SUN KING & DAWN HEALER & NIGHT DREAMER

private mumu indie / dany

[divinebloodcd]

Mason Buchanan & Aurora Parrino ( @saintcrowns​ ), Aug. 16th 2019 (opening of the second seal)

There’s chaos, screaming and fire all around. Athos burns and the horsemen are here to fulfill war, to aid Ivy in her doings. Mason would follow soon, that much he knew, as the third horsemen he’d bring famine and terror to Athos and once the seventh seal had been opened, Bellamy Delacroix would be freed from his cage hidden among life and death. 

Looking at Morrigan, Mason realized she wasn’t really here. Her mind had begun to wander towards the dead - Bellamy, of course, the one she loved most. How terrible to love someone who’d been entrapped for over 500 years, to never be able to touch them. “Yes, we will. We’re not going to stop until you’re freed.” Her eyes were as black as night, moving as if they followed movements on the other side. “Your sister killed the former king, Bellamy says. Gaspard made his way to heaven.” Morrigans voice was monotonous, inexpressive and almost bored. The news did surprise him, so he recoiled, eyes opened wide. “Snap out of it, I can’t believe any lies from them today.” 

“The dead never lie,” Morrigan interrupted Mason before kissing the air, probably Bellamy himself on the other side. He’d known about her escapades with the first actually meaningful Delacroix and her next big target, the new king. “They have no reason to.” Huffing at her words, Mason moved closer, “tell him he’s trapped for a reason. If he demands to be let out, he’ll play by our rules.” Their conversation, including Morrigans link to the dead, were suddenly interrupted by Ivy’s maniacal laughter. A horrendous sound of pure terror, Royce sometimes described her laughter as its own weapon. Humans were trapped in her darkness, suffocated, blinded by agony and loneliness, they could barely scream while they were frozen by fear. Following the screams, Mason eventually saw Aurora running among the shadows. 

He had to do something, to at least protect that one person who evoked some kind of feeling inside of him. “Get Ivy out of here. The second seal’s almost open, she needs to kill some more.” He yelled towards Royce before running to the right, eventually running past the two closest houses and getting a hold of Aurora. Quickly grabbing her wrist Mason pushed her to the ground, instinctively shielding her from the darkness that was roaming through the streets. A few guards had made their way towards them, however the darkness, paired with his own manipulation of their intestines (leaving them to rot from the inside out) killed them without they could fire all their ammunition. “You’re in my way.”

[saintcrowns]

Darkness spilled like black ink through water, tainting the sky and drowning them in the umbra. But Aurora could not run. She had made an oath, an oath that she would not abandon - an oath that she took just as seriously, if not more so, than the one that she had made to her Banshees. An oath to help. Because the oath to do no harm was something that she could not keep. Aurora Parrino had been a mafia daughter before she’d ever become a doctor. It was why she carried the knives at her side, even as she rushed to the aid of a woman choking on her own blood. The woman’s male company sobbed and screamed, looking around as though he could not see her nor what he’d done to her with his own broken glass bottle. He wasn’t in his right mind, nor was anyone completely surrounded by that tainted darkness. Aurora’s hands warmed within a soft glow. But it was not golden white like sun, blinding luminous, which poured from her best friend, Amanda. It was instead pure white, then almost grey like smoke when it touched another’s skin. It emanated from her fingertips and palm as she clasped the woman’s slit throat, willing the healing energy to spread through her as quickly as it could. But she hadn’t so much as closed the woman’s skin before the man noticed her presense. Through the thick shadows he bellowed and ran towards her. He tried to stab Aurora’s hand but she instinctively pulled away and the glass nearly severed the woman’s head from her neck. There was no saving her now. Aurora abruptly stood and dodged, maneuvering expertly around the man’s mindless hits to knock him out with her elbow to his head. But as he fell, the darkness from him moved on towards her. 

Aurora stumbled back back away and ran, dodging screaming citizens to outrun the darkness until she felt a hand clasp at her wrist. She screamed as she tumbled to the ground, the darkness chasing her now continuing on to a woman that had been running directly across from her. But Aurora could not see that, nor anything else as a body covered her own. She only heard the metal shield and swords over the screaming - guards approaching. There was a momentary lapse of relief that the darkness had not taken her before she heard the clanking of their metal clattering to the ground - the gasping of breath and groaning of death following it. She unsheathed the dagger at her side as she prepared to hit the body on top of her and to then slice them if they fought to attack her. But they got up before she could and Aurora turned quickly on the ground to look at them, the knife clenched tightly as she angled her head up. Through the darkness, light illuminated him. The familiarity of those wintery eyes shadowed by a cloak hit like equal relief and fear. Her lips parted, her own eyes dilated, black consuming the sapphire blue as she realized who had tackled her to the ground. 

‘You’re in my way.’

Aurora blinked, stunned. "I’m in your way?” She snapped, regaining her wits. She stumbled back to her feet as she looked over Mason’s shoulder, noticing the pile of dead guards. “Oh my God... this is you.” Her gaze shot back to him. How could she be surprised? Aurora had hated Mason, thought him a lunatic for the longest time before they’d been forced to proximity beneath the castle walls. Him, searching for his sister and her, trying to care for the injured Anchor. She learned what he did, what he cared for. Fated encounters within the parties of the capital and the darkened streets of Athos at night had led to this - to Aurora nearly forgetting that she was dealing with someone quite capable of terror, carnage and death. “You’re a part of this, Mason?”

[saintcrowns]

@divinebloodcd​

​The breath would leave Joel and there was nothing he could do to ease the grief, the regret and the longing that coiled tightly in his heart at the sight of her. She would walk in and he would imagine that she would look to him and there would finally be that recognition in her face. That her eyes would light up and she would beam that radiant smile before running into his arms. But he knew why she didn’t and he knew why she couldn’t. So he forced out the breath that he had trapped in his lungs as Sofia Buchanan walked forward. He straightened out his back and he assumed the role that he had earned for himself. Today was his first day. It was a role that delighted Joel with his renewed closeness to her, as well as frightened and pained him because she would never know.

“Lady Buchanan,” Joel greeted in a low murmur, inclining his head politely. “I am sorry. I have strict orders​ not to allow anyone inside.”

