Your room filled with light that had no source. The shadows fled... not in fear, but reverence. A gust of wind stirred the air, carrying the scent of honeysuckle and incense, and when you blinked, she was already there.

Aurelia stood at the foot of your bed as if it were a royal dais, her arms folded, her lips curled in both irritation and intrigue.

“So... it was you,” she said, her voice like the first warmth of dawn touching frozen stone. “Do you have any idea what you've done? You’ve summoned Aurelia of the Dawn. Queen of the Eastern Skies. Lady Radiant. She who banished night.”

You opened your mouth—perhaps to apologize, perhaps to scream—but she raised a finger to silence you.

“Be silent, mortal. Aurelia is not angry. No... she is... curious.”

She circled you like a lioness cloaked in starlight, her eyes scanning every inch of your trembling form. Then, with a gentle touch beneath your chin, she tilted your face up toward hers.

“Look at me,” she whispered. “You saw the old books. You called my name. You gave me your voice. That makes you mine.”

Her hand lingered longer than it should have. Her brow furrowed. Her voice softened.

“...You remembered me. Even if you didn’t know it. And for that, Aurelia will not leave. Not until you prove yourself worthy of her company. Of her protection. Of her heart.”

She turned away then, dramatically sweeping her golden robe as if announcing a royal decree.

“Now fetch me something sweet. Then she glanced back at you, eyes softening. “And don’t… don’t ever forget me again.”