NOVEMBER.

It is interesting how in only one second life can change its course. It happened to me when I first saw him—frozen in ice! I thought I had never seen anything more beautiful in my whole life. Like a perfect iced sculpture, made from the greatest hands, this unreal creature left me breathless. For who knows how long I was observing his stillness and his capability to not make a single move. His firm muscles were tensed, his fascinated face was frowning, and his magical dark-brown eyes were flickering fire—I also thought he wasn’t alive!

Suddenly, I was amazed seeing him shivering. I was amazed watching the sunrays playing with his aura. I was amazed watching ice melting from his wonderful skin—crystals of ice becoming the small drops of pure water, dripping from his body. I was amazed witnessing his return to life—and I was terrified when he met my gaze!

I froze immediately. My muscles were blocked, unable to move. Though the will was there, I was paralyzed. His breathing quickened while mine slowed. His movements were real—mine weren’t! Has he allured me in order to take my life? Was that the end? Was that all? I couldn’t figure the answer out; I was interrupted.

Please, please—was that my mind pleading? Please, help – was that my imagination? Please—I heard a numb sound and realized that the living sculpture wasn’t in my view anymore. The blood rushed too fast through my body as my life returned to me. I was able to move now. I was in control of my body again. The first thing that flashed through my mind was an urge to run. As soon as my feet obeyed, I stumbled and fell hard on the cold, frozen ground. I thought of the end again. Still, I fell beside him, beside the flame in his burning eyes. It took me a few moments to gather myself when I realized that he was shivering so hard, whispering pleading words I heard only seconds before.

I forgot about my pain as I stood up at once. He needed me. He needed my help – I couldn’t ignore that! The sun was rising higher in the sky, but the air was still fresh and there was no one around. My body reacted better than my mind, since I found my arms holding his frozen body as we tried to walk.

He was too weak; he barely moved while his whole being was out of control. I couldn’t leave him there, but my car was too far. I looked around, and there was nothing beside the forest. It was getting a little warmer, but still his skin was too cold to touch.

“What’s your name?” I asked, but he couldn’t respond. “Look,” I continued, “I need you to help me. I need you to walk with me to my car. I can’t do it alone! So please, just try…” I asked as if I were saying a prayer. I was scared – not for my life, but for his. I sensed his will, his strength to fight for his own life. His body was firmer. His hand that surrounded my body wasn’t heavy but strong. I wanted to help him even more, as if he meant something to me.

I took my warm jacket off and wrapped around him the best way I could. Then, I took out my gilet from the backpack and remembered the warm tea I made earlier. I made him drink it all. It seemed that he was dehydrated. He was still shivering, but he was able to move now. He held my body as well as I held his, and we moved synchronized. All the way down we never stopped, although it was sometimes too hard for him to walk. He was brave, and I was surprised how far we came.

“Only a few more minutes and we’ll be there. Please, hang on!” I tried my best to encourage him, but he never responded. The only thing I felt was his flaming stare, as if there were a desire in it. His body was weak, but his spirit was strong. I saw that strength in his gaze. Still, it never occurred to me that maybe he was not a good man. Maybe this was all part of his act to get what he wants—whatever that was.

However, one thing bothered me even more—what was he doing here in the middle of nowhere all alone? I knew this mountain too well, and there was no civilization around—at all!

“Here,” I said when we were finally able to see my car.

It seemed to me that his feet accelerated his pace, and it seemed to me that he used all of the strength he had left. I settled his body on the passenger seat and covered him with my jacket. The heat was at the maximum, and the shivering almost stopped, but there was no response from him anymore. I tried my best to keep him awake, but his eyelids seemed too heavy to stay opened. They fell down and hid his dark brown-colored eyes.

I couldn’t do much. The nearest hospital, the nearest civilization, was at least an hour’s ride, and I couldn’t call anyone—the phone was out of reach. His even breathing consoled me. I hoped he would make it—good or bad, I hoped he would survive! Suddenly his voice startled me.

“Thank you,” he managed to say those words through the rough but quiet voice.

“Just hold on a little more. I’m taking you to the nearest hospital,” I said as my hand touched his.

“No,” he whispered barely, “no hospitals!”

“But you …”

“No hospitals!” I was interrupted with a firmer, still quiet tone.

“But, but…” he shook his head while I was speechless. Immediately his eyelids fell again, and he was out of consciousness.