[saintcrowns]

SOFIA

Being this close to the prince wasn’t new to her but being alone with him was. Today had been disastrous enough to let her forget about her previous hatred pointed towards Jean-Pierre. Frankly, Sofia didn’t remember much about her life anyway. Some pieces fell into place rather quickly: her family, position and identity were back as soon as she regained full consciousness over her actions. Especially her relationships to others were more of a blur at the moment, resulting in the redhead only vaguely remembering serving the prince, but despising him for his Machiavellianism. The irony of being saved by him, of all people, reminded her of something else rather quickly: to uphold her old motto to never judge a book by its cover. She’d failed to apply the same to one of Athos’ most famous, most desired bachelors, a man bigger than his body could ever be, a man with greatness and visions. A ruler, a king in the making. Sofia’s green eyes rested upon him for the entirety of her daydream. 

Her rant must’ve had a lasting effect on the prince considering his smile and tone with which he continued talking to her. They were so close, dangerously close – it didn’t feel right, but good. Sofia fidgeted with her fingers, playing with her rings in an attempt to distract herself from all the questions and statements she was already planning in her head. Too eager, too active to back off now, she’d dedicate herself to him, a fact that scared her now. Why? Gratitude? Sudden attraction? The need to help? Test her powers? Be stronger herself? The lines seemed to blur together at the moment. Question over question, her mind felt like exploding right now. “Sofia,” she finally completely snapped out of her trance by saying her own name, barely whispering it. Her own name sounded so strange coming out of his mouth. Why did everything he say remind her of an engagement proposal? Anyway. “My apologies, your highness, I was just hoping I’d be worthy. Not only that, I know I will be exceptional and I’ll thrive under your guidance. I’m powerful,” a bold statement to make, but Sofia had never been known for being quiet, like just now, and neither for being indirect or avoiding. Always head first, sometimes even without thinking it through properly. “I will do whatever it takes to make you proud, to protect you,” maybe it was their sudden closeness, the gratitude, or not wanting to end up like Mason that pushed her directly into his arms, figuratively speaking. Her bold statements and eagerness were testament of what’s to come for the two of them, for sure. 

Taking a step closer to her prince, Sofia gulped slightly at his question. Yet she didn’t hesitate and rather curtsied as best as possible, mustering the last of her remaining strength to properly show her respect. “Yes, I will.” Standing up straight again Sofia suddenly turned her gaze towards the window close to them. A lot of people were walking around the inner court, frantically carrying various objects from left to right, all burned and some almost unrecognizable. Objects from the fire she’d created, no doubt. “Do you know anything about what happened?” she asked with merely a whisper. Sudden guilt and a warmth she couldn’t explain overwhelmed her, forced Sofia to grab on tightly to the nearest table. ‘ I know you need me. I do. I need–’ A voice, so familiar yet so unknown, echoed inside of her mind. “They’ll know me as a murderer.” Strangely enough that thought didn’t scare her as much as it did just moments ago, “Did they find something valuable? Did I– lose control? Hurt someone? I have strange visions, I hear… voices.”

.

She was bold. Fearless. Ambitious. Everything that he wanted, everything that he had been looking for wrapped up in a small, red-headed gift. This was why the crown Prince had waited and refused a million possible Anchors - men and women of power but none that piqued his interest the way she did. Sofia would become an unassailable weapon at his side and at his command. And she was ready for it, certain in herself and her abilities despite all that she had so recently been through. That was enough for Jean-Pierre Delacroix to know that no others would ever compare. It was an added bonus that no one tied her down - that her memories were so mysterious. He would fill in those gaps of her mind solely with him, so that if those memories and people ever returned there would be no place for them anymore. He would not allow love to tie her down. Her interests did not concern him - not truly. She was beautiful but all he could think of were his goals, his power. Women always came and went, he did not need a queen, not yet. He needed a weapon.

‘Yes, I will.’

“Good,” he murmured, the smile replaced by a steely look - one of contemplation and pride.

 ‘Do you know anything about what happened?’

Finally, the prince followed her gaze. She had proven herself enough to hear the truth. He trusted that she would not run; she would learn to guard herself against the fear of hurting others. And he could never afford for her to be an Anchor that feared her own power or the death of other’s. She would not survive at his side.

‘They’ll know me as a murderer. Did they find something valuable? Did I– lose control? Hurt someone? I have strange visions, I hear… voices.’

He pocketed the information about voices and visions to ask about soon. But JP gently and briefly placed his finger by Sofia’s jawline, silently asked for her full attention. “You did. They found bodies, but that is all... And it is of no consequence. Do you understand me?” A beat of silence as he read her eyes. “It doesn’t matter to me or to anyone else that you killed, not when you’re my Anchor. It was an accident. And even if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t matter. There will be instances in your life when you will need to do the same for yourself and for the crown. Learn to steel yourself against those emotions that are unnecessary and that you cannot afford as an Anchor and as a Saint. It’s regret that will make it more difficult for you to do your job, and to learn to control your new abilities.” It was her first glimpse into the darkness that was the crown Prince’s life. That even at the side of the Sun Prince, she would know darkness unlike anything that she ever would have expected. Death would not be a stranger to her.

[saintcrowns]

divinebloodcd​:

He looked more like a lost king searching for his kingdom. Pride and an immense hunger for power have plagued him for years now, all thanks to his treatment and lack of guidance. Their father had made sure to always favor Aurora, leaving him with guidance from his mother and self-taught knowledge about the underworld he wanted to possess and inherit soon. Why didn’t they see his value? It’s almost like they were blind. Huffing at her words, Vittorio balled his hand into a fist and yet simply listened, kept his distance. That’s where they’re similar: a temper, a defensive attitude at times – at times Vittorio saw himself in his younger sister. “What if I do need it? Father’s not going to listen to me, ever. He has done nothing but scold me – heir or not. I never experienced his warm touch.” Saying those words did hurt and he’d instinctively looked away just to not see his sister right now, to not see her reaction. Such vulnerability, would she even like to hear such words from him? Would she accept them? Once she moved, he moved as well – backwards. He could practically smell her perfume all around him. Such a familiar scent did irritate him nowadays. Gasoline, cash and liquor left an incredibly pungent smell within the underworld, so something as delicate as her perfume served as the ultimate contrast to his new self. Yes, it pulled him back, but… not enough.

