CONTENT WARNING for Chapter 30: Rated M for Strong language and violence- descriptions of abuse and implied sexual assault.
A/N: Hey darling readers! Just a warning, this is a heavy chapter with a lot of intense emotions. I promise the coming chapters will lighten up again, but this is an intense part of the story that needs to be told.
Please please review and let me know you are still enjoying the story.
XOXO - P
Song for the Chapter: "Warrior" by Demi Lovato
Chapter 30 - Phoenix Rising
Just as the Phoenix rose from the ashes,
She too will rise.
Returning from the flames, clothed in nothing but her strength,
More beautiful than ever before.
Legolas shouted orders as he watched the additional guards take positions along the gate and the surrounding trees. He turned to see Haldir and Rumil watching him closely.
The Marchwarden stepped closer, "Who is this Ellon?"
Legolas sighed as he met his friend's eyes, "He is behind several attacks in the last few months in an attempt to kidnap Lady Aurora."
"What attacks?" Rumil asked.
"The first, he sent orcs after her when she and the King were in the forest. An innocent family was killed and their child kidnapped." Legolas dropped his eyes to the ground, "To the objections of the King, Aurora pursued the orcs and saved the elfling."
"Truly heroic," Haldir said.
"Yes," Legolas continued, "After that our Captains, Tauriel and Priamos were taken, hostage. They each had a finger removed and sent to Aurora in a macabre tableau that I will not share the details of. She met him in a clearing as a trade, her life for the Captains. She was fully willing to hand herself over but, luckily, one of her guards had found Ada and me as we were also searching for the Captains. We were lucky to get there when we did."
"And now he has willingly allowed himself to be captured?" Haldir mused, "What could his plan be with such an action?"
"I don't know," Legolas looked back up, his eyes scanning the sky for any unseen threat, "and that is what concerns me most."
Aurora stood in front of the fireplace, watching the flames dance around. She heard Thranduil and Augustus talking behind her.
"I just don't know if this is the best idea," Augustus whispered, "she's already had to live this nightmare once…"
Thranduil nodded, "I understand, but if I am to keep the darkness from reaching her further, I need to know what happened."
Augustus was quiet for a long moment until he sighed in defeat, "Okay, but I don't agree with this. I have read the reports of what happened to her and I cannot watch her relive it again... I will go and aid Legolas."
Aurora heard the light click of the parlor door and she knew that they were alone. She kept watching the fire as she felt a strong arm snake around her waist and pull her close. She closed her eyes as he turned her around to look at him.
"Aurora," He whispered as he hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her head up as she finally opened his eyes to look at him. "I will be with you the whole time." He placed his hands gently on the sides of her face, his fingers tracing the line of her cheek, "Whenever you're ready, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
Aurora took several deep breaths and let out a shaky breath. She looked up at him, his piercing blue eyes were full of concern. His fingers found her temples and his eyes hardened as they focused in on hers. Aurora felt the familiar pull at the back of her mind as she brought her worst memory forward.
Aurora closed the safe that was in the office. It had been a long day and she just wanted to get home. Augustus had already called her to make sure she was coming home right after closing. She had assured him, several times, that she would. She knew that he meant well; Aurora had moved back in with Augustus a few months ago since the breakup.
She locked the door and walked across the parking lot. She pulled out her phone and started texting Augustus when she felt someone grab the back of her head and slam it into the window of her truck. She crumpled to the ground and looked behind to see Sam towering over her, a look of virulent hatred on his face.
Aurora glanced around quickly and saw her cell phone shattered on the concrete. Just beyond her phone, she saw her pepper spray that had fallen out of her bag. She lunged forward, grabbing the canister and she flipped the pepper spray open just as she felt Sam grab her shoulder. He pulled her over and she instantly sprayed him in the face. He recoiled as Aurora got to her feet and ran back towards the shop.
Trip the alarm, she thought to herself, the police will come.