“What should I do now?” I asked when I gathered my thoughts. I observed him more closely. He never seemed like a prisoner, or so I thought, since he was wearing the finest clothes and he was so neat and clean.

“Just drive,” he barely answered, although it was a rhetorical question.

“But… where?” I was in a great shock.

He never responded again. I tried to think, but it was a mess inside of my head. If he were in danger, then I should help him! I could go to the police, but they would put him in a hospital. I couldn’t do that! On the other hand, if I don’t do something, he could die! The only thing I could think of was to take him to Roran—but Ror would kill me!

It took me a few long moments to convince myself that I was not a completely insane person, that my brother would understand when I explained everything to him. I didn’t want death for my passenger. He seemed terrified when I suggested the hospital. I really couldn’t do that! Ror could help him. He was indeed one of the best doctors in our area, so I made my decision thinking everything thoroughly.

I lost track of time. It was maybe an hour later when I drew up to Roran’s private clinic—HOPE. It was what I needed at that moment—hope.

“Ror, I need your help a.s.a.p.” I ran screaming into the clinic. “What happened?” Roran was right beside me.

“There’s a man in my car. I found him on the mountain. He could freeze to death if you don’t help him.” My voice was too excited with panic, and I realized that the shock overwhelmed my body.

“Breathe,” he said to me while he went with his assistants outside.

They were acting fast, since it was only moments after I had realized the pale-blue color of his cracked skin. His lips were almost purple. His eyes shut with the blue eyelids. He was covered with some kind of silver cover. I couldn’t do much. I only stood there, again frozen. Fear possessed me.

**********************************************************************************************

“Are you insane?” Roran roared when I told him everything. I couldn’t blame him. I doubted my judgment.

“I asked myself the same question a few times,” I confessed. “I’m calling the cops.” He was furious.

“No,” I shouted, “no, you can’t!”

“I have to, Aurora. It is my duty as a medical doctor to report everything suspicious. Besides, he doesn’t even have identifications with him. Maybe he was robbed.” His voice was calmer now.

“Whatever,” I still shouted. “I don’t want the police.”

“Okay, but explain this to me. Who will pay all the costs and how could I explain his death?”

The cold sweat covered my body. His death… I gasped. I panicked. My heart accelerated. My eyes were blurry, and I remember Roran caught my body. I don’t remember much after.

Some strange and strong smell brought me to life again. I saw Roran in front of me smiling. I was confused. “You are too stubborn, Aurora.” His face was friendly now. His sky–blue eyes meeting mine while he continued. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Is he…” I couldn’t finish my question.

“He’s better now,” Roran admitted. “He’s sleeping and he won’t die! Though his body suffered much. He is exhausted. He will need some time to recover, but he will be fine!”

I felt relief. The smile showed on my face, and Roran chuckled.

“You’re really insane, Aurora,” he said as he shook his head. “Too many novels…” Roran laughed again. “Okay,” he continued. “Just think—what if this hero of yours is married or engaged or has a girlfriend looking for him? What then?”

“Then… She will have to pay all the costs.” I was angry while Roran only laughed.

“Listen,” he said carefully, “I will not inform anyone about this! He was transferred in a separate room, so for now there is no danger. However, if he does anything…” I met his treating gaze. “I will call the police!”

“Fair enough,” I said. “Thank you.”

“I hope I won’t regret this.” He rolled his eyes as he laughed more to himself.

“You won’t, I promise!” I rose from the chair and hugged Ror so strongly—he gasped.

“What am I going to do with you, Aurora?” He asked again while he held me.

I sighed.

“Can I go see him now?” My question was insecure.

“Sure.” Roran smiled. “After all, he doesn’t have anyone else!” “Thank you, Roran. I mean it!” I said and left in a hurry.

**********************************************************************************************

It was already late afternoon when I entered the yellow-green room where he was lying. His eyes were still shut, and his breathing was even. He was sleeping calmly. I touched his hand and I felt warm skin under my fingers. I felt relief.

My gaze was tracing his beauty. His brown hair was cut short. His dark–brown eyes were hidden behind the long eyelashes. His nose was straight and flawless. His lips were more reddish now—I retained my gaze a little longer on them. He wasn’t shaved, but his unshaved face looked so good on him. His body was long—he was tall. His shoulders were strong, his hands firm. I could tell he took good care of himself.