With innocence lost, what exactly was there to stop him? Her words? Her annoying pleading he couldn’t hear anymore? “Enough,” Vittorio yelled, “this is not your decision to make. I’m done with others trying to know what’s best for me, feigning sympathy. They don’t care about me, they have left me to rot in the shadows.” All his anger came forth within seconds, building into what he could only sense as a form of heat inside of his entire body. Suddenly, a light, bright and irritating right above them. Falling to his knees, Vittorio looked upon the light, knowing he’d been blessed, though nothing had changed at first glance. His anger still remained, yet, suddenly, his eyesight left him. Panting and grunting Vittorio slammed his hand against his eyes hoping to feel anything, but nothing. His senses gave in. “Aurora, I can’t see, I-” stretching one hand out to her his eyesight returned. Instead, he’d cursed her now. “Senses,” the light left as soon as he uttered the word, leaving them in their misery.

.

She should have known, and perhaps she did. Perhaps Aurora simply turned a blind eye to her father’s clear preference for her. That she was his little girl, his princess, his warrior and healer and strategist all rolled into one little girl that looked like his most beloved wife. That Don Parrino saw hope and light in his daughter as much as he saw and nurtured her darkness. But it was that darkness which Aurora no longer wished to accept - that darkness that he tried to encourage which had led her to turn it against him with her Banshees. She turned a blind eye because perhaps she did not want to see, did not want to believe that Vittorio’s coldness towards her and his lack of care had only ever been her fault.

No. No, she was far too old to believe it was her fault anymore. Once again, it was their father’s fault. A father that Aurora loved, who she would always love, but a father she could no longer stand. Every misery in their lives was his fault.

Aurora’s face went from shock, to pain. And from pain it inevitably would always turn to anger, as it did now. Anger - not towards Vittorio - but towards their father. “Father sees himself in you, Tori, that’s why he’s so cold to you. We know he’s not perfect, he never will be. And he’s hurt you… But you can’t let him turn you against the world.” Against me. “— Against innocent people that don’t deserve the misery that the mafia spreads everywhere it goes. I’m trying to save you from the life that he’s trying to push us all into. The only end to it is death, violent death - I’ve seen it a million times. The only thing it’ll bring you and your loved ones is pain.”

“So if you plan on going to Athos and becoming just another Don Parrino, I will never follow that. You will lose me.”

‘Enough,’ he yelled and she visibly flinched. There was something shattered in her big brother’s voice, something broken and put back together. His following words made her heart break in her chest. But she was at a loss for what to do, and that only made her angry. She opened her mouth to yell back when the light surrounded them and she was forced to turn away from it’s blinding glow. She heard Vittorio fall and turned again, alarmed, her hand up to shield herself from the worst of the light as she yelled for him. 

“Tori!” Fear enveloped Aurora, taking away any understanding that she might have had for what happened and instead making her only seeing a danger to her brother - her family. He couldn’t see. She ran to him, to help him, only for the world to turn dark. Aurora stumbled in place, panicking as all vision suddenly left her. “I can’t- I can’t see.” In her voice was trembling fear, a childlike fear that made her feel like a small girl again as she tried to reach out for something, anything. “I can’t... V-Vittorio?”

[saintcrowns]

VITTORIO

Vittorio wondered if there was one person on earth who hadn’t actually considered becoming a Saint. What powers they would have, if they would be strong and why they’d get chosen. Every Saint had their own story, a tragedy or purpose that went along with such powers. Their personality or circumstances always matched them. For instance a friend of his had just seen the light, Metal mimicry, a power probably created due to his inability to express himself emotionally. He’d always been a tough guy, so Vittorio wasn’t surprised about the powers he’d received. What powers could he see himself with? Mh, surely something powerful, maybe even fire manipulation or ice manipulation. What he’d give to receive such a blessing… murder, arson, betrayal – he wouldn’t shy away from the worst in order to become the best. 

Vittorio smirked at how well she handled each attack even while being upset. Maybe this was her source of power, after all. “No, sister, I only want to get stronger. Seems reasonable, right?” Why else would he want more power? To be a God among kings – how beautiful that would be. Vittorio scoffed before using his staff to defend himself. “Only if I need to. Athos is our future, Sainthood is a gift. I intend to dethrone father and take over myself,” such an obvious secret, “join me. We could leave towards Athos and never look back. Don’t you see? All our prayers will be answered there.”

.

‘No, sister, I only want to get stronger. Seems reasonable, right?’ She wouldn’t argue that. Aurora had learned to get stronger too and she’d done it with the company of her Banshees. But the scowl on her face spoke volumes; she knew her brother was less after strength than he was power and control over others. Vittorio was after trouble. Aurora was after freedom. There was still a difference.

‘--- join me. We could leave towards Athos and never look back. Don’t you see? All our prayers will be answers there.’

Aurora took a sharp breath and looked at Vittorio in disbelief as she tossed her staff to the side. She was well aware their father was a power-hungry man as much as he was a family man. Don Parrino would not relent control of Omerta to his children until he was near death; clearly Vittorio would not wait that long. “Join you? Papa would never let you dethrone him, Tori. I’m not going to be a part of your schemes to hurt him. You want to get away? Fine.” She did too. “But the things you have in mind...” She shook her head. “You’re going to get innocent people killed and caught in the crossfire of your climb to power. You don’t need that in your life, Tori. You don’t,” she said, nearly pleading. Aurora took steps over to him. “This life has brought us nothing but hell and you know it. The amount of times I’ve had to help the doctor bring our father or his people back from near death when they’ve come home from attacks and... pointless violence. Having to look over our shoulders for the rest of our lives because we’re always going to have a target on our back while we’re associated in this? There’s no justice here. There’s no peace. Find a new life in Athos, one that doesn’t involve mafia or gangs or the Underground... Athos can be our new start but we can be so much better than our parents, Tori... You don’t need to hurt people to get what you want... You don’t need to become like our father. Or do you really want to have your future spouse and your children worry if you’ll ever come home again? To have papa and mama and-” Hesitation. “--- and me worry even more than we already do that someday someone might find your mangled corpse in your enemy’s hands? Is there nothing else you want from your life?”

[saintcrowns]

SOFIA

The trip back to the castle was excruciatingly long, or so it felt like. Despite her having done everything in her power to control herself, to get rid of the tension inside of her, Sofia could still feel the lightning tingling underneath porcelain skin. The fact that Jean-Pierre had found her, out of all people, didn’t help much, either. She loved to hate him and hated to love him, in a way. Extremely handsome, obviously charming and rich in titles, influence and money, of course. Sofia remembered the various events and parades in his honor, Athos celebrating his birthday like it was the most important day every year. Not even the king could compare. Maybe that’s why she never came around to liking him, a fact she still remembers. What would happen now? His talent to calm and help her did leave a mark, she almost felt sorry for not liking him. He’d provided her with the best physicians Athos had to offer, a beautiful, new gown and with everything she could long for without being pushy or demanding. Jean-Pierre had become her hero, a man who didn’t shy away from her powers, despite her not being able to control them at all.