She picked up a rock near the entrance and threw it at the window, the glass shattered and the alarm started ringing. she stepped over the threshold back into the shop when she felt herself being shoved to the ground. She felt her head smack against the stone floor as Sam's body pressed against her, his hot breath sent chills down her neck. He pressed his hips into her and she tried to fight against him as he pinned her to the ground.
"You cannot escape me, Rory," he hissed.
"Sam," Aurora pleaded, "Please—."
"Lessons need to be learned," She felt his hand grip her neck as he slowly began strangling her, "You cannot escape the darkness." Aurora's eyes became unfocused and she started seeing spots. "Give in Rory," Moments later she succumbed to the black as she felt her head smack against the floor.
— — —
Aurora heard water dripping in a corner as she jerked awake. She looked around and saw that she was in a dimly lit room. Some of the windows were broken and the light from the setting sun was streaming in. She looked down and saw that she was sitting on a cot that had two blankets down at the bottom by her feet. She went to stand up and felt her arms pulled backward and she felt something cold against her wrists.
She looked up and saw handcuffs around her wrist that looped over a long steel pipe. She pulled against them several times with a cry of frustration. She looked up as she heard a car drive by and felt a glimmer of hope rise within her.
"HELP!" She screamed, "HELLO?! IS ANYONE OUT—"
"No one will hear you."
Aurora's head snapped in the direction of the voice and she felt fear creep back into her chest. Sam was leaning against a wall in one of the dark corners, he had a malicious smirk as he watched terror fill her features. He walked over to her and sat at the edge of her cot. He ran a hand up her leg and she cringed away from him.
He smirked at her as he crawled up Aurora's body, resting his hands on either side of her head. She tried to push herself back from him but he grabbed her throat again,
"You will not get away from me this time."
He pressed his lips hard against hers and she tried to toss her head away from him but he held her in place. He forced his tongue into her mouth and pressed his hips into her as Aurora began to cry again. Sam ran his hands up and down her chest, grabbing and pulling at her clothes roughly. When he licked her lip again Aurora took the chance and bit down hard on his tongue.
Sam screamed and pulled back and Aurora saw blood trickling down Sam's chin. He spat blood onto the concrete floor and smacked her across the face. "You will pay for that you stupid cunt," Sam whispered dangerously. He straddled her and quickly unbuttoned her pants and pulled them off, throwing them across the room.
— — —
Aurora didn't know how long he had held her captive now, but she knew it had at least been a week. Sam came back and brought her fruit to eat but, Aurora was physically and emotionally drained that she began to contemplate if it would be mercy for Sam to just kill her.
Sam walked in and carried several bags. Aurora could smell the hot food as Sam set the meal on a table across the room. He set two places and lit a single candle between the two place settings. He walked over to where Aurora laid and she pressed closer into the cement wall as he sat on the edge of her cot.
He feigned a charming smile. "I thought we could have a nice meal tonight. But you have to promise to behave. Tell me you will."
Aurora just closed her eyes. Please just kill me, she thought to herself. She felt his hand grip her chin and pull it up to meet his gaze.
"Tell me you will, Aurora," Sam said again with a darker tone. She nodded in his hand and he placed a harsh kiss to her temple, "Good girl."
She felt her hands released from the handcuffs and she rubbed her wrists. She looked down and saw the deep cuts from where the metal had bit into her skin. He gripped her arm and pulled her up but her legs were so weak that she almost collapsed to the ground. Sam wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer as he guided her to the table and she sat down.
He walked to the other side and sat down, reaching for a bottle of wine and pouring her a glass. He set it in front of her and he took a sip from his own glass, watching her closely. Aurora looked at the food in front of her and her mouth began to water. It looked like Sam had gotten takeout from her favorite Italian restaurant.
"Come on," Sam's voice broke into her thoughts, "eat. I know you're hungry."
Aurora reached for a piece of garlic bread and closed her eyes as the bread seemed to fall apart in her mouth and it was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. They ate in silence and Sam cleared her empty takeout box away from her.
