What's that smell?

That my friend is the smell of pain and suffering. Which this tavern is full of.

It's dimly lit walls are cover in all sorts of questionable liquids and fluids and specks of mold, the floors matching them.

The food? Trust me, you don't want to know. I'm going to pretend that's meat.

I'm sitting at probably the cleanest table of the whole bunch. Poe's is watching me like I'm some kind of criminal on the verge of escaping, even though I was the one who suggested to come here.

Now I regret it since I believe I'm going to lose it, before reaching my goal.

I heard that there are going to be a bunch of pretty little soldiers here tonight. It appears the rumors are true. Sadly they are looking well past their forty's and drunk as heck, still they hold essential information. Information which I'm very interested in learning.

"You're making that face." Poe said.

I decide to ignore him and wave at one of the young waitresses. She looks like she might smash a bottle in someone's head if she doesn't get a break soon.

I slammed twenty-five kletos on the table. And whispered in the girl's ear “Take it, go in the back and leave me the apron.” The money it's not a lot but it had convinced her. By the looks of it a single one would have done the job.

She dropped a glass, intentionally I suppose , tucked one of her golden curls behind her ear, then gatherer the pieces and left.

Poe is now the one with his patience running thin.

“Tarra, what, for the sake of the Gods are you doing?”

"Setting you up with a pretty lady. What does it look like I'm doing?" He's aware that playing Cupid is not my intention. I get up from the sticky chair. "Now if you will excuse me " I left without giving him an actual explanation.

I went through the door after the waitress. As expected the apron was nicely folded, awaiting for me. Now the reason I took it in the first place, I need information about the King's little "friend", and what better way to get it the to eavesdrop to their conversation dressed as a clueless young lady trying to wipe the vomit from the floor, however I hope that this action will not be required.

My ears are now trying to focus on their discussion and also on ignoring the soft but certain whispers about my way to tight uniform.

"He had been spotted again" He took a big gulp of his beer then wiped the caterpillar that sits on his upper lip only afterwards he finished his sentence. "Man I swear that little bastard is gonna run out of luck someday."

"Good thing that King Edward is going to bring fresh meat."

"The admission is tomorrow, so let’s just hope that our beloved Capitan doesn't scare them of."

The rest of the words weren't important.

I faked a smile and went back at my table stuffing the apron in my bag along with one of the soldiers pocket watch. What? He treated the waitress wrong. Plus I don't think he'll miss it that much.

Poe sits frozen.

"Are you going to tell me your evil plan now? Or perhaps take my order?"

I roll my eyes as I sit back, I can feel my dress stick once more to the seat.

"First of all, yes I'm going to tell you, second of all i indeed to give orders not to take them."

Poe shifts nervously. "What do you mean?"

"I'll join the army."

I watch as his jaw hung slightly open. "My sweet, dear friend, you wouldn't last a day, not to mention that you have to kill someone to be admitted. A monster but still."

Yes folks. You heard that right, I have to kill a monster, which we usually call "deviants", to be a part of the King's army. There is a tiny detail though, I'm one of them. Aha, a deviant hiding in plain sight, and if I manage to infiltrate into his perfect squad I can destroy him from within. The king has a passion for exterminating my kind, let’s see if he likes when I do it.

Another thing, Poe, my best friend and closest thing i have to a brother, has no idea about my "abilities". And because of that my idea sounds ridiculous to him. Well it is. Not that I would confess that.

The best shoot I have at ruining the King's empire is to make my way to the top and strike when they least expect it.

I mean it's definitely more interesting then hiding in my room until my wrinkles have wrinkles.

"I can do it Poe, really I'll be fine."

"You're serious?"

"Yes. Yes I'm"

He rose and paid for the drinks. And for the poison he bought himself that the chef had the audacity to call soup. "If you're so focused on joining you'll need a good night sleep. Come on."

Home at last. I changed to escape the horrid smell and let my hair fall down my back. Tomorrow I will do either the best of the worst thing I have ever done, and that’s the thought I fall asleep with.

℘

After the longest walk ever I finally arrived at the King's castle. May flowers are filings up the air with their strong perfume and light chatted of excitement comes from the new recruiters who are rather in a good mood. There are only three people that look around my age which makes me even more stressed.

The gates have been slung open before me.

'Name?" A guard said in an unkind way.

Honestly, it's too early for me as well. Still that doesn't mean he can't al least pretend to care. By the way he said it, it sounds like he wants to throw me of a cliff and then himself.

"Tarra Dawn." I respond in the same way.

"The king will speak to you in a few moments." He clicked his tongue and scratched his thick neck and added "Now take a seat."

By take a seat, he meant stand there like a complete idiot for a while.

A man came into my direction. Great more socializing.

