Melissa

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

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_{Location: Vampire's Home - Ünterland}

Human #5.070: Shot In the Dark

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: vampire

Aurora didn’t know how much time had passed since she’d been trapped in the living room of the vampire’s home, let alone how long ago she had arrived in Ünterland.

He did not return to speak with her as he so claimed he would, so she’d spent a while memorizing the ornate setting, from dusty rug to dark ceiling, and noticeably absent was any kind of clock. The sprawling view from the window was no aid to her either in telling time, the crimson moon solely remaining static in the sky and not once dipping close enough to kiss the horizon. She’d briefly fallen asleep on the chair in the corner beside the fireplace, her body noticeably stiff when she’d woken up, but what had felt like minutes to her could have indeed been hours.

It wasn’t for lack of trying that she remained in that room. The redhead had attempted to find a way out as soon as she had been left alone, however the door was locked from the outside and the windows were bolted shut. As far as she could tell, she was stuck until he decided to acknowledge her presence once more.

Her only saving grace to help the time go by was a bookcase, each shelf filled to the brim, that was propped up against one of the tall walls. It was a collection of books that had definitely been curated over many years, some newer, but mostly older looking. She’d spent some time flipping through the pages of one large encyclopedia-like text, hoping to gain some knowledge or history of Ünterland, but it told her nothing of this place and the people in it.

Returning to the bookshelf with the intent of picking up another dusty spine to parcel through, Aurora scanned the titles for anything else that would pique her interest. While some of the books were in English, there were many in languages she couldn’t decipher - pairings of letters that she wasn’t able to sound out or glyphs and symbols that were foreign to her.

But an orange colored novel caught her gaze, the ember hue reminiscent of Lorcán’s eyes, and her furrowed brow softened. They’d been split up back in the forest, ambushed and sent reeling, and she didn’t have even the slightest of clues as to where he was. Now, not only was she searching for their raven haired teammate in this strange land, but she also yearned to be reunited with her lover, neither of which she could do until she escaped this house.

As she removed the book from the row, a chilling breeze danced along her fair skin, faint, but unmistakably present. Puzzled, she reached her opposite hand up towards the space left between the spines, the air growing colder and stronger as her palm extended further towards the back of the bookshelf. Sure enough, deft fingers ran along the wooden plane and found the source of air, a small gap in the structure that was large enough for her to reach through. Where her hand should have met the wall, the one she initially believed to be behind the bookcase, instead there was only emptiness.

Could it be?

Aurora let the book in her grasp fall to the floor with a thud as she quickly moved to the side of the shelf, pressing her back flush against the wood. Using her legs and feet to propel herself backwards, she poured her strength into pushing the bookcase aside, revealing what she’d desperately hoped was there.

A concrete set of spiral stairs that led down, down into what lay beneath the ancient house. An exit, or the closest thing she’d find to one.

She peered around the bend cautiously, attempting to discern what she was about to descend into, but darkness filled the void below, meaning it’d have to be a journey sight unseen. Her weapons had been confiscated, so she’d be utterly defenseless upon her departure, causing more unease. The redhead hesitated to take the first step, looking back one last time towards the heavy double doors that remained locked and held her captive. She was afraid that the vampire would have heard her moving furniture and barged in to catch her fleeing, and yet, all she heard was silence.

If Aurora was going to have a fighting chance at finding Lorcán, she had to go, and it had to be now.

Taking a deep breath, she put one foot in front of the other, nimbly descending into the dark chasm. The light from above quickly faded as she disappeared, and the lower she traveled, the more frigid it became, nearly bone-chilling. Her eyes slowly began to adjust, making out the stone walls surrounding her. Ivy and moss poked between the cracks.

Her feet met solid ground upon reaching the base of the stairwell and she paused before proceeding, straining to listen for any sign of life. The silence that surrounded her was eerie, punctuated only by the distant drip of water and the whistling of a wind that rustled her copper locks. The air felt damp, and the scent of earth and decay grew stronger as she began to walk forward through the narrow passageway.

Minutes passed, and from what she could tell, this seemed like one in a network of tunnels. It was a labyrinth of twists and turns that led somewhere, with diverging paths splitting off from the direction in which she walked. Which points they were meant to connect with, she had no way of knowing, but it meant that this was her best chance of making some headway in her pursuit. A flicker of hope ignited at the notion of being one step closer, but it was instantly dashed as a low, guttural moan filled the air and made her blood run cold.

She wasn’t alone.

Up ahead, a figure crouched against the stone wall made their presence known, emitting another full-throated groan that Aurora felt in the pits of her stomach. From her vantage point, it was too dark to tell who, or more like what exactly they were, but their movements were sluggish as they clambered to their feet and began to approach. Her breath quickened as she evaluated her options, calculating her risk of running back in the direction in which she came and seeking out a different path, or running towards and around the threat to continue her journey.

The figure, a man, or what remained thereof, emerged from the shadows, vacant eyes glowing with malevolent hunger and devoid of any humanity. His flesh hung in ragged rotting patches from his skeletal frame, a sickly, greenish gray hue that was almost translucent, revealing veins of dark coagulated blood beneath. His mouth hung open, lips peeled back to reveal the few jagged yellowed teeth that hadn’t already fallen out, and his shuffling gait was uneven, with one leg dragging slightly behind as he advanced, lurching towards her clumsily, but forcefully. A dead man walking, a living corpse.

Aurora’s heart pounded, but she clenched her fists, refusing to freeze and let her fear overtake her. Dodging his first attack as he lunged, she narrowly avoided his gnarled grasp, and met him with a swift kick to his midsection. Her boot sank into his decayed flesh with a nauseating squelch and he staggered back, but regained his footing and mindlessly drew closer again, moaning in pain. Grabbing a loose rock from the tunnel floor, she swung it with all her strength and smashed it into his skull, the impact cracking his head to the side, but it wasn’t enough to slow him, his insatiable hunger driving him forward.

He closed the distance and swiped at her, sending the redhead stumbling backwards and into the stone wall, hard. She winced from the impact and just as he reached towards her once more, pressing his advantage, a blur of motion intercepted.

The vampire appeared between them, his speed wholly inhuman as his hand shot out, gripping the man by his throat. He convulsed, his decayed limbs flailing in desperation, but the vampire’s grip was unrelenting. With a low snarl, her captor made quick work of dispatching the barely undead, the sickening crunch of bone echoing through the tunnel as he snapped his neck. His body went limp, hanging lifeless in his grasp before he tossed him aside with a dismissive flip of his wrist.

The redhead, breathing in gasps and eyes wide, tried to take a step back to distance herself, but was met with the unforgiving stone wall. She already knew how dangerous the vampire really was, she’d come to that conclusion back in the forest whilst he chased her down, but the ease in which he just killed only confirmed her assumptions. And now, he was looking at her with the same unmistakable fury blazing in his eyes.

“You insolent woman.”

Before she could react, he reached down and hauled her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing and without another word began walking back in the direction of his home. Aurora thrashed and kicked as he carried her, her fists pounding against his back, but his hold was firm as they retraced her prior steps through the tunnel.

“Put me down!” Her voice echoed off the stone walls in the confined space, but her protests fell on deaf ears. The vampire didn’t slow, didn’t waver, his pace remaining steady and deliberate. A simmering heat rose in her chest, an anger akin to his own, his silence only further fueling her frustration. The way he was treating her made her feel weak, damsel-like, even, as if she didn’t just single handedly escape from his home, finding her way into the labyrinth beneath it.

Emerging from the darkness, he brought her up the spiral stairs and strode back into the living room, finally setting her down on the couch in a controlled, yet forceful motion. Aurora instantly shot back up to her feet, icy blue glare and all, as she went toe to toe with him.

"Do you have any regard? Or are you truly just that ignorant." He asked, his voice sharp as he looked down at her in disapproval. "You don’t understand what lurks outside of these walls. Another second, and you would have been torn apart." Aurora crossed her arms, her jaw tight and brows knit. It felt as though he was reprimanding her like a child.

“Well I’m certainly not going to just sit here and wait until you decide to let me go.” She retorted defiantly, the little patience she had wearing thin. She could have sworn she’d seen a sparkle of amusement in his obsidian eyes at her reaction, but it quickly vanished as his rage took over once more.

“I already told you, you’re safer here than you were out there.”

“And I already told you that I need to find my friends,” The redhead snapped back, “Amma is out there somewhere, alone. She has been for weeks-”

“Weeks?” The vampire scoffed, “If she’s been here for that long, fair one, the only thing you'll be finding is her corpse.” But Aurora didn’t falter at his words, didn’t even acknowledge what could have very well been fact, continuing her tirade.

“-and it’s my fault that she’s here in the first place. It wouldn’t have happened if we were there to stop it, so I need to make this right. I need to find her, and I need to find Lorcán.”

She realized her misstep immediately, her anger having fueled her too far, and with clenched fists she dug her nails into her palms. The vampire’s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing at the mention of a new name, one he hadn’t heard before. He stepped closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over her.

"Lorcán," He repeated, his tone dangerously calm all of a sudden. "Your lover, I presume."

She hadn’t meant to let his name slip, but now that it had, there was no use in hiding it. The redhead nodded silently, her emotions softening against her better judgement.

“He and I came here with our friend Gil to find Amma. We were attacked in the forest and got separated.” Resigning to her fate, defeated, she sat down on the couch. “You know the rest of the story.”

The vampire’s eyes remained fixed on her, his expression unreadable. They stayed like that for a few long moments, the silence stretching between them and the previous tension and anger subduing slightly.

“You’re reckless to have come here of your own free will,” He finally said, his voice cold but measured. “This place is not for the mundane, it’s practically a death sentence.”

“We didn’t have much of a choice,” Aurora lifted her head, voice steady but lacking the same fiery conviction as before, “Amma was sent here and we couldn’t just leave her.” The vampire shook his head, almost in disbelief, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“Absolutely foolish,” He criticized under his breath, “You’re naïve to think you could show up without consequence, with no understanding of the danger you’ve put yourselves in.”

“Then help me.” The redhead blurted, knowing she had nothing else to lose. Her tone was determined, laced with an undertone of desperation. “Help me find my friends.”

“Help you?” His voice dripped in skepticism, and the laugh he emitted mocked the seriousness of her request, “Exactly why would I do that?”

The redhead stood once more, meeting his gaze with no hesitation and a newfound purpose.

“Because I have no other options.”

“And you think I should care? Take pity on you? That I should risk myself for the sake of your attempt to save your friends?” He scoffed again, “Not only that, but are you really willing to trust someone like me?”

“I’m not asking you to care, and as for trusting you, I don’t have another choice, do I. Hell, I don’t even know your name.” Aurora squared her shoulders, standing tall and refusing to back down. “If I stay here, I’ll never find them, and if I go alone- according to you- I’ll likely die. You say I don’t understand the threats of this place- if you know it as well as you claim, then you can help me navigate it.” She shot his previous words back at him as ammunition to fuel the fire and build her case.

The vampire stood eerily still, studying her with an intensity that made the air between them feel heavy. His gaze traveled over her, taking in the defiant tilt of her chin, the fierce determination burning in her eyes, and the steady rise and fall of her chest as she forced herself to remain composed. It was almost as if he were testing her resolve, searching for any weakness. Finally, he exhaled and spoke.

