The cold within..

She hesitated at the threshold, her heart racing. His cold, distant presence made her feel even smaller than she already was. She twisted the fabric of the shirt between her fingers, unsure of what to say.

“If you want to die so badly,” Damien’s voice cut through the stillness of the room like a blade, “why not jump off your balcony? Why torment yourself in my maze?”

Aurora froze where she stood, his cold words slicing through her like the rain had earlier. The shame washed over her as quickly as the tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip, trying to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Her heart raced with fear and regret, and the soft dawn light that streamed into the room felt harsh and unforgiving against the rawness of her emotions.

“I—I didn’t mean to…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I just wanted to understand…”

“Understand what?” Damien turned slowly from the balcony, his dark gaze locking onto her tear-filled eyes. His face was impassive, though something deep