The Key

Aurora was certain it was night, yet the place where she found herself was bright as day. Everything around her was alabaster and pristine. The high arched ceilings gave the tower room an austere look, and the silence was profound. Running her finger along the windowsill, Aurora sensed another presence in the room.

"I thought we were done with visions," the Empress said with a sigh. She recognized the place as a room in the Mystic Spires, but clearly the room was only a dream.

Hanna appeared next to her with a neutral expression. Even her colorless irises seemed void of life. "My options for reaching you are becoming increasingly limited as the events draw near." Her lack of smile made Aurora tense. She much preferred a smiling Fate to an emotionless one.

"What do you mean? What events?" The woman's throat felt so dry that the words almost would not come.

"Prince Alaron is tearing the world apart, just as I warned." the Fate was not gloating, she was mourning.

"If you have come to tel