“Very well. I’ll help you.” He answered, “But you will follow my lead, and you will listen to me. Otherwise, you’re on your own.”

Aurora nodded and opened her mouth to reply, but he held up a hand, stopping her before she could speak.

“And know this. If you falter, it’s your life on the line, not mine. I won’t save you again.”

His words were harsh, but she swallowed her apprehension and fear, holding his gaze.

“I understand.”

“Good,” He stated, clipped, “Give me time to get some things in order. We’ll leave shortly.” The vampire turned to walk away, “And you can call me Cassius,” He added in response to her earlier query, before gesturing to the gap in the wall where the staircase descended into the tunnels below, “Put the bookshelf back where it was.” He paused, his eyes meeting hers with a flicker of something she couldn’t discern.

“It appears I underestimated you.”

It was the closest thing to a compliment she expected from him. She didn’t miss a beat with her response.

“You wouldn’t be the first.”

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

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_{Location: Unknown - Ünterland}

Human #5.060: vampire

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Teeth

Aurora woke with a start, bolting upright and gasping for air, almost as if she had been trapped underwater. Her pulse spiked as her surroundings came into focus, sapphire eyes adjusting to the dim light cast by flickering sconces mounted on cold stone walls. The room smelled ancient, like damp minerals and decayed wood, and although it was spacious, it felt suffocating, covered in regal tapestries and heavy furniture. A low fire crackled in an ornate hearth, but its warmth felt distant, the noticeable chill in the air alighting goosebumps underneath her leathers.

“You’re awake.”

Across the room, the vampire from the forest stood near a tall, arched window draped with heavy curtains, his silhouette framed by the crimson moonlight that filtered in through the pane, sharp features cast in shadow. He seemed to study her through the reflection in the glass, holding a crystal goblet filled with a dark liquid she didn’t want to identify, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

The redhead stiffened, realizing that the last thing she remembered was being chased and subsequently bitten. Her hand shot to her neck and she winced at the tenderness beneath her fingers. The skin was broken, faint ridges of punctures sending a jolt of panic through her.

“Where…?” She started, her throat dry and voice hoarse.

“My home,” He answered casually, turning to face her. He was every bit as predatory and impossibly elegant as before, ghostly pale skin nearly glowing against their dark surroundings and obsidian hair falling over his forehead in pieces. “I couldn’t very well leave you out there, now could I? The forest is no place for a girl like you. You’re welcome, by the way.”

“You’re welcome?” Aurora questioned incredulously, his suggestion of her owing him her gratitude absurd, “You attacked me!” Her voice raised in volume, anger bubbling in her chest.

“Attacked? If I’d truly attacked you, darling, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.” His midnight eyes glinted with amusement, apparently finding his own lethal nature somewhat humorous. “But you can relax,” He stated, stepping away from the window and setting his glass down before clasping his hands behind his back. “You’re unharmed. I couldn’t take much more than a taste.”

“A taste?” Her stomach churned, the mere thought of his fangs sinking into her making her feel lightheaded.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” He tutted, “The scent of your blood was- is, intoxicating. And yet…” He trailed off, his eyes flicking to her neck, where the faintest smear of crimson stained fair skin. His expression darkened, shifting from mirth to something harder to place.

“It burned me.”

Aurora froze, her breath catching in her throat.

“What?” She questioned, stunned. He moved closer now, his movements deliberate as he crossed the room.

“When I bit you… your blood, it was like pure fire. Something old, something dangerous.” His gaze dropped to her palm, narrowing. “And that is why.”

The rune.

Aurora’s opposite hand moved to cover it and he chuckled, low and dark, at her feeble attempt to conceal the marking. Ellara had only promised that it would keep them safe on their journey, yet failed to mention all of the protective qualities that the rune must have instilled. When it had felt like her body was being set aflame during the ritual - for her blood to have burned a vampire- the hairs stood up on the back of her neck.

“Well if I’m no use to you then, why am I here?” She asked defiantly, though still shaky, and the vampire raised an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving her. “Who are you?”

“I think the better question is- who are you? You’re clearly a stranger to this world. Something… different. Not quite human, but not entirely like us, either.” He tilted his head, carnal-like, smirking.

“I simply can’t let such an intriguing little mystery like you slip away, at least, not until my curiosity is satisfied.” He laughed again, the sound deep and rich. “Besides…” His gaze swept over her, lingering. “It's not every day I come across someone so… enchanting.”

Aurora’s cheeks burned, anger, embarrassment, and something else swirling together.

“I wonder, just how did you come by such an ancient rune? It’s no mere trinket.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t lie to me,” He scolded, his tone quickly sharpening. “The rune- it’s a ward, nothing more. Protection, yes, but it’s a tool for survival, not power. Someone gave that to you, someone who knew this place would eat you alive without it.” The vampire studied her intently as he approached, his steps soundless, until he stood over her.

“Why are you here?”

The redhead tried to turn away, but something about his gaze was heavy and magnetic, pulling her in and holding her captive. The more she looked into his eyes, the harder it became to think clearly, and his voice wrapped around her, impossible to ignore.

“I-” She blurted, the words dragged from her throat against her will. “I’m looking for someone.”

“Someone important, I assume?” His intonation dropped lower, a hypnotic hum that made her vision blur.

“Yes.” She answered, the reply spilling out before she could hold it back. It made her skin crawl, the feeling that washed over as he compelled her, and she knew she had to snap out of it.

“Tell me, who is it that you are looking for?”

Aurora hesitated, his query sliding into her thoughts again like a blade through silk. She tried to push him out, gritting her teeth to stop herself from saying more, his presence overwhelming. Her nails dug into her palms, the sting centering her, but she had to resist, no matter how much her head swam or her body screamed to yield.

“Aurora.” His tone was pointed now, a command. She flinched at the sound of her own name, stomach twisting. How did he know that? The thought barely had time to settle before he asked the question again. “Who are you looking for?”

The truth slipped from her lips even as her heart pounded in her chest.

“Amma.” She revealed, her own voice almost foreign, “Her name is Amma.”

The vampire’s mouth curled into a satisfied smile, and he leaned in just a little closer, his eyes glinting with something darker.

“Good girl. Now we’re getting somewhere.”

“She was sent here unintentionally,” Aurora tried to bite back her words, to break the trance, but his compulsion was ironclad. She was simply a whisper carried on the current of his power. “We came to find her. To bring her back.”

“We?” The vampire’s eyes gleamed with interest, a dangerous spark igniting in their depths. “You’re not here alone, are you?”

She could feel the pull of his influence once more, but with Lorcán’s safety on the line, a newfound sense of urgency ignited within her. Like hell was she going to let him go after the boy she loved. Fighting back the haze clouding her thoughts, she spoke of her own volition.

“Get out of my head,” She hissed, gripping the edges of the chaise beneath her, grounding herself against the dizzying drive of his voice. The vampire’s eyes narrowed, the faintest flicker of frustration breaking through his composed exterior. Then, just as quickly, his smirk returned, sharper now.

“Stubborn,” He said softly, almost approvingly. “I like that. But stubbornness has its limits, Aurora, and so does my patience.” He gestured toward her palm with a flick of his fingers. “That may be permanent, but your resolve won’t last forever. We’ll continue this conversation later.”

Later?

“I’m not staying here.” The redhead stated in resistance at his insinuation, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to locate the quickest way out. It didn’t make a difference to her who she would try and find first- Lorcán, Ellara, Gil or even Amma - what mattered most was escaping from this place, and fast.

“That’s not for you to decide,” He spread his hands as though to show he meant no harm, though his fangs remained bared. “You will stay here for long as I desire. Besides, I find myself quite invested in your story." His dark gaze ran over her with unnerving precision, as if peeling away layers of her soul with each look. Aurora’s fists clenched at his words, her jaw tight as he turned and made his way toward the door, his movements fluid and unhurried.

“Get some rest, you’ll need it.” He called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a note of mockery. But before leaving the room, he turned back to face her, his midnight eyes locking with hers. She could have sworn they softened slightly, but it was too dark in the shadows to discern. “You’re safe here, sweet thing. Safer than you were out there.”

​​The heavy door groaned shut behind him, the audible echo of a lock sliding into place, trapping Aurora inside.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{| Several Weeks from Now}

Aurora stirred as a chilling breeze danced along her cheeks, her body heavy and senses foggy, as if she were waking from the depths of a deep dream. She blinked rapidly, eyes fluttering open, and pulled herself up on her elbows, letting her gaze sweep over her new surroundings.

The beach looked like the one she knew well, and yet, different. The shoreline seemed to stretch endlessly, the sands darker, a shade that teetered between tan and charcoal. The air was thick, fresh but rich with the scent of wild earth and sea. It was almost overwhelmingly clean—no trace of the familiar pollution she was used to. She inhaled deeply, trying to ground herself, and yet, a lingering feeling of disquiet twisted in her stomach.

Around her, tiny luminous insects buzzed through the air, their wings pulsing with an eerie glow. They left trails of light as they flitted, like fireflies in strange, hypnotic patterns. At the edge of the dense forest the colors of the plants were intense, too intense, like someone had turned the saturation all the way up. Emerald greens, deep purples, and even shades of midnight blue. And the moon, enormous and red, loomed in the sky like a quiet omen.

A low, haunting roar echoed from somewhere deep in the forest beyond the beach, and Aurora stiffened. Whatever creature had made that sound was unlike anything she’d ever heard before—neither animal nor human. And then a second noise, less like a roar and more like a distant scream, laced with a mix of agony and anger, echoed faintly across the eerie calm. The beach fell silent again, save for the gentle whisper of waves pulling at her ankles and a chill rushed up her spine.

The sound of someone approaching hit her ears, and Aurora whipped her head around to find Lorcán making his way down the beach towards her.

“That was a trip, eh?” Lorcán asked, trying his best to break the tension after being ripped through Limbo and dropped firmly into what Alyssa and Ellara had referred to as ‘Ünterland’. A mirror darkly version of the world they knew, it was bizarre looking around the familiar beach and seeing it look so foreign.

“Take a moment to breathe, Ellara said the first time would be uncomfortable,” Lorcán added while steadying Aurora, the redhead inhaling and exhaling as instructed while getting her bearings. The rune etched into his palm was still glowing while his chest felt like it was piecing itself back together after Limbo made him feel like an invisible hand had tried to pry him apart.

Ellara had warned them about something to do with being stripped of their Unterseele and Überseele or that they didn’t have them. Lorcán had been too distracted by the spit of roasting meat to have fully paid attention to the foreign-sounding words. Looking around the strange world, he immediately came to regret that.

It was bizarre being unable to feel the presence of the HZE’s here. He reached out for them, but nothing replied to his call. No heat, no fire, no flames. They were here without their greatest ally.

“Nice choice of weapon,” Lorcán smiled as Aurora stood with his arm still interlocked in hers, “Ellara insisted I take the swords, but I also made sure I went twenty-first century.” He attempted to jest again, referring to the hand cannon strapped to his thigh.

The redhead became aware once more of the sword resting on her back and the smaller dagger tucked into a sheath on the outside of her leg, the weight of the two weapons making her feel off balance. She wasn’t used to donning such armor, carrying such means of protection, but with no abilities to rely on, it was a necessary precaution that they needed to take.