Jean-Pierre wasn’t the first person she visited after feeling better. Before coming here she had an audience with her father, reminding her once again of what was at stake and how disappointed he was. After all her brother, Mason had left them a few months ago, too, for being a Saint. Would she follow into her brother’s footsteps or fight the darkness? Of course Sofia’s father saw an opportunity, so he let her leave.

“Your Highness,” Sofia curtsied, “No, he didn’t.” The fact that the king of Athos wanted to speak to Sofia made her nervous, though she focused on Jean-Pierre again. Speaking to the king would be the most important opportunity to most, but not to Sofia. She couldn’t deny the pull she felt towards her savior, even if her head demanded for her to hate him. “My father checked up on me. He wasn’t all too pleased about my powers and is, quite frankly, worried about what I will become. As you may know my brother Mason has been an Anchor before leaving all of us behind to follow a much darker path. I couldn’t save him, but I’m determined to do better, your Highness.” Sofia theorized that her insomnia was a direct response of the new powers, of the lightning making its way through her brain without much to stop it, causing the brain to be under immense electricity. That’s what the doctors thought, anyway. “I’ve heard about a man who is currently training and studying Saints as we speak. A man named Dante? He’s eager to create Saints on his own. Would you… be interested in me finding out more for you?” This was one of the few people she was interested in - a man her father had pushed her towards. “I can make myself useful, starting right now.” She smiled to hide the pain that still coursed through her body, the weakness that kept her from standing on her own while she used the nearest chair to support herself. “ Father also mentioned a possible war with Omerta. I’m-” Sofia inhaled sharply, “worried. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” These words even surprised the red-haired Saint.

.

‘As you may know my brother Mason has been an Anchor before leaving all of us behind to follow a much darker path. I couldn’t save him, but I’m determined to do better, your Highness.’

The Prince nodded, silent, and he allowed her to continue. The topic of Mason had been one of his father’s counterarguments and JP had felt successful both in his attempt to persuade his father and in persuading himself that he would not be weak enough to allow such a thing to happen to his own Anchor. He would be more in control. He would be wise and cunning beyond any of his family. He would be there every step of the way with Sofia until she was the perfect tool.

And he remained silent, he allowed her to continue to shock him with her words. Funny, how the woman could ‘shock’ so easily both physically and metaphorically. JP kept silent while Sofia expressed her desire to help and her own concerns for him; none of which he had expected from her so very quickly. The doctors had privately expressed the concern that there might have been damage to her brain which rendered her memory loss before he’d visited her. But the Prince couldn’t believe that any bit of that damage touched the rest of her. Sofia was quick-witted and ready, unlike many, even despite the clear physical difficulties that she was having. She was not one to stand still and JP could very, very much relate to that. 

“Nothing... is going to happen to me, Sofia,” he assured with a charming smile and soft, carefully placed words. Sofia. Not Ms. Buchanan, not Lady Buchanan. No. They would have to forge a very close bond if she were to become his official Anchor and if he was to trust her with his own life. “Not just because I have lasted this long on my own,” he said with a bit of cheek, “--- but because I am sure that you will be there at my side... Your offer means a great deal to me, Sofia, because I have come here with the very intention of asking you if you would consider training to become my Anchor. We have my father’s blessing; I’d wanted to come here and tell you myself but it seems you’ve... beat me to it.” A small grin that slowly dissolved. His expression was serious but soft all at once. “I know about your brother, Mason. I’m sorry for what he must have done to your family... but I have all the faith in the world that God placed you in my path for a reason. I sense you will not disappoint. And, indeed, I have also been informed a bit about this ‘Dante’ but he’s very difficult to find for anyone who is not a Saint themselves. I’m afraid I do not trust any of my family’s Anchors to seek him out themselves... If you could do this...” He considered. “--- perhaps you will be exactly the sort of Anchor I see you becoming.”

“So does that mean you will take the offer, Sofia Buchanan?” A small smile. “Become my Anchor? Take on such a weighty mantle and such a dangerous responsibility? You need to be certain you are ready for this.”

[saintcrowns]

VITTORIO

Vittorio couldn’t stop himself from chuckling. Little, younger – she was both a nuisance and his heart. Without her he wouldn’t have found love to begin with, would be nothing but a monster. His obsession with the power Saints possessed had made him blind for everything else. Only, maybe, Aurora would be able to show him the light again, get him back to how things once were. Yet he viewed the brunette as weak, certainly not powerful enough to drag her brother away from the path he’d chosen for himself. A dark and bloody path with no one by his side but his own demons demanding more bloodshed, more power to feed off. Any efforts to block her hit came too late. Again, his assumptions had betrayed him. She hit much harder than he’d anticipated, forcing him to tense his jaw to get rid of the pain and focus. 

“Sainthood, sister. If there’s a way to become one myself, I will take it. If I must kill to find the light, then I will not hesitate to do so. I don’t know what qualifies a person to ascend, but I think Athos is my answer.” Wasn’t Athos always the answer? He exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated about her inability to accept his decisions. “Don’t you wan’t to be one yourself?” he half yelled at her now, “To be strong or immortal or capable of persuading or manipulating others in whatever way? This is the power our father had longed for and I won’t stick around to look for it here, in a country ruled by politicians ruled by mobsters.”

.

Sainthood. Of course. The most bloodthirsty and ambitious sought out the power that God might divine them with. If it was even truly God. Aurora wasn’t sure how much she would have wanted a power that came with it’s own consequences and responsibilities. Aurora saw how power in it’s traditional form had only made her father more vulnerable and paranoid. Sure, abilities could be cool sometimes. But Aurora didn’t want power over people the way her brother and her father did, she wanted power over herself. She didn’t want the extra danger or attention, she didn’t mind if she couldn’t do more than what she could. She was a fighter in her own right. Why would she need abilities that only made her life more complicated and difficult?

But her brother wanting them?

Somehow she wasn’t surprised.

It was only the want to go to Athos that she could relate to. The youngest Parrino had long since desired to escape the shadowy, stony streets of Omerta and see the wonders of the royal city. There were new adventures there that she’d dreamed of every since she could remember. The palaces? The gardens? The city? Corruption did not run as rampant there. People didn’t know her the way they did here; she could selfishly make her own life there.

