Night fell without incident.

The two of them returned and Aurora had agreed, after much convincing, to allow his shoulder to be bandaged before speaking with Rowena. But that was hours ago and he’d grown tired of waiting, climbing to the top of the archway where he’d been before. He’d given up on the idea of telling Daniel, knowing that he’d dismiss the entire story even if the claw marks in his shoulder should have been definitive enough proof that something had happened.

He sighed, swallowing when he thought back to what had happened, what he agreed to. It certainly wasn’t like he had the choice to refuse what they were saying. Bantrem had been decent enough but he recalled Shaah’s order to kill him the moment Aurora hesitated. If the story was true, he couldn’t blame them for growing angry with him.

Speaking with Rowena would clear the muddled mess of information in his head, he thought.

“Aurora!”

Lifting his head, he swiveled to look behind him at the source of the voice, standing and feeling a jolt of pain rush down his arm as he pushed to his feet. He spotted Daniel, crossing his arms in front of his chest against the cold.

“Yes?”

“She’s asking for you.”

“The bitch wishes to see me now? Is it finally convenient for her?” he called down.

“Be nice.”

Aurora snorted, ignoring him and quickly making his way down the archway and landing with a huff beside Daniel. He tipped his hat, setting off towards the keep and watching as Daniel came up beside him.

“Are you sure everything is alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“She asked that no one else be with you when you’re there,” Daniel paused, swallowing and rubbing the back of his neck, “unless you’d like me to come as well. It’s up to you.”

“Did she actually say you could be there?”

Daniel was quiet for a moment. “No.”

“I’ll manage.”

“Just, please, be careful.”

Aurora didn’t reply, looking up at the shadow they stepped into while the courtyard whispered with freshly fallen snow. It was quiet, disturbingly silent, but few wandered the stronghold at night.

“She might be…difficult but you have to admit she’s-“

Snorting, Aurora looked back at him. “What are you saying?”

“She’s a lovely woman, that’s all. You have to agree with me on that.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear those words leave your mouth.”

Without waiting for an answer, he started off again in hopes that Daniel would be left behind. However, much to his dismay, Daniel was back on his heels a moment later.

“I know you hate her but you can’t deny-“

“Vex it all, Daniel! Shut your mouth.”

“Can you?”

“Yes, I can. How are things with that by the way? Still enjoying the privileges of being the chief officer?”

Daniel looked startled. “You’re avoiding the question.”

Aurora rolled his eyes, walking to the door and shoving them aside, Daniel still following faithfully behind him.

“I’ll be right here if you need me. Please, try not to…”

“I won’t.”

“Aurora, I’m serious.”

Daniel rubbed at his wrists, eyes glued to the ground while Aurora turned and headed towards the staircase nearby. The halls were dark, lit only by lanterns that hung along the wall, and the air, though they were inside, felt colder even than the courtyard. His feet didn’t make it beyond the first step before he saw her, her shadow looming in front of him.

“Officer Aurora, I am truly glad you requested a meeting. We have much to discuss and I certainly am unable to talk with you very often.”

“Just Aurora,” he mumbled, not looking up at her, “I don’t like titles.”

Rowena stepped out into the light and he found himself at the bottom of the staircase again. Perhaps Daniel was right about what he’d said about her but the blue of her eyes made him sick rather than swoon. She smiled, red of her lips parting to reveal a sharp smile that send a prick of something indistinguishable down his spine.

“I don’t much like the titles either, Officer Aurora. But follow me. I am sure you’re tired after such an ordeal, however, I can assure you that I will keep things brief.”

For a moment she only watched him, eyes lidded as her teeth grazed over her bottom lip thoughtfully. She stepped back then, heels clicking as she turned and started up the staircase that wound upward, seemingly without end.

“I was told you were injured. I assume it’s rather minor considering your current state. Is that so?”

“It’s nothing,” he said simply, hating every step they took and trying to focus on the pain growing in his knee.

“Wonderful, though, I must say, I expected more considering what you have…been through. I apologize for that by the way. You must have been terrified.”