She too felt as though her body was finding its proper placement after their spontaneous emergence in this so-called Ünterland, the journey to get there like no teleportation she’d experienced prior. That, combined with the lack of HZE’s made her feel like a stranger in her own skin; the normal give and take around her was nonexistent, like a word on the tip of your tongue that you can’t remember no matter how hard you try. An emptiness that could not be filled.

Aurora clutched onto Lorcán, knuckles growing pale as she anchored herself to him.

“I feel really weird, Lor, I don’t like this,” She expressed, a shiver pricking the back of her neck as another howl from the forest echoed along the beach, “This place is…” The redhead trailed off, letting her gaze leave his as she took in their surroundings once more, a tinge of regret blooming in her chest.

“What have we gotten ourselves into?”

“I don’t know,” Lorcán replied, “But this ain’t the vibe, it’s dark here. I can feel it leeching into me.” He looked around, surveying the edge of the untamed wilderness again.

“We should get moving, the sooner we find Amma, the sooner we can go home.”

Aurora nodded in agreement before spotting Ellara approaching them from the opposite side of the beach, her confident gait indicative of her familiarity with the setting. But there was no sign of-

“Gil.” She blurted, sapphires frantically darting around in an attempt to locate the fourth member of their party. “Where’s Gil?”

At Aurora’s urging, Lorcán looked past Ellara and then in the other direction as he too failed to locate their friend.

“Gil!” Lorcán suddenly shouted, “Gil, dude! Where are yo-”

“Shut up!” Ellara hissed, rushing towards the pair, her eyes wandering the treeline. “You do not want to attract that kind of attention here.” She cautioned, a hand hovering above the holster that concealed her folding shotgun axe. “Limbo isn’t always predictable and with Gil’s state of mind, it’s not surprising he was spat out elsewhere,” Ellara added, still waiting for repercussions to Lorcán’s thoughtless shouting.

“Come on, we’ll find him soon enough and I have no doubt he’s closer to Amma than we are.”

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_{Location: Crestwood Hollow - New Hampshire}

Human #5.055: Teeth

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_{Interaction(s): Lorcán, Ellara @Lord Wraith}

Previously: I Can't Handle Change

The early morning air in Crestwood Hollow was crisp, carrying the faint, comforting scent of woodsmoke. The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the edges of the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as Aurora slipped quietly out of the Jones’ house.

Softly pulling the front door closed behind her, she stepped out onto the quiet street, mist still clinging to the ground and dew drops coating the grass. She adjusted her earbuds and took a deep breath, the chill biting her lungs but centering her in a way she hadn’t felt in days. The town was still asleep, and for a moment, it felt like the world was hers alone.

The redhead started her run off at an easy pace, her sneakers audibly crunching as she ran atop the blanket of fallen leaves scattered on the pavement. The Belle part of town was charming in the dawn light, its tidy homes framed by autumnal hues and curling vines. It was picturesque and peaceful, but Aurora didn’t linger, her focus on the cadence of her steps and the steady beat of her music.

Train tracks marking the divide between the Belle and the Beau soon came into view, and a trailhead appeared just where Cass had said it would, tucked between a crumbling stone wall and a cluster of maple trees. Aurora paused for a moment, gazing at the narrow dirt path that disappeared into the dense woods before venturing into the labyrinth.

The forest welcomed her with its quiet stillness, and as the trail twisted and turned she let her mind clear, unraveling the tangle of emotions she’d been carrying. Her legs ached and her lungs burned as she settled into her stride, but it was a good kind of pain- a reminder that she was still here, still moving, even if she didn’t know where she was going. Out here, with the cool air brushing against her flushed cheeks, she didn’t have to think about what she’d left behind or the uncertainty that loomed ahead. Or how lost she felt or how desperately she missed the familiarity of P.R.C.U. Each step she took felt like a release, the tension in her chest easing as the world narrowed to only the sound of her breathing.

After a few miles, she slowed to a stop at a small clearing where the trail widened, sunlight breaking through the canopy above to dapple the forest floor in a golden glow. The break in the trees offered a breathtaking view of the valley that stretched below in a patchwork of colors. Wiping the sweat from her brow, her gaze lingered on the horizon before she tilted her head back, closing her eyes as she let the sunlight warm her face.

Aurora took a deep breath, letting it fill her lungs anew. Although the weight in her chest hadn’t disappeared, it didn’t feel like it was suffocating her anymore, no longer pressing down with the same unbearable heaviness. Here, she felt like she could finally breathe- really breathe- in a way she hadn’t since leaving the Island.

For the first time, things seemed brighter, more hopeful. Maybe she’d find her way after all.

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^{| Several Weeks from Now}

Shadows danced between the trees, cast by the pale light of the crimson moon as Aurora pressed herself into the hollow of an ancient oak, her breath shallow and her pulse hammering in her ears. Her eyes darted back along the path she’d been chased down, but the forest had swallowed all signs of her trail. She willed her racing heart to quiet, but in the silence, another sound cut through - soft footsteps, slow and measured.

A voice, silken and unhurried, drifted towards her.

“I can sense you, fair one.”

She dared not move, hardly breathed, but the forest floor betrayed her; a sharp snap of twigs underfoot shattered the silence. The redhead could practically feel him smiling, his footsteps now deliberate as he closed in.

“You know, there are terrible things lurking in these woods.” He drawled, low and smooth, like velvet darkness. Despite every instinct screaming at her not to look, her gaze was inexplicably drawn to him — a figure emerging from the shadowed underbrush with an unnatural, predatory grace. His piercing eyes glinted with hunger, and his smile revealed fangs that caught the moonlight, sharp and ready. “But perhaps nothing as terrible as me.”

Aurora took a step back, only to feel the rough bark of the tree behind her. The vampire inclined his head, almost in pity, and closed the final distance between them, moving with the casual confidence of a hunter who knew his prey couldn’t escape. After all, there was nowhere else to run. His eyes traced her with a languid, hungry gaze, the dark depths full of promises both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Go on, run," he murmured, his abnormally cold fingers tracing the curve of her cheek with an eerie gentleness, tucking a lock of her copper hair behind her ear. "It won't change how this ends."

With a flash of motion, his arm curled around her, pulling her close. She initially struggled, but his presence seemed to drown out everything else - her strength, her resolve, even her will to run. He held her in place, tilting her head slightly as if she were an offering, and his mouth grazed her neck where her pulse throbbed.

In her final moments of consciousness, Aurora thought of Lorcán, of his warmth, his smile, his ember eyes.

But everything went dark the second the vampire’s fangs punctured her skin.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: Crestwood Hollow - New Hampshire}

Human #5.036: I Can't Handle Change

^{_{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): Lorcán @Lord Wraith}

Previously: Starting Over

Before either Aurora or Lorcán had the opportunity to open the door to the Jones’ house, it flew open to reveal Ripley’s wide smile. Completely ignoring her cousin, Ripley flew down the front steps, practically launching herself from the last one before tackling Aurora with a hug.

The redhead barely had time to brace herself as the brunette barreled into her, small, slender arms latching around her waist as though they’d been separated for years rather than just a few days. Aurora stumbled back a step, letting out a soft laugh, and gave the younger girl a gentle squeeze. Ripley’s joy was infectious, and she couldn’t help but smile, but inside, she felt as if she were teetering on the edge of being completely overwhelmed.

“Whoa, you really missed me, huh?” Aurora said, trying to inject her voice with a lightheartedness she didn’t quite feel. She looked into Ripley’s bright eyes, forcing herself to focus on the younger girl’s excitement. “And here I thought you’d be happier to see your cousin, I didn’t think I’d get such a warm welcome.”

“Who him?” Ripley teased, “Eh, he’s old news and a boy, ew gross.” She continued while guiding Aurora inside and towards the stairs. “You’re going to be staying in my room, I’ve got it all set up for you. We can stay up late swapping girly stories and in the morning, I’m making waffles.”

“Do I get waffles?” Lorcán asked from behind the pair while he carried their bags inside.

“Uh, no, I’ve seen the way you put away food. You’re fending for yourself.” Ripley called before she and Aurora were stopped by a lean woman, once golden hair spilling over her shoulders as it cascaded between gold, silver and platinum white.

“You must be Aurora, between Ripley and Tori, I feel like I already know you,” Alexis said with a smile as she initiated a hug with the copper-headed girl. “I’m Ripley’s Mom, Lorcán’s Aunt, Alexis, and this scruffy fellow is my husband, Calvin,” She added, gesturing towards a more rugged-looking man, his longer dark hair flecked with silver that was more predominate in the rough beard that covered his lower face.

“Glad to have you both here, please make yourselves at home. Mi casa es su casa. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. Pizza okay with both of you for dinner?” Calvin asked, looking from the eagerly nodding Lorcán back to Aurora.

Aurora let her eyes wander as Ripley pulled her along, taking in the new, unfamiliar setting that was the Jones household. From a first glance, their home was warm and inviting, lived in, with well worn couches adorned with colorful cushions and soft throws. There was an abundance of natural light from the large windows, and many plants sat in the sunny spots around the living room. It felt similar to the Roth’s home in the Alumni Village, had the same feel, which should have settled something within her. But she still felt uneasy, all the emotions she’d been mulling over the entirety of their journey bubbling to the surface.

Even Alexis’ embrace felt familiar and comforting, the kind older woman welcoming her quite literally with open arms, Calvin too greeting her with compassion. And yet, the redhead found herself mustering a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, nodding in response to the latter’s question.

“Yeah, pizza’s great.” Aurora replied, eyes darting between all the people looking at her, feeling her heartbeat pick up, “I- uh,” She looked back towards the front door, which still sat open, the cool Autumn breeze calling to her, “I’m just going to take a second, get a bit of fresh air,”

She glanced at Lorcán apologetically before slipping her hand from Ripley’s grasp, quickly turning on her heel and stepping out onto the porch, inhaling and exhaling deeply as she leaned against the banister to ground herself.

“Where’s Cass?” Lorcán asked, giving Aurora space as he watched his girlfriend go by before turning to see the inquisitive faces of his extended family. When he was met with silence, Lorcán raised an eyebrow before moving to head to Cass’ room only to be stopped by Calvin before Ripley interjected.

“Like, I know you’re new to this whole boyfriend thing, Leo,” She monotoned, “But uh, when you’re girl leaves, you’re supposed to go after her,”

“Oh, it’s ‘Rora, she does that all the time.” Lorcán protested before Calvin gently turned him around.

“I think she might be a little more overwhelmed than usual, I know your dad is used to only raising you, but I have a bit more insight here.” He smiled, “Go, listen. Don’t try to solve anything, just let her talk to you.”

“COM-MUN-I-CATE!”

“Ripley, that’s enough,” Alexis interjected as Ripley stuck out her bottom lip.

“But, Mom!”

“Enough, go upstairs, I’m sure Aurora will join you shortly.” Lorcán heard his Aunt add before he stepped outside and leaned against the railing beside Aurora. October in Crestwood Hollow had always been a favourite time to visit. Due to the town’s connection to Witch Trials, they had a tendency to go all out for Hallowe’en. But at the moment it was more of a distraction than anything.

He bowed his head, mustering the words to initiate before finally speaking.

“It’s a lot, Lady Dude, I can’t begin to like imagine what you’re feeling right now.” He began to say, “Crestwood Hollow is safe, probably one of the safest places for Hyperhumans on the entire East Coast. It’s not without its vocal minorities, but it is safe.” He repeated, almost like a recited mantra at this point before stopping himself and allowing the words to hang in the air.

