Forsaken

Chapter 20 : Shattered figures of the past

The months had crawled by, each passing day marked by uncertainty and longing. The absence of Aurora weighed heavily on Claude's heart, her mysterious disappearance leaving an ache that refused to dissipate. Yet, despite the silence that had settled over their search, Claude's dreams had become a bridge between them-a connection that transcended distance and time.

One fateful night, as the moon cast its silvery glow over the city, Claude's eyes snapped open. His heart raced, a sense of urgency flooding his senses. Aurora was there, in his dreamscape, her presence palpable and strong. He could feel her energy, her essence, reaching out to him across the ethereal realm.

Without hesitation, Claude reached for his phone and dialed the numbers that would bring together the key players in this intricate web of destiny-his mother, his father, and Marius.

"Jesse, Lestat, Marius," Claude's voice was urgent, his words carrying a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "She's coming back. I've been dreaming of her, and her presence is stronger than ever."

A heavy silence settled over the line, each recipient of Claude's call processing the gravity of his words. Aurora's return was a double-edged sword-a glimmer of hope tinged with the weight of uncertainty.

Lestat's voice broke the silence, a mix of concern and determination. "We must prepare ourselves. If she's returning, we need to be ready."

Marius chimed in, his tone measured but resolute. "Her strength may have grown, but so has ours. We'll meet her with a united front."

Jesse's voice carried a note of reassurance, her motherly instinct kicking in. "Claude, remember why we're doing this-to help her find her way back, to guide her away from the path of revenge."

Claude nodded, even though they couldn't see him through the phone. "I know, Mom. I still love her, and I believe in her. We can make her see the truth."

As the call ended, a sense of purpose settled over Claude. The wait was over, and Aurora's return was imminent. The tension in the air was thick, a reflection of the challenges that lay ahead. But amidst the uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope-a hope that they could reach Aurora's heart and guide her towards a different path.

In the nights that followed, as the city slept, Claude felt Aurora's presence growing stronger in his dreams. Their connection was a lifeline, a thread that bound them together despite the physical distance that separated them.

And so, as they braced themselves for Aurora's return, Claude held onto his love for her and his unwavering belief in her potential for change. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to be there by her side, to help her let go of the darkness that consumed her and embrace a new dawn of possibilities.

The very next night, the rain fell in a steady cascade, each droplet a reflection of the tension that hung in the air. Aurora's presence was a storm itself, her determination casting a shadow over the alleyway. As Marius stepped forward, his voice carried a note of solemnity, a plea for reason amidst the tempest of emotions.

"Aurora, we decided to let you live," Marius's words were measured, his gaze steady as he met her fierce stare. "There's still a path for happiness beyond vengeance."

Aurora's lip curled into a snarl, her eyes flashing with a mix of fury and defiance. "You dare to address your Queen like that?" Her voice was laced with the weight of her authority, her stance unyielding.

Marius's expression remained unchanged, his tone calm yet unwavering. "Your title does not absolve you of the consequences of your actions, Aurora."

Before Aurora could respond, a voice cut through the tension-a voice that carried a plea, a hint of desperation. "Aurora, please, listen to us!"