19th December 2018;

The breeze blew lightly, carrying the sound of obnoxious chatters. The moon sparkled, its rays gently caressing her skin.

The party was too annoying, loud and snotty for her liking. So, it didn't take her long before she weaved her way out of the crowd and to the peaceful atmosphere offered by the garden. As her mind strayed, her fingers drew invisible patterns on the screen of her phone.

Anxiety trickled behind the calm façade her appearance offered. The deal was official; hence the party. But, what's next? There were a lot of things she didn't know yet.

Dropping the device in her lap, she stared at her hands. She's taken the lives of too many. "But, at what cost?" She murmured. Surely, they've been 'bad people'. However, what right did she possess to take away their lives just like that?

It's been a long time since she'd allowed herself to wallow in self-pity, self-doubt, and self-deprecation. She swallowed forcefully, savoring the bitterness of such rare vulnerability. Sighing, surely she wants to avenge her family. But, again, what would they think of her if they knew what she's done, how much blood she's spilled, how many lives she's taken, how many families she's ruined...

Her lips quivered. Her chest heaved. Families I've ruined, her mind echoed. A sardonic laugh left her breathless. She hoped no one saw how crazy she looked right then and there. If any family was ruined, it was hers.

Her thoughts scrambled, scattered as if even they feared the darkness lurking inside her. And it came in full force, loaded with utter loathing and rage. The remaining weakness was tampered; the tiniest bit of its survivors buried deep inside her darkened, vengeful soul.

How could I show, or even feel, such susceptibility?, Her nostrils flared as she closed her eyes and leaned back in her seat in an attempt to calm down and gain control of her raging emotions. They took everything from her. Her breathing was ragged as the scenes kept replaying before her. Inhaling deeply, she held it in for five heartbeats before letting out slowly.

The nightmare must've generated these annoying and frustrating thoughts. Shaking her head hoping to rid it of such nuisance, she deflated. She was crazed. But, who wouldn't be if they were in her shoes?

Her phone beeped. Swiping across the screen, Jesse's name appeared. 'Babysitting is fun sometimes.' The text read along with a picture of her and the kids covered in flour. She breathed a laugh, her mood becoming lighter.

Blinking at the stars, Aurora wondered why she always showed up to these parties despite her obvious hatred toward them. Plus, she couldn't and shouldn't show her face. But, they wouldn't recognize her. They wouldn't find or catch her. She was a ghost. And, their worst nightmare.

The wind tickled her hair and she wrapped her arms around her body. It was time to go home. Laura and Jared were doing fine. She was proud of them and beyond grateful. She wouldn't have made it this far without them. A small smile adorned her face. As much as she denied it, her attendance was more of her ensuring their safety than anything else.

Caring about others was scary, her body shuddered.

"It's really cold out here." Quiet footsteps approached her. She stilled. Her ears strained trying to pinpoint the direction from which came the voice, her gaze roaming the dark garden. Her muscles tensed for her body took a defensive stance. Yet, she still remained seated.

"You know, I'd have given you my jacket. But, it seems like you're wearing it already." A hooded figure appeared before her. Jumping to her feet, her eyes narrowed at his surrendering gesture. After taking off his hoodie, he waved at her the smirk on his face never wavering. "It's been a long time, huh?"

Her breath caught in her throat at his lopsided smile. What was he doing here? How did he know who she was? Maybe he was mistaken. Deciding to play dumb, she took a step back and stuttered out. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Stopping in his tracks, his eyebrows shot up to his hairline. For a second, he believed her. Maybe he was mistaken for real. But another look at her changed his mind. Her body language screamed otherwise. It was her. "Someone who's been looking for you, for years." His smile mirrored the sadness he felt inside.

Aurora froze for panic consumed her. "I don't know you. Go away, you creepy stalker." This time, she stuttered for real. Not out of fear, but rather out of pain. Physically, she could handle herself. However, emotionally? That was a whole other story. Her face hardened when he stepped closer.

"Come on, Rho. That's no way to welcome an old friend."

He was looking at her, one eyebrow raised, challenging her to deny knowing him. Time ticked away slowly before words were uttered. "It was barely one night, I'd hardly call that a friendship." Finally discarding her pretense, she settled back calmly on the bench. Yet, her heart was hammering her ribcage.

It was no use denying anything. He already knew her identity. Might as well find out what he wanted. Aurora just hoped she wouldn't end up having to kill him. Bile threatened to rise up at the mere thought.

Aidan grinned triumphantly and skidded carefully to sit next to her. She scooted farther away from him and the smile slipped off of his face. Sighing, he made himself comfortable and leaned back. "So, a lot happened, huh?" It was more of a statement than a question. She didn't say anything, he kept on talking. "It's been four years. Where have you been?" Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Yet, her mouth was sealed shut still. "What? You're not going to say anything?"

"What do you want, Aidan?" She breathed out through clenched teeth, not liking him poking and prodding memories she'd sealed away years ago. The same memories that gave her nightmares every damn night, haunted her sleep and consciousness, tormented every single moment of her life and shaped her into the person she was now.

"Tell me what the fuck happened that night, Amelia?" His voice was harsh. His question too abrupt, it knocked the air out of her lungs. She gasped, sputtered and scrambled to her legs. Eyes wide searching his face, a blank expression with hard lines to the edges.

It seemed like bare sheets of nothingness and she was the ink, spilled messily everywhere. Her body trembled so bad, she collapsed on the ground. Her fingers pressed, clenched and unclenched the bodice of her dress over her stuttering heart.

"I...I," she struggled, a heavy weight settling on her chest. He knew. Nobody knew. "How..?" Aurora heaved out; her palms hiding her face as tears, much to her dismay, rolled down her cheeks. They burned.

His eyes softened. But, Aidan wasn't backing down. He needed to know. And she needed to let someone in.

"I know more than you think, Rho."

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