Aurora could see Lorcán approach in her periphery, but didn’t immediately turn to face him, her gaze unfocused but directed towards the houses on the other side of the street. The trees that lined the sidewalk danced in the wind, their leaves rustling and falling to the ground peacefully.

Peaceful. Crestwood Hollow seemed peaceful. If the rug hadn’t been pulled out from under them so rapidly she imagined that she and Lorcán could have visited under better circumstances; planned a little getaway for just the two of them, a break from classes, from the stresses of senior year. But this escape was the more literal sense of the word instead of the romanticized variety.

“You know that was only my second time on a plane, right?” The redhead broke the silence, finally shifting her sapphire eyes to look at her boyfriend. “The first was when I flew from Arizona to Vancouver as a kid to get to Dundas,” She explained, “And when we hit turbulence I was convinced we were going down, so when we landed, I was happy that I’d never have to go on a plane again.”

“Because I never thought I’d leave, genuinely,” Aurora stated in earnest, before sighing.

“I have no doubt that Crestwood Hollow is safe. It seems so lovely here and I can’t express how thankful I am that your Aunt and Uncle are hosting us,” Her gaze shifted back to the front yard and the pavement. “But this is just a lot of change to wrap my head around, Lor. I’m trying my best, but it’s hard.”

Lorcán nodded whilst listening, trying his best to empathize. But it was an unspoken sentiment that they both knew he couldn’t. How could the Prince of P.R.C.U. possibly empathize with a girl who didn’t even know if her own mother was still alive out there? Lorcán never had to want for anything, he was an heir apparent to everything his parents had helped Jonas build.

Even with all that stripped away, he still had two loving parents and a place to call home. Aurora on the other hand was trying to move upstream without a paddle. She had to feel like she was moments away from drowning.

“No matter how hard it gets, I’ll always be right here.” Lorcán offered, finally breaking the silence as he put his hand on hers and intertwined their fingers. “Whatever you’re facing, we’re facing now. I’m with you until the end of the line,” He smiled, scooting closer and wrapping an arm around her before softly kissing her forehead.

Aurora leaned into Lorcán, resting her head on his shoulder and inhaling the citrus and smoke scent of him. It was a foreign feeling, being adrift in this way, but she just needed to continue reminding herself that she could plant roots wherever he was, he was the only constant she needed in this ever changing landscape. Her gaze lifted to look at him again.

“I love you,” She stated, a small smile appearing on her face as the words flowed freely from her lips. It still was taking some getting used to, but it sounded better each and every time she said it. “Sorry to ruin the welcome party.” The redhead shook her head, “I didn’t anticipate how ecstatic Ripley would be to see us,” She nudged him, a small laugh akin to a breath escaping her.

“Well, me.”

“I love you too,” Lorcán replied, softly kissing her forehead again. “Ripley sees you as the sister she’s always wanted, she can come off a little strong, but like she means well.” It was a tender moment, but his stomach had other ideas as it loudly growled, interrupting their conversation.

He looked down at his stomach, smiling sheepishly before offering a small apologetic shrug.

“Calvin did have to like go and mention pizza.”

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{| Vancouver, British Columbia - A Few Weeks from Now}

“Hey, Dream Girl, how’s your day going?”

Aurora’s eyes instantly went wide as she beheld the sorry state that Lorcán was in, his eye practically swollen shut underneath the now dripping ice pack held over it. She didn’t hesitate to drop her tray on an empty table and rush over, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she reached for his face, fingers hovering just above the skin starting to bruise.

“Oh my god,” She looked over her shoulder at one of her coworkers behind the counter, a sweet older woman with hair the color of moonlight. “Deb, can you get some ice for this, please? There should be some plastic bags in the back.” The redhead sat down at the barstool next to her boyfriend and inspected him for any other bumps or bruises- it may have been busy, but her tables could wait.

“What the hell happened?”

Behind Lorcán the drone of a TV echoed through the diner.

“... the wreckage of a civilian craft was discovered today along with the bodies of several identified Hyperhumans. The Coast Guard is working alongside the RCMP to account for the bodies and the wreckage. At this time, foul play is suspected and police are pursuing leads into a motivated hate crime.”

Lorcán turned his attention back to Aurora who was waiting on bated breath for a reply.

“Oh, just the usual.” He smiled, trying to hide the wince caused by the movement of his face muscles. “Just someone thought I was a Hype and didn’t take no for an answer.” Lorcán rubbed his eyes, dropping his voice before whispering to Aurora.

“Though I’d kill to be able to take these contacts out.” He smiled as he sat back up, rubbing his faux baby blues again.

“I think when I didn’t fight back, he’s satisfied for now, but I’m going to have to be careful…” His voice trailed off as his eyes suddenly widened at the television screen.

“... are alive today thanks to the heroics of one local firefighter…”

Lorcán’s cheeks went beet-red as all eyes in the diner were first drawn to the television set and then to the pair at the counter. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, downplaying the applause before weakly smiling at Aurora.

“Really careful.”

The redhead sighed.

“I wouldn’t exactly call running into a burning building being careful, Lor,” She said under her breath, knowing that they still held the attention of those around them.

“Here you go, honey.” Deb reappeared from the back with the makeshift ice pack wrapped in a paper towel and passed it over the counter, “I’ll cover your tables, give you two a few minutes,” She offered a warm smile on her aging face, “Seems you’ve got quite the hero on your hands.”

Aurora’s eyes shifted back to her boyfriend, and her face softened as she met his gaze.

“Sure do,” She concurred, a small half smile pulling her lips upwards and a warmth blooming in her chest. “Thanks, Deb.” As the older woman walked away to take care of her section, Aurora took the ice pack and held it up to Lorcán’s swollen eye gingerly, not wanting to cause him any additional discomfort.

“Look, it goes without saying that I’m proud of you, you saved those people,” She began to tell him, her tone genuine, “But you can’t be so reckless like that, next time you might not be as lucky.” Aurora leaned in closer, her voice dropping into a whisper, “And I’m not just talking about keeping a low profile, I don’t know how you did that without going into Hype-Psy, it’s dangerous.” She lifted the ice pack for a moment, examining the injury, wincing at how painful it looked.

“Who did this to you? Someone at the station?”

“It was more passive anyways,” Lorcán replied dismissively, opting to negate mentioning his earlier bloody nose. He gave Aurora enough reasons to worry, she shouldn’t have to worry about hyperpsychosis on top of it all.

“And yeah, just a guy from the station. Nothing to worry about, just typical guys being guys. Probably was some more hazing.” He continued to downplay. He knew Aurora, he knew she’d want to give Miller an earful. There was something about Miller’s tattoo that still didn’t sit right with him, he needed to check with his Dad, maybe it was something he had told Lorcán about previously.

“I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to stop those dudes from taking a razor to my hair.” He laughed, pressing the paper towel-wrapped ice to his face and discarding his old one.

“Just the reality of this new life.” He stated before looking down at his phone. The chances of Gil actually reaching out at this point felt slim, Gil had been on a warpath his last night at P.R.C.U. and while Lorcán earnestly wanted to help, he could only imagine that if it was Aurora in Amma’s position, he’d charge in headfirst by himself too.

“He’ll call,” Lorcán said more to himself than towards Aurora before placing his phone face down on the counter.

“I’m famished, have you had a meal yet today?”

Aurora frowned. Lorcán’s words still incited worry even though he was attempting to do the opposite. She’d been to the station once or twice since he started working there and had met a few of the guys - they seemed welcoming and kind, not the type to pick a fight for fun - so her hunch told her that this was more than just a standard initiation ritual. But she didn’t want to come off as overbearing, so she simply nodded and bit her tongue, choosing not to push the issue further. Her sapphire eyes watched as her boyfriend checked his phone, again, a tic that had become frequent over the last few weeks.

“Give him time, Lor,” She reassured, knowing who he was referring to without him needing to explain. The redhead sincerely hoped Gil would reach out, but part of her wondered if he ever would.

“I had a little snack earlier, so I’m not that hungry.” Aurora replied, “But I’ll ask James to make you something, what do you want?” She inclined her head towards the kitchen, where the fry cook worked diligently on the orders that continued to come in.

“Burger, fries, orange soda,” Lorcán beamed, rhyming off his usual while James echoed the words from behind the counter, the fry cook having heard Aurora ask.

“And no-”

“Mustard, I know,” James smiled, “Good burgers don’t need mustard.”

“So he can be taught,” Lorcán wiggled his eyebrows at Aurora while James rolled his eyes.

“Careful, or you’ll be cooking your own food!” James shouted back as Lorcán flashed a wry smile.

“Have you heard from any of Blac-, uh, our friends lately?” Lorcán asked Aurora before shoving his phone back in his pocket to avoid checking it again.

The redhead couldn’t help but laugh to herself at the exchange, but upon hearing his next question, her expression fell once more. She shook her head.

“No,” Aurora replied, pulling out her own phone to find no new notifications since she started her shift. Her lock screen image was her and Lorcán, but when she swiped up, the image changed to one of her and Harper, taken at the end of the previous year. “I’ve sent a few texts but… haven’t heard anything back.”

“Guess everyone really did move on then,” Lorcán replied, doing his best to control his facial expressions. He felt a little defeated after spending so many years with the others that none of them had reached out or even replied. It made Lorcán wonder if perhaps he hadn’t been as good of a friend as he could have been.

Maybe he should have been more supportive of Haven and Rory, maybe he should have tried to encourage Cass more with Harper. He knew he had drawn the line in the sand with Katja, but they all had. There was no trusting her after the truth had come out. Calliope was dead, Amma was also dead and Gil was off who knows where. Lorcán had never taken the opportunity to get to know Cleo, Lucas or Manny.

And that was everyone that he could think of.

Part of him had considered reaching out to Ryan, seeing where she ended up. But he honestly could see her using her connections to Priest Jr. to land a teaching gig with the Foundation. Ryan always had a way of landing on her feet, probably the only positive trait passed along by her father.

He barely registered his food being placed in front of him. His hand brushed against the cold glass before he took a long solemn sip.

“Eh, probably better that they can focus on the Foundation I guess.” He muttered before taking a bite of his burger. His usual zeal for food seemed absent as he slowly chewed the mouthful of meat and bun.

Aurora placed her hand on Lorcán’s shoulder comfortingly, seeing how visibly disappointed he was about how things had ended up. They both were. There were times throughout her years at P.R.C.U. that she definitely took their group for granted, rolled her eyes at their antics, but now, she wished for just one more chaotic adventure with her friends.

Rising to her feet, she looked down at Lorcán lovingly before pressing a kiss to his head.

“I should get back to work,” The redhead found Deb across the diner and waved, signaling she’d take over her tables again. “I’ll be done in an hour or so, I don’t have to close tonight.” She reached into her pocket and grabbed her pad of paper and pen.

“Stay and eat though, then we’ll go home, okay?”

“Sounds good, Dream Girl,” Lorcán smiled, “I’ll be right here.”

His mind, on the other hand, was anywhere but.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: Crestwood Hollow - New Hampshire}

Human #5.027: Starting Over

^{_{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): Lorcán @Lord Wraith}

Previously: Burning Down

^{| Present Day}

The cab from Portsmouth felt unusually long as Lorcán and Aurora watched the foreign yet somehow familiar Eastern Coastline fly by as the car made its way into Crestwood Hollow. The flight from Vancouver to Portsmouth had gone smoothly. Lorcán had opted to put on costume contact lenses to disguise his eyes, while the pair had managed to go undetected as Hyperhumans and avoid any incidents.

