, she instinctively knew, 'He's serious, he'll really leave,'
Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued to gaze at him.
Atticus was completely serious about never interfering again if she leaves. He had already stepped out of his usual disposition to intervene in her life, and if she chose to turn away from his help, then why should he bother trying to help her?
As Aurora locked eyes with Atticus, the situation grew increasingly serious. But then, the sound of silent chewing disrupted the tense atmosphere, Ember was entirely engrossed in her meal not caring one bit about the situation unfolding.
Honestly, Aurora's situation might sound pitiful, but frankly, she doesn't care.
The subtle sound of Ember eating seemed to relieve the tension. Atticus's serious look seemed to crack as a subtle chuckle escaped his lips, and he couldn't help but shake his head at this silent beauty.
Aurora also seemed to relax, but it didn't last long as Atticus spoke again. "So what will you decide?" he asked, regaining his serious look.
Aurora turned her gaze downward, her face showing as if she was going through an internal dilemma. After a few seconds, she looked up and gazed at Atticus.
Something about his look made her decision more reassuring. She nodded with determination, but her shaking hands betrayed how much turmoil she was currently going through.
Atticus nodded back with a small smile and gestured to a seat at the table. Aurora walked towards it and sat down beside Ember, who was still eating without a care in the world.
Atticus placed a plate of food in front of her and went to sit down himself, starting to eat.
Aurora watched as they both ate, seemingly unbothered and carefree. She turned her gaze to the food in front of her and thought, 'It looks so good.'
With the hellish training she went through every day, she rarely had the luxury of savoring the taste of her meals. The pain in her body often overshadowed any enjoyment of food.
She stretched her hand and grabbed a spoon, scooping a spoonful of the food. As it entered her mouth, it was immediately bombarded with delicious taste.
She took another spoonful and kept eating, not realizing when tears started streaming from her eyes. Atticus watched her without saying anything, releasing a small sigh, and continued eating.
Once they were done eating, Atticus turned his gaze to Aurora, who had already stopped crying. She also turned to face him, her eyes still puffy.
"I'm not going to mince my words," Atticus began. "Your father is foolish for treating you that way."
His words made Aurora clench her fist. Despite her father's terrible treatment, he was still her father.
Atticus noticed her reaction but ignored it. He continued, "I'm sure you already know, but the reason why he's like that is because he's trying to take down the main family."
Aurora's eyes widened; Atticus was being incredibly direct. Most people would avoid this delicate topic, but Atticus seemed determined to be blunt.
"I'm sure you already know why he's trying to do that, so I don't have to go there. Here's the thing, Aurora: you're going to have to make a choice. The main family is standing in the way of your father's revenge, so he's trying to get rid of us, no matter the cost."
Aurora's hand clenched harder as she understood the implication of those words, 'no matter the cost,' even if it meant sacrificing his own daughter.
"You can either keep doing what he wants and keep suffering or simply don't. You're in the camp, you're a trainee; he can't do anything to you here. So you have three years to figure out what you want to do. I won't force you to do anything; this is entirely your choice. But if you choose the latter, despite how cringe this sounds, I will offer you my protection."