The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

aurora's revenge

**Violence
*Longer one shot

A cold wind; not like that of the mountains and cabin, not familiarity and comfort, but of the bitter past and trauma. The taste deeds done with rage and revenge in a heart. Aurora lifted her eyes to the icicles decorating the palace of the Winter Court.

"Are you sure?" Mor asked softly as she stepped up beside Aurora. Crimson and gold whipped at their faces in the gusts of wind. She turned her head, looking over at Mor and studying the way blood rose to her cheeks and nose in the cold.

"I am," Aurora responded. As she looked back at the palace, the steel of the dagger on her thigh bit at her skin nearly as much as the cold. It taunted her, edged her toward that edge of emptiness.

Aurora had decided after nearly five decades that it was time to visit her long forgotten husband in the cells beneath the High Lord and High Lady of the Winter Court's home. Viviane had argued her way into a title such as Feyre's, admirable in Aurora's eyes.

The large doors opened and guards of berry red and forest green stepped out. They stationed themselves at the edge of the landing, Kallias stepping out. Aurora lifted her chin as the High Lord smiled down at them. His eyes pierced through the snowflakes that whizzed by, his grin just as bright.

"Mor, lovely as ever," Kallias called out, voice carried by the wind. Mor slid a gloved hand in Aurora's arm and led her to the bottom of the steps.

"Kallias," Mor acknowledged in a voice of velvet. Aurora didn't take her eyes from the High Lord, throat working on a swallow.

"And Aurora," Kallias began as those steel eyes met hers, "I didn't expect to see you in this Court again. Who can I thank for such a visit?"

"The former general in your dungeons. Is he still alive?" Aurora called back, surprised at how steady her voice was. She didn't expect to feel like she did after so many years; hands barely holding back from trembling and throat burning. Breathe.

Kallias's eyes crinkled with a wider smile as he stepped to the side. Mor tugged on Aurora's arm to urge her up the steps. Kallias didn't speak until they stood just in front of him, until he placed a kiss to the back of gloved hands. "Cormac is alive. My guards brought him breakfast just hours ago."

Aurora gave a nod. She wasn't sure how to decipher the different feelings that statement gave her. Disappointment because he was alive, regret that he had survived this long, sorrow for the way she had felt in his same situation, though she never received regular meals. Kallias observed her face as the guards closed the door behind them, sealing away the blizzard.

"I'm surprised to hear that you've come for him. Is he to be released?" Aurora shook her head.

"No. I've come just for a visit. I'd like to see how he's survived after decades," she responded drily. The High Lord's smile never wavered.

"And I am hoping you will bring me to Viviane," Mor chimed in, slipping her hand from Aurora's arm. Kallias inclined his head.

"My mate is in the throne room. She's redecorating for the thousandth time this year. Aurora, do you need my guards to guide you or do you remember the way?"

"I'd like for someone to lead me," Aurora answered. Not only had it been five decades, but the last time she was here, Aurora had been more focused on staying calm than studying the way to the dungeons. Kallias waved a hand and two guards stepped forward.

"Good luck." The High Lord's parting words sent a shiver down her spine as Aurora followed the two guards. They led her down a maze of hallways before reaching the one corridor that only held one door at the far end. They stood on either side of the threshold, one motioning down the hall. Aurora glanced between them before she began her way toward the lone door.