Auriella didn't know what to expect when she arrived in the Court of Nightmares.

After her eventful morning with the Spymaster, Auriella headed up to her room. Cerridwen was already waiting for her there, playing with Perseus, when she walked in. The maiden put her into a red and gold suit - Dawn Court colors - and sheathed soulender around her waist.

Cerridwen straightened her wavy hair, reaching all the way down to her mid-back. Auriella stared at the maiden from the mirror as she worked in silence, seeing how focused and calm she was.

As the sun beamed into the room, her dark skin glowed in the light, her golden jewelry shined as it reflected throughout the room, making Auriella look away. Cerridwen was definitely beautiful, but the Daughter of Dawn still couldn't shake the feeling that she knew her in some way.

She broke the silence, "Are you and Nuala from the Night Court, Cerridwen?" Auriella asked.

The maiden did not waver her focus, "We are. Our father is High-fae, who also happens to be a Night Court representative. Our mother was a shadow-wraith, hence the reason why Nuala and I can manipulate shadows. But she died decades ago." She reveals.

Auriella can't help but ask, "Do you know how?" She asks.

Cerridwen takes a deep breath, "After we were born, my mother left us with our father. As we got older, he had told us she departed to the Kingdom of Hybern. At first, we thought that she had betrayed the Night Court, but that wasn't the case. It was because she needed to protect someone important who resided there." She explained.

"Your mother worked for Hybern?" Auriella asked.

The maiden sighs, "She didn't want to. But the person she protected was a good friend of hers. She cared a lot for the woman. They had grown up together, but it seemed that the woman got tangled into a situation she couldn't get out from." Cerridwen says.

Auriella's heart tightens, "I'm sorry for your loss." She breathes.

The handmaiden looks at her from the mirror, a smile appearing on her lips, "I know that she did it for a good reason. My mother was a wonderful person to the end. She saved a life that she thought was worth saving. And maybe she was right to do so." She says.

Then silence overtakes the room once more.

***

Once she was done getting ready, Morrigan had winnowed her to Windhaven.

The camp was empty, with not a single life in sight. It felt as if everyone had abandoned everything; a ghost town. Morrigan had explained that they all had gone to Hewn City, crowding around the Arena of Nightmares.

Rhysand and Feyre headed over there a few hours ago, leaving the High Prince in the care of Nuala and Cerridwen at their estate. Azriel, Perseus, Cassian, Emerie, and Amren accompanied them, surrounding their High Lord and Lady for protection.

The Daughter of Dawn felt uneasy not having her wolf beside her. Azriel had mentioned that it would not be safe for him to accompany her through the crowd, knowing that he would surely feel threatened. Auriella agreed with him, leaving her wolf in his care.

She took a deep breath, knowing today was important for everyone, especially the sisterhood and Aiko.

They all stood in the sisterhood compound, along with Morrigan and Nesta, who were dressed in their solid black suits, weapons sheathed at their sides. The leaders stared at the Illyrian women, who all stood in one line, ready to head to Hewn City.

Morrigan cleared her throat, "As you know, today could be either the beginning or the end for the sisterhood. We have come a long way these last three years, preparing ourselves for this moment and beyond. It's time that we show the brotherhood, along with Devlon, that we are worthy of having this compound and to train other women who want to join." She says.

The Third Commander stares at Aiko, motioning for her to step forward. The female does, dressed in solid black with a violet sash around her waist, letting everyone know she is the competitor.

"I know that whatever happens today, Aiko, you will be victorious. You had such a short time training with Cassian and Auriella, but you stayed up for nights going through each motion. You are a warrior, whether everyone sees it or not, you have proved it yourself. No one can take that away from you." Morrigan tells her.

Aiko nods once, "Thank you, commander, for everything that you've done. I wouldn't be where I am without you or Nesta. I am eternally grateful." She says.

Nesta gives her a small smile, "You are strong, Aiko. Always remind yourself that. No one defines who you are, only you can." She tells her.

Behind them, six Illyrian guards appear on the snow, holding spears at their sides. They do not look at any of the sisters, but keep their eyes focused on one place. Auriella turns to Aiko, knowing that it's time to head to the Court of Nightmares.