"I got your favorite pie from that bakery next to the stable," Sam smiled, seemingly proud of himself.
He walked behind her and she heard a bag rustling around. She looked around the room and saw that the door leading out into the hallway was cracked open. She glanced behind her and saw that his back was turned away. She closed her eyes, steeled her nerves and took several deep breaths.
She opened her eyes and bolted towards the door. Her hand pushed the door open just as she felt an arm hook around her waist and throw her backward. She crashed into the table and she was drenched in wine as she felt Sam kneel against her chest. The air was pushed from her lungs as she was gasping for breath. Sam punched her in the face several times and blood began to stream into her eyes.
"Fuck it," Sam stated plainly and he pulled her up and shoved her back into her chair. He grabbed ropes and began tying her in place. Aurora strained against the ropes that she barely heard him as he muttered, "he'll find someone else."
Sam moved to stand in front of her, "As much as I've enjoyed our time together Rory. I think it's time that we go our separate ways." He leaned down and kissed her harshly again and Aurora's eyes widened as she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. Aurora screamed as she looked down and saw the knife sticking out from her lower abdomen. She felt Sam's hot breath on her ear, "Now no one will want you."
He stepped back and something behind Aurora caught his eye and a malevolent glint spread across his face. He walked behind her and she heard him pick something up behind her. She could feel him standing behind her, "Let's see how bright your light shines now."
Aurora looked down and saw as Sam connected the flame of the candle to her wine-soaked shirt and the flame quickly spread down her sleeve and the back of the shirt. Aurora began screaming at the top of her lungs as she felt the flames begin to lick her skin. She looked up desperately to only see Sam smiling down at her as he stood in the doorway to the room. He smirked once more and left her alone as her screams filled the building.
She didn't know how much time had passed and she was beginning to blackout when she felt a blanket being thrown over her and patted down. She half-opened her eyes to see someone she didn't know staring down at her in horror.
"Hang on," they whispered in panic, "help is on the way."
Aurora could hear sirens in the distance as she finally allowed the numbing darkness to overtake her.
Thranduil lurched backward as Aurora severed their connection. He was panting heavily, sweat was running down his face, and he felt tears stinging the back of his eyes. He knew that this monster had hurt her but he had no idea that it had been to this extent. It took him several moments to focus his mind back to the present and he looked for Aurora.
He heard a soft sob and he looked down to see Aurora curled up on the ground, her back pressed into the settee as she hugged her legs to her chest. Her skin was ashen and she was trembling as her eyes stared at the ground in terror. Thranduil slowly knelt in front of her and reached for her hand. The moment his hand connected with hers she jerked away quickly and looked at Thranduil with wild eyes.
"You're okay," Thranduil immediately reassured her and pulled his hands back, not wanting to scare her further, "Aurora you're safe… You're with me…"
Aurora was breathing frantically and attempted to take several deep breaths but her sobs were too uncontrolled. She felt Thranduil's arms wrap around her waist and gently pulled her to him. She allowed him to pull her between his legs and her back pressed against his chest. He laced his fingers with hers and his palms pressed against the top of her hands. He moved her arms so they were hugged across her chest.
"Feel how my chest rises and match my breathing, Ilma nin (my Starlight)," Thranduil began taking deliberately deep breaths and he could feel her attempting to take deeper breaths with him. He continued breathing deep as he pressed a soft kiss on her hair, "Very good, Aurora. Just keep breathing with me."
Aurora sunk against his chest further as her breathing started to regulate. Thranduil began to sway softly and whispered something in Elvish that she didn't understand but the words instantly relaxed her.
"I'm here, Aurora," Thranduil continued to whisper as he felt her breathing start to calm down, "I am here with you, my love… Nothing can hurt you now…"
Thranduil heard the parlor door open and he turned to see the concerned eyes of Lady Galadriel and behind her, Lord Celeborn and Lord Elrond watched the scene before them. Next to Elrond, Thranduil saw Sankrovyn, Legolas, and Augustus. All present watched with sorrowful expressions as Thranduil, with tears in his eyes, turned back to Aurora, resting his head on the top of hers, and continued breathing with her for several minutes, hearing him mutter soft, reassuring words to her.