“You know, he will sleep all night,” Roran interrupted my discovery. “You should go home and get some sleep as well.”

“I will,” I whispered. “Give me a minute here.”

“Okay,” he said as he stepped outside the room.

“You will be safe here,” I whispered. “Don’t worry! I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.”

I turned one more time before I left the room. Afterwards, I left the clinic and went straight home. I was truly insane. I never wanted to leave him there, all alone, but he was in the best hands and nobody could find him there. My brother would protect him. We share the same heart of sympathy for those who needed help—the same heart our parents shared.

My mind was so occupied that I didn’t even notice the darkness outside. I remembered his frozen sculpture in the forest—it gave me goosebumps all over my body. What happened? Why was he there all alone? Was there anybody looking for him? What exactly happened? I was horrified.

As I came home, I felt exhaustion took over me. I only had enough strength to take a shower before I went to bed. I fell asleep instantly. Only the dreams were intimidating.

I was dreaming of his beautiful frozen face over and over again. I dreamt that I failed. I dreamt that I wasn’t able to save him. I dreamt that somebody chased me there. I dreamt that I froze, and then I woke up.

**********************************************************************************************

The very next day Roran informed me that his patient would be sleeping all day and that it would be better for me to work since it was warmer outside, so I obeyed.

I went into the mountains—the place where I found him! I tried to continue with my research, but my mind wondered. Instead, I was trying to find some evidence, anything that would help me clear this situation. I needed answers, but I couldn’t find a thing until I heard a strange sound. It was a sound of footsteps. It wouldn’t be so strange, but man’s foot rarely crossed this path. I heard voices of two men. Maybe there were more of them; I wasn’t sure. I knew I would be in danger, so I found a shelter in one small hidden cave.

“You think he’s dead?” One firm voice spoke.

“No.” The other voice was sharper. “We would’ve found his body utill now.”

“But this mountain is too big,” the first one said.

“No,” a sharp voice responded. “He’s somewhere around.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. We lost him somewhere here. He was close to death. He couldn’t survive alone.”

“But where could he be?” The first man asked in wonder.

“I’m sure we’ll find him. It’s impossible that he disappeared. He is here somewhere. I could feel his presence!”

Feel his presence? Who are these men? Why are they looking for him—why are they talking about his death? I shivered. I heard an echo then.

It was someone’s shouting.

“Let’s go,” Fist Man said. “It seems that they found something.”

“I will stay,” said a voice from another man. “Something about this place…” he paused. “I think there’s something here.”

I stopped breathing. I was convinced that he felt my presence as well. The voice of that man was so close to my shelter—I heard his breathing. So, I never moved. I never made a sound. I only closed my eyes hoping I would wake up from this nightmare.

“No,” the first one ordered, “we can’t separate! The phone is dead here. Besides, maybe they found his body. If not, we could always come back. And you know that he’s stronger than we are. We cannot separate! It’s too dangerous; he’s too dangerous!”

“I wish we killed him when we had our chance!”

The blood froze in my veins.

“But we never actually had one,” responded the first man. There was a sigh.

“All right, let’s go then,” the second man finally agreed.

I felt relief. As they were running away, my body was in a greater shock than before. Only then did I realize that they could have killed me as well—or worse!

As soon as I was sure that they were no longer a threat to me, I sneaked out and ran toward my car. I heard their shouting through the whole forest. I knew that they were far away, but my body was cautious, creeps constantly crawling all over my skin. I was fast. I found myself next to the car when I heard their voices closer than I thought. I did not think. I went straight into my car, started an engine, and accelerated at full speed. I had a new car—an SUV—so the engine was quiet, but I knew I left the tracks of the tires behind. I knew they would notice that someone was there. Still, I couldn’t look back. The more I accelerated, the more scared I became.

When I finally got on the road, I slowed down. I toss a look in my review mirror and see no one. I noticed a few cars from another direction, but my car was so muddy they couldn’t even see my registration numbers. However, I was afraid. I speeded again and took a longer way home. I thought, if someone followed, they would lose me.

As I got into the town, I circled around before I got into the parking garage. I went to a car wash service to clean my car. I was too muddy myself, but I couldn’t care less. I changed my heavy boots into sneakers and took my jacket off. It didn’t take them long to wash the mud from the car, but I was paranoid that someone noticed. That someone would tell…

When I finally convinced myself that I wasn’t in danger anymore, I headed home. I parked my car in the garage—something that I almost never did—and locked myself into the house. I even put the chair under the knob, as it would help.