Morrigan looks at both of them, "Trainer and trainee winnow out first. One of the guards will be behind you, along with the ones posted outside of the arena to keep people from getting to you. They are a part of Cassian's legion. He trusts them." She says.

"Cassian will not stand with us? He helped us train Aiko." Auriella asks.

Nesta shakes her head, "He isn't the assigned trainer of the sisterhood. Temporarily, that is you. Plus, he is a male. He isn't able to walk with you both if he wanted to. Devlon and Pyxis will believe that he did something to sabotage the brotherhood." She explains.

Auriella nods, turning to Aiko once more. She holds out her hand, "I'm ready wherever you are, Aiko." She says.

The female takes a deep breath before taking her hand. The trainer and trainee both step out onto the snow. One of the male guards bows his head to them, "I have been assigned to escort the Daughter of Dawn and competitor to the arena. Are we ready?" He asks.

Before Auriella can say anything, Delphine shouts, "FOR THE SISTERHOOD!"

The rest of the women follow her shout, chanting it in the crisp morning air. A tear runs down Aiko's face, but she immediately wipes it away. The female turns to the guard and nods, "We're ready."

***

The Court of Nightmares lived up to its name. A place for the wicked and cruel.

Auriella and Aiko walked through the wide road heading to the Arena of Nightmares. They both held their heads high, hearing almost every vile word being thrown at them, especially at the Daughter of Dawn, whose shadows were verbally attacked the most.

"Shadowsinger whore"

"Amarantha's toy"

"Unworthy bitch"

Those were only the bare minimum of words that the residents of this wretched city used. If Auriella had the entire dictionary of slurs, she was sure that they had used them all.

Azriel was right. If Perseus had been next to her, she was sure that he would have tried to maul everyone that threatened his owner. She almost smiled at the thought.

Aiko held her hand tightly, shaking underneath her palm. Auriella reassured her silently with her thumb, knowing that each step Aiko took could be her last. Even as they reached the wide mouth that led into the Arena of Nightmares, she did not let go of her hand.

From outside, Auriella could hear chanting coming from inside of the arena. It echoed throughout Hewn City, the enormous crowd outside joined them, shouting words that Auriella wasn't able to make out.

Eight of Cassian's men drew their swords out behind Auriella and Aiko as they walked in, protecting them from the gathering crowd. The man who winnowed them in, Audric, led them throughout the stone corridors. The walls rumbled around them, making dust fall from the creased ceiling.

As they almost reach the light at the end, Audric stops them, "This is where we wait. The brotherhood and sisterhood are waiting on opposite sides of the arena. Pyxis and Byron will be announced to head out first, then it will be the both of you. Daughter of Dawn, I will be right behind you, leading you up to the platform where you will stand with the rest of the sisterhood." He explains to them.

He was a warrior in every way. Auriella studied his straight posture, seeing how he kept his head high, filled with confidence. His brown hair was in luscious waves, complementing his gleaming blue eyes. Sweat ran down his forehead, but it didn't faze him.

Auriella and Aiko looked out to the blinding yellow light, unable to see anything beyond it. Their hands were still entwined, wet with sweat, but both were unwilling to let go.

The Daughter of Dawn didn't want to show how much this affected her. She thought of Aiko as a friend, having small but caring conversations with her as they trained, sharing laughs and secrets. She was like a bright light that would not give out.

Auriella couldn't afford to lose another friend, feeling as if she would burst out of her skin with anger and hate for letting this happen, even though it wasn't her choice in the first place.

Aiko wanted to prove herself and she would. She had to.

"What do you think the afterlife looks like?" Aiko asked, "I always dreamed of landing on a cloud with white nothingness around me. The sun was still shining in the sky, or what looked like it. I could hear my steps echo as I walked, but I didn't know where I was going. I didn't know if there was anything else, or it was just that." She says.

Auriella sighed, "I imagined it more colorful, like a painting. The pink and yellow clouds would surround me and the sun would still be coming up on the horizon. I imagined my loved one surrounding me, entering with me through the gates of somewhere unknown." She tells her.