They watched silently as Thranduil picked up Aurora and her arms wrapped around his neck, her head nestling under his chin. He whispered softly into her hair, "I have you, meleth nin (my Love)." He turned away from them and moved towards his bedchamber. He didn't turn as he spoke, "Augustus, come with me."
Augustus followed the King immediately and watched as Thranduil gently set Aurora down on the bed, moving a curl from her face. He looked at her for a long moment and softly kissed her forehead before turning to look at Augustus. His expression was pale as he watched his sister still quietly sobbing on the bed. He looked up as Thranduil walked towards him. Augustus could see the melancholy expression in his face.
"It pains me to leave her," Thranduil whispered not wanting to disturb Aurora, "but I must see to her protection first and foremost. Please stay with her… I will return as soon as I can."
"Of course," Augustus nodded and moved to the side of the bed where he sat down and took Aurora's hand.
Thranduil left his bedchamber and closed the door behind him. All present looked at him for a long moment as he walked to a table against the wall and poured a goblet of wine. He took a long drink and turned to the group, "Legolas, report on the perimeter security."
Legolas straightened up slightly, "The guards have been tripled per your order. Priamos has taken a group to secure the woods surrounding the training fields and Tauriel is overseeing those stationed beyond the main gate in the trees. Those that remain on the gate and ground are currently reporting to the Marchwarden until I return."
Thranduil nodded but did not make eye contact with anyone, "Has Lord Alistair reported back?"
Sankrovyn spoke up, "I met him on my way over here, he informed me that Sam has been placed in the dungeons without any resistance. Alistair will be personally guarding him until informed otherwise."
"Very good," Thranduil replied looking around the room, "I am the only one to speak to him, is that understood?"
Everyone nodded and a heavy silence fell over the room. "She has shown you, hasn't she?" Galadriel stepped forward and spoke softly, "Aurora has shown what darkness befell her in the other realm."
Thranduil nodded grimly and looked back at the fireplace. Watching the flames, he remembered the feeling of the heat searing into Aurora's skin.
"What happened to her, Ada?" Legolas asked softly.
"Abhorrent things," Thranduil whispered and looked into his son's eyes, "the likes of which I will not repeat as she attempts to rest so close by."
"What do you intend to do with him?" Elrond asked.
Thranduil thought for a long moment and then spoke through gritted teeth, "I don't know."
Sam rested his head against the back of the cell as he smirked. Everything is going according to the plan, he thought to himself. The healer had tended to his wound in uncomfortable silence as the two guards loomed in the doorway. He heard footsteps coming towards his cell and light illuminated the entrance.
"You will follow me without resistance," the voice behind the lantern ordered, "Ni cheniog (Do you understand)?"
Sam stood up and walked towards the cell door, "Of course."
"Stand back and hold out your arms," Sankrovyn ordered and gave a short nod to one of the soldiers at his side. The door swung open and Alistair stepped in and placed shackles on Sam's arms and pulled him unceremoniously from the cell.
Sam was lead through the winding corridors and brought into a grandiose hall. The ceilings were so high that you could barely see the tops and several guards lined the room. He saw a dais that had curving stairs leading up to a grand throne that seemed to be carved from a tree itself. The throne had branches that shaped and turned to give the illusion that there were dozens of antlers adorning the throne.
There were several people standing on the dais. He watched as the man who had put him in his cell, and the one who had dragged him back out of it both walked over and joined the others on the dais. Sam recognized Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, and next to the stood a blonde elf that could only be the King's son. He recognized him from the battle in the clearing. Next to him were two other Lords. One with silver-blonde hair and an aged face and the other with long dark hair and hard eyes.
