AURORA

Courtroom

A/N: Tried to write two Chapters in a day...that was something 🥲

Aurora strode into the courtroom with Mia by her side, her mind racing with the remnants of the nightmare and the morning's tension. As the trial commenced, Aurora's usually sharp focus wavered, her thoughts repeatedly drifting to Natasha's haunting words.

Midway through questioning a witness, Aurora's concentration faltered. She missed key points, stumbled over her words, and misinterpreted the witness's responses. Mia, sitting nearby, noticed Aurora's unusual behavior, her brows knitting with concern. As the judge called for a recess, Mia gently pulled Aurora aside.

"Aurora, what's going on? You seem distracted," Mia whispered, her voice laced with worry.

Aurora shook her head, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, just a little tired. I'll be better after the break."

Mia's eyes searched Aurora's face, sensing the deeper turmoil. "If you need to talk or take a break, I'm here. We're a team, remember?"

Aurora nodded, appreciating Mia's support but unwilling to delve into her struggles. "Thanks, Mia. I'll be okay."

The trial resumed, but Aurora's performance remained shaky. By the end of the day, she felt drained and defeated. Back at the apartment, she found Wanda waiting in the living room, her presence a reminder of the unresolved tension between them.

"Aurora, can we talk?" Wanda asked, her tone cautious but determined.

Aurora sighed, fatigue and frustration coloring her response. "What is it, Wanda?"

"I know you're going through a lot. I just want to help," Wanda said, stepping closer, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

Aurora's temper flared, her voice rising. "Help? Like you helped me before? You don't understand, Wanda. You can't just come in and fix everything."

Wanda's eyes hardened, her own frustration surfacing. "I'm not trying to fix everything, Aurora. I'm trying to be there for you. But you have to let me in."

Aurora turned away, her fists clenched. "I don't need your help. I can handle this on my own."

In the kitchen, Yelena overheard the argument, her concern growing. She glanced towards the living room, just in time to catch a strange, fleeting change in Aurora's eyes. For a brief moment, they flashed purple before returning to their normal color.

Yelena's heart pounded as she stepped into the room. "Aurora, calm down. You're not yourself."

Aurora spun around, her anger palpable. "Not myself? What are you talking about?"

Yelena's voice was steady but urgent. "Your eyes, they turned purple..."

Aurora felt a surge of panic, her vision blurring as the room seemed to close in around her. The darkness from her nightmare crept into her reality, and she struggled to maintain control.

Wanda reached out, her voice softening. "Aurora, please. Let me help you."

Aurora's anger and fear culminated in a burst of energy that sent a shockwave through the room, knocking over furniture and sending Yelena and Wanda reeling. Aurora's eyes glowed purple again as she struggled to regain control.

"No! Get away from me!" Aurora shouted, her voice trembling with desperation.

Yelena slowly got up, her eyes wide with concern. "Aurora, we need to figure out what's going on. This isn't just about you anymore."

Wanda, recovering from the shockwave, nodded in agreement. "Yelena's right. Whatever is happening, we're in this together. But you have to trust us."

Aurora's breathing was heavy, her heart racing as she fought to calm herself. The purple glow in her eyes flickered before fading completely. She collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion and fear etched across her face.

"I need to leave" Aurora whispered, tears welling in her eyes. Aurora stood up running towards the door. Leaving. Wanda and Yelena shared a concern look and followed her behind but she was already out of their sight.