#Chapter 82: The Last Illusion Broken

Aurora POV Dominic’s words hit me like a fist to the gut. My head snaps up from where I’ve been staring down at my lap, every nerve in my body growing tense. Did he actually mean that? Would he protect me even if it meant putting his own life on the line? My traitorous heart thumps hard in my chest at the possibility, at the hope that suddenly rises in my chest. Could I have been wrong about Dominic? Had I been letting myself be fooled by the enemy into believing lies? “You’re not getting half the city.” Dominic says again. “Then you are forfeiting the agreement. Aurora in exchange for our deal. That is off the table.” “Yes.” I don’t even know what part of what he just said breaks me the most—maybe it’s not the single word along but the finality in his voice. The lack of hesitation. The clear, unapologetic dismissal of any chance of him taking me out of this nightmare like I’d foolishly hoped for seconds ago. Well… I’ve finally gotten my answer. Dominic will neve