Scarlet Warrior

two

2023 Present day

London

Rushing around the house I am late. Again. „Where is it?" I throw things around searching for my history book. A light familiar hand taps my shoulder making me turn around. There stands my roommate, with the book in her hands. „What would I do without you?" Even though my deaf roommate can read lips I sign her way anyway. She smiles in return and signs back „You would die." Snatching the book and my scattered stuff I hurry out the door waving goodbye on the way out.

The elevator seemed slower than usual as I tap my foot impatiently against the floor. Turning around the reflection in the beat-up mirror catches my attention. My long black hair was starting to become too long for comfort. The wavy locks always seemed to get stuck on my lip gloss covered lips. The deep under-eye circles barely covered by the makeup were a sign of my obvious exhaustion. Reaching down my hands smooth out the wrinkles of my worn-out white button-up shirt that I hurriedly tucked into my high-rise trousers before running out of the apartment in Valentina's most trusted pair of high-heeled pumps. The elevator door opening pulls me out of my observation. „C'mon Anastasia get it together," my lips whisper.

Hurrying past the crowd of people, the Trafalgar Square was packed again. I was already running late on my first day and the mass of people was getting on my nerves. „Excuse me. Sorry, can I-," pushing past the strangers without falling was proving to be a problem. Just as I thought I made it through the crowd someone bumps into my petite frame making me stumble forward. „Shit!"  I was sent flying forward, taking a woman down with me. 

„I'm so sorry!" I scramble to pick up my books, hoping my outfit was still intact. „It's okay. It wasn't your fault," her friendly voice makes me lift my head to meet her gaze. The notebook was in her hands as she picked it up from the floor. As I straighten back up her face falls in shock. „Are you okay miss?" I question her concerned at her state of shock. „Aurora," she stutters out her eyes never leaving mine. „Aurora?" At the mention of that name, something flashes through my tired mind. Red energy engulfs my body. Blinking back the frightening scene I snap back to reality. „I have to go."

Sersi remains paralyzed staring after the companion she lost 500 years ago. But the girl did not seem to remember her. How could it be? Sersei could swear on her life that girl was Aurora. The Scarlet Warrior.

Bursting through the classroom door the students turned their heads towards the late newcomer. I have always hated this kind of attention. It made my mask of confidence falter involuntarily. „Well good morning, running a bit late I see?" The handsome male professor smiles my way. Strange I remember signing up with Ms.Sersi for this particular presentation. „Am I in the right place?" He laughs gesturing to the door behind me that just opened. „And thank God, there she is." I turn around to see that same strange lady from before entering the room.

„Our brilliant museum scientist, Ms. Sersi, the person who will be and was always supposed to be giving you your presentation today." Rushing towards the last available table I quickly take place hoping they have all forgotten that I too have arrived far too late. „Thank you, Mr.Whitmann. Sorry I'm late, everyone. Today, we'll be learning about the importance of apex predators in a balanced ecosystem." Looking around the room it seems I was the oldest student around here. No one was older than 14 while I just recently turned 35. I made a note to rip my roommate's head off for keeping that information from me.

„Ooh! See you tonight!" The class joked making Ms. Sersi blush at the unwanted attention. „All right, settle down." There was an obvious attraction between Mr. Whitmann and her that made me smirk.

„So who can tell me what an apex predator is?" She turns the attention back to the topic forcing us to listen closely. A young girl raises her hand and answers the question I already knew the answer to. „Animal that hunt their prey for food."