"What is a young lady like you doing in here?" A fat, old, and mean looking guy asked me, I see that the kings keeps only the finest men by his side. I straightened my back and looked at him.

"I'm here to enlist in the army."

"Go home, sweetheart, before you break a nail." He said amused.

My blood pressure raised, and a stupid smirk appeared on my lips." Maybe I'll even be Captain!" That phrase was as good as shouting: 'I'm a deviant come and get me!'

I turn my eyes back at him. A vein is about to burst open on his neck.

"I’m the captain, kid, and I suggest you to hit the rood!"

Unfortunately for him it is essential for my plan to stay. So I punched him. in the face. The Capitan...in the face. I guess I'm making bad choices today, like wearing a dress to an army admission.

"What is going on?!"

It was the King who came to give each one of us our first mission. Just looking at him sent shivers down my spine and made my stomach turn, is it fear? Perhaps, or perhaps it's just my utter hatred. Or my missing breakfast. Probably the breakfast one.

Please don't walk in my direction. As if he had read my mind he marched towards us.

"Your Majesty," the Capitan said with while doing a bow, but holding his bleeding nose , when the King was in our reach.

He lifted a hand covered in diamonds.

The poor people of this town would give their life for a shard.

"Cut it." His voice is as terrible as i have imagined. "You punched a royal guard in the face," He said, turning to face me, his eyes shooting like needles through my body. "I like you...but you need to learn some respect. I had a mission for the Capitan but I will propose a deal to you... You complete the mission I chose for this man and become Captain... but if you fail, you will only be a cadet."

"I will do it, sir." Good job Tarra instead of shutting your mouth you just let bad things escape.

"Are you sure?"

No, no, no, say no ! Come on.

"Yes sir."

The king almost seems thrilled by my answer "Fine. The Killer Deviant 48 hours.”

And he just left me just like that in the worst situation ever; I have to catch that deviant!

So this deviant is an assassin who has been the kingdom's worst enemy for centuries, and no one knows who he is or where he hides he is like a ghost! Remember the friend I mentioned about? Yeah that's him.

I should have slept in this morning.

After this fiasco I'll need to rethink my life decisions.

℘

My father sits at the kitchen table as I set the only two bowls I managed to keep intact.

He's awfully quiet which is not a good thing.

"So Poe told me you're thinking about joining."

So that's what this is about. I place the spoons. "Dad, I already did. I know what happened, and I know you're worried but I'm not a child anymore, come on the soup is getting cold."

And just like that the subject was dropped. And as soon as I finished my meal I returned to my room.

I change into something that allows me to move quickly and also that helps me blend in as much as possible.

Right now I'm fallowing an absurd rumor that he had been spotted frequently around this bar. I hope that I'll have a bit of good luck today. And hopefully the "Dark Killer" is just a fun harmless nickname.

Oh but of course. A ridiculously tall silhouette entered the bar. Is it too late to go back?

I decide to try my luck since I'm already here. After all I need him to prove my good intentions towards our beloved King.

The bar is painfully warm, but there are plenty empty seats, because it is only two pm. judging by the looks of the people, some of them spent the night here gambling or drinking their whole life savings.

I'm close enough to see him better. His dark color clothes his hood and mask covering almost his whole face. Not the most subtle choice. Then it hits me—most people don't get this close to him and live to tell the story. In what exactly I have gotten myself into?

He spotted me. Well better play my role then. I walk, swinging my hips ever so slightly and sit on a chair close to his. I'm practically asking to be killed at this point.

"Not going to buy me drink?" I ask in a higher pitch voice. I feel ridiculous but I hope my efforts will be rewarded.

He doesn't even look in my direction. Should I just handcuff him and go on my merry way?

He is starting at his whiskey.

I let out a chuckle. "How do you intend to drink that? Perhaps we could ask for a straw." I look in the direction of the bartender, he wouldn't kill me with witnesses on the spot, right?... Right?

"I haven't thought it through then." His gaze does not change and his voice is quite strange, not as deep as I expected yet it has a deadly calm tone to it.

I slide the glass along the scratched bar. "It's not like you're using it." I say as I take a sip of the disgusting drink, letting it burn my throat.

"What are you doing?" He asked fairly bored. Still focused on the spot the glass had been.

" I'm drinking, it's quite a common activity to do inside of a bar."

Still no reaction. I should smash this glass into pieces and shove them down his throat.

"I'm aware of that, i meant what are you doing here? Usually when a pretty girl comes my way it means trouble."

Pretty eh? I can work with that and he's right I'm am trouble. It is so sad, So strong but no brains. I have purposely left my badge on still he needs a push to figure it out.

"Trying to kill some time, and some other things too." I say nonchalantly.

