160: New family

Aurora’s POV

The palace was quiet, shrouded in the stillness of the night. After a long day of dealing with court politics and the aftermath of Alexander’s betrayal, I found myself unable to sleep.

Hunger gnawed at me, and I decided to make my way to the kitchen for a late-night snack.

The corridors were dimly lit, and the soft padding of my footsteps echoed off the stone walls. As I approached the kitchen, I heard the faint clink of glass and hushed murmurs.

Pushing the door open gently, I was surprised to see Lilian sitting at the kitchen island, a bottle of whiskey in front of her. Her usually composed face was flushed, her movements unsteady as she poured herself another glass.

"Li?" I called softly, my concern mounting. Lilian, Caden’s daughter and my best friend, looked almost drunk, a state I had rarely seen her in.

She looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Aurora?" she slurred, trying to focus on me. "Is it really you?"

I rushed to her side, my heart racing with worry.