Fates Intertwined

55. | Happy Ending

When Aurora sat down at the dining table across from Nara the next morning, clad in a pair of black jeans and a leather jacket, Nara was quirking a brow at her. "Someone's happy."

"Am I?" Aurora asked, but the smile on her face never dissipated. Then Zyran was walking in, sliding into the seat beside hers.

Lina sat beside Nara, leaning back in her seat with her arms crossed and an annoyed expression on her face. Eric sat on the other side of Nara, his head on the table.

It was late into the morning, the guests from the ball finally all went home. Madison and Ari entered the room, grinning at each other as they indulged in conversation. Ari pressed a kiss to Madison's lips before moving to take her seat near the head of the table.

Slowly, the seats to the table filled. Esme, Angel, Nikolai — who Aurora learned was Esme's husband — June, Ari's dad, Xander, and Evelyn's children, Crue and Anastasia.

It was a large dining hall, and Aurora was beginning to see why. Aside from her group, there were eight other people at the table, not including Evelyn and Oliver who had yet to make an appearance.

It wasn't long before Evelyn was storming through the doors to the dining room. "No. I don't want to hear it. I'm going to find who ruined my ball and I'm going to rip out their heart and eat it." Evelyn scowled, pointing sternly at Oliver to make sure her point made it across.

"Yeah, yeah. Sit down and I'll get you your tea." He instructed, pulling out the chair at the head of the table.

"I mean it." She glared. "They not only drugged me and everyone at my ball, they threatened my family. And I don't do well with threats against my family!" She called the last sentence over her shoulder as Oliver disappeared through the doors Aurora assumed led to the kitchen.

Evelyn slumped in her seat, glaring at the table. "Are you okay, Mom?" Crue asked, her features immediately softening.

"Yes, baby. I'm okay. Just angry." She said, running her hands through his hair and down the side of his face, her thumb rubbing his cheek.

"Here." Oliver said, setting a cup down in front of her. "Extra sweet, just how you like it."

"Oh, thank you!" She smiled at him, bringing the cup to her lips as Oliver pressed a kiss to her hairline.

"What are you doin' in my seat, missy?" Oliver teased as he lifted Ana up into his arms, making her giggle.

During her time in Evelyn's castle, Aurora was beginning to realize that Evelyn really did choose family first. She loved her family with all her might, no matter what struggles they faced.

Breakfast was served and as people gathered their plates, chatter fell easily. Laughter surrounded the room, and Aurora's heart clenched at the sight. They were all happy, despite the hardships they had faced. Because they had each other, and that was enough for them.

Aurora envied them for it. But she was also proud of Evelyn. She got her happy ending.

Nara turned to Lina, nudging her arm. "Hey, where were you last night?"

"What are you talking about? I was in the ballroom." Lina replied as she set her cup of coffee back down, confused.

"No, you weren't." Nara's face scrunched. Aurora and Zyran honed in on their conversation, Eric too lost in his pancakes to care.

"Yes. I was, Nara." Lina reiterated. "I was affected by the champagne."

"I searched the ballroom; you weren't there." Nara stated matter-of-factly.

"You must've missed me." She shrugged. "I was probably hidden under someone and you didn't see me."

"I would've noticed you, Lina. I would've seen your dress." Nara countered.

"Trust me, Nara, I was there. I was affected just like everyone else." She insisted. Nara looked like she wanted to say more, but decided against it.

Aurora glanced at Zyran and noticed him doing the same thing. They were thinking the same thing.

Lina wasn't there.

***

Aurora pulled her hair from the braid she had been wearing it in as she made her way down the hall from her bedroom. She had decided to take a walk through the gardens, so she had changed into a jean jacket and matched jeans with a random band tee.

She hadn't gotten out much, and she needed the fresh air. Plus, Evelyn had recommended the gardens, as they were her favorite place to go.

As she walked, she felt eyes on the back of her head. When she looked back, no one was there, so she turned back ahead.

The niggling feeling at the back of her head remained.

She turned back around, studying the hallway. "Hello?" No one responded. Hesitantly, she turned back around,

She grunted as she felt something hard smack against her temple, light bursting behind her eyelids before she was collapsing to the floor.

Lina stood staring down at her, a maniacal smile on her lips.