Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Forty Nine ~ Aurora

Aurora

Christmas. What a delightful time of the year. Surrounded by family, opening up presents tucked beautifully underneath the tinsel tree. I have one faint memory of having spent it this way but it was a long time ago. Mama was sitting beside me with a cup of hot chocolate, keeping the sugary beverage away from my grubby little hands while Papa laughed. My memories, although disjointed, are still there somewhere.

To witness an exact replica happening now, it's overwhelming. Everything's the same, and yet it isn't. My parents have lost their smiles and carefree nature, my brother nowhere to be seen. The thick cloud of tension in the air makes it harder to breathe. While I don't regret coming here for the holiday, I don't appreciate everyone else tagging along with me.

Aunt Bella, I have no problem with. Her husband and psychotic son? The fuck not. I'd much rather have Nikolas and Mia over this duo, ruining our peace with their gloomy auras. I always wanted to spend at least one Christmas with my family before it was snatched away from me. I guess it doesn't make a difference anymore. They'll always ruin every occasion for me.

The annoying thing is, Alexander only arrived this afternoon, probably because I'm supposed to fly back to Montana tonight. He can't even let me have one peaceful night. I bite back the emotions clogging my throat. Like a nefarious cloud, he's ruined my family gathering and sent my brother into the fucking ether.

Sitting next to the fireplace, partially hiding in the shadows, he commands the room. If that's his way of distancing himself, it hasn't worked. His eyes glow like blue embers, permanently set on me.

Fuck him.

I won't let him ruin my night like this.

"Come on, Rory. Open up your presents!" Nana Edith coos from across the room. I smile at her enthusiasm. I can always trust my Nana to lighten up the mood.
"Only if you help, Nana."

***

Bright lights surround the arena's perimeter, crowds of people already gathered and cheering with excitement as they make their way inside. While I did come here briefly the other day, I didn't bother taking notice of anything—or how far away it was from the city. Hidden neatly in the dense forest of Montana, the arena is merely a part of it.

Once inside, the place itself is humongous, capable of housing thousands. Wall to wall security, it's a neat little secret. I shudder at the plummet in temperature, rubbing my arms out of habit.

The view becomes overwhelming with every step I take up towards the balcony view reserved for us. Hundreds of people gathered inside despite the freezing weather, it's a remarkable sight. Judging by the sheer number in size, it's like everyone living in Montana is in attendance, dressed in their finest clothes for the occasion.

This does feel like a celebration of sorts. Maybe they felt left out from the sham of a wedding that happened not too long ago and wanted to celebrate. Who knows.

So much has happened between being in Canada to now. As the year finally comes to an end, I have yet another discovery to make. The Stone Kingdom's traditions that will go on for hours. I should feel privileged to get the insider scoop. Just wish I could do that without marrying this tyrant beside me.

For once, I don't mind Alexander's arm wrapped around me, keeping me warm. I try to stay nonchalant about it, grumbling a few profanities that he can also hear.

"Follow my lead. Just how we practised." He says, ushering me toward the velvet covered seat.

Practice. What a bag of lies. All he did was belittle me and my posture the entire time. Like I have control over how my body chooses to behave. I scoff, flipping my hair his way obnoxiously before sitting down next to Aunt Isabella, conveniently ignoring Uncle Eli sitting on her other side. Glued to her side, actually. The man does not leave his wife alone.