"Is that so?" A hint of curiosity in his voice. Which is more than I could ask for.

"Sadly for you I'm waiting for someone as well."

It's his turn to take a step in our little dance. “You look way to stressed and on hinge for a date." He replied.

Oh my, this would be so much more fun if he wasn't my target.

"And you look like you needed that drink, and either a nap or a coffin" I said with a soft but poisonous smile. And put the glass back in front of him with a thud.

He moved ever so slightly. Then spoke again. "You know, you talk a lot for a royal guard." He invaded my personal space and tapped my badge "Also you're delusional to think you can take me out."

No more games then, it's a pity I just started having fun.

"You make a girl delusional, refuse to buy and her a drink, no wonder why they don't hit on you, now get up I'm arresting you."

He laughed as he rose. Tall. He's awfully tall, somehow I forgot that information, and as if it wasn't bad enough shadows started dancing around him, yep another forgotten information.

"Cat got your tongue?" Oh he's enjoying this, isn't he? Perhaps he was playing the game as well.

I gasped for air as I was hit by something couldn't see.

In a matter of seconds am pined to one of the walls and feet dangling uselessly ten inch above the floor. This day can't get any better!

He's gone, and all I managed to catch was a glimpse of his cloak as he disappeared.

To my surprise his spell didn't hold me for too long.

℘

I'm walking alone, with no weapon what so ever, and going after one of the most dangerous deviants to ever exist.

The forest would be lovely in any other circumstances, the wild flowers, birds singing, and soft sunlight piercing through the green leaves. This forest just might be the last thing I'll ever see.

I collect myself and focus on my target, I need to catch him or try at least .

He's is way too relaxed, his pace is slow, and he seems without a care in the world. The road he walks on is full of broken branches and sharp rocks that make sure to leave me with some nice cuts as I make my way through them, however it's a pretty straightforward path. I'm surprised how no one managed to chase him down and find his hiding spot.

He stopped. Why did he stop? I mean I broke a branch or two and in not the best at sneaking around, but he couldn't have heard me. He looks in my direction and I can taste my lunch once more, but lucky for me he turns around and walks inside a tree. Like in it.

When I reach the wood bastard I stare at it for a good moment, it look like any other tree, just bark and leaves.

He might be able to turn trees in portals for all I know, and I might have no choice but to fallow him.

The inside of this thing is ginormous.

The wood is all hand-carved into runes, beautiful arcades, and columns, and the whole place looks like it has existed for centuries. And to think that no human has ever stepped foot inside it—well, till now.

I do not know who my mother had been or what she was exactly; all I know is that she died after giving birth and that she was a deviant, which explains the ability I possess. Still, that makes me only partially deviant, even though it doesn't really matter. I can be a unicorn for all I care; I have a job to do and revenge to take.

I'm stillfallowing him aroundthis mess of slippery corridors. He stopped, and I nearly slammed into his back.

"Hello again, Freakles." He let his hood fall, reveling in his raven-black hair. "I get that you don't give up so easily." He runs his hand through his soft waves of darkness, then says, "Go home while you still can. I don't care what you do—cupcakes, dresses, or if you stick with the army—I don't want to see your face ever again."

This is the part where I should run. Oh well, I'm not going to do that.

"If I'm going back, you're coming with me." I cross my arms and take a step closer.

Look, I know your tiny little secret. You're chasing me to cover for yourself, to prove you're one of his pets and get a chance to live an easy life, but the King is just messing with you, but since you are one of us," he looked me up and down, "more or less, I'm giving you the opportunity to leave this place alive." He repositioned his hood. "Oh, feel free to look around; I'll give you some alone time, but if I find you here when I return, I'm not going to be so nice."

If this is his definition of nice, I don't want to know what he's like when he's actually playing the villain.

I listen to the sound made by his steps as they hit the dark floor. In a matter of seconds, he leaves me alone in a Hideout full of deviants that want my head on a stick. At least I have a chance to see what this place is all about.

I'm impressed by its size and structure, and more importantly, I'm grateful that no one has spotted me yet.

Training arenas lay on the right, and on the left, a set of big black old doors probably led to a meeting room.

I mark all of these things and count the steps I take and the turns I take so I know how to return. I check for hidden passages or exits that I'm sure this place is full of—my search is proven useless. His symbol is pretty much everywhere—a raven with two daggers crossing behind him; it was also on the door I just went through.

I'm surrounded. Of course, I had to walk right in the middle of their confidence. I do a quick head count; thirty-two sets of eyes are watching me. I'm aware I'm a nice person; however, I presume they'd rather picture me sent back to the king in pieces.

