Chapter 44

• Aurora POV
• After we’ve cleaned ourselves up, Killian slips out with barely a word, already drifting back to whatever critical business calls to him. I stare at the closed door, feeling oddly hollow, then push myself to do the same. For once, I have actual work, real assignments, meaningful documents, things that could actually affect the future of the company or the pack. Not the endless busywork meant to keep me out of trouble, not the mind-numbing chores designed to waste my time and keep me small.
• I always thought I wanted this, real responsibility, something that meant more than just being a shadow. But as I spread the papers out across the desk, it hits me how heavy this all is. Maybe this is a test, or maybe he genuinely thinks I can handle it. I don’t know which is worse. I do the work, surprising myself, but it leaves a strange emptiness behind. I finish the last page and sigh, wondering if I ever wanted this at all, or if it was just another dream meant to keep me hopeful.