She remembered her morning up in the clouds with Azriel, feeling the sense of peace that overwhelmed her. If she could spend eternity up there, she would.

Aiko scoffs, "I like your version better. It sounds peaceful and more believable to me. I don't want to be alone with nothing or no one around me." She breathes.

"Don't do that, Aiko. This isn't a goodbye. I know you will win. Make sure to use everything Cassian and I taught you. You can defeat Byron. I know you can." Auriella says.

Aiko nods, her eyes still somber, "I know, but this is just in case. If I don't win this, tell the others that I was sorry I couldn't do better. That I tried." She says.

"Welcome to the second fight between the brotherhood and the sisterhood!" Auriella could hear Devlon announce from outside. The arena roars with excitement.

Aiko lets go of her hand, straightening herself. Auriella could see her put on a mask - of confidence and bravery, both of which she had. She was reminded of herself, doing that every single time she went to meet Amarantha in the throne room Under the Mountain.

"From the brotherhood, trainer and trainee, Pyxis and Byron!" Devlon announces.

The crowd becomes wild, screams from everyone erupts, the arena shaking from their stomping and chanting. Auriella balls her hands into fists, wishing for the calm to overtake her once more, but she could find none.

Instead, she imagined how her brother must feel out there with the rest of them. What would he think of seeing her doing this? Would he approve? Would he tell their fathers about this secret she wanted to keep from them? She almost wished he didn't come.

Auriella was proud of herself for doing this. She didn't regret one thing about it, knowing that she had made friends within the sisterhood. Those women, especially Aiko, changed her for the better, had made her come out of the depression that was eating her away.

She looked to Aiko once again, "Fuck him up for us, Aiko." She said, making a smile appear on the female's lips.

"And now, from the sisterhood, trainer and trainee, the Daughter of Dawn and Aiko!" Devlon announces.

They both headed out into the brightness, the crowd coming alive once more at the sight of them. Auriella blinked several times, getting adjusted to the sunlight.

And when she could see clearly again, Auriella's heart leaped in surprise.

Above them, people were crowded in the stands all the way to the top, their fists raised, continuing their inaudible chanting. There was no space left untouched. Guards were placed on the walls beneath them, spears in their hands in case anyone tries to intervene.

The High Lord and High Lady of the Night Court sat in their crystal black thrones. They were raised on a trapezoid-like platform, their faces neutral and their hands entwined. A king and queen no one dared to cross.

Once Aiko and Auriella were near the platform, feet away from Byron and Pyxis, the trainees both kneeled in front of their superiors. Auriella and Pyxis nodded their heads, saying nothing.

You and I bow to no one, not even them. Damian's voice rang through her mind.

With the single motion of their hands, Rhysand and Feyre silenced the entire crowd, the roaring of the people dimming in seconds until there was nothing but the echo of crows in the skies. Even then, it seemed as if the world obeyed the High Lord and Lady of Night, holding its breath until they were commanded to let it out.

Rhysand looked over to his mate, nodding once at her. She let go of his hand, standing from her throne.

The High Lady of Night's attire was revealing, to say the least. The dark fabric reached down to her feet, held together by metal rings, barely covering her private areas. The skin of her breasts peeked out from the sides of the garment, as did her stomach, still carrying the infant weight after having her son.

Her crown was blinding - shining as the sun reflected upon it. It was as if a star had landed on her head, naming her the queen of night itself.

Even Auriella couldn't keep her eyes off of her. She was taken aback by Feyre's appearance. She felt as if her beauty was enough to bring worlds to their knees. It seemed like everyone around her knew it too.

Feyre looks out to the crowd, "We are here today to commence the second fight against the Illyrian Brotherhood and Sisterhood. This fight will not only be to the death, but it will also determine if the sisterhood stays or goes. The competitors, Byron and Aiko, will wield their swords in this battle and are eligible to use combat if needed."

From the ground, Auriella could see the disgust on Feyre's face. She did not support this at all, nor did Rhysand. Azriel had told her that they both left it up for their people to decide. And the majority voted for the competition to happen. It was no longer in the High Lord or Lady's hands.