‘... Don’t you wan’t to be one yourself?’

Aurora flipped her staff to her other hand to avoid one of his attacks as Vittorio spoke. Scoffing, she jumped back from his reach and looked at her brother with distaste. “Yeah, and then what? Get more infamy? As if we don’t have enough of that already?” She scoffed again. “People that want those abilities want them because they’re afraid they’re weak and they want more and more until their fucking ambitions destroy them. Vitto, you don’t need that power. You have enough power as it is. You’d really kill people for that? You’d get killed.” There was an edge of concern in her voice that rarely showed itself but she couldn’t help it. As much as she wanted to hate her brother, he was still her big brother.

[saintcrowns]

SOFIA

She knew in her heart and mind, despite amnesia, that this man was dangerous and powerful, yet everything she ever wanted. Maybe his dark qualities were the most exciting aspect of him. Not his wealth, position or even the crown for that matter. Her father, a faint memory of hers, would’ve been proud for her ability to attract the prince like this. No, the person underneath the crown was more important to Sofia, the man who’d managed to catch her when all seemed lost. The Saint faintly remembered dreams, then, dreams about endless staircases leading down towards the darkness, blue lights illuminating her dreams and revealing a bed, a warmth not much could replicate and a beautiful scenery of numerous suns and moons scattered above her. A dream so far out of her reach, she could barely grasp the idea behind the bed, the lights and shapes. Sofia forcefully closed her eyes and blinked fast to clear her vision. He was still there, holding her despite the shock and electricity running through his arm. So handsome and tall – watching him from so far away or on poster really didn’t do him justice. With one hand clinging onto him Sofia began to move. Ignoring all others, especially considering their suspicious glances were focused on their intertwined fingers and the closeness seemed too much of a risk, Sofia calmed herself by breathing in and out. The electricity still ran hot through her veins, though it didn’t take long for her to be too exhausted to even produce much more. Surely much of it had been released into the woods just a moment ago.

“I will be alright, I promise, Your Highness.” With a tensed jaw Sofia tilted her head towards the side to look at him for just a moment. She remembered the animosity she’d shown him before - why she remembered she did not know. Dreams and a hatred she didn’t understand in this moment – “I’ve been chosen by God and I will be stronger than others, more determined to serve, the most resilient soldier.” Considering her military background and family history Sofia believed to have found her purpose in this world: use her powers for the crown. Never, in a hundred years, would she have guessed to be Queen one day. 

She spent the next few hours being checked and cared for. A nice bath, a new gown and medication to help – but the amnesia remained. Doctors made sure to check her brain for any abnormalities, but her brain worked perfectly fine – neither fried nor in any way changed. With the whole court gossiping about her Sofia entered Jean-Pierre’s chambers, certainly igniting even more gossip. A few soldiers had been sent to investigate the burning, abandoned astronomy building on Eden - they’d found a few burned corpses, the skeletons of beds and a few written letters that remained untouched by the fire. Letters sent from Sofia, to various others including Joel and prince Royce. All of this remained a secret mission, leaving Sofia in the dark. “I’ve been informed about my heritage, Your Highness. Would you–” she hesitated and blinked nervously. Only after taking a deep breath Sofia found the strength to continue “accept me as your Anchor and protector? I’m not strong enough now, but I will work day and night, tirelessly build my strength to control myself. This is the least I can do for your help.”

.

‘I will be alright, I promise, Your Highness. I’ve been chosen by God and I will be stronger than others, more determined to serve, the most resilient soldier.’

She really was something else. The determination and intelligence in her eyes made it quite clear that she was a storm in her own right, not something so easily controlled. He’d find a way. Never, in a million years, did he believe that he’d one day fall in love - pure and selfless love - something that no longer made him see Sofia Buchanan as a human tool. But the hunger in his eyes in that moment was for her powers… it was not for her.

The hunting trip was cut short. They made it home; JP had politely insisted that she ride with him the entire way. He didn’t force her to speak nor offer his own conversation. She was already nervous as it was and JP himself was full of thoughts. For him, the silence was comfortable as he settled into mental plans and wonderings about who this girl was and what she might become. The moment they’d arrived the Prince arranged for only the best of their handmaidens to comfort Sofia and see to it that she was cleaned, dressed and looked after. Meanwhile, JP ordered that his most trusted men return to the forest and seek out any ruined structures near where they’d found Sofia. In the time it took for them to return he’d gone to his own father to tell him of his plans.

“I have finally found an Anchor, father.”

‘Jean-Pierre, I’ve told you. Your mother and I have arranged for one that I believe you’ll-‘

“No.”

Gaspard looked at him in the way JP sometimes found daunting. But he’d grown up far from that child prince who did not think for himself.

“With all due respect, father, I have found one of my own and I believe she will be perfect…”

He went on to explain what had happened, eventually convincing the King that Sofia would be made into his perfect protector. That he would be able to control her and there was nothing his father could do to convince him that anyone else would do. When his men had returned with their findings, JP did not allow himself to sway from his beliefs. The reality that she had been in correspondence with his cousin would be dealt with later when he confronted Royce. He had recognized no other name and he was sure that none of those other people Sofia knew would be able to come between them. Her own father seemed absolutely keen for his daughter to have met and befriended the crown Prince. It was always clear that whenever Jean-Pierre Delacroix wanted something, he got it.

Hours later he was informed that Sofia Buchanan had been tested and was completely healthy. They could not explain her loss of memory but when she was said to be ready to see him, JP was not worried. He knocked on her door and entered when permitted. There was a gentle smile on his face and the barest incline of his head as polite greeting. “I’m glad to see you looking a little brighter, Miss Buchanan. I’ve been anxious to see that you were well…”

‘I’ve been informed about my heritage, Your Highness.’

He nodded, listening, sitting down across from her and watching her intently. ‘Would you– accept me as your Anchor and protector? I’m not strong enough now, but I will work day and night, tirelessly build my strength to control myself. This is the least I can do for your help.’

His eyes widened slightly. His lips curled up into a grin and he couldn’t help himself as the laugh spilled out. “My God…” A beat. His smile widened slightly. Their minds worked as one, another quality he could use in an Anchor. “Did my father speak to you yet? I’d told him specifically not to.”

