AURORA

Presence

Aurora awoke feeling a bit more optimistic. She was determined to face the day's challenges head-on. As she prepared breakfast, Sophie knocked at the door, she opened it. Sophie joined her in the kitchen, their conversation from the previous night still lingering in the air.

"Good morning, Aurora," Sophie greeted warmly. "Did you sleep well?"

Aurora nodded, offering a small smile. "Better than I expected, thanks."

Sophie stepped closer, her presence both comforting and slightly unsettling. "I'm glad. If you need anything, I'm here for you."

Aurora appreciated Sophie's support but felt a strange energy between them. Before she could dwell on it, Wanda entered the kitchen, her expression tense.

"Good morning," Wanda said, her eyes briefly meeting Sophie's. "Aurora, I've been feeling something strange around the house. Like an unusual energy. Have you noticed anything?"

Aurora frowned, her concern growing. "I haven't felt anything, but if you're sensing it, we should definitely look into it."

Sophie looked at Wanda, curiosity evident in her eyes. "What kind of energy are you talking about, Wanda?"

Wanda hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's hard to explain, but it's like a presence. I can't shake the feeling that something's off."

Just then, Kate burst into the room, her face pale and her eyes wide with shock. "I found Yelena," she said breathlessly. "She's at a motel on the outskirts of town. She looked...lost."

Aurora's heart raced. "What do you mean, 'lost'?"

Kate shook her head, struggling to find the words. "She didn't recognize me at first. It was like she was in a trance. I brought her back, but she's resting now."

Wanda's concern deepened. "This strange energy, Yelena's condition...something's not right. We need help."

Aurora nodded in agreement. "I'll call Doctor Strange. If anyone can help us understand what's happening, it's him."

While they waited for Doctor Strange, Aurora tried reaching out to Mia again, but there was still no response. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.

Later that day, Doctor Strange arrived at Aurora's house. His presence brought a sense of authority and calm.

"Thank you for coming, Stephen" Aurora said, leading him inside.

Doctor Strange surveyed the room, his expression serious. "Tell me everything that's been happening."

Aurora, Wanda, and Kate took turns explaining the strange events, from Yelena's odd behavior to the mysterious energy Wanda had sensed.

Doctor Strange nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like there might be a mystical disturbance affecting this place and its inhabitants. I'll need to perform a thorough examination."

As Doctor Strange began his investigation, Sophie watched from a distance, her eyes narrowing slightly. Aurora noticed but didn't have time to dwell on it.

After a while, Doctor Strange returned, his expression grave. "There is indeed a powerful energy here, but it's not malevolent. It's more like a presence trying to communicate."

Aurora's curiosity piqued. "What kind of presence?"

Doctor Strange hesitated before answering. "It feels like someone familiar to you, Aurora. Someone connected to your past."

Aurora's mind raced, thinking of Natasha and all the memories they shared. Could it be her?

Wanda stepped forward, her voice firm. "What do we need to do?"

Doctor Strange looked at them, determination in his eyes. "We need to create a protective barrier around the house and conduct a ritual to communicate with this presence. It might be trying to warn or help you."

As they prepared for the ritual, Aurora felt a mix of fear and hope. Whatever this presence was, she needed answers.

That evening, as the ritual began, the atmosphere in the house grew tense. Candles flickered, and the air seemed to hum with energy. Doctor Strange chanted softly, his hands moving in intricate patterns.

Aurora closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of the presence. Suddenly, she felt a warmth spread through her, a familiar and comforting sensation.

"Aurora," a soft voice whispered in her mind. "Her"

Tears filled Aurora's eyes. "Natasha? Wha-"

"Yes, love," Natasha's voice replied. "She was supposed to be dead, get out of there"

Aurora's heart swelled with emotion. "Nat, who-what do you mean..?"

Before Natasha could answer, a loud noise interrupted the ritual. The front door burst open, and Mia stumbled in, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear.

"Yelena I found her passed out" Mia gasped. "Come! We need to help her"

Mia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Come on !!!"

Aurora's heart pounded as she looked at her friends, fear and determination in her eyes. She stood up running towards Yelena.