Aurelia's POV
The silence in the room felt oppressive as I watched Julian from beneath half-closed lids. His face was a portrait of conflict—concern etched across his features while his eyes darted repeatedly toward the door. I didn't need to be a mind reader to understand what this sudden attentiveness meant.
"Just say it," I whispered, my voice stronger than I expected. "You want me to release Natalie."
Julian's head snapped toward me, surprise flickering across his face before settling into a carefully neutral expression. "You need to rest."
"Don't pretend to care about my health now." I shifted carefully, wincing as pain shot through my chest. "Your concern only appears when you need something from me."
A flash of guilt crossed his features before his phone buzzed loudly. He glanced at the screen, his entire body tensing.
"It's Seraphina," he muttered, answering immediately. "What is it?"