"A guard managed to infiltrate among us!" One of them said, then turned back to the head of the table where my deviant was, "What kind of Killer lets such a dangerous threat on our sacred grounds?" He slammed his fist into the table, his face reddening with anger. "You are getting soft, and that is pathetic!"

The Dark Killer rose; I see that's a trick he does when he wants to scare people off.

"What did you say? Because I fear I might have misheard." He asked calmly but with sharp and clear words.

"I said you're pathetic and unfit to rule this coven or any other."

The killer walked towards the man and stopped when he reached his chair, standing behind it. All eyes are on him now.

The man's face went into pure shock when he realized just how badly he messed up; in a matter of a heartbeat, the man's neck snapped.

He didn't even have to lay a single finger on him. Then the Coven Head returned to his rightful place. Silence ruled the room.

"I shall deal with the problem myself since it is such a big one for some of you, and now if there are no more issues to be discussed, consider this meeting dismissed," they said in unison and left. I have no idea when he got next to me. It's like you can't hear his steps if he doesn't let you.

"You're still here." He didn't hide the disappointment in his voice.

"Yes, and just so you know, your little. The show didn't scare me."

except it did. The power that he holds is terrifying. But as I said before, I have a role to play.

"Even though I understand that Devin hurt your fragile ego, I don't get why you had to kill him." I simply smile and stare at him; apparently he dislikes that a lot more than he should.

"Because, as you so nicely put it, he 'hurt my ego', and also, didn't you find me based on a rumor?" How did he know that? I nodded, so he would continue. "He just happened to be the one who spread it, so I took care of two problems at once."

Still, it felt effective and did not impress me."

"I'll give you a golden star for that; now leave and never return."

So we're back to getting me out of here.

"One thing, though," I say.

He raised his brows, the only action he could do with his face so hidden.

"You forgot the word 'fragile'."

He's basically pushing me out of the room at this point.

"And how can you be sure that I won't come back with the whole army and ruin you so well, tough Hideout?" I asked, looking over my shoulder.

"I don't." So he can give an honest answer after all. "I just hope you're playing their side, not ours; also, I don't have time for this." He raised his hand to form a circle, and after that, a bright light struck. So more magic, then. I do not feel pain.

Huh, perhaps he got so annoyed with me that he turned me into a worm; considering the current situation, that might be better.

"What did you do?" I ask because my voice is normal, so I'm not a worm then.

"Magic." Ah, but of course he cannot give me a single straightforward answer. I think he has a one answer per conversation limit.

Yeah, I got that part; I meant what spell?"

A small chuckle escaped his lips. “You really don't see it, don't you?”

I finally look down, and my leg is broken, so illusion spell it is.

"That's your cover," He said whilepointing at my definitely injured leg.

"I do not care what story you give to your boss, but make sure you do not give him valuable information," he said, taking a long pause before adding, "or I'll be forced to kill you."

"I'd love to see you try."

A wave of energy sent me spiraling towards the so-called door. When I finally stop spinning, I struggle to regain balance.

I could have walked here just fine. He sure loves being dramatic.

I will return home for now in order to consolidate my lie. However, he hasn't seen the last of me—oh no, not even close.

———

As soon as I'm able to spot my house, I start dragging my "wounded" leg behind me. I'm walking back home, but my mindkeeps returning to that location. I thought I was alone; I thought no one else was like me, especially this close to the capital, but there are so many, hiding away from people who wear the badge, people like me.

I can help them, and I will, even if they probably want me dead.

A familiar voice snaps me back to reality.

"Tara, what happened?”

It I never felt so happy to see him. I mean, today I could have died. I lean on my "good" leg as I wave.

“Hi Poe...” I let a part of my real tiredness slip in between the words.

“Are you okay?”

“Just a small wound...”

His chestnut eyes stared at me as he frowned.

“That’s what you call small?"

Oh, so the spell is really that convincing, then? That's good.

I pat his shoulder.

“I'm ok, Poe, really.”

Well, in fact, I'm perfect because the wound is fake! But I can't tell him that a deviant cast an illusion on me so he could spare my life just because I was a deviant as well.

“Well, I'm glad you're okay. Now, what were you thinking?" he shouted.

“I just wanted to do my mission."

"Oh, that's nice; maybe next time you can break your neck as well."

I get it; I had been very irresponsible and acted without thinking. And I just witnessed a murder instead of committing one, which is the main reason why I'm still breathing. Still, it could have gone worse.

"If I broke my neck, you would miss me way too much. Plus, I made it out alive from a duel against the Dark Killer; that's something."

As soon as I said it, I regretted it.

"You did what?"

I really need to keep my mouth shut sometimes.

After about an hour of explaining that I am fine and that I would not do something that idiotic ever again, except for the fact that I will probably have to,

———

I have been rearranging my blanket for the past fourteen minutes.