Sam's gaze drifted to the man sitting on the throne. He wore a tall crown on his silver-blonde head that was adorned with red and orange leaves. The crown seemed to reflect the design of his throne. He wore an all-black outfit with the exception of his outer robes that were a deep crimson red. He finally met the King's eyes and was greeted with the most malicious glare that he had ever seen.
The two stared at each other for a long moment as hatred flowed between them. Without breaking eye contact, Thranduil rose from his throne and slowly walked down the steps. He walked around to the front of the dais and towered over Sam; taking joy in seeing fear finally flash across his eyes.
"Give me a reason," Thranduil spoke dangerously low and it sent chills up Sam's spine, "not to kill you where you stand."
"Information," Sam tried to sound confident but his voice trembled, "I can provide you with the movements of the orcs who are marching to this palace as we speak."
"How many?" Legolas asked from behind the King.
"You think I would give information so willingly?" Sam smirked and looked back to the King, "I want assurances before I share anything."
"Who are you that you would attempt to parley?" Celeborn accused.
"The only one the orcs will listen to," Sam stated flatly.
Elrond stepped to Thranduil's shoulder, "You claim to be this Shadow King that the orcs follow?"
"I am."
"Liar," Thranduil spoke with an annoyed tone.
"I assure you I-"
Sam was cut off as the air was knocked out of his lungs as Thranduil's hand gripped tightly around his throat. Rage consumed Thranduil's eyes as he spoke, "Fuck it... He'll find someone else… Now no one will want you." Sam's eyes grew wide as his words from so long ago were spoken back to him. Thranduil squeezed his throat tighter as he began walking forward, Sam tripped over his legs as he tried to walk backward. He felt his back hit a pillar and Thranduil leaned in closer as he spoke, "That is what you said before you stabbed her in the stomach. That is what you said before you set her on fire and left her to die."
His final words hung heavy in the air. All those on the dais exchanged stunned glances and several of them visibly went pale at the revelation. Thranduil released Sam and he crumpled to the ground gasping for air. He turned his back and walked back to the dais as he continued, "You are not this Shadow King. You are no more than another pawn in his game."
He turned around to see Sam standing again, two guards standing behind him. Thranduil spoke loudly as his voice echoed through the hall, "You stand accused of the murders of two members of the Greenwood guard within this very palace and the kidnapping and torture of our Captain's. You stand accused of ordering orcs to kidnap Lady Aurora in the process causing the murder of two more innocent elves and the attempted kidnapping of their child. You are accused of serving the dark enemies that would destroy the peace of this and all other Elven realms in Arda. Do you deny these charges?"
Sam considered the King's words for a long moment before he spoke, "I have done the things you accuse me of aside from one. I did not kill the guards within the palace."
Sankrovyn stepped forward at this, "And who do you claim is responsible for their deaths?"
Sam stared at the High Advisor for a long moment. He tilted his head upward in a show of superiority and his eyes darkened, "Someone closer than you expect."
"Are you refusing to corporate?" Galadriel demanded.
"I am," Sam smirked again.
"Guards; return him to his cell," Thranduil ordered, "Justice will be served after the Equinox."
The guards pulled at Sam and led him towards the doors. As they were about to leave the hall Sam called over his shoulder, "Give Rory my regards. Tell her I'll see her soon."
A silence fell over the hall as the group stood on the dais. Thranduil took several deep breaths to calm his rage before speaking, "Legolas, Lord Alistair, return to the main gate. Everyone else should retire to their chambers for the evening and rest." Without another word, Thranduil left the group and went through the door that led to his private study and closed the door behind him.
He poured a goblet of wine and took a long drink as he heard the door open and then close again. He glanced over and saw Sankrovyn standing by the door. "Get rest, Sankrovyn. I fear we'll need it."
"So why do you stay up?" Sankrovyn asked walking forward.
Thranduil didn't reply but moved over to the armchair in front of the fire. He heard Sankrovyn pour another goblet of wine and saw him sit down in the armchair next to him.
