chapter ll

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.

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