[saintcrowns]

SOFIA

Sofia didn’t know what to make of him just yet, but she realized he was going to protect her, no matter what. It didn’t even matter to her that he might’ve just been after her powers, powers she’d just begun to harness. What did it matter after not remembering anything? The huge gap in her memories began at the first days of her teenage years when Saints made their debut and ended just when she arrived here. Something terrible must’ve happened, someone, or something, must’ve been erased out of her mind that had stuck with her for over an entire decade. No matter, Sofia couldn’t feel herself missing anything, she just knew, but couldn’t act on that truth. She’d definitely paid the highest price one can pay and she’d hoped the loss was worth it in the end. The guards began to look incredibly anxious and protective of the prince. All her life Sofia had been trained to become yet another lady on Athos’ court, ready to either marry the prince Lucian or high royal highness prince Jean-Pierre. That reality didn’t seem to have changed in her mind, in fact it had stuck with her for just as long, if not longer, than the truth she’d lost. While looking at him Sofia remembered the various lessons of tactics, history and fighting that should’ve cemented her place within the court, to put her one step above the rest. Alas, the redhead despised the idea of being a minion to her father’s games. Now, however, upon seeing Jean-Pierre like this, she couldn’t help but wonder if destiny had other plans for her, plans Sofia alone couldn’t overcome as they were decisions of her heart. Jean-Pierre, the charismatic, handsome Sun God. How could she deny someone so beautiful if her heart called out to him in ways so unknown to her? Like gasoline just waiting to be lit by his fire, fast and all at once. 

A gunshot immediately made her focus and take a few steps back. She hyperventilated now, scared that someone would shoot at her. Sofia heard one of the soldiers, the one standing close to the prince. “Oh, my God,” the Saint moved towards Jean-Pierre’s without missing a beat, overcoming her fear for the sake of protecting him. The gap between them was still enough to keep him safe, yet not nearly as huge before the attack. He was scolding the man, which immediately forced a shiver down her spine. “Please,” she pleaded, “I understand their fear, I feel the same way.” These powers would be her destruction, she knew that. What else would come out of such a destructive force that wasn’t all like she’d seen in other people before, not like what she’d seen in the first couple of Saints arriving in Athos. Sure, they weren’t all innocent and had massive powers of their own, and maybe she simply feared the lightning because they were her own powers, but she couldn’t possibly eve control it. It would always control her, wouldn’t it? Still Jean-Pierre’s encouragement gave her hope and it ended up forcing her farther away again. Sofia turned around and heard the thunder crackling over her head, saw how the entire forest engulfed in darkness. All the distress and anxiety rushed to her mind, awoke her abilities and made her highly alert. Lightning suddenly struck her, over and over again, it spread all across her body and she could feel herself breathing more violently now. Then, a scream and lightning danced on her skin, everywhere, crackling and lashing out slightly. She could feel herself relax and lose power, to a point in which she almost passed out. Some of the trees closest to them were burning now and the heat forced Sofia closer towards Jean-Pierre. She could barely walk backwards now as a sudden weakness overcame her. “I might pass out,” Sofia threatened with a weak smile. “Thank you, your highness. I really needed that.”

.

That protective instinct that so unexpected ignited within Sofia as she stepped toward him was the one thing he could not have predicted. After spitting orders at his soldier and seeing them all obey, he turned to her with a look of fascination in his eyes. Could it be? Could it be that this woman might be one he could keep forevermore at his side? Despite all the discouragement that he’d certainly receive from the royal advisors, suddenly the Prince could only imagine the benefit of seeing this girl placed at his side. Yes, it was his duty to marry and produce an heir for their kingdom and that day might come. Maybe it would be this woman or another, some far off princess that offered money and alliances. But he did not think of it, not as he looked at Sofia Buchanan. Yes, she was beautiful but there was iron beneath her skin. She was strong, powerful and clearly loyal and all that mattered so much more.

‘Please, I understand their fear, I feel the same way.’

JP opened his mouth to reassure her when he watched as she suddenly backed away. It was in that moment that he promised himself he would never hope to turn her away from him. Power once again erupted from Sofia, no doubt caused by the stress and confusion and trying to withhold her abilities in his presense. As soon as it stopped, be made the gamble to approach her despite the audible discouragement from his men. He held out his hands to offer his help as she seemed to stumble over her feet. Despite feeling a painful electric shock come up his arms in that moment, it was manageable and passed quickly. He had taken the risk and he would follow through with it. The Prince supported her, lifting her up under an arm and putting his arm around her back. “Are you alright?”

‘I might pass out. Thank you, your highness. I really needed that.’

He smiled softly. “You won’t be falling while I’m here, I promise.” JP adjusted his hold on her and took her other hand to lead her back with them. “Now let’s get you back to the castle... We’ll find you a room, some clean clothes and a medic... And you’ll rest. You’ll be safe under my protection until we can find your family, alright?” JP stopped walking and turned to meet her eyes. “There’s nothing to fear. Whenever it feels like your abilities are overwhelming you, Sofia, just take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on a word or phrase or a song. One day be a master of your own power. I know it.”

[jamiedornaniseverything]

[bittergloss]

Ayça Ayşin Turan in Meryem (2017)

[saintcrowns]

divinebloodcd​:

Sofia subtly examined her dress for any bloodstains or imperfections. While there were certainly enough to count and her father would’ve scolded her by now for looking like this, Sofia accepted the various wounds scattered across her knees and arms, the soot clinging to her blush pink dress. Like an animal caught while hunting, no doubt – backed into a corner. Wasn’t this exactly what her father wanted? For her to attract the most influential man in all of Athos apart from the king? To throw herself to the wolves hoping they’d bite? Sofia couldn’t fully concentrate on her surroundings, not while the lightning in her changed directions over and over again. From her feet towards her lips, then towards the hands and up towards the sky just by thinking about clouds. While mastering such strength would cost her months, if not years of training, the act of concentrating her power, unrestrained and raw, towards one place wasn’t as difficult for her. Which is why she immediately tried to concentrate all her electricity into her center so nothing would flow without her command. Alas, a shock unknown to her still lingered in her bones, causing her to almost fall onto her knees. Almost. “My father’s one of your advisors,” Sofia focused on him again which immediately made her regain her balance. What a curious man. He had a power over her she couldn’t quite explain. She didn’t even like him. 