As I was trying to find my place in my own bed, I just kept thinking about that place. Everything was so perfect there, no matter what kind of deviant you are. Okay, fine, perfect is an overstatement, but still, it's my best shot at gaining allies.

I'm going back.

I know, I know—is it a terrible idea? Yes, yes It is; however, I need to learn more about their world and lives before I go find mine, and I also need to learn how to use my so-called talents.

———

My feet struck the path in a slow, steady rhythm. The night itself feels way too quiet, with no stars in sight.

As I was walking through the trees, now choosing my steps carefully away from those devilish stones that tricked me before, I stared at the tall trees with broken branches in hopes of finding one. If I had waited until sunrise, the task might have been easier.

As I'm looking for the secret entrance hidden in the tree, I notice a movement in the darkness, and a thrill goes down my spine. I feel surrounded; I can hear soft steps coming closer and closer, yet I can't see anything or anyone. This was definitely a great idea.

I felt a breath on the back of my neck, and as I turned around, I saw humans, or so I thought.

Their skin is the unusual color of ash, and they have huge eyes as clouded as the sky, so dark you cannot see a glimpse of light inside them, with small dots of paint painted around them. No trace of humanity lies in them.

"Look what we have here. A little human girl who got a little too deep into our forest"

Since when is this theirs?

They were getting closer and closer, and my breathing became heavier and heavier. I need to get to that damn tree, and fast.

“I've heard that redheads are the dumbest.” A deviant said

“And the most insane!“ Another one was added.

They are making circles around me like starving eagles.

"Look, her leg is broken; she can't run, you poor thing!" A demonic sound that was supposed to resemble lightning filled the air. "You are going to die so quickly, I almost pity you," a woman said with a crooked smile.

Yeah, right! The leg is an illusion! I could run from here in no time. Well, maybe not.

I put my hand behind my back, where I hide a small pocket knife. And slowly pull it out—better than nothing, I guess.

"The girl has a butter knife. I’m so terrified!" nother person added to make fun of me.

I take one more step back, already calculating an escape route. Then I notice a pair of glowing eyes the same color as ice. I'm aware that ice doesn't have a color and is supposed to be a metaphor; I believe blue is a better word, so blue eyes, and they seem familiar, way too familiar. This can't get any worse, can it?

There was no sound yet again when he approached me.

Of course, it was him. I mean, I couldn't get rid of him. The Dark Killer apparently likes to hide in bushes in his free time. However, his words are meant for a different deviant.

“This is my forest, Caden. So I get to do whatever I want with the intruder.”

The biggest one, which I assume is their leader, took a step forward.

“We were here first, mate.”

“Maybe you didn't hear me, but this one is mine. Now hit the road, 'mate.' ”

Yeah, rightin his dreams.

He pulled out a dagger and threw it over his shoulder, not even looking at where it had landed. After that, he wounded two others.

Not using his magic, probably because he doesn't have to, plus that would be a dead giveaway of his identity, as if his ridiculous outfit wasn't enough. And I believe he doesn't want this place crawling with guards or unwanted deviants. For all of this, fellas, know this is neutral ground.

“Consider this a warning.” He said.

They left into the darkness, running as fast as they could. They were no longer scared and scared now. He then turned at me and looked pissed as hell. Well, it's not a pleasure to see his face either—his mask, that is.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

I could be asking the same question.

“Were you following me?” Sincerely, I wouldn’t be surprised if he said yes.

“No, I was patrolling the area, but it's a good thing I was here.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I could have handled it myself.”

He twirls my weapon between his long fingers; I have no clue when he took it. “With a kitchen knife? Sure. Gods, why do I even bother with you?”

“If I'm such a pain, then why didn't you let them kill me?”

He started to walk the other way; he was intentionally ignoring me. And walking surprisingly fast for a guy who wears a coat that weighs like fifteen pounds in the middle of May.

"Hey, are you deaf or something?" I said. "I'm talking to you, hey!” Now I'm the one who is shouting like a maniac in the middle of the night.

He started to walk even faster, so I sped up to match his pace.

“And I am ignoring you just fine.” He responded.

I look around and realize I know the path, and I can see that stupid tree from here.

“Fine. Then have fun walking back all by yourself.” I shouted.

I speed up and walk right past him. Let's see how he likes it.

"Hey you!” Now I'm ableto hear his loud and furious steps behind me. However

I ignore him.

“Hey!” He shouted.

Then he was next to me and pinned me to a tree with a dagger at my throat, the cold metal almost too close. Oh, for the sake of the Gods, this is so unnecessary.

“Who do you think you are?" He was short of breath.

A smile tugs at the corner of my lip.