He couldn’t abide the thought of being forced to wear a dampener let alone an inhibitor. Though his wandering mind suddenly likened it to a chastity belt, a shiver travelled Lorcán’s spine as he realized there were Hyperhumans out there that probably used the devices for their indulgences.

As the cab entered the Orlaith Valley, Lorcán felt like he was coming home. He had been to Crestwood Hollow more times than anywhere else on the mainland, and the smell of the orchards in fall was one of his favourite scents. The dense forests of oak and maple beyond the valley were turning colour and decorated the horizon in beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow.

Crestwood Hollow was divided across its North and South into two sections by train tracks, the Beau to the North, the rough side of the city while the Southern half was known as the Belle. His father had grown up in the Beau but his Aunt lived in the Belle while the infamous Mather Memorial basically straddled the line allowing for a mingling of students from all over the city.

It’s how a Roth had fallen for a Bordeaux.

As the cab came to a stop, Lorcán held the door for Aurora, helping her out before moving to the trunk to fetch the luggage while Aurora took care of paying the driver. His parents had entrusted their funds with Aurora as opposed to Lorcán for entirely justified reasons.

Standing in front of the house of his Aunt and Uncle, Lorcán flashed a smile at Aurora.

“Ready to see where Cass and Ripley grew up?”

The redhead had been quiet for most of the cab ride, in fact, for the majority of their journey she’d been wrapped in her own thoughts, lost in a steady churn of feelings she didn’t know how to voice. Starting in Vancouver had been one thing- she’d been a handful of times throughout her years and it felt familiar enough- but traveling across the country to a town she’d never step foot in was entirely another. Each mile that took them further from P.R.C.U. left her feeling untethered, like she was leaving something behind.

It was only when they reached the Orlaith Valley, the dense clusters of trees with their changing leaves pressing close to the winding roads, that she felt the faintest glimmer of something other than grief. She’d never seen a fall like this before, the reds and oranges were so vibrant they almost looked unreal. On the Island the seasons shifted more subtly, a quiet transition from warm to cool, but here, fall was loud and brilliant, blazing with colors that seemed to set the landscape on fire.

Aurora took a deep breath as she got out of the car, her eyes sweeping over the three-story home that lay before them, painted a light blue-toned grey with white trim. The house exuded character, the front porch scattered with autumn leaves that had drifted down from the towering oak in the front yard.

“Yeah,” She nodded, still taking it all in, “Ready.”

^{_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

^{| The Black Forest, Germany - Several Weeks from Now}

The room was lit only by the warm hues of the flickering candlelight.

A fragrant incense burned in the corner, masking the smell of freshly spilled blood. The source of the blood sat on a simple wooden stool whilst drawing a thread made by binding together five long hairs from atop her head. The veiled maiden then took the hair and slowly tied it around a thin needle that had been painstakingly carved from the bones of her pre-deceased predecessors.

Copper hair spilled over the shoulders of the younger woman sitting directly across from the one carrying out a sacred and ancient duty. From beside Aurora, Lorcán gently squeezed the redhead’s right hand reassuringly, as the pair watched the woman drag the newly woven thread through the untainted crimson ichor.

“Breathe, this next part will hurt.” She instructed and Lorcán squeezed a little harder as the needle penetrated the first few layers of Aurora’s palm.

Aurora inhaled deeply as directed, trying to remain calm, but her exhale quickly turned into a loud shriek.

The pain was sharp and intense, unlike anything she had ever felt before, and her grip on her boyfriend’s hand became crushing as the maiden navigated the needle through her skin, each movement hurting more than the last.

“Ow, ow!” She exclaimed, sapphire eyes watering as the agonizing sensation radiated from her palm up her arm.

“I will finish sooner if you remain still.” The veiled woman stated as Lorcán did his best to steady Aurora, his other hand balling into a fist at his girlfriend’s pain. He hated that she had to be subjected to this, but if Ellara was right, without this ward their souls would be ripped to shreds.

“Is there no way to like, numb the pain?” Lorcán pleaded.

“No, the pain is part of the Path.”

The redhead took a shuddering breath, nodding before clamping her eyes tightly shut as tears trailed down her cheeks. It was excruciating, the stabbing evolving into something that felt akin to burning, but she knew it was necessary if they were to continue on their journey. Another breath, and she directed all her focus to cease the trembling in her hand and arm, trying to remain still as instructed.

She bit down on the inside of her cheek as the veiled woman continued, a metallic taste coating her tongue as she attempted to quiet her whimpers of pain.

Withdrawing the needle with the last pass, Lorcán’s eyes widened as he watched the rune begin to glow. He had just experienced it himself, he knew the next part was going to be the worst for Aurora and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, feeling the heat shoot through her body.

But not even Lorcán’s strong embrace could comfort her as the burning sensation overtook. Aurora leaned into him, burying her head into the crook of his neck and cried, desperate for any relief from this torment. Her body felt ablaze, like it was being set on fire from the inside.

And then as quickly as the pain had come on, it disappeared.

Breathing heavily and a sheen of sweat dotting her brow, Aurora cautiously sat upright and gazed down at her hand, at the coal-black symbol that now covered the fair skin of her palm. Swallowing, she looked between the veiled maiden and Lorcán, a few final stray tears slipping down her face.

“Is that the last of you now?”

“Yes,” Came Ellara’s reply as Gil waited anxiously nearby for the ritual to be completed, “Just the three of them, thank you again, Sister.”

“This is the Path I walk.”

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: The Beach - Pacific Royal Campus}

Human #5.017: Burning Down

^{_{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): Harper @Qia Katja @Zoldyck}

Previously: Where Do I Go?

Aurora listened to Rory’s words, heard the raw pain behind them that resonated with her own in that moment. The pieces clicked into place - Katja was the member of Blackjack that Raze had revealed during the trial, she was part of Orcinus. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat louder than the last, as she realized that her friend, someone she trusted, was a traitor.

But it was Harper’s fury directed at the wheelchair-bound boy that urged her to speak, anger not based on logic regarding the situation, but of circumstance and consequence. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides as she turned toward the brunette, her voice sharp.

“Harper,” The redhead scolded, her friend’s uncharacteristic hostility stunning her to her core. “You have absolutely no right to speak to Rory like that. Not even a little bit.” Though the girl wouldn’t be able to see her face, she knew she could hear the disappointment laced into her tone. “You’re completely wrong.” She paused, her breath quickening, trying to hold onto the composure she was known for, and she rose to her feet.

“Because if Katja did care about us, and I mean truly cared, she wouldn’t have sided with a goddamn terrorist.”

Aurora didn’t get mad often, if ever. Most of her teammates knew her to be compassionate and level headed, always finding civil ways to de escalate any situation. But this week had pushed her beyond her limits emotionally, and she had just about had it. The tension had been bubbling up for days, and she was ready to burst. She couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“During the Trials, I was warned that one of us was still loyal to Hyperion and was responsible for trapping us inside,” She was seething now, her voice trembling with suppressed rage, cheeks turning as red as her hair, “I didn’t want to believe it, thought it was a trick of the simulation, but now, I know that it was true, and it was you.” Her sapphire eyes were cold and calculating as they fixed on Katja, and she took a step closer, almost predatory. "Do you even understand what you’ve done?"

"You betrayed us, Katja, and for what? Some warped vision of the future that was sold to you?" Aurora’s voice rose with each word, her anger barely contained. "Do you even understand the lives you’ve put at risk? The people you’ve hurt? The people you’ve killed?"

The redhead turned to look down at Harper in her seat, ensuring that her words would reach her loud and clear.

“I’m insulted that you think she cares about us, Harper. You weren’t here when Hyperion attacked, you don’t know what it was like.” Aurora’s voice broke, her pain rising to the surface, raw and exposed. “People like her tried to take everything from me, again.”

The tension was thick, suffocating. Had Lorcán been there, he might have calmed her, grounded her in some way. But with him off consoling Gil, there was no one to pull her back from the edge. She was a storm unleashed, relentless, as she took another step towards Katja.

"You think you’re doing what’s right," She continued, her voice dropping into a low, dangerous tone. "You think you’re on the ‘right side,’ don’t you? But one day, you’re going to look back and see the destruction you’ve caused, the lives you’ve ruined." Aurora’s gaze burned into Katja, her tone cold, final.

"And by then, it’ll be too late."

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

All good things must come to an end.

And for Aurora Mitchell, more often than not, her dreams flowed directly into the nightmares that were left in their wake.

It was emotional whiplash, to say the least, going from the best night of her life to one of the worst in a matter of minutes. One moment she and Lorcán were still in their own little world, practically floating on cloud 9 as a couple. After years of friendship, quiet pining, and unspoken feelings, they’d taken that leap together, and walking hand in hand back from the beach, the world had felt infinite, like they could conquer anything.

But the next moment, they’d descended directly into chaos. The result of an attack on the ARC by a creature called the Chernobog, claiming the lives of several students and injuring plenty more.

Her friends had been there. Her teammates. And she hadn’t been.

Aurora stayed over at Lorcán’s dorm that night, though sleep didn’t come easily. She lay beside him, curled under his arm, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, but even his comforting presence couldn’t quiet the turmoil in her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the faces of the injured students, the devastation.

The night had started so perfectly, and now it was nothing but a blur of guilt and regret.

After what seemed like hours of lying awake, she slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake him, and wandered over to sit by the window. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the campus below. It looked so peaceful, but Aurora knew better. Beneath the surface, there was tension. Fear. Grief.

Part of her was thankful that they hadn’t been there, that she and Lorcán had been safe from the attack. But the thought felt selfish, like a betrayal of the people she cared about. How could she be grateful for her safety when so many others had suffered? Her friends, her teammates—they had faced the terror of the Chernobog while she had been wrapped up in her own happiness, blissfully unaware of the danger that loomed.

The guilt gnawed at her. She hated herself for even feeling relieved. What kind of person was she, counting her blessings when others had been hurt, when lives had been lost? Her mind flashed back to the faces she had seen when they returned, their haunted expressions and the eerie silence that had followed. Aurora couldn’t help but feel like she’d abandoned them, like she’d failed her friends when they needed her most. She should have been there, should have fought alongside them. Instead, she’d been dancing on the beach, lost in the euphoria of her new relationship with Lorcán.

She ran a hand through her hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. It wasn’t like she could go back and change what happened. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d let everyone down, including herself. The thought made her stomach twist.

Turning back to look at Lorcán’s sleeping form, she watched the steady rise and fall of his chest, the peacefulness in his expression that seemed so far removed from the unease swirling inside of her. They hadn’t planned for any of this to happen, of course, but knowing that didn’t make the guilt any easier to bear.

Aurora hugged her knees to her chest as a shiver racked her spine, her back having been pressed against the cold windowsill. Though she couldn’t escape the weight of her thoughts, the icy air only made her feel more alone. She tore her gaze away from the darkened landscape below and stood, returning to bed and slipping beneath the blankets with careful movements so as not to disturb Lorcán. As soon as she settled, he stirred slightly, instinctively pulling her close, his arms wrapping around her and his warmth taking away the chill.

