AURORA

Second Chance

Aurora's grip on Wanda's hands tightened, the purple magic swirling around her fingers. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled with her emotions. Strange's hand on her shoulder was a grounding force, but her fury and pain were overwhelming.

"Aurora, you have to let go," Strange said softly, trying to reach her through the haze of anger. "This isn't you."

Aurora's breath came in ragged gasps as she stared at Wanda, who was now on her knees, her own tears mingling with Aurora's. "You took everything from me," Aurora whispered, her voice shaking.

Wanda's sobs grew louder. "I know, I'm sorry. Please, Aurora, I'm sorry."

The room around them crackled with unstable energy, the intensity of Aurora's emotions threatening to tear the place apart. Strange focused his magic, creating a calming aura to stabilize the environment. "Aurora, if you don't stop, you might destroy us all."

Aurora's eyes flickered, the purple glow dimming slightly as she looked at Strange, then back at Wanda. The fury in her eyes gave way to profound sorrow and exhaustion. She released Wanda's hands, collapsing to the ground beside her, sobbing uncontrollably.

Wanda, equally broken, reached out tentatively, placing a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. Aurora snatching Wanda's hand away.

Strange watched them, his expression a mix of relief and sadness. He stepped back, giving them space. "We need to get out of here. Both of you need rest and healing."

Wanda nodded weakly. "I can’t fight anymore. I don't want to."

Aurora wiped her tears, nodding in agreement.

Strange helped them both to their feet, guiding them towards the portal America had opened. They stepped through, leaving the dark lair behind, the oppressive energy dissipating as they entered the safety of Kamar-Taj.

---

In Kamar-Taj, Wong and America were waiting, concern etched on their faces. Wong immediately began directing the sorcerers to tend to Wanda and Aurora, ensuring they received the care they needed.

Aurora sat in a quiet corner, staring at her hands, still trembling from the intensity of her emotions. America approached her cautiously, sitting beside her. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Aurora nodded slowly. "I lost control..."

America placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We all go through things we don't think we can handle. But we do. Because we have to."

Aurora gave her a weak smile.

Meanwhile, Strange and Wong were discussing the next steps. "Wanda needs to be watched carefully," Strange said. "Without the Darkhold's influence, she has a chance to heal. But we need to be vigilant."

Wong nodded. "And Aurora?"

Strange glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "She's been through a lot. She needs time to recover. But she's strong. She'll come through this."

Wong sighed. "Let's hope so. We've all been through enough."

---

Days passed, and the atmosphere in Kamar-Taj slowly returned to normal. Wanda and Aurora were making progress, both physically and emotionally. Aurora often found herself sitting by the training grounds, watching the sorcerers practice, finding solace in the rhythm of their movements.

One afternoon, Wanda approached her, hesitating for a moment before sitting beside her. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Aurora ignored her.

Wanda nodded. "I wanted to thank you. For giving me another chance."

Aurora looked at her, the pain still evident in her eyes "Natasha gave you that chance not me"

FLASHBACK

"Aurora you have to let go, this isn't you" Strange said softly, trying to reach her through the haze of anger.

"Aurora" Natasha's voice echoed in Aurora's mind. " It wasn't her fault, let her go". " She deserves it " Aurora looked at Natasha. Natasha knelt down at Aurora level. " I got a second chance didn't I? Did I not deserved it either?" Natasha cupped Aurora's face. Aurora's gaze softened. " Let her go darling, for me..."

END OF FLASHBACK

Wanda's gaze remained to the ground "I promise I'll do better. I’ll make things right."

Aurora nodded. "You better"

And with that Aurora left leaving Wanda alone.