Aurora didn’t answer, staring down at the ground and bristling at the condescending tone of her voice. However, he’d realized long ago that it was simply her voice, something that constantly teetered between sincerity and mockery. The arrogance in it, the narcissism that hung in the air like a fog that never dissipated, made his blood boil.

She made a small amused sound, smiling. “But forgive me, you aren’t like the other Dravara, are you?”

“I tend not to be afraid of things.”

“I know,” she replied, looking ahead of them. “I thought we would talk in the lounge. You are always welcome there, you do know that, don’t you? Your friend Daniel has visited…quite often, in fact. When he’s not burdened with keeping you out of trouble.”

He didn’t bother answering.

“This way, if you will.”

They reached the top of the stairs, traveling down a short hall towards a door, one she quickly invited him inside. He glanced up, eyeing the chandelier that seemed out of place compared to the rest of the room that was old, decorated plainly with a few chairs and lit by a fire burning in the massive hearth in front of them. On the floor was a rug, faded, fur and wouldn’t have made his blood freeze if it wasn’t marked by a sickeningly familiar ringed patterns.

He swore every bit of heat evaporated from the room.

“You may sit down if it would be more comfortable. You must be exhausted,” Rowena called, moving to stand in front of the fire.

Aurora paused, still staring at the rug, looking towards the other side of the room and the two windows, eyes out into the courtyard, on the wall. She cleared her throat, motioning to one of the chairs and smiling again when he sat heavily down in one of them.

“Would you like a drink?”

He shook his head.

“Wine? Something stronger, perhaps?” she continued, ignoring his reply.

“I don’t drink.”

Rowena only laughed quietly, reaching for a clear glass bottle and pouring herself a glass, pausing to glance up at him, before pouring a second. She reached forward, handing it to him before stepping back with the same calm smile twisting on her lips.

“I recall otherwise.”

Aurora swirled the glass, wrinkling his nose when he took a sip. “I’m going to assume you know why I’m here.”

“Indeed, but please, do tell me why you wanted to speak with me. It would be more interesting than hearing me talk this whole time, won’t it?” she asked flatly, motioning to him with her glass.

He cleared his throat, raising the glass to his lips and cringing for a second time.

“It has a bite to it, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” he said, leaning forward to set the glass down on the table in front of him.

She eyed him, reaching up to brush back a strand of dark hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Aurora sat back, legs stretched out before him as his eyes wandered to the fire.

“Daniel and I were abducted. Well, I was taken…he was left on this side. You already know about them, I assume, so I won’t go into who took me-“

“Yes,” she said, taking a sip from her glass. “But being taken isn’t why you’re here.”

Aurora frowned. “Will you answer something for me?”

“Of course,” she said, smile twitching.

“Why am I not dead? I should be and we both know that.”

She inhaled sharply, choking out a cough as she turned away from him. Aurora waited, half hoping it would continue and she’d simply collapse in front of him. However, she turned then, wiping the corner of her mouth with a thumb and smiling once more.

“Excuse me,” she said, clearing her throat, “I was surprised by your question. It seems too simple of an answer for you. I know that you were told things and I assumed that was why you came. But as for that question, I’m afraid I can’t answer it for you.”

“What can you answer for me?”

She shrugged. “You were the one who requested the meeting, did you not? Ask what you wish and I’ll let you go on your way. Or, you could stay a while, if you’d like. I do believe we agreed to keep this meeting brief, yes?”

Aurora stood, abandoning his drink on the table. “Thank you for letting me sit but I think I’d prefer to stand. You obviously know why I’m here but I’m lost. Tell me why you think I’m here and-“

“Oh, don’t lie to me, Aurora. You know very well why you’re here. I just,” she paused, chewing at her lip, “don’t understand why you won’t speak your mind. I thought, and forgive me if I’m wrong, you tended not to be afraid.”

Aurora glared, biting his tongue to avoid saying anything he’d soon regret.

“Again, forgive me if I’m wrong.”

“Since you can’t answer my last question, can you answer this one?”