She took as many steps back as he took forward just to keep that distance intact. Having him too close would end terribly, that much she could deduce from the smell lingering onto her clothes. “I don’t know,” Sofia tensed her jaw, “the last thing I remember is running away from court, towards Eden. I only remember bits and pieces of myself,” the realization of not remembering such a, probably, huge part of her life caused her to panic. “Your Highness I’m not sure who I am anymore,” she confessed, “but I did. I’m suddenly capable of so much more.” Sofia glanced towards his friends and army for just a moment before focusing on the clouds above their heads, causing them to darken and create thunder. The sound echoed through the woods and rain slowly fell towards the otherwise dry ground. The cold rain gave her some sort of relief she’d never felt before. She could finally release her anger, her irritation. “I don’t know how to control myself, I beg you – keep your distance. I couldn’t forgive myself for hurting you, your royal highness.” She suddenly heard something exploding in the far back and fire reaching high up into the air. Sofia heard steel crashing to the ground in unison with the thunder above their heads – then, suddenly, silence. Even the thunder above their heads remained quiet. She looked at Jean-Pierre, hoping he’d have mercy. 

.

Her father was one of the royal advisors, of course. It came back to him in a second. It’d been more than a year now since his own father had asked him to join in on all the council meetings so that he could learn what it meant to rule. But with the numerous amount of members and the fact none of them were good enough, in his mind, to merit much of his care, the crown Prince hadn’t thought to consider them. Hungry, ambitious vultures... Buchanan was not too different. But he was cunning, if the Prince remembered correctly. And if he wanted this treasure on his side, there was a slighter possibility that JP could keep him around on the council after the crown was his.

He listened to Sofia, well-aware it was tempting fate to keep testing her limits. Fearless was something many liked to call him but that wasn’t true. He simply would do whatever it took to get what he wanted - he saw his goal and he raced towards it, taking down anything in his path that would stop him and facing any obstacle necessary. She was simply an obstacle. Charismatic was another thing they liked to call him; that was something JP would never argue against. He liked to charm his way out of many of those obstacles and today was no different. His instincts were usually right. While he wasn’t fearless, as much as the girl seemed confused and worried - she had a way with herself and he suspected she was a lot more of a fearless warrior than met the eye. Someone must’ve tried to stop that warrior within her; perhaps that was why she stood before him looking like nothing more than a peasant. 

The second the thunder hit the ground with a loud boom, his hunting company was on top of him. Fire behind the girl and JP stared, having taken a step back but looking on with more fascination and hunger than anything else. One of the soldiers in his ranks took it upon himself to do more than unsheathe a weapon. He took a step forward and angled it with concentration. JP saw the movement, recognized the way his comrade was preparing to shoot without order. The Prince took the man’s arm and roughly angled the gun to his leg, getting him shot in the ankle. The soldier screamed and fell after JP grabbed his gun and pushed him away. He turned his back on the woman, taking the gun up to the air and then tossing it into the stunned crowd of hunters. “I gave an ORDER. I expect it to be FOLLOWED. Now lay down your weapons... IMMEDIATELY.” Backing away the men did one more than asked, seeing the anger in the Prince’s eye. Those in his command knew less of his warmth and more of his wrath - they immediately tossed their guns to the side. 

The prince turned back to the woman and took a deep breath, putting his hands up placatingly. “I apologize for that, Miss Buchanan. Some of my men here are green, we came hunting so they could practice their skills... I’m afraid we have yet to work on discipline,” he glanced back at the one shot in his ankle who was being tended to by one of his comrades. JP then met Sofia’s eyes again and offered a gentle smile. “You should not fear your power. Let it go, Sofia. Don’t hold it in and allow it to control you the way it did just now. You control it. Go ahead... unleash yourself upon the entire forest if you must. I would only ask you keep the rest of us untouched as you do so.” His smile widened slightly, as though slightly lighthearted. “But go on... You don’t need to hide or smother who you are... not with me.”

[saintcrowns]

divinebloodcd​:

He’d never made a secret of seeing Aurora as a threat to his success. His little sister could only destroy, but never repair anything (a sentiment he’d regret in the near future) — Aurora Parrino had a handful of virtues, with not even half of them being of any use to Vittorio. Yes, he saw people for the things they were capable of, even his own sister. He’d become incredibly cruel and manipulative. Vittorio tilted his head to the side to look at her with a questioning look. But even despite him thinking that way, he still loved her, somewhere, deep down. However that emotion was easily hidden within one of the many places in the back of his mind, somewhere in the dark far back behind the idea of power and fortune. 

He let himself get hit, willingly accepting the punishment so she might feel better about herself. The strength she displayed  surprised him, so he scoffed as a response. She possessed the heart of a fighter and she’d definitely fight through hell to prove herself if she had to. “I’m about to, little sister,” Vittorio replied while grabbing the sparring stick. He held on tightly and only moved closer, “you won’t stand a chance against those Saints, once more and more see the light. We wouldn’t want papa to lose his precious daughter, mh?” He pushed her sparring stick aside. “I’m about to leave – I’m on my way to Athos to… expand my power,” he’d never been this honest, but maybe it was time to change things up a little. She did insist on being old enough now, “You can take over, I don’t care. There’s a holy throne waiting for me,” Vittorio teased while taking a few steps back, his arms outstretched. Should he tell her now? “I was chosen for something much greater.”

.

‘I’m about to, little sister.’

“Younger,” she corrected, annoyed. But the petty scorn only masked the sudden intrigue to hear that her brother was now alluding to some sort of plans that she wasn’t aware of. Quiet for a moment, trying to gauge something of his expression only to be hit with the same comments about their father and her. He never failed to tease her on what other’s said about her and it was because of that that Aurora had very obviously grown tired of being nothing but an eternal comparison. A mirror image of Salome with big blue eyes and high cheek bones that grandmama liked to pinch. An endearing princess with the very same temper and very same dark locks as her dear father, like his little helpers like to say. She grit her teeth and motioned her anger into another hit over Vittorio.

But as her brother continued speaking, the temper gave way to curiousity once more. Squinting suspiciously, Aurora backed away. The sparring stick lowered slightly and she listened. “Something greater?” She repeated calmly. There was a way with her moods, like a switch easily turned on and shut down. Hurricane turned gently lapping waves in the blink of an eye. It was usually only with her family that Aurora kept up such a defensive and offensive posture. But she had a penchant for preferring to listen and empathize when given the chance; her father had always adored those compassionate instincts - she saw things he didn’t when it came to dealing with people. And though Aurora might’ve said she gave up on her older brother a long time ago, it was impossible for her to not want to understand him. “Like what, Vitto?”

