《Blood and Iron》 Chapter 1: As Above So Below When Annice thinks back to that October month. It¡¯s scratched and sitting in the back of her mind, collecting dust. Her brain doing its best to purge the memories. But she can¡¯t help but cling to her final moments. Sunlight came through her window. It touched her blood-stained bed sheets. The rays travelled across the floor and settled on her back. There she sat. A frazzled mound of kinky black hair hunched over her desk. She doesn¡¯t often remember what she does when she dreams. Just a suffocating weight on her chest and severe back pain that wakes her up in the morning. She would record anything she could remember from the night before in her journal. She was supposed to be having breakfast with my family right about now. She preferred to spend her time reaching into the dark recesses of her mind. That¡¯s where she could find answers. Even if they were scraps. The only thing she could thank these nightmares for are time to herself. From dusk till dawn, writing down everything she could. Symbols, sounds, sometimes even faces. Smiling and snarling at her in flashes of fire. She¡¯d manage to make passable sketches. They looked like a toddler¡¯s disturbing art project. But for the sake of her own sanity, she needed to have these haunting faces in physical form. To prove she wasn¡¯t losing her mind. Not completely. Not yet. Even in ink, they were¡­something else. The feature that stood out most was a wicked grin from ear to ear. This wasn¡¯t like the others she¡¯d glimpsed. The face of her demon that¡¯d perch on her chest like a gargoyle. Their shadow looming over her as she struggled to break eye contact. That was her main culprit. But then there was him. This bold figure that thrashed against the darkness, reaching out for her. She was immobilized, only an observer but knew she still played a part. Rarely, he would look her in the eyes, a hand outstretched and shaking from fear of losing her again. Much more appealing than eyes void of a soul. But he would lose her. Every night. In shadows and blood and devilish smiles. All of it lost in her screams and sobbing as she¡¯s jolted awake. Her brain locked these images away before she could scrounge for them. Waiting until she was ready to witness. But now it was different. She didn¡¯t scream anymore. She still cried. But quietly, as to not call attention to those sleeping. She¡¯d heave into her pillows and beg her nightmares to stay with her. Annice blinked back into reality when someone knocked on her door. She realized there was a pool of ink on her page. She frowned to herself, ignoring the door opening and footsteps following. She wanted so badly to be alone. No loud talking or snide remarks. No need to bottle up a mountain of criticism that would likely stir. But she could never make that call. Especially not on a day like this. Helen came in, wide eyed and neat. The bags under her eyes barely hidden by the primness of her hair and uniform. Her shoes clicked against the floors as she went to pull the curtains open. ¡°It¡¯s past morning.¡± A draft hit Annice¡¯s back. She shivered. The windows were unlatched, sweeping away the nasty smell of blood in the room. Annice quickly shut her journal and prayed the ink wouldn¡¯t stain too badly. She turned to glare at Helen as she picked up the bundle of blankets off the floor. ¡°When the lady of the house calls, you answer.¡± Her nose visibly upturned, and a deep sigh left her. ¡°And call the maids when you need replacements.¡± Annice jumped in her seat at Helen¡¯s booming voice as left the room. She called for a string of maids came to clean up her mess. The pain in Annice¡¯s upper back jabbed her before settling again. She did her best to hide cursing behind a bitten bottom lip. She reached back and flinched. Helen called out from the hall. ¡°Brunch is being held in the garden. One hour. I¡¯ll call the young master to mend you.¡± Annice groaned and stretched out the receding aches in her body. She took a moment to breath before noticing fresh blood from her fingers. They stained her journal cover and joined the other dried prints on the leather. ¡°Fuck¡­¡± It was an obligation. Not a pleasure. Not like it used to be. When soaking in the bath Annice would stay until her skin started to prune. She relished in the water getting colder. She¡¯d sink below and refuse to take a breath for as long as she could manage. It gave her opportunity. Yes, that¡¯s it. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Opportunity¡­To disappear and pray no one would find a trace of her. To her dismay, someone always came to pull her back to the bathroom and lukewarm water. Her hair fully drenched and weighing her down as she looked around. ¡°Helen told me you had nightmares last night?¡± The voice of her brother echoed from behind the door. It was open slightly ajar. Annice sighed and pulled herself out of the tub. It didn¡¯t take long to prepare herself to be treated as her brother and a young maid followed behind. They brought a container of ointments, tools and bandages inside. They had many around their home, not just for emergencies. But mainly for Annice. Most noble families had a doctor, whether that be within our territories or family, that dealt with any illness or injury that occurred. No doctor¡¯s passed through these halls. Not in many years. They had no doctor at the ready. They had Ingram. He was the pride of the Mezziane name. He doesn¡¯t have it though. The name that is. But he¡¯s got loads of pride. He always held his head high and his shoulders straight. He was the first contact for many fellow nobility that crossed this clan¡¯s path, and naturally they were charmed. A gentle giant, towering over everyone, save for his father who rivaled his height. Ever since he¡¯d joined the knighthood of Lenoa, he¡¯s proudly adorned a medallion of their symbol that kept his cloak secure on his grainy green garbs. He wore the scars on his face with his inky black hair swept back. He never looked like he knew what was going on around him, only the path ahead of him. Among this cursed family, he may be the only one that has no real burden to bear. Annice remembered the nights when she was afraid to fall asleep. Ingram would keep her company, so that when nightmares came, she wouldn¡¯t be alone to face them. Sometimes when that wouldn¡¯t work, their father would be there to tell them stories until they fell asleep. Ingram was always the first to drift off, he was never really interested in fairy tales. His sister, on the other hand, would gladly immerse herself in them to escape the horrors her own imagination obsessively conjured. It was soothing to be cradled in their warmth. Ingram¡¯s loud snoring made Annice happy knowing at least one of them would sleep soundly. She¡¯d close her eyes and lean into her father. The heavy scent of pine clung to him, and it had brought her momentary peace. That¡¯s when he¡¯d stay with the siblings in dead silence, until his own dreams came back to haunt him. He¡¯d speak of ravenous winters with wind that bit at his skin. Clinging to Ingram, when he was just a baby, wrapped in furs and hoping that light would find them before snow swept them away. He worried about the times where he swore, he nearly had to amputate his fingers. The numbness was too much to bear but he needed to stay focused. He had a baby that needed him. His son desperately needed to cling to his hands, grip his fingers, and never forget he had someone watching over him. Annice never stopped her father from retelling these memories to seemingly nobody. In some weird way, these gruesome details brought her comfort. She knew everything he did was genuine sacrifice, taking bits and pieces of himself to keep others whole. As Annice would drift off to sleep, she would hold his hand and focus on his warmth. He would gently squeeze and hold his children closer, praying that light would always find them the next morning. ¡°Did you want to tell me what it was about?¡± Annice blinked. Re-adjusting in the stool she was sat in. ¡°Your dream that is.¡± She loosened the robe and clung to it tightly at the front. She took a deep breath as cold metal poked and punctured flesh. She lowered her head and continued to breath and out in slow rhythm. Ingram gently pressed his hand to her upper back, prompting Annice to sit up straight. She glanced behind her with a sour look. The doe-eyed maid that stood nearby had her sights to the ground. It was obvious when she snuck a peek at Ingram while he worked. When she made eye contact with Annice, the little countess frowned. The maid quickly averted her gaze. Ingram caught Annice¡¯s scowl and sighed. Once he finished patching up her major wounds and sterilizing them, he handed his tools to the maid. She was promptly dismissed and that left him and Annice in annoying silence. ¡°If you keep looking at them like that, no wonder they don¡¯t listen to you.¡± Annice curled up and hugged one of her knees, pressing her forehead to it. ¡°Just get on with it.