Chapter 3

Just as Sabine's claws were about to strike Aurora, Marcus jumped in the way. His body moved swiftly, and he took the blow meant for Aurora. Sabine's claws dug deep into his skin, and blood splattered on the ground.Aurora's eyes widened in horror as she saw Marcus fall to the ground. She rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face.“Marcus! Oh no, Marcus!” she cried, her voice shaking with fear.Sabine's face fell as she saw what she had done.

She had never meant to hurt Marcus, only Aurora. She felt a pang of guilt and regret.“Marcus, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!” she cried, her voice filled with remorse.But Marcus didn't respond. He just lay there, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath.Aurora looked up at Sabine, her eyes blazing with anger. “You've gone too far, Sabine. You'll pay for this!”Sabine took a step back, her eyes filled with fear. She knew she had gone too far, and she didn't know how to make it right.But before she could say anything, Marcus suddenly sat up.

His eyes flashed with anger, and he looked at Sabine with a fierce gaze.“Enough, Sabine. You've hurt Aurora for the last time. She's under my protection now, and you will not touch her again.”Sabine looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. “Marcus, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or Aurora. Please forgive me.”But Marcus just stood up, his eyes still flashing with anger. He turned to Aurora and held out his hand.“Come, Aurora. Let's get out of here.”Aurora took his hand, and they walked away, leaving Sabine standing alone in the hallway. Sabine felt a pang of regret and guilt, and she knew she had to make things right.

As they walked, Aurora looked up at Marcus, her eyes filled with gratitude.“Thank you, Marcus. Thank you for saving me.”Marcus looked down at her, his eyes softening. “You're welcome, Aurora. I'll always protect you.”They walked in silence for a while, until they reached Marcus's quarters. He opened the door and led Aurora inside.“Sit down, Aurora. I'll get you some water.”Aurora sat down on the couch, her eyes still filled with tears. Marcus came back with a glass of water and handed it to her.“Drink, Aurora.

You're shaking.”Aurora took a sip of the water, her eyes still fixed on Marcus. She couldn't believe what he had done for her. He had taken a blow meant for her, and he had saved her from Sabine's wrath.“Marcus, why did you do it? Why did you save me?”Marcus looked at her, his eyes filled with kindness. “Because you're under my protection, Aurora. And I'll always protect you, regardless of what.”“But I'm a commoner, a slave…. I don't deserve to be protected by royalty.”

Aurora said.“Did Sabine tell you that? Pfft… You shouldn't believe her. I think she's just pained that she wasn't my mate. Though I still assured her that she could be my second wife, she refused…. She would rather not share me with anyone, especially you." Marcus said.“I see… But I don't think you should bother yourself with me, I would rather not come in between you and Sabine.” Aurora said.“Come in between us? Not at all… Whatever is happening now isn't your fault.

The moon goddess has chosen you as my mate, so there is nothing anyone can do about it.” Marcus said. “I know you fear Sabine, but don't worry, as long as you're my mate, you remain under my protection.” Aurora felt a surge of gratitude towards him. She knew she could trust him, and she knew he would always be there for her.“Thank you, Marcus. Thank you for everything.”Marcus smiled and nodded.

“You're welcome, Aurora. Just rest now. You're safe.”Aurora and Marcus's eyes locked, and they knew what they wanted. They didn't need words; their bodies spoke for them. They came together in a fierce, passionate embrace, their love-making rough and intense. Aurora felt like she was melting into his touch, like she was finally home. She had never felt this way before, and she knew she would never let him go.But as they lay together afterward, Aurora's mind began to race. She knew she couldn't stay here, no matter how much she wanted to. Sabine would find her, and she would kill her. She had to escape, before it was too late.

Marcus sensed her tension and pulled her close. “What's wrong, Aurora?” he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.Aurora hesitated, not wanting to ruin the moment. But she knew she had to be honest. “I have to leave,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sabine will find me, and she'll kill me.”Marcus's eyes snapped open, and he sat up, his face set in determination. “I won't let her hurt you,” he said. “You're under my protection now.”Aurora's heart swelled with gratitude, but she knew she couldn't put him in danger. “You can't protect me all the time,” she said. “I have to leave, Marcus. I have to escape.”“Don't worry Aurora, trust me.” Marcus said.“ But Marcus…."“Hush…. No buts. Just stay with me, and you'll be safe.” Marcus said, and fell asleep.

However, Aurora was not content with what Marcus said. With one last look at Marcus's sleeping form, Aurora got up and made her way to the door. She knew she had to be quick, before Sabine found her. She opened the door and slipped out into the night, her heart heavy with sadness.As she made her way through the dark corridors, she knew she was being watched.

She could feel Sabine's eyes on her, and she knew she was running out of time.Suddenly, Sabine's guards appeared out of nowhere, their eyes cold and hard. “You're not going anywhere,” one of them sneered, and they pounced on her.Aurora tried to fight back, but she was no match for their strength.

She was beaten and kicked, until she lay half dead on the ground. And as Sabine stood over her, her claws raised for the final blow, Aurora knew she was going to die.The last thing she saw was Marcus's sleeping form, and she knew she would never see him again. She thought of all the things she would never get to do, all the moments she would never get to share with him.Slice!Blood splattered on the ground as Sabine's claws dug deep into Auroras chest. And with that Aurora.....