Chapter 99

Augustus Confession

LAURA's POV

As I lay there in bed, still recovering from the explosion, I felt a presence beside me. Augustus had been standing near, ever since I woke up, checking on me and ensuring that I was comfortable. His silence wasn’t like him though, and I noticed the way he seemed lost in thought. Scarlet had left the room a few moments ago, leaving us alone. The quietness hung in the air like a heavy blanket.

I shifted in bed, trying to find a more comfortable position. My muscles still ached from the blast, and the vision of my mother was fresh in my mind. I hadn't told Augustus about the trance or the conversation I had with her. Some things were too personal to share, even with someone as close as he had become.

Suddenly, Augustus broke the silence.

"Laura," he began, his voice soft but strained, "there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. And I can’t hold it in anymore. I... I care about you, deeply."

I looked at him, puzzled at first, wondering where he was