She allowed herself to relax into him, and in his arms, the world felt smaller, the chaos a little less overwhelming. Burying her face in the curve of his neck, she inhaled the familiar citrus and smoke scent of him, finding comfort even though the heartache still lingered at the edges of her mind.

Tomorrow, they’d face what came next, but for now, she allowed herself this small moment of serenity, even when everything else seemed to be rapidly unraveling and falling apart.

^{_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University is closed.

Aurora froze.

Every word that followed was muffled, the only sound louder than the students around her was the deafening ringing in her ears. Her gaze drifted, unfocused, the moisture pooling in her eyes turning everything before her blurry and distorted. The closest thing she’d ever had to a home, slipping from her fingers, just like that.

It was happening all over again, a vicious cycle continued.

“I have nowhere else to go.” The redhead exhaled, rigid in her state of shock, “PRCU is the only place I have, Lorcán.” She whispered, her voice shaky, eyes wide with disbelief. “What am I going to do?” The hand that was intertwined with his grew limp. She felt completely and utterly numb.

“I don’t have another choice, I’m going to have to go to the Foundation,” The tears began to roll down her freckled cheeks as realization hit. “I-I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to go.” She continued, her voice cracking and her breath hitching, the panic beginning to set in.

Lorcán pulled her in tightly against his chest, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing to try and force some of the tension from his girlfriend’s body. He gave her a minute to catch her breath before speaking.

“You’re not going anywhere, you’re staying right here with me.” He replied in a low voice, his tone comforting. “The house has another bedroom and my parents already see you as part of our family. No one is letting you go to the Foundation,” He added, emitting a slight warm glow from his body to help her calm.

“This is our home, we’re staying right here. We’ll make this work, I promise.”

Aurora felt the steady rise and fall of his chest as he held her tightly and attempted to match the rhythm of his breathing, warmth radiating from his body and wrapping around her soothingly. But she still was sent reeling.

“No, I-I-I couldn’t,” She sputtered, immediately pushing back on his statement. “Your parents already have enough to worry about,” The redhead knew that her staying with the Roth’s meant she was another mouth to feed, another person to concern themselves with. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden. “I’d never put them in that position, I can’t.”

“I’m insisting, firstly as your friend, secondly as your boyfriend,” Lorcán implored, “I’m not taking ‘no’ as an answer, I’ll get a job to help out. It’ll be fine, we’ll make this work.” He continued, “I’m not losing you to the Foundation too.”

Her pulse was racing, but something within her settled at his unwavering resolve, even though her mind continued to spin out and the tears streamed down her face. Maybe it was because she felt safest with him, and deep down she knew that so long as they were together, she’d be okay. But later, as she sat on the porch of the Roth homestead while Lorcán spoke with his parents inside, something occurred to her.

He was home.

PRCU had only been a place, Lorcán had been the one to make it mean something more. It didn’t matter where they were physically - on Dundas Island, on the mainland, somewhere else - wherever he was, was where she was meant to be.

She wouldn't let him slip through her fingers too.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: The Beach - Pacific Royal Campus}

Human #5.012: Where Do I Go?

^{_{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): Lorcán @Lord Wraith & Rory @webboysurf}

Previously: Death of a Bachelor

Aurora stood waiting at the edge of the path to the beach, the point in which the trees opened up to greet wide open space and where rough gravel met soft sand. Her sapphire eyes watched the waves crash onto the shoreline, entranced, as if she were examining the intricacies of their ebb and flow.

The bags under her eyes were noticeable and her fair skin was far paler than usual, the last few days having sucked her effervescent demeanor dry. At this rate, she had no more tears left to cry, having practically exhausted herself with the endless questions that had no answers and the overwhelming changes which left her aimless.

The end was imminent and the unknown awaited.

The sound of gravel crunching under wheels cut through the air, coming in spurts of energy. He was no longer sporting casts on his legs, but his hunched body language and grimaced expression were not a comforting view when he rolled to a stop near his teammate. His eyes glanced in Aurora's direction, but he didn't seem to focus on her. He opened his mouth to speak, but the only sound that came out was a raspy exhale. He cleared his throat for a moment, shaking his head a little. He didn't even know what to say to her. Or any of them, for that matter.

The words he did settle on were simple, sincere, and empty. His voice lacked the usual warmth, instead echoing with sorrow and frustration.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. It's… I'm not used to this.”

Aurora didn’t look at Rory as he spoke, anxiously tucking her hair behind her ears, her dull copper locks lacking their normally vibrant hue. She was hesitant to shift her gaze towards him- down at him. She hadn’t seen him since the day after the attack, when she and Lorcán had gone together to visit both him and Haven in the infirmary, but at that point he was still resting in bed, legs covered with bandages and blankets.

Knowing that he was confined to a chair increased the guilt she felt for not being there, and facing it now was a tangible reminder that she had failed her teammates, her friends. Tentatively, she glanced at him, and that familiar pang of regret hit her like a truck, but yet her expression remained stoic, empty.

“I know.” The redhead sympathized, recognizing he was still navigating this new normal. “I haven’t been standing here long, besides, I’m enjoying the view.” She assured him, motioning out to the endless sea ahead of them. “How are you feeling today?” She asked, hoping it would come off as sincere although her voice wavered.

The corners of Rory's lips turned upwards in the faintest and saddest impression of a smile.

“Not jumping for joy.” He glanced up at Aurora, finally taking in her expression and posture. He turned his gaze back towards the beach. His words remained cold and stoic in a way that was alien to him.

“It would have killed you. And him.”

“You don’t know that.” She was quick to reply, not wasting a breath on words that weren’t truthful as her eyes drifted out to the horizon, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink. “I could have teleported you guys out, Lorcán could have thawed the ice and distracted the Chernobog long enough for Alyssa and Luce to finish it.” Aurora could feel the lump forming in the back of her throat.

“We should’ve been there. Things would have been different”

Rory shook his head.

“Maybe. Or maybe there would be more gravestones.” His breathing was deep and heavy, his eyes shifting to the sea. “It doesn't matter now. We can't change what happened.”

A heavy silence hung between the pair, Aurora not quite sure of what else she could say in response. Rory was right—they couldn’t change what had happened—but that didn’t stop the constant, gnawing question of what if. Her jaw tightened as she fought against the surge of emotions bubbling beneath the surface, the loss weighing on her chest, threatening to spill over.

“I know,” She whispered, her voice thick with the unspoken grief that lingered. “But that doesn't mean I’ll ever stop wishing we could.”

The redhead turned and took a step to the side, positioning herself behind Rory’s wheelchair, palms coming to rest on the hand grips. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself to teleport not only her friend but his wheelchair as well.

“Ready whenever you are.”

Rory simply nodded, unable to utter a single word. He wanted to reach up and offer some sort of support, but he didn't have the energy. He simply hunched over in his seat, readying himself for that weightless sensation while gripping the armrests tight.

Aurora closed her eyes, and in an instant, they were gone.

The action felt more strenuous than it normally did, the weakness in her legs evident when her knees wobbled upon their arrival on the beach. But she steadied herself before anyone could notice, bracing against the chair for a moment while she readjusted to the sinking sensation of the sand below her feet. With Rory now parked in the spot left intentionally vacant directly next to Haven, the redhead quickly found her place beside Lorcán. She wasn’t even seated for more than a few seconds before his hand drifted towards her, and she wordlessly interlaced her fingers with his.

They still hadn’t told the team officially of their relationship per their original agreement, but especially now, it didn’t seem right to share such positive news. The pair had been the only ones to gain something on a night that everyone else had lost, if anything it’d be tone deaf to express such sentiments. Nonetheless, she assumed that most of their friends had likely figured out by now that they were together.

Her sullen sapphires flitted around the campfire, gazing upon those gathered who remained. What once was a lively and tight-knit group now felt fractured, haunted by the events that had torn through their world just days ago. The circle was smaller now, empty seats reminding them of those who weren’t with them anymore. The mood was somber, heavy, and Aurora felt the weight of it press down on her shoulders. It wasn’t just the loss of people; it was the loss of what they once had together, that carefree camaraderie that had been shattered in an instant.

She glanced at the last members of Eclipse, who’s stories she would unfortunately never get the chance to know, just their names and abilities.

Haven, her gorgeous wings now a whisper of a memory, freedom now just out of her reach, and Rory, who had tried so hard to put the team first, save the girl by his side which ended in his own detriment.

Gil, the actor whose facade had finally cracked, unable to hide the grief that had consumed him, and Banjo, a man in mourning, lost without his love, which made her shift slightly closer to her boyfriend.

She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Harper who sat on her other side, her closest confidant, eyes the shade of snow. There’d be no more drawings, her precious sketches permanently erased with her gift having vanished.

Aurora squeezed Lorcán’s hand tighter, her grip almost desperate. She didn’t know how to fix any of this, didn’t know how to bridge the gaps that had now grown between them all. But her attention was pulled away by movement on the edge of her vision. Two figures stepped into her periphery, one of them—a white-haired girl—approaching Gil with something small and delicate in her hand.

The last known belonging of Amma Cahors. Ammaranthe she was told later on was her full name, the purest piece of herself which she had tried to reveal during the trials. The raven haired girl barely had the chance to show them who she really was. Aurora knew now that it was Amma who had saved Lorcán’s life - and she’d never get the chance to express her gratitude or repay that debt.

She knew she could have stopped this, all of this, or at the very least, she could have prevented this from happening. And she’d need to learn to live with that for the rest of her days.

The redhead’s hand suddenly went cold, and she turned her head to watch Lorcán’s retreating form that followed Gil down the beach. Her fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for the warmth that had just slipped away, and for a moment, she sat frozen. The crackling of the fire was the only sound that broke the silence which had fallen over them once again, the light and shadow the flames cast flickering across the somber faces of her friends, their eyes heavy with grief and exhaustion.

Exhaling audibly, she spoke for the first time.

“I’m going with Lorcán to Crestwood Hollow.” She revealed, although she doubted it came as much of a surprise to the rest of the group. “After that...” Her voice faltered, and she glanced around the circle, meeting each of their eyes for a brief moment before her gaze dropped to the ground.

“We’ll figure it out,” She added quietly, though the uncertainty in her tone betrayed her. The words felt like a promise she wasn’t sure she could keep, and she let them hang in the air for a moment.

“I hope.”

^{_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

^{| Vancouver, British Columbia - A Few Weeks from Now}

Aurora stood in front of the payphone outside of the diner, the cool autumn air biting at her skin. Her fingers hovered over the keypad, trembling slightly, the slip of paper in her hand had grown soft from being folded and unfolded too many times, the ink barely legible. She’d gone over this moment in her head a thousand times, rehearsing the words, the question. But now, with the phone pressed to her ear, she contemplated if she really was about to do this.

She wasn’t ready. She doubted she'd ever be.

The faint ringing on the other end was steady, but with each tone, the knot in her stomach tightened.

"Hello?" Aurora swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.

"Hi there, I'm, uh, calling about one of your employees... Sasha Mitchell?" The name felt foreign on her lips, like it didn’t belong to her anymore. It had been so long since she'd said it out loud. "Does she still work there?"

The woman on the other end paused for a moment, her voice softening.

"Oh, dear... no. She quit a few months ago, actually. And..." Her tone turned somber, hesitant. "No one's seen or heard from her since."

“May I… may I ask who’s calling?”

