Aqua had truly been on an emotional rollercoaster this morning.
Her heart had been tossed between extremes until she felt physically breathless.
It had started so perfectly; she had woken up bright and cheerful, feeling a warmth in Cassius's home that had been missing from her life for far too long.
She felt truly welcomed, basking in the glow of a family reclaimed, feeling profoundly happy just to be alive.
But then, that wholesome, happy feeling had been incinerated the moment she stumbled upon the scene of her brother fucking Portia's ass like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She should have run.
But she didn't.
She stayed.
Hidden behind a pillar like some depraved voyeur, fingers slipping between her legs while her brother turned the terrifying head maid into a whimpering, begging mess.
Taboo excitement flooded her veins.
Guilt clawed at her throat.
Betrayal at herself burned in her chest and she discovered emotions she didn't even know she could feel.