¡± She mumbled. She closed my eyes and focused on the sounds of Ingram¡¯s movement. Two steps towards her. He adjusts his sleeves again. Suddenly, there¡¯s a shift in the air. The constant energy flowing through her body suddenly came to a halt. He pressed his hands to Annice¡¯s back. She cringed as her skin and blood begin to shift his fingers. Her shoulders tensed as she felt her energy slip away. She could barely hold onto it. But forced herself to release the grip she had on the rush of magic running to her back. It was useless, like water through your fingertips, it could only follow the current. Annice gritted her teeth, struggling to choke out words. ¡°I saw a man¡¯s face.¡± The magic¡¯s flow began to slow. ¡°It was hidden in shadow and¡­he was being followed.¡± ¡°Followed?¡± Ingram repeated. She shook her head. ¡°Haunted.¡± Annice gingerly turned in her seat to meet his eyes. The way he stared at her. That concern in his eyes. What a joke. It was starting to look like everyone else. She faltered for a moment before turning away. ¡°He looked familiar for some reason.¡± She got up and shrugged the bathrobe back on. Annice wordlessly trudged to the door, the horrid realization that the day was truly beginning and would eventually end. ¡°What¡¯d he look like?¡± Like dad. That was a lie. It felt like one, at least. Annice had seen his face before, and it looked like the portrait in the old study. Instead of being coated in a thick layer of dust it was shadows brought to life and cast over his grim visage. There was an essence about Annice¡¯s father. Gleaming and golden. The one she felt in her dreams was an unforgiving cold. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She opened the door slightly, peeking to see Helen waiting across the hall patiently. ¡°Did he hurt you?¡± Ingram asked. ¡°Were you scared of him?¡± Annice didn¡¯t bother to look back at him. Nobody would ever say it, but when they ask about her state of mind, they were too busy with whatever¡¯s bothering them than actually wanting to listen. She knew it was starting to be the same for Ingram. Annice saw it in his eyes, behind the green was a wonderland of his own creation. A fool¡¯s paradise. Her blights didn¡¯t quite register outside of a sibling¡¯s nuisance. So why bother giving him a proper answer when he¡¯s already drained her of her energy. ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter now.¡± She left him and let Helen guide me back to her room. Chapter 2: A Farewell To Love And Lies She was the last to arrive. Her family was already seated at the garden table with breakfast served. Cora, her mother, and matriarch of the Mezziane clan as the first to notice. She was an imposing figure. Her body slumped back in her seat with a glass in her hand. It was halfway empty, but there¡¯s no doubt it was to the brim with whiskey before Annice arrived. She was decorated in fancy yellow fabrics from her home country. Exotic patterns made of the finest cotton and silk detailing. Gold and silver with glittering emeralds and rubies would cover from head to toe. But not this morning, it was a gathering, not a spectacle. Even so, she still had a sour look on her face that she hid behind a sharp gaze. Annice would keep her eyes to her feet as she made her way to the table. ¡°Ah, there you are, you almost missed breakfast!¡± ¡°It¡¯s almost noon.¡± Annice mumbled. You could barely hear her voice. But they were used to this tone, their ears were trained for it. ¡°I improvised.¡± Cora shot back. She sets her glass down. She leaned a cheek on her fist and stared down her daughter. ¡°Would you like to explain why you were so late I had to push back our family breakfast?¡± Annice still refused to look Cora in the eye. She stared at her frown instead. Would she like to divulge the information that she suddenly got cramped and needed help pulling her dress over her head? Preferably not. This garden gathering was embarrassing enough, she¡¯d rather not add to the list of reasons she constantly needs helpers. She crossed her arms and shrunk back in her seat, reflecting the annoyed scowl her mother gave. ¡°It¡¯s not like I asked you to.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not optional. When we get the chance to have some quality time together, I expect you to show up and on time.¡± ¡°Cora.