Aurora’s heart sank, the sharp ache of years of wondering, of hoping, surged through her. She tried to steady her voice, but it came out shaky.

"I- I'm just an old friend," She said, almost whispering the lie. The other end of the line went quiet. She could almost hear the woman weighing her next words, wondering who this "old friend" really was.

"Well, if you happen to find anything out, do let us know." The woman’s voice was laced with sorrow, her words slow and careful, as if she knew speaking them could break something fragile. "We miss her around here, you know. Between you and me..." She sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken history.

"I hope she finally left that no-good husband of hers and skipped town."

Aurora’s grip tightened around the phone, her knuckles white. The mention of her stepfather twisted something inside her- that familiar fear. Memories she continually tried to bury began to resurface, the same ones that haunted her nightmares, but she forced them back down, the distance between her and her mother feeling more insurmountable than ever.

The silence between them stretched, filled with unspoken questions, before the woman cleared her throat.

"Well... take care, dear."

"Yeah... you too." Aurora murmured, the phone slipping from her grasp as she hung up. She stood there, staring blankly at the receiver, one of her only leads vanishing into thin air.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: The Augmented Reality Center - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University Campus}

Dance Monkey #4.082: Death Of A Bachelor

^{_{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): @Lord Wraith - Lorcán Roth}

Previously: Dancing In The Flames

It didn’t take long for Lorcán and Aurora to trade the quiet stillness of the Mess Hall for the melodic crashing waves on the shoreline, the latter teleporting the pair in an instant to their shared favorite place.

As soon as she felt the solid tile flooring underneath her dissolve into cool grains of sand, the redhead reached down and slipped off her shoes before they could sink too far downwards, sighing contently as her toes dug into the beach. Free from the restrictive confines of her heels, she let her discarded footwear hang from her fingertips, her other hand still grasping onto the boy by her side as she began to walk along the water, being careful that the skirt of her dress didn’t get caught in the incoming tide.

“I came out here alone a few nights this past week, both when you were in the infirmary and after everything happened.” Aurora revealed, recounting the evenings she had spent sitting on the shore with her thoughts during the witching hour. Next to them, the ocean seemed to glow in the moonlight, shades of white and silver dancing along the surface. “It was weird. Lonely, really. It didn’t feel the same without you.”

“When I was in the infirmary-” Lorcán looked out towards the sea, his eyes following the horizon before a silvery reflection on the water's surface caused his eyes to dart to the North. Glowing antlers saluted him and as quickly as he had noticed the white stag, it was gone again.

Lorcán quickly blinked, shaking his head with a small smile before continuing his thought.

“When I was unconscious, it was you, you were the one watching over me, guiding me through. My thoughts dwelt almost entirely on you.” He explained, before suddenly stopping. His eyes lit up as he noticed a structure in the distance.

“Looks like someone was like planning to continue the dance out here.” He exclaimed, suddenly releasing Aurora’s hand before darting forward. It was a simple setup, a temporary floor between four posts with strings of lights connecting them. Lorcán quickly located the power to the decorative display and watched it illuminate the dark beach.

Noting the Bluetooth speaker nearby, it only took him a few seconds to pair the device with his phone before he held his hand toward Aurora again.

“You did promise to save me a dance.”

A small smile formed on Aurora’s lips as Lorcán spoke, and yet, in combination with her radiant joy she also found herself in disbelief. Through all those days and nights in the infirmary that she sat by his side, he had been thinking of her? Of all the people in his life who he found important, especially his family, she was the one who he cited guiding him through. It was difficult for her to wrap her head around that she held such a prominent place in his heart and mind. Then again, she held that same space for him.

But before she could comment, she followed his gaze and then his path to the structure he spotted not too far from the water’s edge. The lights glowed warmly as they were lit, the same warmth that the redhead felt blooming in her chest, a stark contrast against the cool tones of the night sky and sand. It was becoming a picture perfect evening, especially considering how differently it could have gone given the way the night had started.

“I did, didn’t I,” Aurora playfully recounted, taking his outstretched hand and moving closer. She let her other hand settle on his shoulder, looking up at him with bright blue eyes. “Well it’s a good thing then that I never break a promise.”

Lorcán took hold of her hand and playfully spun Aurora around as the music began to play. He had been sure to select one of her favourites, but still something with a solid enough beat that he could move his feet to it. Playing along with music was one thing, but Lorcán wasn’t exactly known for poise or grace.

“I don’t see how there could possibly be anywhere else I’d want to be right now than here with you, Aurora.” Lorcán smiled, her name feeling almost foreign on his lips. Could he still call her ‘Lady Dude’? Did he need to think of a new nickname? Was actually being romantically involved always going to lead to these moments of overthinking every small action?

Staring in her eyes, Lorcán let go of any doubts as he re-centred himself in the moment, determined to enjoy the now and worry about tomorrow when it came. With his phone on silent, they were free of any distractions or disturbances as the romantic melody spilled out over the empty beach. The twinkling lights above their heads were accented by the moon that reflected off the peaceful crashing waves.

It was a perfect moment and there was nothing that could ruin it.

The redhead agreed, there was nowhere else she’d rather be. She’d dreamed of a moment like this, sharing a tender experience in the setting that they had grown to call their own. Beach aside, she’d said it herself back in the infirmary - the only place she ever wanted to be was where he was.

But hearing her given name as opposed to the nickname she had grown to cherish felt different. The thing was though, things were different now. With both of their feelings out in the open, communicated and sealed with a kiss, this was now a new chapter in their friendship - their relationship.

Was that what this was now? A relationship?

She thought so, at least, that the confession of their love and shared feelings meant that they were now likely together in that manner. But after everything that had happened between them which could have precluded this from even occurring in the first place, she knew better than to assume. The familiar nerves she had felt before quickly made themselves known again, and so Aurora approached the subject gently, deciding that from here on out there would be no more secrets, no more holding things close to her chest.

“Lorcán,” She hesitated, but continued, “I know we still have a lot to figure out, but,” Her hand moved from his shoulder to cup the back of his neck, letting the pads of her fingers glide into his hair. “What happens next? Where do we go from here?”

“I don’t know,” He replied, shivers running down his spine as Aurora played with his hair. He could feel more than just the hairs on his arms standing on edge as the pleasure-filled tingles ran through his body.

“But I do know we do it together,” Lorcán added with a smile, “I want to be with you, to know you fully and wholly, and I think you want that with me,” He explained, “I see no reason why this isn’t more. I told you, I wanted it to be more, and I want to continue to explore that and life with you.”

He took hold of her hand, kissing the back of it lightly before locking his ember-like eyes with Aurora’s shimmering sapphires.

“What I’m trying to say is, Aurora Mitchell, I want to be your boyfriend.”

Aurora's heart skipped a beat, her lips curling into a smile, blood rushing to her cheeks and staining them rose.

I totally don’t see us as static either, we’re still evolving.

Together, just as they always had, but more than before. No more lingering doubts, no more dancing around what they both wanted. And the way he looked at her—like she was the only thing that mattered—made it feel like the most natural thing in the world.

"Boyfriend," she repeated softly, as if testing the word on her tongue. It felt strange, but wonderfully so; a page turned, a new chapter. “I’d like that,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, her thumb brushing lightly against the nape of his neck, her touch gentle. “I’d like that a lot.”

Without thinking twice, the action in itself instinctual, she leaned forward and closed the gap between them. Her lips pressed softly against Lorcán’s, the kiss languid, filled not with urgency but a promise of something lasting. She could feel the steady beat of his heart, strong and sure, and his embrace felt like the safest place in the world.

“I guess that makes me your girlfriend,” She teased gently, the familiar lightness returning to her tone.

“I was hoping so,” Lorcán replied with a giddy grin, “Otherwise this would be real awkward,”

But another thought quickly followed, one that Aurora felt was important to address now while the rest that flurried through her mind they could answer later. “Though, let’s keep this between us for now. I don’t want to tell the rest of the team just yet, if that’s okay. I know they mean well, but sometimes they can be a little too nosy for their own good.” Aurora smirked, “This is still so new, and I think you and I need to get the hang of things first.”

Lorcán nodded enthusiastically.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself, I’ve watched how some of them run into relationships and if anything, it has only ever like shown me what I don’t want.” He replied, “I don’t ever want anything to ever separate us again.”

He placed his lips on her forehead, nuzzling her head under his chin before wrapping his arms around her and staring out at the peaceful ocean behind them.

Tonight had been perfect, and it was only just the beginning.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: Augmented Reality Center - Pacific Royal Campus}

Dance Monkey #4.057: Look What You Made Me Do

^{_{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: guilty conscience

Making Lorcán jealous was the exact opposite of what Aurora was trying to do. In fact, she prayed that he wasn’t watching them dance right now - the last thing she needed was to make things worse than they already were, but clearly Chad had other ideas. What had transpired between the two in order to cause such hostility? She had never seen them interact in the past, she didn’t even think that they knew each other, so her curiosity was instantly piqued.

“Who knew you’d be so eager.” The redhead stated as they continued to sway, pretending to go along with the act. The words stung as they left her lips, but she wasn’t about to reveal to him the reason she was really looking for Lorcán. “What is it that you’re getting out of this?” She watched as the dark haired boy’s expression darkened at the question.

“Let’s just say he hurt someone very close to me. I’d take any opportunity to get back at him for what he did.” His intonation was low, a warning, and Aurora knew better than to push the issue further. But she found it hard to believe that Lorcán actually harmed someone, he wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone a person, on purpose. There must have been a piece of the puzzle missing. Chad’s eyes lightened again, and he smirked before spinning her outwards and then pulling her in, her back now pressed against his chest. His breath was warm on her ear as he leaned in to speak, “More importantly though, I could never say no to a beautiful girl like you.”

Oh?

She turned back to face him and continued to sway, one slow song morphing into the next, but noticed his gaze was out into the distance still. Aurora followed his line of sight, which led to his friends who stood in the same spot they had left them in. One of them nodded their head towards the exit before mimicking having a drink and the entire group began to migrate to the front of the A.R.C. She glanced back at the dark haired boy only to find his eyes were now locked on her, a devious smile playing on his lips.

“What do you say we get out of here?” He stopped moving his legs, planting them firmly before his arm snaked around her midsection towards the small of her back, “Head to the speakeasy, have a few more drinks…” His hand came to rest on her lower hip, “Go and have some real fun.”

The redhead tensed, her cheeks flushing almost instantly as his thumb stroked along the fabric of her dress. He’d just had his hand on her waist while they were dancing, but this felt more deliberate, more intentional. That combined with his previous comment led her to believe that the vibe was definitely shifting between them in a way she wasn’t prepared for.

“I, uh… I don’t think…” She stammered, clearly wary of the sudden change in dynamic and unsure of what to say in response. Chad’s smile turned into a playful smirk, a flirtatious glint in his eye.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered.” He commented, another compliment based on her appearance, raising his eyebrows, “This dance is lame anyway, and besides…” His hand slowly slid lower as he leaned in towards her ear, speaking barely above a whisper.

“I’ve been dying to find out what’s under this dress.”

The alarm bells in her head sounded loudly and this time, she listened to them. Aurora immediately tried to take a step away from Chad and create some distance, but he quickly moved his hand back up to her waist and pulled her into him.

“Don’t get all shy on me now, Aurora. I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at me.” He insisted. She was quick to shake her head, confused on how he’d come to such a conclusion when she hadn’t intentionally given him any indication of interest. She knew a lot of girls liked Chad in that way, but she had eyes for someone else.