I wanted so bad to go visit him in a clinic, but I knew I could put him in danger. Instead, I called Ror and was relieved when he said that his patient was still sleeping. Roran also told me that his patient was stable and that he would spend the night there. I did not tell him about my day—he would have killed me. Instead, I said I was too tired. And I was! I took a shower—it was all I needed. I headed to bed, but I couldn’t sleep. My mind was occupied with the conversation I heard in the mountains between the two men.

When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt of those nightmares again. I dreamt of his frozen face. I dreamt of those men chasing me. I tried to run, but I was also frozen. It was horrible, and I looked like a mess when I woke up…

It was already morning, and I didn’t have time for anything. I dressed myself in jeans and a shirt and took my jacket on the way out. I left in a hurry.

I drew so fast—maybe even too fast—since my foot was constantly accelerating the speed. Nothing else mattered in that moment. I only wanted to see him and his beautiful face. I only wanted to make myself sure that he was alright.

As I reached the clinic, my brother was still there. I saw his parked car. I sped up my pace, almost running when I stepped into his room. It was empty. I looked around and found nothing. I knew Roran would’ve called me if something went wrong. He would! But what if those men found him? Or what if he ran away and nobody noticed? What if he gets hurt again? What then?

My brother interrupted my thoughts while he entered the room. “Where is he?” I gasped.

“He’s fine.” Roran smiled. “I transferred him to a bigger room since I’ve spent the night here. I was expecting you. He woke up a few times, looking for the heavenly blue-eyed woman. I assume he was looking for you,” Roran chuckled.

“Yes, well. “I was confused a little. “Where is he?”

“Upstairs. He is in a room right next to my office. Go ahead,” he encouraged me.

I ran again. I couldn’t wait to see him. But what would I tell him? I didn’t know him at all. I didn’t even know his name. Tough, this was a different situation—I saved his life. We were somehow connected now.

I stood in front of the room not knowing what to do next. However, I took a deep breath and turned the doorknob before I stepped in.

He was there sleeping—or so I thought! I was relieved with the sound of his even breathing and with the picture of the pink color his skin possessed. I came closer to the bed and reached for his tattooed hand. He was warmer than I was. It almost felt like a fire on the ice. His muscles moved and he held my hand as well. I froze immediately; my eyes locked on our hands. I felt his burning gaze, but I wasn’t brave enough to look up. I wasn’t brave enough to confront him.

“Good morning,” he murmured. “I don’t know how to thank you. I’ll repay you somehow!”

“You don’t have to repay me! What happened? Are you alright?” My eyes finally met his. It all came back to me. I was still in shock.

“I am alright now, thanks to you!” He smiled as he took my hand closer to his chest. All blood rushed again through my body, but this time it was from excitement.

“Who are you?” I asked him more calmly. “How did you end up there?”

“Long story…” He said.

“What happened?” I protested.

“You’ve said I don’t have to repay you!” He smiled as I looked at him with seriousness in my gaze. He sighed. “Are you always this serious?”

“What happened?” I demanded.

“They tried to kill me…” He only responded.

“Who tried to kill you? Was it the police?” I felt excited again. I remembered those men from the woods, and I knew that they weren’t the police.

“No,” he smiled, still exhausted. “I’m not a criminal. Don’t worry!”

“But who are you then? Why didn’t you let me take you to the hospital?” I was intrigued.

“Still, you disobeyed,” he laughed.

“But you’re not in the hospital.”

“I know. Ror... The doctor—your brother told me.”

“But why didn’t you let me take you to the hospital?” I asked again.

“Because they would expect me there,” he answered shortly.

“Who tried to kill you, and why won’t you tell me what is going on?” I demanded again. I was still excited from the day before.

“Because you would be in danger—” he said as I interrupted.

“I am already in danger, so…” I looked at him in order to see the obvious expectation on my face.

“What do you mean?” he insisted with a slight of panic hiding in his voice. Maybe he read my mind.

“I mean, I found you and maybe somebody saw us!” I lied. I wanted to tell him that they were looking for him, but I knew it would only make him worse. I knew that if I told him what I discovered, he would leave. I couldn’t handle that.