He fell quiet briefly and still she only smiled the same infuriating grin.

“Why did they take me? You know that answer, don’t you?”

“Of course,” she said, visibly stiffening.

“I’ve had enough of this. Answer my questions or I’ll leave-“

She chuckled, finishing off her drink and setting it down on the table before her gaze rose back to him. “I was never able to understand you. You act like you have such a mystery about you. The dark looks, the reclusive behavior,” she paused, stepping forward, “certainly helps you with that. Your silly little hat throws that all off a bit, doesn’t it? It’s truly a shame you’re leaving us so soon.”

Rowena reached up, running a hand along the brim of his hat before he tore away. “You really are fascinating.”

“I wish I knew the difference between earnestness and ridicule with you.”

She smiled again. “You despise me, don’t you?”

“If you aren’t going to help me, I’ll be leaving,” he growled.

“Oh, will you calm down? I thought it was clear I was only joking with you. My previous chief spoke very highly since the day you arrived. It baffled me for a long while, but he truly believed you could become something great. You know that, don’t you?”

Aurora folded his hands behind his back.

“Don’t you?”

“Yes,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

“Sit down, Aurora. I know why you’re here. The only question is,” she paused, reaching forward to skim a hand over his scarf while her eyes rose, “do you?”

He didn’t answer, glaring and trying to pull away but stopping when her hand snatched at the fabric, tightening the knot at his throat. She smiled, snaking an arm behind his head to the back of his neck, wrenching his head forward until they were only inches, foreheads nearly brushing, apart.

“I’m not afraid of you like the others are,” she said, voice low. “If there is something you want to talk about, do share. I assume you were told some information, correct?”

“How do you know?”

“Sit down and I’ll tell you everything,” she paused, tugging him backwards towards the chairs by his scarf, “you may wish to sit anyway. The things I am about to say may prove to be rather shocking.”

She let go, reaching back for the drink he’d set down earlier and placing it back into his hand once more. “Have a drink. You will feel much better. I can assure you that.”

Glaring still, he sat down in the same chair, propping his boots up on the table and slumping back carefully. She frowned lightly, almost seeming disappointed before she moved, light as air, to lean against the arm of his chair.

“You are asking why you were taken, correct? Unfortunately, I don’t have a very good answer for you. But” she said, trailing a hand absentmindedly up to his shoulder, “I want you to tell me just what you were told. Who did you speak with?”

Aurora tore away from her. “Don’t touch me.”

She smiled. “As I was saying, names are usually given. Were you given any names?”

“What do you mean?” he asked, glancing up at her. “Has this happened before?”

Silence.

“Well?”

“Yes, this has happened before.”

“When?” he asked, watching as she stood again.

“It’s been a long time now. A newer recruit was taken after some rather…complicated circumstances. Others claim to have been taken but they never have been able to supply names. However, the other recruit knew things many of the others didn’t afterward. So, my question is…what were you told?” she asked, arms crossing in front of her chest.

“Is it true?”

“That depends on what they told you.”

Aurora clenched his teeth. “You already know what I was told. I was told what the Dravara have done, what you have done. I was told about the parties sent over to kill them and I’m partial to believing them considering the Dravara have done nothing but make me hate-“

“Hate is a strong word.”

“Is it true or not?” he snapped.

She was quiet for a moment, looking away and chewing at her lip.

“It’s true, isn’t it? I knew the Dravara were many things but slaughtering an entire,” he paused, unsure of what to say, “slaughtering all of them is disgusting. Is this a well-kept secret or do all of the Dravara know aside from me?”

Again, she was silent.

“This is pathetic. First you lie to me and now you’re too much of a coward to speak at all. I knew you were vile but this is something entirely new. What could you possibly gain from doing this to…to th-“

“The faeloren,” she said softly.

“Excuse me?”

Rowena raised her eyes again, smiling returning to her lips. “That is what they call themselves. But you were asking what I can gain from this. Well, the answer is simple.”

“Wealth? The lands of the east have a-“

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

She laughed. “Hooke got something right about you. You’re attentive, aren’t you?”