“You’ve got the wrong idea, I don’t want-” The redhead tried to explain, attempting to maneuver out of his grasp, but the dark haired boy tightened his hold, effectively keeping her from going anywhere.

“It’s okay to be nervous,” He assured, his voice sickeningly sweet even with what he was insinuating, making bile rise up in the back of Aurora’s throat. Her eyes searched around the dance floor, desperately looking for a friendly face. She hoped one of her friends was near and could see she needed assistance; in an ideal scenario, Harper would have been watching from across the room with her keen eye or Haven would have been eavesdropping from afar. But with all the commotion, she likely was lost in the shuffle.

“No, Chad, I’m not interested,” She formed the words successfully, but her voice still wobbled in her panic, something that the dark haired boy latched onto and ran with.

“Come on, baby, you know you want to.” He wasn’t relenting, choosing to ignore her blatant refusal and her heart sank. How more obvious could she be?

His hand slid lower, cupping her backside. He squeezed, and her breath caught in her throat.

“We can take things slow,”

How could she have been so stupid. His words and actions had been questionable this whole time and yet she had chosen to sweep things under the rug, believing she was reading into it all too much. That denial had led her to this moment. Amma’s words repeated in her mind and she finally understood what the raven vixen was warning her about, who she was warning her about. Chad had asked her to the dance for one reason, and one reason only, but she had been so consumed in her woe over Lorcán that she hadn’t seen the warning signs.

She knew guys like Chad. They didn’t get rejected often, so when they did, they didn’t take it well. Or rather, they didn’t accept the rejection at all, and she was not about to let him pressure her into doing anything she didn’t want to do. Aurora may have been her mother’s daughter, but she was definitely not her mother.

Enough was enough.

Her face turned bright red, not in embarrassment or flattery, but in anger.

“Don’t touch me, and don’t call me baby.”

This time, she didn’t hesitate as she slapped Chad across the face.

The deafening sound of skin hitting skin seemed to ricochet even with the music playing loudly in the background. Releasing his grip, the boy reached up and cradled his face before looking back at her, eyes gone dark and alight with rage. Aurora took the opportunity to step back, separating herself from him.

“What the hell, Mitchell!” He spat, his facial expression contorting into one of shock for the action taken.

“I said no, Chad.” Aurora stated firmly, standing her ground. People around them were starting to notice the altercation, and seeing this, Chad grabbed the redhead’s arm, his fingers digging into her fair skin.

“Teleport us out of here before you make more of a scene than you already have.”

“The lady said no,” A voice roared, “Let me express that in a language you’re familiar with.”

Cass was a blur of motion, his fist connecting with Chad’s jaw, stunning the taller boy and causing him to release her. A follow-up strike to Chad's chest exploded with a concussive blast that sent him sliding back across the floor.

Lorcán pushed through the dumbfounded crowd, appearing beside Aurora and reassuringly grasping her hand while his free hand crackled with energy. He took a step in front of her and stared Chad down.

“If you ever touch her again, you’ll lose the hand.” Lorcán spat, his fiery eyes prepared to burn a hole through him.

It all happened so fast, Aurora barely had enough time to react before Cass came out swinging, but as Lorcán grabbed her hand, angling himself between her and Chad, all of the panic she felt instantly vanished. The pair had practically appeared out of nowhere, but she wasn’t about to question how they had come to her aid so quickly.

Relieved, the redhead squeezed the hand that held hers.

“You’re going to regret that, Charon,” Chad seethed, scrambling to his feet while clutching his chest. He looked down at Cass with the few inches he had to his advantage. “I should have taught you a lesson the first time.” He snarled, referencing their altercation from the day prior before looking over the blonde’s shoulder to where Lorcán stood. The dark haired boy saw red.

“So now you want to play the hero? That’s rich.” Chad scoffed, “You and I both know you’re far from innocent.” No one else would understand the reference, but he knew it’d cut deep nonetheless. He shook his head, “But you can have her, Roth, she’s a fucking tease anyway.”

Lorcán’s empty hand clenched into a fist at Chad’s words. He’d heard the term before but didn’t quite understand how Aurora was a tease. If anything, Lorcán knew it was Chad forcing a debt on the young woman she had no obligation to pay.

“No, she’s my friend, she doesn’t owe me anything,” Lorcán replied, standing his ground, “And she doesn’t owe a junkyard dog like you a moment more of her time.” He paused before addressing Chad again. His experiences with Miranda earlier that day flooding back, the memory of his confrontation with Lance and Ryan, the actuality of that situation. A cool head began to prevail as he tried to reason with Chad.

“Lance’s memories were altered, along with your parents’ and yours.” He explained, “I didn’t harm your brother, but he hurt someone and consequences found him.”

“Apparently a familiar trait,” Cass snarked.

“For tonight, these are your consequences,” Lorcán continued, “Unless Aurora says otherwise,” He turned to look at her, waiting to see if the girl he loved had anything to add.

The redhead met Lorcán’s molten gaze, fully knowing he’d unleash the fire he’d been keeping at bay if she said the word, and only then. Because at the end of the day, even though her best friend would always have her back, he knew that she was capable of fighting her own battles. And she definitely wasn’t done here. With a nod and another squeeze, she let go of his hand.

In an instant, she teleported directly in front of Chad and sent her knee straight into his groin.

He howled, doubling over in agony, not having had enough time or awareness to protect himself. The students around them seemed to grimace or wince in response, but Aurora’s focus remained pinned on the dark haired boy, her sapphire eyes abnormally icy.

“You so much as say a word to me ever again and I will teleport you off of the Southern Plateau.” Aurora threatened, brow furrowed.

Chad managed to lift his head after a moment, his face still contorted in pain, and glared at the redhead.

“You little-” He began but stopped himself, noticing just how many people were now watching them. For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to retaliate, but if there was anything the boy cared about, it was his reputation. He looked between the three of them, from Cass, to Lorcán, and back to Aurora, staring her down. “This isn’t over, Mitchell.” He spoke through gritted teeth low enough for only her to hear before hobbling off, their classmates parting like the sea and creating a clear path for him to depart the A.R.C.

“You want to get some air?” Lorcán offered, taking a hold of Aurora’s hand again, “Feels like a good time for ice cream,” He smiled, turning to take her other hand as well, giving them both a small squeeze.

The redhead exhaled as she felt the familiar warmth of Lorcán’s skin, not realizing she had been holding her breath. Everyone else in the background seemed to fade away, her focus only on the boy standing in front of her, and she nodded in response, a small smile reappearing on her face.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.”

“Well, I’m not needed here,” Cass stated dryly, “I suppose I should find my date and apologize for my tardiness.”

“So long as you’re not here,” Lorcán replied with a smirk of his own, his eyes never once leaving Aurora’s, “But thanks, you’ve always got my back,”

“Always will,” Cass replied, loosening his tie before pushing into the crowd and leaving the pair alone for some much-needed communication.

Without another word, Aurora teleported herself and Lorcán out of the A.R.C.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

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_{Location: Augmented Reality Center - Pacific Royal Campus}

Dance Monkey #4.055: guilty conscience

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Time to Dance

Chad’s arm wrapped around Aurora’s shoulders felt heavy, but the weight of her own actions bore heavier. The further that they walked from where Lorcán stood, the more guilty she felt, her best friend’s words reverberating in her head on a loop. He’d so willingly provided answers to the questions she hadn’t been nearly bold enough to ask, and instead she had hastily made her own assessment about the entire situation.

It begged the question, what else had she misconstrued?

Well for starters, that night in the tent before the trial he’d been talking about her. He’d fallen asleep trying to ask her to the dance. He had only just confirmed his intentions but the answer had been right there all along, clear as day. Their powers intermingled and he had said how right it had felt, he’d even assured her that Amma was just a friend - and yet, she’d doubted herself. Chalked it up to him being overwhelmed with everything that had happened that day with the school losing accreditation.

The following evening in his dorm room, he’d said everything he did during the trial was to get her back, and he didn’t know what he would have done if anything had happened to her.

Someone you love.

Was it possible that he felt the same way? Everything was starting to click.

Even so, she didn’t have an answer as to why he had asked for Amma when he woke up. What had she said or done that caused her to be the first person he wanted to see, and thus set off this chain of unfortunate events? She racked her brain for a logical explanation-

“Earth to Aurora,”

Chad shook her shoulder gently and Aurora blinked rapidly, snapping out of the trance she’d found herself in. “Damn, am I boring you that much?” He asked playfully.

“No, no not at all,” She quickly recovered, swallowing and offering him a smile, although it was much smaller than the one she’d given Lorcán only a few minutes prior. “I’m sorry, I just zoned out for a second.” The girl stated apologetically. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but inside she was beside herself.

“Guess I need to keep you a bit more stimulated then.” He winked, and where Aurora should have continued to burn, she instantly went cold. The action itself would have made the majority of girls on campus weak in the knees, but in that moment the redhead was immune to it, even a bit repulsed by it.

She should be here with Lorcán.

The pair rejoined Chad’s group of friends and Aurora tried to remain present as they conversed. She knew she’d only cause more issues for herself if she bailed on her date and went off to find the person she truly wanted to spend the evening with. So, she smiled politely and listened, pretending she had an ounce of interest in water polo. The discussion droned on, and the redhead thought she had gained the ability to turn invisible until one of Chad’s friends directed his attention to her.

“So like, you can teleport anywhere, right?” He asked, a dopey looking grin on his face. “Say you wanted to teleport to - I don’t know - the Gulo Dorms. You could do that right?” He snickered, and the redhead raised her eyebrows.

“I mean, no, it doesn't really work like that.” Aurora responded, warily, “It either has to be in my field of vision or I’ve had to have been there before.” She shook her head with a small laugh, trying to diffuse the situation, “It’s not like I can just show up somewhere I’ve never been.”

“Well that’ll change after tonight…” He said under his breath, nudging the boy to his right with his elbow accompanied by a small smirk. Did she hear him right? What kind of assumption was he trying to make?

“Okay, I think that’s enough from you,” Chad scolded, and yet there was something else laced in his tone and expression that she couldn’t quite discern. He took the drink from Aurora’s grasp and placed it down on a table before grabbing her hand. “If you’ll excuse us, I think I owe my date a dance.”

Before she could protest, the dark haired boy led her out onto the dancefloor just as the band switched to a slow romantic tune. Finding a spot amongst their peers, he pulled her closer using the hand holding hers and placed the other on the smallest point of her waist, the two beginning to sway to the music. Aurora’s gaze wandered around the room, attempting to spot that familiar head of light brown sun bleached hair.

She should have been dancing with him.

“I may be a jock, but I’m not stupid, you know.” Chad commented bluntly, causing Aurora’s sapphire eyes to instantly go wide as she returned her focus forward.

“Oh, no, I was just-” She tried to cover for herself, and he chuckled at how quick the redhead was to react, interrupting her almost immediately before she could come up with a fabricated explanation.

“What I’m trying to say is that I know who you’re looking for.” He leaned in towards her, “Normally, I’d be offended, but I get it.”

Aurora tilted her head, her facial expression contorting into one of confusion.

“...you do?” She questioned, surprised.

“Absolutely.” A devious smirk popped onto Chad’s lips.

“I’m all for making Roth jealous.”