Aurora stirred reluctantly, the bright morning sunlight streaming through her window—an unwelcome alarm. Groaning, she buried her face beneath her pillow, clinging to the remnants of her dream, craving just a few more moments of peace.
In the shadows, Kol and Finn exchanged an amused glance, both chuckling softly at her determined but futile attempts to go back to sleep.
Their amusement was short-lived, however, as Elena walked into the room, her voice breaking through the morning quiet. "Aurora, get up and get ready. Stefan called—he wants us to come over."
Aurora lifted her head, blinking groggily. Confusion flickered across her face, but she didn't question it out loud. Probably about yesterday, she thought. With a resigned sigh, she muttered, "Alright, let me get dressed. I'll be ready in fifteen. This better be important." She grumbled the last part under her breath as she reluctantly rose from bed, stretching to shake off the last remnants of sleep.
Kol and Finn, who had been watching her with gentle smiles, exchanged a quick look before slipping away to give her some privacy, as they always did when she needed to change.
Aurora quickly selected a comfortable outfit, her mind drifting back to the strange events of the day before as she dressed. What could Stefan want so urgently? she wondered. She could only hope whatever it was would shed some light on the mysteries that seemed to be closing in around them.
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❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜
Elena parked her car in front of the Salvatore boarding house, and the sisters stepped out, walking toward the large front doors.
"What do you think is so important that Stefan had to call us over this early? I didn't even have the chance to eat breakfast," Aurora complained, stifling a yawn.
Elena chuckled and shook her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure Damon will cook you something."
"He'd better," Aurora muttered under her breath as they reached the door. Elena knocked, and only seconds later, the door swung open to reveal Damon with a signature smirk.
"Hello, Elena. Rory." He sent Aurora a quick wink.
"God, I hate his face," Kol muttered, rolling his eyes in disgust. Beside him, Finn smirked, actually agreeing with his brother for once.
"Damon," Aurora greeted dryly, brushing past him as she stepped inside. He draped an arm around her shoulders, ignoring her cool response.
"How's my wifey doing this morning?" he teased, ignoring the annoyed look she shot him.
"Hands off!" Kol and Finn practically growled, their glares sharp as they took in Damon's arm around Aurora.
Aurora rolled her eyes, pushing Damon's arm away. "I'm nobody's 'wifey,' and I'm certainly not yours," she said, her tone laced with disgust.