"As before, no one is able to interfere or do anything that disrupts this battle. If someone does, punishment will be severe for them. This is your only warning." Feyre looks down at Auriella and Pyxis, "Trainers, head up to your platforms." She says, her voice stern.

Auriella looked down at Aiko one last time before Audric escorted her away. In the silence, she ascended the stone steps to the trainer's platform, where the rest of the sisterhood stood. On the opposite side of the arena, Pyxis joined the brotherhood.

The Daughter of Dawn looked around for any sign of Azriel, Perseus, or Damian. She scanned the arena, seeing them perched all the way at the top, hidden beneath a stone canopy.

Morrigan and Nesta stared down at Aiko, along with Elain and Lucien, who were whispering to each other. Helion stood beside his son in silence. Cassian and Emerie's hands were linked, staring down at Feyre.

The Spymaster and the Son of Dawn stared down at Auriella, both of their gazes filled with hidden rage. Perseus was in between them, his tongue out, breathing heavily.

She immediately looks away from them, focusing her attention back on Feyre.

"Competitors, stand." The High Lady demanded. Aiko and Byron stood at the same time, raising their heads up to her.

Feyre gave them a small smile, "You have had a month to train yourselves for this day. Give it your all out there. I wish you both the best." She tells them, "Please stand in the middle of the arena. At the sound of the horn, your fight begins." She says.

Aiko and Byron briefly look at one another before walking to the middle. Their hands stayed on the hilts of their swords that were still sheathed at their sides. They kept their eyes on each other, not even taking a second to look away; two predators scanning their prey.

The High Lady of Night takes her seat on her mate's lap, his hands wrapping protectively around her. They both watched the two competitors on the battleground, waiting for the bloodshed to begin.

Auriella felt the bile rush to her throat as she waited for the horn to sound. Her nails dug into the palms of her hands, shaking from adrenaline. She kept her eyes on Aiko, seeing her perfect foot placement as she stared down Byron. He held nothing but hunger in his eyes.

The sisters gathered around Auriella, as if they too were holding their breaths.

Suddenly, a hollow sound echoed in the air. The crowd roared once more.

Aiko and Byron drew out their swords, the metal clashing against each other. Sparks flew out from the metal, falling onto the stone as they hit each other again and again.

Aiko and Byron went furiously at each other's throats, attempting to get their swords to hit the perfect spot, yet they avoided each other's movements. The two of them didn't keep down. Auriella could see Aiko considering him as they orbited around, making statements that she was unable to make out.

Byron swung his sword at her neck, however, Aiko moved back, the sharp edge scarcely absent. The crowd sucked in their breaths, before starting to chant once again. Auriella grasped the railing of the platform, pleading to the spirits for Aiko to win.

The female didn't vacillate. She charged at Byron, her blade slamming into his. He staggered back but recovered his balance.

Delphine approached Auriella's ear, "Do you think that she can win?" She inquired.

Auriella nodded.

Previously, she didn't feel that Aiko had the potential for success, yet it was distinctive at this point. Aiko was solid and had set herself up for quite a long time. She didn't rest for almost the entire month, needing to demonstrate to everybody around her that she would be prepared for this battle.

From afar, Auriella could see that the preparation paid off. Aiko was utilizing each movement Cassian and Auriella had taught her.

She could see Aiko flipping through the pages in her brain, thinking about how she would crush her rival. Plainly, she was ascertaining his developments, yet he was as well.

Byron was prepared by Pyxis and Devlon. There was no uncertainty that he was encouraged equivalent to Aiko was. He was prepared to murder and obliterate the individuals who undermined him, particularly on the off chance that they came from the sisterhood.

Byron was the one to make the principal strike, his sharp edge brushing Aiko's shoulder. The crowd went wild, alongside the fellowship, however, Aiko didn't falter. She held her head high and continued battling.

Her strike came seconds after the fact, conflicting their blades, circling them around, and rapidly shifting aside, where she touched the side of his stomach. Bryon shouted, returning his attention to the female.

This time, it was the sisterhood that yelled.

"She can win this. I know she can." Talia says, her eyes zeroed in on Aiko.