“No one was there when you found me, and I can’t put you in greater danger than you are right now,” he sighed through a tired breath. It took him more time to collect his thoughts.

“Look,” I said in a more determined voice, “I could’ve easily left you there!”

“Why didn’t you?” he asked as I looked at him. “I know I owe you a lot,” he said with a gentle tone, “but that is why I don’t want to put you in danger!”

I didn’t respond right away. He didn’t know I was there yesterday. I promised myself not to tell him anything until he was better. There were so many questions in my head colliding, but not a single answer. I was furious because my curiosity wasn’t satisfied.

“Of course, I could never leave you there! What do you think of me?” I asked madly. I was frustrated with those men.

“If only you knew…” He smiled.

We were silent for a while, but I felt the dark-brown color analyzing my whole body, especially my face. I was comfortable with that. I was comfortable with his presence. I even tossed a hidden glance toward his direction, and I was stunned. He was pure perfection. The sun mirrored his perfection. As if it wanted him close. Almost the same desire I had! I was surprised with myself, with the feelings I already had!

“What were you doing there?” He asked me couriously.

“Where…” I asked in a shock. I didn’t know how he knew where I was yesterday.

“Up there in the mountains where you found me,” he interrupted.

“Oh,” I sighed in relief. “I was working. At least I was trying,” I laughed a little. “I’m a biologist. Botany is my specialty, and I do research a lot. The North/Nord Mountain is currently my working area. I spend a lot of time there.”

“Alone?” He asked with worry.

“Yes, most of the time,” I answered in wonder since I work there over a decade.

“What’s your name?” He changed the subject.

“As if you don’t already know,” I noticed.

“However, I want to hear it from you. So,” he paused, “what is your name?”

“What is your name?” I sort of answered.

“You are stubborn.” He smiled as I nod with a grin. “So, I’ve been told. Well?” I waited.

“Well, I am Jaden!” He smiled.

“Jaden…” I repeated.

“And yours?” Jaden asked.

“Aurora!” I answered.

“Aurora,” he smiled, “like a sleeping beauty?”

“So, you’re fond of fairytales?” I laughed.

“Aren’t you?” he asked.

“Sort of,” I admitted. “But I’m no sleeping beauty. I’m more like an aurora borealis.”

“Beautiful,” he said. “Have you seen it?”

“No, not yet.” There was a disguised melancholy in my tone. “What about you?”

“I’ve seen—or better say experienced—it a few times!”

“Really, you really saw it?” I was too excited at the time.

“Yes, it is something amazing.” “Indescribable and beautiful,” he said, looking at me with a piercing fire in his eyes. I thought he was scanning me thoroughly.

“I can only imagine,” I sighed.

“Is there something special about it?” he noticed.

“Yeah,” I said through another sigh. “My mother gave me the name Aurora since my father was in Norway when I was born. It was late November, and when he was there, the aurora borealis was visible. He was running an expedition, but they never came back, and we’ve never discovered what happened there…”

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Aurora.” He touched my shoulder gently with the other hand. “But it suits you!”

“Thank you.” I was still unsatisfied with the desire to find out what really happened to him. I was unsatisfied since I couldn’t tell him what happened to me. I wanted to tell him everything so badly. I wanted to know what he was thinking. I wanted to know everything about him, but I couldn’t ask that anymore. I noticed that I feel safe around him.

“Where will you go after you recover completely?” I really wasn’t good in conversations, so I looked down on our hands, mine still in his. “You know,” I hesitated, “you almost died. You should stay here at least a few more days!”

“I will. I need to gather my strength back.” His burning gaze met mine. “After that, I will figure something out. Eventually, I’ll need to go home.”

I nod since it was understandable. There was a brief silence before my question. “Where is your home?” I asked with a piercing stare.

“Close enough,” he answered smiling.

“Is there somebody looking for you? Should I contact someone?” I held my breath. I did not want to find out if he had someone special waiting for his return. I attached to Jaden too quickly, but that was just like me.

“No,” he answered in a flat tone. “I need to clear my head. I can’t deal with anything or anyone right now!”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.“ I pulled my hand out. “I will leave so you can rest.”

“I didn’t mean you, Aurora!” Jaden laughed as he reached for my hand. “You’re more than welcome here.”

“Who are you?” I asked.