[whataslayeris]

MCU + THAT Move 

[docorwho]

[saintcrowns]

divinebloodcd​:

All she remembered from that night, from Joel, was the faint memory of lightning and the sudden sleepiness suffocating the flames around her. The world became quiet all of a sudden. The rumbling of thunder and the flash of lightning remained a constant remainder of tonight. All of a sudden lightning listened to her every command. If she desired for the sky to turn grey, clouds would form and lightning would slither its way towards the ground in its search to the point with least resistance, hotter than the sun, loud and awe inspiring. She didn’t know how or why it began, Sofia simply knew what she’d turned into: a Saint. She walked through the woods unsure where to go next. A part of her was missing and she desperately to find it. The dress she was wearing smelled like smoke, as if she’d just escaped a burning house. 

Sofia eventually heard footsteps and dogs barking after another, creating a disturbing background noise. Civilization, at last. Though, as she began to walk closer towards the noise, Jean-Pierre wasn’t the one she was expecting. With her eyes widened in shock Sofia approached the prince while her mind finally reminded her of who he was. The prince her father told her so much about, the one she was supposed to get close to. The most sought after bachelor in all of Athos, no, probably the whole world. Sofia instinctively took a step back as she felt the lightning in her veins tickle its way towards the next outlet: her fingers. The clouds turned and twisted above them and whenever Sofia successfully fought the urge to just unload all her anger, the same clouds vanished, revealing the sky yet again. Lightning danced on top of her neck and up her cheek out of pure shock. Despite not liking him that much, Jean-Pierre had always been one of the most handsome men to ever exist. “Your highness,” she bowed clumsily. Not one thought inside of her was coherent and her body language spoke volumes: something terrible must’ve happened. Still, Sofia tried her best to show Jean-Pierre the respect he deserved. “Sofia,” she began before finally looking at him again, “Sofia Buchanan, my lord.” She began to speak again, demanding something in return, “I wouldn’t come to close. I don’t know what happened, I’ve lost my way. I don’t know, I don’t.” Sofia mumbled, “all I remember is a fire and smoke and lightning,” she tensed her jaw “I’m a Saint.” Saying those three words felt surreal and it frightened her, especially knowing the first one to know was no other than the prince of Athos himself, the future king. 

.

His guards and friends were antsy and worried for him, JP could tell. He heard the metal of their guns as they rearranged them nervously and the clanking of their buckles when they fidgeted behind him. The woman had gone through something, that much was clear. She stood guarded and her body trembling with something that was more than nerves. No, it was light. The closer the Prince got to her the more he could make out the little bouts of electricity that snaked up her neck and flickered at her finger tips. He had been right to suspect this moment was special. She was, indeed, a treasure. “You know who I am,” he observed calmly as she bowed. JP inclined his head very slightly in response.

Sofia. Sofia Buchanan.

There was something familiar about the name and he committed it to memory,  pausing where he stood when she warned him not to come too close. “Buchanan... Mm, have we met?” He shook his head, dismissing the question. “Regardless, Miss Buchanan, nothing will happen to you now. You’re safe with me.” He cautiously took more steps over towards her, hearing the immediate reaction of the guards many meters behind him. JP turned around and put a hand up. “There is nothing to fear here,” he called out, halting their fidgety movements towards him. “This is Sofia Buchanan, she is only a civilian. She will be coming with us.”

He turned back around to size her up. “You say you’re a Saint... Did you cause that fire and lightning? Where have you come from?” Fascinating. He looked very clearly interested.

[saintcrowns]

divinebloodcd​:

Vittorio had been fighting, all his life, to get the same recognition and reputation as his father. For someone who’d been heavily inspired by his every action Vittorio clung to his father’s guidance, hoping to end up where he once stood. Never would he have believed his younger sister to be capable of ruining that for him. The love their father felt for her really didn’t compare to Vittorio’s commitment and ambition – his love had always been much greater. The sudden disappearance of their mother didn’t help, either. The whole world revolved around her and Vittorio grew tired of standing in Aurora’s shadow, which was, judging by her name, a contradiction on its own. The more time Vittorio spent with his sister, the less he understood why his father was so fixated on her to begin with. He began to build his own empire, just to make sure he’d leave a lasting impression on everyone around him, out of spite, to eventually be even better than his father. If he couldn’t have Don Parrino’s kingdom, then he’d create his own.

He tensed his jaw at her defensive words. Her sudden approach and rushed words didn’t threaten him in the slightest, yet he tried to understand them, the tone of her voice, her body language, just to understand why she was considered for the role he craved so badly. “I’m ambitious and hard-working,” Vittorio replied, only getting closer, “Saints are the future and I need papa’s empire to rule them.” He looked around as well, just to make sure no one but Aurora was listening. They were still in their Parrino mansion, somewhere hidden in Omerta where politicians could be bribed, where anarchy and terror ruled. He grabbed one of the sticks they used for sparring. “You can’t just play around in this city and expect no consequences. One day we’ll be run over with Saints and your little group will end up pissing off worse guys than me, understood?” Did he just admit he cared for her? Sort of, but he wouldn’t let her enjoy that for too long, “papa will be pissed if anything were to happen to you, ‘Rora.”

.

‘Saints are the future and I need papa’s empire to rule them.’ She scoffed loudly, rolling her eyes. As he continued speaking, Aurora eyes were made into slits. Speaking about her angering people more vicious than him and getting into danger that could risk their father’s wrath; Aurora was livid. No matter how old she got, no matter how much she showed up anyone who dared threatened her, people continued to baby little miss Parrino. She was a storm, a force to be reckoned with on her worst and her best days - they just couldn’t see it. Even her father, who outwardly recognized her skills, seemed to fear the day that she’d be caught in the crossfires.

“Understood?” She repeated darkly, brusquely grabbing hold of one of the other sparring sticks. She loved her brother, loved him dearly and had tried to show it for many years. But ever since finding acceptance within her own created family, it felt ridiculous to try and find it with a brother who instead scorned her at every turn. “Understood? Really? I’m not 10 anymore, Vitto, I know what I’m doing. I don’t need you to tell me.” She spun the stick in her hand and reached over for a hit. “And I’m not waiting around for my life to start when there’s a whole world out there already,” Aurora proclaimed, backing up and spinning the stick. “I’m finding it by myself.” She lunged for another hit. “If you were brave enough, you’d make your own empire too,” she said sardonically, backing up again. “--- not just wait around for papa to drop his in your lap.”