"I should kill him," Thranduil whispered not looking away from the flames, "What he did to her... Sankrovyn you can't imagine the torture he put her through. What she has endured and can still bring such a light around her… She is stronger than anyone I have ever known."
"A phoenix rising from her own ashes," Sankrovyn spoke softly, "I am sorry for her pain and yours, Mellon nin (my friend). But she is safe now."
"Is she?" Thranduil asked incredulously, "How can I ensure her safety when her worst nightmare has just walked right into the palace? Why would he give himself over to us so freely if he wasn't planning something? And now he eludes to one of our own could be behind the death of my soldiers."
Sankrovyn considered Thranduil's words before he spoke again, "All you can do is be there for her as you have been. Legolas has his orders to guard the perimeter and you know that he will; he cares about Aurora deeply. Guards will be on the prisoner at all times until you and the other Lords and Lady come to a decision of his fate"
"Thank you, Mellon nin (my friend)," Thranduil sighed as he finished his wine, "Your counsel is a comfort to me, as always."
The glass shattered against the cave and Priamos took a step back out of fear. He had never seen his King so angry.
"What is this fool playing at?!" The Shadow King shouted as he threw the papers from his desk.
The Shadow King was not expecting Sam to show up at the palace with the delegation from Lothlorien and now he had to deal with damage control before things spiraled further out of control.
"Find a way Priamos," the Shadow King whispered low, "Find a way to get him out of this palace."
Thranduil walked back into his parlor to find Augustus looking over his vast collection of books. At the sound of the door closing, Augustus turned around and met the King's gaze.
"She's finally sleeping," Augustus sounded hoarse. Thranduil could tell by looking at him that he had been crying, too.
"Augustus," Thranduil walked towards him, "I cannot express the guilt I feel in being the reason for her distress."
"You aren't the reason for her suffering," Augustus shook his head, "Sam did that two years ago. But you… You asked her to relive it knowing that it would cause her pain. And that, Your Majesty, I cannot forgive. I have dedicated the past two years of my life trying to help her move on from what happened and now it's all been pushed back to the forefront again."
Thranduil stopped walking and looked at Augustus with sorrow. He knew that he was right, he had caused Aurora pain by trying to help her carry the burden. "I'm sorry…" He couldn't think of anything else to say. He had promised Augustus that he would never hurt his sister and now he had done just that.
"I'm going to help the guard at the main gate," Without another word, Augustus left the room; leaving Thranduil alone for the first time since this ordeal started.
"What are you doing all the way over there?"
Thranduil turned from where he had been staring out the bedroom window to see Aurora looking at him. He stood up from the chair and crossed over to the bed and sat on the edge, taking her hand into his and placing a soft kiss on it, "I didn't want to disturb you, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
"Come to bed," Aurora whispered.
Thranduil squeezed her hand and stood up, he removed his robe and tunic and crawled under the blankets with her. She instantly molded into him and wrapped her arm around his waist. His arms moved protectively around her waist and over her shoulder pulling her close.
"Are you okay?" She asked suddenly.
"What?" Thranduil looked down and found Aurora looking up at him.
"You felt what I felt in my memory…" Aurora sat up further, "Did I hurt you?"
Thranduil cupped her cheek with his hand and lightly stroked her cheek. He slightly cocked his head as he kissed her softly, "No, meleth nin (my Love). You could never hurt me."
"You're lying," she whispered.
"Not tonight," Thranduil pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, "let me be your rock, Aurora."
Aurora leaned further into him and felt his soft lips on her forehead. She nestled into Thranduil's chest and closed her eyes again.
Thranduil rested his head on top of hers as he felt her drift to sleep in his arms. He quickly wiped away the tears that formed in his eyes as the remembered the memory she had shared. Was he truly selfish in asking her to share her darkness?
He would get justice for what this monster had done to Aurora.
He would vanquish the foes of Dol Guldur in her name and bring peace and harmony back to his beloved Realm.
Then he would spend the rest of his life making sure that darkness never touches her again.