“I try my best,” he hissed.

Rowena’s eyes flashed. “I have my reasons and I’m sure you could find out for yourself. I know, why don’t you give it a try, Officer Aurora?”

“I don’t like riddles.”

She reached down, taking his glass from the table and downing the contents before her attention moved back to him. “You have an imagination, don’t you? Imagine this for me; you are living in a place haunted by tales of what lurks just outside your door. However, you’ve been entrusted with protecting the common people from this threat and not a man or woman in the world can touch you. On top of that you’re living in luxury with people who cater to your ever whim, one who keeps the nights from being so lonely and others who simply are there to serve you. The capital takes care of you, always. It sounds wonderful, does it not?”

“You’re describing yourself.”

“Power and wealth are things that make this world,” she paused, grinning and turning the glass in her hand, “spin round…and round, Aurora. Do you understand? If not, I could go on. There are other-“

“I’ve heard enough. Now that I know, I assume you will have to kill me.”

Her boot stamped downward suddenly, heel pressing down on the rug where the head should have been. Aurora couldn’t take his eyes away from it.

“I don’t appreciate being interrupted.”

His eyes didn’t rise. “Yes, and I don’t care.”

She laughed loudly, a sound that made him jump. “But on the subject of killing you…of course not! There are plenty who know just what’s going on her. Retrievers, I call them, who would be happy for you to join them. I normally try to keep things in the dark. Too many people who know the truth makes for a liability and you understand why I can’t have that, don’t you?”

“Why would I und-“

“That silly name of yours. I never understood it but hiding your real name is important to you, isn’t it? But some advice-“

“I don’t want your advice. How can you justify the slaughter of-“

“They’re not like us, Aurora. They aren’t human, less than that-“

Aurora stood, cutting her off. “Not many animals I know of can speak and have entire villages. They’re afraid-“

“Fear is natural.”

His hand moved to brush over the holster at his side but her revolver was already free, trained at his chest. “Lay a finger on that gun and I’ll shoot a hole through that pretty face of yours. I’m certain no one would miss you.”

“I know.”

She smiled then, slowly lowering the gun and holstering it once more. The door opened but Aurora kept his back turned, hearing the two men enter the room without a word.

“Ah, thank you both for coming on such a short notice. I knew we would have some trouble and-“

“My understanding was this was a private meeting,” he spat.

Her lips pinched shut in annoyance. “I’m afraid I simply can’t let you leave, Aurora. You are an enjoyment to have around but I don’t believe I can trust you to keep this between us. I will be sending a retrieval party out tomorrow and I’d like for you to join them. Am I understood?”

“Understood but there isn’t a chance-“

“No,” she said sternly, “you are going to join them.”

“Do you expect me to roll over like a dog? It isn’t going to work.”

The Dravara were grabbing at his arm then, dragging him backwards while he struggled to throw them off despite the pain ripping through his shoulder. However, he stopped the instant a boot was slammed into the back of his knee and he sunk down to the ground. Rowena sighed then, walking over and raising his head up with a gently finger. “You will do as you’re told, understood? I really would hate to get rid of you. You’ve survived so long without too many horribly serious incidents. This isn’t worth your life.”

“You’re a coward and a murderer!”

“Well, that’s rather rude of you. But I’m honesty surprised you hadn’t figured this out for yourself earlier on. Did you honestly believe the faeloren were traveling so far away from the east to abduct people?”

Something give way.

Aurora’s head snapped sideways, teeth clacking together and narrowly missing the finger that had traveled up towards his lips. She grabbed him harshly by the jaw, wrenching his head upward as she stood with a scowl.

“You bitch-“

“You have such a hatred for me. It’s a shame you couldn’t harness it. Goodbye, Officer Aurora, I hope we can talk again sometime soon. It’s always a pleasure.”

“Fu-“

A hand was clamped over his mouth, cutting him off as they dragged him to his feet and back towards the door again. Rowena smiled as he left, briefly glancing down at the unharmed frame of a slender hand.

“You’ll do as you’re told. They always do.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 20