“The one that doesn't care about your shit—that is who I am.”

He releases me only to say, "Fair enough. However, I must say it's unfit for a lady to curse."

My smile is replaced by a grimace. "Believe me, if you ever pull a stunt like that ever again, you'll hear far worse than 'shit'."

He makes his dagger disappear inside his coat. "Oh, that I can believe."

Despite the fact that I can’t see his face due to his mask, he appears to say that with a smile, or perhaps that's just my imagination.

“Keep moving, freckles!”

“You know I have a name, right?”

“Sorry, I can't hear you!"

He walks in front of me; it would be funny if I were to stab him in the back right this second. Wait, He took my weapon! This guy is not playing the game like he is supposed to.

As I’m walking, I start to feel a stabbing pain in my stomach. My hand is stained red. Shoot, I am bleeding. That is not good.

Were inside the tree.

And that is the most ridiculous affirmation I have ever made. Once again, I'mfallowing him blindly through a cold corridor, making countless turns until I cannot tell my right from my left. He might add some extra ones just to mess with me. His steps have become alert once more, as if we were close to our destination. He then stops before a deep, greedy door.

I let my eyes adjust, studying the cramped room we'd entered. We're in a medical cabinet of some sort; even though the walls look old and are covered in flocks of moss and various vines, it is equipped fairly well, and it is also empty except for a bed, a huge shelf with medicine, and a desk. I have heard that plant deviants have the ability to fasten the healing of wounds and create any plant they desire. Which brings us to the only other person in here. A tall, slim figure sits bent at the desk with all sorts of ampoules and green-glass bottles. The delicate hands move with precision and minuteness, as if she'd done this a thousand times. Her wrist swirled the bottle, then she placed it on an open flame. She did the motion twice more. Then she rose, dusted her leather pants, and walked in the soft light given by the half-melted candle.

“Dark. That took an unusual amount of time, even for you.” She said she’s truly gorgeous, with sharp cheeks, dark tan, spotless skin, and two perfect green ovals for eyes that almost look like they are glowing with soft arched brows making a small frown. Sheshe seams annoyedbecause we've interrupted her work or because I'm a human inside her sacred workspace.

He is the first to speak.

"Yeah, I have an additional burden." I felt his gaze drift to me, then back at the woman, saying, “Now, allow me to clean up this blood before it stains.”

He said this while rushing out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.

“Blood doesn't stain black! ... Oh, why do I even bother?” She shouted after him. She looked back at me as if to check that I was truly here. “You must be the "burden." Her voice had a nice, soft accent. She sounds far more excited than she should, and I believe she was trying to make a joke.

"Actually, my name is Tarra." I stretch my hand out, the same hand I've been holding my stomach with for the past minutes, which would explain the wonderful amount of blood on it. She stares at me as if she'swondering if it's mine or if I was killing someone just now. I presume my blood color must be weird. She doesn't shake my hand, which is understandable; instead, she says, “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“I hope I'm not being rude, but what kind of deviant are you?” Even if I know the answer, I hope she confirms her abilities. Since my pain has become increasingly worse, at this moment I would be happy with anyone who could do something about it.

"Plant, I'm a healer and all that , and by the way, the name's Valerian. I guess you’ve met Captain Serious.”

They mustbe friends, or as close as they can possibly be, since she can talk so freely about him.

“Yup...ah shoot....” I feel thewarmth of blood rushing down underneath my shirt.

Valerian's eyes are filled with alertness. “Are you all right?”

As she was trying to finish her question, he came back.

"Can't you see that she is bleeding all over my hardwood floor?" He asked, "You are a healer, so heal her or something!"

I finally look at my stomach, and I see half of a bade is still stuck in it. I hoped it didn't look as bad as it feels, but of course it does. I look like someone tried to make a kebab out of me and gave up halfway through.

"Well, what are you waiting for?! Pull it out!” He said.

"No, you idiot, if she does that, I'll bleed to death!" I screamed. Gods, is he even thinking?!

After my yelling, he sat quietly for a while and then spoke again. “Who has done this to you?" He demanded it in a much softer and kinder voice. The tone surprised me.

“Those deviants”. I answered that I was not really in the mood for talking.

He raised his eyebrow and said it in a much colder and more aggressive way.

“Well then, it seems like I have to do a little chit-chat with those deviants.”

He left in a hurry. His cloak moved graciously as he exited.

I turned to Valerian, who didn't seem surprised by his outburst. “Let me guess, he isn't going to speak with them.”

“Nope, by 'chit-chat, he means 'kill, torture, or both.” Her eyes drift back to my wound. “Now we need to deal with this.”

She gently removed the blade and stopped the bleeding. I'm glad she'sdoing it, because if I were stuck with him as my doctor, I'd choose death.

