Aurora's Gambit: Defying Destiny

Chapter 24

Resist

Aurora's POV

Malapit ng matapos ang tugtog ng waltz na sinasayaw namin ngunit nanatili pa rin ang tensyon sa pagitan namin. 

As the orchestra's final note lingered in the air, I felt his grip loosen, his hand slowly drifting from my waist. His mismatched eyes held mine for a beat longer than necessary as if he were reluctant to let this moment slip away so soon. And yet, he stepped back smoothly, offering the smallest, knowing smirk.

"A shame this ends here," he murmured, his voice a low hum. "But I suppose... all games must have their pauses. Til our next game, Miss Kinara."

Kanina ko pa napapansin na Kinara ang pangalan na tinatawag niya sa akin at hindi na ako nagulat pa do'n.

He's rich, and I bet he is also powerful. Knowing my details is easy for him. I trust he won't reveal my identity to others, though. 

Before I could respond, a new presence approached.

"A dance, my lady?"

Isang lalaki, maayos ang kasuotan, at tila walang kamalay-malay sa tensyong namamagitan sa amin ang nag-abot ng kanyang kamay sa akin. His mask, trimmed with silver and blue, was ornate but not nearly as intriguing as the unreadable gaze of the man I had just danced with.

I parted my lips to decline, uninterested in entertaining anyone else tonight, but before I could speak, a hand rested lightly on my waist again.

"She's already taken this evening,"  the mystery man said smoothly, his voice unwavering. There was no forcefulness, no demand. Just quiet finality. The weight of it was enough to make the man hesitate.

Bahagyang tumaas ang kilay ng lalaki sa gulat bago marahang tumango. "My apologies, I was unaware."

"No harm done," the mystery man replied, his tone polite but firm. His grip never wavered.

The nobleman took a step back and disappeared into the crowd, but not without a lingering glance, curiosity evident in his gaze. It didn't take much to read his thoughts. He had assumed I was simply another pretty guest, but now he was questioning whether I was something more.

Bahagya kong itinagilid ang ulo ko para tingnan ang lalaking nakakapit ngayon sa baywang ko. "Did you have to do that?"

Lalong lumalim ang kanyang pilyong ngiti. "Would you have preferred otherwise?"

Huminga ako nang malalim, sinusubukang balewalain ang init ng kanyang presensya, na tila masyadong malapit kaysa dapat. "You enjoy interfering, don't you?"

His grip finally slid away as he took a measured step back. "Only when it's interesting."

Before I could respond, a sudden shift in the room's energy sent a chill down my spine.

Narinig ko na lang ang mga taong nagsisigawan sa takot.

Gunshots rang out, shattering the elegance of the masquerade in an instant. The orchestra's melody was drowned by chaos as masked figures infiltrated the ballroom, moving with deadly precision. Glass shattered. Guests screamed. The scent of burning candles and aged wine was now tainted with panic and blood.

Instinct took over.

Mabilis akong yumuko at iniiwasan ang isang bala na tatama na sana sa akin. That bullet was sure targeting me. Pero bakit?

What the heck is happening?

Lumingon lingon ako, sinisiyasat ang kaguluhang nangyayari. Hindi ito nabanggit sa orihinal na nobela. Why would the novel kill its protagonist anyway? It would not make sense. Yes the novel mentioned Kinara being always on the brink of death because of Maverick's enemies pero wala akong naaalalang inambush si Kinara kahit isang beses. It was all Maverick and Lucian who's always dealing with guns.