AURORA

Kate Bishop

Aurora stood outside the courthouse, the sunlight feeling harsh after the dim interior of the safe house. The fresh air did little to calm her still-jittery nerves. She had barely slept since Wanda had delved into her mind, and the lingering effects of her nightmares clung to her like a persistent shadow. She was there to support her client, Jason, a young man accused of a crime she was certain he didn’t commit.

Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn’t notice the young woman (around 24)standing nearby, scanning the crowd. The woman’s stance was alert, almost vigilant, her eyes sharp and focused. She was dressed in a suit, carried herself with a confidence that suggested she was no stranger to tense situations.

“Excuse me,” the woman said, stepping closer to Aurora. “Are you Aurora?”

Aurora blinked, momentarily thrown off by the stranger’s directness. “Yes, I am. Can I help you?”

“I’m Kate Bishop,” the woman introduced herself, offering a hand. “I’m a friend of Jason’s. I’m here to support him, but I also wanted to talk to you. Can we walk?”

Aurora shook her hand, appreciating the firm grip. “Sure, let’s walk.”

As they started to move away from the courthouse entrance, Kate glanced around, ensuring they had some privacy. “Jason’s told me a lot about you,” Kate began. “He speaks very highly of you. He’s convinced you’re the only one who can help him clear his name.”

Aurora felt a flicker of determination amidst her fatigue. “I’m doing everything I can. The evidence against him is circumstantial at best. But I have to admit, it’s been... a challenging time.”

Kate studied her for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “You look like you’ve been through hell. If there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word. Jason’s like a brother to me, and I believe in his innocence.”

Aurora nodded, grateful for the support. “Thank you, Kate. I appreciate that more than you know. Right now, just being here helps.”

Kate’s eyes softened with empathy. “I get it. I hope you do well in there.”

---

Back at the safe house, Wanda was busy. She had set up a small workspace in the living room, surrounded by various books and notes. She was researching ways to help Aurora recover faster, delving into ancient texts and consulting with trusted allies in the magical community. Every so often, she would glance toward the door, keeping a mental link open to sense if Aurora needed her.

Wanda’s phone buzzed, and she saw Yelena’s name flash on the screen. “Yelena, what’s up?”

“Just wanted to update you. Mia’s still digging, but I’ve managed to keep her off our trail for now. How’s Aurora?”

“She’s hanging in there. We had a breakthrough last night, but it’s slow going. She’s fragile, and I’m doing everything I can to support her.”

“You’re doing great, Wanda. Just keep her safe. We’ll handle things on our end.”

“Thanks, Yelena. Stay safe.”

As Wanda hung up, she felt a slight tug in her mind, sensing Aurora’s presence. She took a deep breath, sending a wave of calm and reassurance toward Aurora through their bond.

---

Aurora and Kate stopped at a small café, sitting at a table near the window. Aurora sipped her coffee, feeling a bit more grounded. “So, tell me more about how you know Jason,” she prompted.

Kate smiled warmly. “We met through a mutual friend, and we’ve been close ever since. Jason’s always been the kind of guy who would go out of his way to help others. Seeing him in this situation is tough, but I know he didn’t do it. That’s why I’m here. To make sure he gets a fair chance.”

Aurora nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “We’ll get him through this, Kate. I promise.”

As they spoke, Aurora felt a warmth spreading through her, a familiar comforting presence. Wanda’s influence was subtle but effective, helping her stay focused and calm.

When they returned to the courthouse, Aurora felt more prepared. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Kate, who gave her a reassuring nod. Aurora stepped into the courtroom, her head held high, ready to fight for her client’s freedom.

---

Later that evening, back at the safe house, Aurora found herself in the living room, watching as Wanda worked. “Thank you for today,” Aurora said softly. “I felt you with me. It helped.”

Wanda looked up, her expression gentle. “I’m always with you, Aurora. You’re stronger than you think.”

Aurora smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes for the first time in days. “I believe you.”

As the night settled around them, the safe house felt more like a sanctuary than ever. Together, they were finding their way through the darkness, one step at a time.