“I think with a couple more stitches, you are good to go.”

“Thanks Val.”

Darkness then entered the room. He sat on a chair, this time closer to me, and stared at me and at my bloody shirt. Well, that was fast; it couldn't have been more than a half hour since he left.

“Good. Now leave.” He told me.

No." There's No way in hell I'm leaving after all that.

“No?”

Val got up and put her utensils back on the desk, wiping her hands before looking at him.

“Dark, she has to rest and recover. So she has to stay”. ' Valerian winked at me.

"Fine, but don't get in my way." He rose and left again.

Where does he keep disappearing? I'm certain that he is not afraid of blood.

I look at my stomach; it's not pretty, but it's better, and with some rest and good disinfection, I'll be fine. I turn to Val. “Thank you.”

“For what? Patching you up, or getting you a room reservation?”

“Well, both. You did convince him to let me stay. And helped me.” I could have convinced him as well, but my way wouldn't be so nice or quick.

She leaned closer, her short hair escaping her bun and falling forward. “Let me tell you a secret: I'm the only one who actually cares about that idiot. I'm the oldest in here, and he's known me for a very long time.”

We spent well over an hour chatting about everything and nothing at all; she used magic to erase at least a bit of the pain. As we talked, I made sure to not give her any information that was too private or could put me at some sort of risk. Even though it is nice to meet a deviant who doesn't want me dead, I can never be too careful.

At some point I believe I dozed off, since now I'm in the room alone.

I get up and touch the candle—it is cold, so she must have left quite some time ago. I notice a clean, simple white shirt placed on a chair.

I look back at the one I'm wearing, half torn and covered with bood, and as I do, shame reddens my cheeks. I'm almost in my undergarments, so it must have been a funny picture: me yelling at a crime lord half undressing inside his own Hideout.

I have a true gift for making my existence more complicated each day.

I put the clean shirt on and winced at the pain the movement caused whatever spell Valeriandid it began to wear off.

I'm in desperate need of actual sleep, but I have no idea where I'm supposed to go.

All I can hear now is the sound of rain as it rapidly hits the tiny windows hidden within the arch supporting the roof.

Who knows? Maybe it would collide on top of me, and that'd be the end.

The corridor is only lit on one side, and the poor torches barely give off enough light for me to not stumble over my own feet. Since this place is still technically a tree, the floor has nodded roots breaking its surface, which make walking on top of them more difficult than it should be.

As I head forward, the corridor grows darker and darker. A soft click, and then

I almost fell down on my back when a door opened and a shape emerged from the shadows.

"Why are you wondering around my chamber?"

He gave up the cloak, but he was still dressed in his fancy clothes with a mask on.

He is exactly the man I want to see while I'm lost here in this dark, creepy place.

"First of all, I wasn't trying to get to your chamber, and second of all, the word 'chamber' is a bit outdated, don't you think?"

His stare is intense and slightly alarming.

"Fallow me."

He entered his 'chamber' once more, waiting for me to do the same.

"I think entering a criminal private room is not a good idea and could lower my chances of survival quite drastically."

Oh, I'm sorry. Would you prefer to spend your night in the cells? I'm sure the rats would enjoy the company."

I bet he is smiling, grinning, if fact.

"Maybe I'll slit your pretty neck while you sleep."

He turned, and even in the poor light, I could see him as he rolled his eyes. "That would be ineffective; are you coming?"

"I'll take the rats next time." I say as I pass him, entering the small space with no way out what so ever. After a long look, I state my verdict. "Well, this is dark."

“Oh my gods, that is hilarious.” He was obviously not amused.

Yeah, yeah, you’re sarcastic; I get it.

This is your room, right?"

"No, here is where I hide the corpses of my victims.” He rolled his eyes once more and looked at me. Yes, it is my room. I don’t have a spare room, so you will sleep here."

I look at the space. It was a dimly lit room with a nice leather sofa, a big book shelf with no dust on its covers, a cramped but expensive desk in the corner covered with maps and papers in all sorts of handwriting, and one black sheet bed. WAIT! ONE BED?!

“One bed?!” I shouted uncontrollably.

You know what I'll do to the rats.

“I wasn't expecting guests. You sleep on the floor.”

"Wow, what a gentleman!" I said it in a sarcastic tone. I honestly don'tunderstand how ladies are not hoarding this place.

He sat, and after rubbing his temples hard enough to make a hole in them, he spoke again.

"Fine, I'll take the sofa, but you're staying only for one night." He made sure to emphasize the word "one."

I looked at the bed, and it was perfectly intact—like no one had ever used it. I tossed my jacket on the sofa and sat on it. My body is melting into a sea of pillows and soft blankets.

