Chapter 5

My senses were slowly disappearing as I lay in a pool of blood and pain.

Memories of Damian and me flashed through my mind like scenes from a movie.

The first time we met, I charged at him like an angry little pup, and he easily subdued me. The first time I was overwhelmed by his Alpha scent, I was lost in him completely.

The shy morning after we first spent the night together. The gentle way he held me during stormy nights. The nights he stayed up taking care of me when I was sick. How I secretly prepared for the bonding ceremony, filled with hope and excitement…

Every memory was so clear, every detail carved deep into my memory.

But in the end, all those beautiful moments were shattered by reality.

My last memory froze on that final scene. He shielded Clara without hesitation, while I was left pinned beneath the falling rack.

So that was how things were. When it truly mattered, his instincts would always drive him to protect her, not me.

Through the haze, I heard the wail of an ambulance, Clara's sobbing, and Damian's panicked shouting.

But none of it seemed to matter anymore.

Then, everything faded to black.

When I woke, it was already noon the next day. The hospital ward was quiet except for the steady beeping of machines.

"You're finally awake!" The nurse let out a sigh of relief. "You took a blow to the head, but luckily, your life isn't in danger."

I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my whole body. My left shoulder was especially painful. Slowly, everything came back. It felt like last night's events had just happened.

Then, I heard familiar voices through a thin curtain.

"It's all my fault. If only I'd reacted faster..." Clara's voice was thick with tears and guilt as she sobbed.

"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself," Damian said, his voice gentler than I had ever heard. "You've always had a weak constitution. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still save you first."

That sentence was like a blade, cutting deep into my heart.

Even if he had to choose again, he would still choose her.

He was so clear about it. So certain. No hesitation.

"But Aurora got hurt..." Clara sounded even more upset.

"She'll be fine. The doctor said it's just some external injuries," Damian reassured her. "But you're different. You can't afford any accidents."

I bit down hard on my lip, trying to stay silent.

Tears slid down my cheeks, soaking the pillow.

So this was my place in his heart. I could be sacrificed, because I would be "fine."

"It's okay. Don't cry anymore," Damian continued softly. "Go rest, don't wear yourself out."

Footsteps came closer, and the curtain slid open. Damian appeared at my bedside, still looking worried, but the moment he saw I was awake, that worry turned into something more complicated.

"You're awake?" He sat beside the bed, reaching out to check my forehead. "How do you feel?"

I avoided his hand, meeting his eyes calmly. "Thank you for saving me. I'll pay you back for the hospital bill in two weeks."

Damian's hand froze midair, and he frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He seemed thrown off by my strange calm, a flicker of confusion and concern in his eyes. Why did I keep saying "two weeks"?

"Aurora, you…"

He looked completely at a loss, unsettled by how I was acting.

In the past, I would have cried, demanded answers, and become hysterical. Now, I didn't want to do anything at all.

Loving someone...was really exhausting.

"I'll stay here and look after you," he said, sitting down.

But just then, his phone rang.

"Alpha, Clara's foundation website is under attack. Sensitive data could be leaked," his personal assistant said anxiously through the receiver.

Damian's expression changed instantly as he stood up at once.

"I have an urgent matter to take care of," he said, glancing at me. "I'll come see you later."

He left quickly, not even looking back.

Clara again.

It was always Clara.

I stared at the closed door, my heart a mess of complicated emotions.

I shut my eyes and let the tears fall.