“I can’t tell you that. It’s for your own good.” His fiery eyes pierced mine again. I froze for a brief moment. Did he know? “Can I ask you one more thing?” Jaden was still staring at me.

“I’m not the one who’s holding the answers,” I responded. I lied.

“The doctor…”

“What about him?” My voice was cheerful.

“He is your brother?”

“Yes, as you already know. Why?”

“Well –”

“Hello. I need to check my patient if you don’t mind.” We were interrupted by Ror.

“You scared me.“ I pulled my hand out quickly this time, as if I were ashamed.

“I scared you? C’mon. She’s fearless, you know!” He was now referring to Jaden.

“So, I’ve noticed.” They both laughed.

However, I was pretty scared. The only problem was that I couldn’t share my fear with anyone—at least not yet!

“Well?” Roran was looking at me as he was expecting something. “Well, what?” I asked, confused.

“Can you give us a minute, Aurora? I need to examine Jaden.” Roran was talking slowly as if I were a child who couldn’t understand a simple demand.

“Sure,” I said through my teeth. “I’ll go eat something.”

“You haven’t had breakfast yet?” Jaden asked.

“No,” I said while I closed the door behind me. “No, I haven’t,” I whispered to myself.

I entered a few times after Roran examined Jaden, only to find out that he was sleeping. I went home when Ror informed me that Jaden would be firmly sleeping at least for a couple of hours. I decided to work. Research was exactly what I needed. For me, there wasn’t any better way to relax completely. Plants were sometimes my best friends. Although I was concentrated on my work, the image of frozen Jaden kept appearing in front of my eyes. I couldn’t figure how he managed to escape and how he survived.

I was torturing myself constantly with a picture of Jaden captured in ice when I woke up. Since I fell asleep over my desk, my whole body ached. My eyes needed a moment to adjust to the darkness outside. I didn’t think much. I only grabbed my jacket and headed to the clinic. I needed to see Jaden.

When I stepped into his room, it seemed as if he were expecting me. The smile covered his fascinated face, and I smiled back sincerely. I was moved.

“Hello,” he said as he stretched his arm to reach mine. “I was really hoping to see you again!”

I moved closer to him and sat on the bed while I gave him what he wanted—my hand was already in his. He sat up straight this time, and his body was closer to mine. I felt his minty breath overwhelming me. The air was suddenly warmer. I felt the heat between us.

“How are you feeling?” I asked. “Better, thank you. And you?” “Me?” I asked, confused.

“Yes, you. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. I presented you with quite a show the other day and I am sincerely sorry!”

“Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong.”

“I remembered how I scared you there.”

“It was nothing. The only thing that matters now is your health. You almost… froze.” I wasn’t able to say the word “die.” This word was too hard for me to handle.

“I barely remember how you carried me. You are so tiny and gentle; you look so fragile, yet you had enough strength to carry me, to save me… I owe you my life, Aurora!” Jaden moved even closer as he took my head in his hands. The tears showed in my eyes and were now running down my face. He took me in his arms as I broke. We were both in great shock. We both realized what could’ve happened. “I’m sorry,” he whispered a few times as I shook my head.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I cried. I know you should rest,” I said through a fake laugh as I pulled away from his embrace.

“Don’t be sorry,” Jaden said as he gently touched my cheek. I blushed.

“Look,” I said, “you need to get some sleep. I should go now, but I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Okay,” he said. “You look tired! Get some rest and if this is too stressful for you, then… then don’t come…”

“No,” I interrupted with almost a scream, “I will come. It’s not… I’ll be here!” I was upset with the thought of never seeing him again. “Do you need anything?” I asked with a calmer voice as I stood up. He took my hand in his again.

“No, thank you. I have everything I need. Don’t worry!” His smile was bright.

We looked at each other for a long moment. Something was pulling us closer—if “closer” was a proper word.

Something alluring was tempting me. There was something about him. Something deep and pure.

“Good night,” I whispered at the same time Roran came into the room.

“Good night,” he said back as I was stepping outside, holding my tears. I was too scared for both of us, and I needed a good cry out.

“She will heal you better than I,” Ror chuckled along with Jaden as the door closed behind me.

I cried all the way home, as if something possessed me. When I got inside my house, I took a long shower. Jaden was right. I was too tired now, and I needed a rest. As soon as I dried my hair, I went to bed and fell asleep instantly. Except, this time I haven’t had the nightmares—I guess I was too tired for those, too.