As I was trying to go to sleep, something didn't feel right. I just couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried.

I took a glance at the whole room, and then I spotted a shadow. He wasn't asleep either. I don’t see how he could sleep dressed like that. Maybe he became an assassin due to the lack of oxygen caused by that mask.

I’m the first to speak. “I see you're a night owl.”

He groaned as he sat up.

“Why are you awake?”

“I can't sleep.”

“Really? I thought you just spoke in your sleep; actually, that would be better,” He said.

“Can we do something?”

He turned his back to me, placing his hand behind his head, since I have decided that his current attitude doesn't deserve a pillow.

“Yeah sleep.” Ha, as if he is going to fall asleep with a royal guard inside his bedroom.

“No.”

He got up and sat on the chair next to me; the motion only proved further that he is in fact as fresh as a daisy. “What do you want to do then?”

“Train.”

“You expect me to train you? Perhaps you forgot that I'm only letting you sleep here out of the kindness of my heart.

"You have a heart? I wouldn't have guessed it." According to my assumption, he looked almost constantly.

"Ah, but it is now too late to throw you with the rats. Apso, I don't even believe you can do magic in the first place."

My dad might have the magical abilities of a shoe, but I can do it; I'm sure of it.

“Oh come on! Just give it a try if you don't have a better idea." Before he got his chance to answer, I added, And if you say sleep, I'll kick your ***.”

“Ughh fine.” He said it as if he took my threat He said it as if he took my threat seriously: "Oh, this is going to be fun.

And we crept out. Like two children that stayed up past their bedtime. I don't remember the last time I slept like a normal human being. Perhaps if you are deviant, you automatically get insomnia.

The sky is a deep royal blue, and you can see the stars so well from here.

What the hell?! A dagger just flew near my head.

“Why are you trying to kill me?” Seriously, I'm going to lose it if I have another near-death experience today.

“If I wanted you dead, you would be dead because you wanted to train, so come on.”

I throw my hands up in the air. “Magic! I wanted to train in magic, not killing!”

At least some type of training that doesn't involve me possibly getting injured. My stomach still stings.

“So the boring kind, very well, come closer” He fixed his cloak.

I hesitate. I'm pretty sure my father can’t bring me back to life as godlike a doctor as he is, and I'msure not even Valerian could pull that off.

“I don’t bite.”

“I'm not sure about that.”

“Doyou want to learn or not?”

Only now do I walk towards him. What'sthe worstthat can happen? I don't need all my fingers after all.

"Fine, so what should I do?"

"Well, since I don't know what kind of deviant you are... You will try one of each spell, and the one that you can do is your type; we will then proceed from there, assuming you can do any of them.”

Im pretty sure I can do magic, thank you very much.

He’s now standing behind me.

“Put your hand in the air and stick two fingers out.”

A laugh escaped my mouth before I could contain it. “That didn't sound right.”

“Can you be serious?” he shouted.

Right I shouldn’t make a criminal lord mad for my own sake. Well, at least not too mad.

“Continue.” My smile faded.

“Thank you, and imagine a ball of energy. Got it?”

I move my arms, and I can feel a tinseling sensation like tiny needles poking me on the inside. Of course, magic had to feel weird. “Yeah...kinda...” I respond.

“OK, now make a circle with your hand... Think about a ball of fire and say, "Fireletro." ”

The spell sounds like an overly complicated one. Like what a fancy butler would say when his master is being a jerk.

“Fire what now?”

“Fireletro—yep, it doesn’t sound better the second time. Now focus on Tarra.

Somehow I managed to let the letters out, “Fireletro.”

An electric current went through all of my body, like a shock. It burned but also felt calm. I know I’m not sure about it either.

Then I smelled something burning. I looked to my left and shot.

"Well, you have fire magic for sure." He then said another word, Aquatilos.” I assume that is the spell for water.

Dark clothes weren't on fire any more. I didn't know he was a celestial (a deviant that can do all types of magic) until now. Of course I had my suspicions, but he did two different spells, and every deviant is supposed to only be able to do one type.

"Well, now I'm wet." Even in the night's darkness, I can tell he’s upset and probably wants to set my clothes on fire too.

“I wasn't aiming for you”. For once, I really meant it.

“This was my favorite cloak; it was ripped, stained with blood, lit on fire, and now it is very wet.” He was trying to get some of the water out of the fabric.

“Sorry.” I say, holding back a laugh. The famous killer was heartbroken by the destruction of his favorite accessory, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

“I think that was enough training for the day. I mean, morning or night? Go to the room.” He beganwalking in the opposite direction.

“You aren’t coming?”

He left without saying anything else. Something doesn't seem quite right to me; however, now I can burst out laughing.