THE UNBROKEN

Alejandro refused to leave Aurora's side.

To her endless confusion, it both irritated and comforted her.

She knew he couldn't help what had happened; wrongful imprisonment, years lost in a dungeon, but the truth remained: she had raised two children alone in the ruthless courts of high society. It carved deep scars.

And yet… when the hurt pressed hard into her chest, it was his calloused hand she leaned into. His steady breath she clung to.

"I'm here," he would whisper.

And he meant it.

One quiet evening, her breathing grew tight. The anxiety crawled in her ribs like a caged animal. She felt him before she saw him, Alejandro stepping quietly into her space, passing her a cup of water.

"You should rest," he said gently.

Something in Aurora snapped.

"I—" she turned, her eyes reflecting moonlight on the swamp waters. "You don't get to tell me what I should do."

She winced, too harsh.

Alejandro didn't flinch. He nodded once, staring at the water's reflection. "You're right. I'm sorry."

He wished, desperately, to tell her everything. That she had kept him alive in the dark. That he counted the years by how many times he imagined her smile. But his throat tightened. He stayed silent.

Aurora sighed, shoulders heavy. "No… I'm sorry. I just…" Her gaze drifted to the water below. "I don't know what to think."

Still, silence.

Until the fireflies emerged.

Down by the bungalows, they caught sight of Elena and Niegal, sitting quietly with Esperanza. The babe giggled as they pointed out the blinking lights, delighting in each flicker.

Aurora's expression softened.

"Remember when Seamus was that little?" she whispered. "He was always so proud. Even as a baby."

Alejandro chuckled softly, his hand drifting over hers. "Remember the tide pools? He cried for hours when that crab snapped him."

Bittersweet laughter echoed between them.

As Elena and Niegal slipped back into their home, rocking their baby to sleep, Aurora's gaze lingered on the quiet water.

"I wish we could've given Phineus that," she whispered, voice cracking just a little.

Alejandro rested his head against hers. She didn't pull away.