Aurora's POV
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, but its warmth failed to reach me. I sat on my bed, staring at the new security camera Ethan had insisted on installing in my room. He'd called it a necessary precaution, but it felt like the final nail in the coffin of my freedom.
I sighed, running my fingers through my tangled hair. Despite our talk, Ethan had doubled down on security measures. Guards patrolled the perimeter of my cottage, my phone was constantly monitored, and I couldn't even go to the bathroom without someone knowing about it.
"It's for your good, Aurora," Ethan had said, his eyes pleading for understanding. But all I could see was the bars of my gilded cage closing in.
As I dressed for the day, I saw the silver locket on my dresser. I hadn't told Ethan ab
