A Court of Sun and Flame

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

"Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality."
~Lewis Carroll

Aurelia

She cannot possibly know.

How could she know?

"I'm right here."

"Bullshit," Amren says looking at me, analysing me, "My Aurelia, my Phoenix, would never flinch at her mate."

What?

No.

The King-

No.

My power flies to the surface, swarming me.

He was right.

They were going to try and continue to take me away from my King.

"You're wrong."

Fangs coming to the surface, my wings expand, alit with flames, my hair glowing with the colours of flames. Winds surround us.

"He is my King and you will not take me away from him again."

Fear approaches my aunt's face.

"Impossible."

I can feel my face morphing into something else, but I don't pay any attention to it, my only focus being on stopping my aunt.

"You will not interfere with this battle, I won't allow you to hurt him."

"You're insane!"

She tries to fight my powers but fails. I don't know why. Everyone fears her and yet she fears me.

"Aurelia, please, wake up from this!"

I don't want to.

I'm at peace.

"This isn't you!"

I have never been more me.

"Please, this isn't my niece."

Because I'm not her niece.

I never was.

I don't even know this woman.

"I am not and have never been your niece."

Hurt crosses her face.

What does she have to be upset about?

"Please, my phoenix."

No.

I want this.

I am happy.

This isn't right.

Please.

Don't hurt her.

"Shut. Up. I have to do this." I look at the God kneeling before me, "I will do this."
I erupt.

Helion

Flames.

They're everywhere.

Screams.

They're everywhere.

Aurelia.

My Aurelia.

I run through the flames, towards the tent that I left my mate in.

The centre of the explosion.

"They're dead."

I look to my left, Rhysand stood next to me, looking at the same tent I am, only seeing something different.

"No. They're not. Aurelia is still alive, and if she is alive then Amren is too."