¡± She briefly turns her attention to the large man sat next to her. Renfrey. Ingram¡¯s father and Annice¡¯s surrogate. He did not possess the name of Mezziane either, he was only a ward. Regardless, everyone under this roof knew the love and loyalty he had for Cora and his children. He was a large man in size and stature. But he was always conscious of his own passive effect on others. He was gruff, wrinkled and baggy eyes with battle scars to match. His dark hair was streaked with striking grey hairs in his long tresses and beard. He was modest with his knight status. He wore the medallion but didn¡¯t draw attention to it. The thing that caught your eye was the thin fur cloak he¡¯d usually adorn. But not today, it was only the washed out blue of his tunic. It had a patch or two of mismatched color, a messy job done by Annice herself. It wasn¡¯t clothing meant to be worn in public. But she appreciated the care he had for that shirt, at least for personal gatherings. He takes Cora¡¯s hand and gently squeezes it. She looks at him and pauses for a moment. She huffs a sigh and leans back in her seat once again. Annice nervously glances up at Renfrey. A sudden wave of guilt drags her further into her seat. ¡°Annice¡­¡± He slowly removes his hand from Cora¡¯s. ¡°How are you feeling? We weren¡¯t well.¡± ¡°Not really.¡± Annice quickly shifted her attention to the food spread before her. Freshly baked pastries, salads and kosher meats for them to feast on. Her stomach turned at the thought of taking a single bite. She nervously swallowed. Helen approached the table with a fresh pot of tea and poured a cup for each of them. ¡°I woke up earlier than normal. I didn¡¯t feel like waking anyone else up, so I just did some reading. Nothing special.¡± Ingram side-eyed her. He barely swallowed the food he¡¯d stuffed in his mouth before speaking. ¡°You told me you saw a guy in the shadows.¡± Annice nearly spat out her tea. She swallowed it back, cringing as she did so, and kicked Ingram from under the table. He jumped in his seat, yelping. ¡°The hell was that for?¡± ¡°Annice!¡± Cora slammed her glass down, but they both ignored her. Annice set her cup down, smacking her brother in the shoulder. She had an air bubble in her throat from the heavy swallow. But she refused to burp, she held it in through a harsh tone. ¡°That was supposed to be a secret, you rat!¡± He slapped her hands away defensively. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me it was a secret!¡± ¡°When I tell you something in private, you should assume it¡¯s a secret.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Cora roare. The two immediately separated and scooched their chairs an inch apart. ¡°What is the point of talking to each other if it¡¯s going to end in a fight, huh? You better hope I don¡¯t catch you acting like this when we are beyond these walls.¡± Ingram mumbled his apology and wiped his face of crumbs. Annice cleared her throat, letting out a wet burp before returned to her stand-offish pose. Helen poured Cora a cup of tea, to which the lady of the house gladly took. One long sip seemed to relax her. Renfrey had his eyes still focused on Annice. His eyebrows furrowed before speaking up. ¡°What did he look like?¡± Annice looked up. ¡°The man in your dreams. Did you see what he looked like?¡± She opened her mouth. Then stopped. She noticed something had changed with both Renfrey and Cora. He was tight lipped and there was tension his shoulders. His eyes were always soft. But they were spiked with fear this time. Cora on the other hand, watched his reaction. They flickered to Annice then back to him, trying to capture every discrepancy in their behavior. She had a single finger tracing the rim of her whiskey glass. Annice could¡¯ve sworn she heard the glass whine under the pressure. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Does it matter? It was just a dream.¡± She asked. ¡°It matters if it¡¯s caused you any stress.¡± He said matter-of-factly. ¡°You know your health is important to us.¡± Annice looked down at her lap and contemplated. Maybe she should be honest with them, or at least Renfrey, just this once. She owes them a little bit of honesty before the day ended. She¡¯s already made a drama over breakfast. She didn¡¯t want to sour the rest of their time together before she needs to leave. She took a deep breath and sighed. Her shoulders relax and she silently picks at the skin of her fingers. She frowned at the chips in her nails. Days old, and no amount of filing would fix her bad habit. ¡°I know I never really knew him. But I think I had a dream about dad.¡± She hesitantly looked at her parents. She nervously biting the inner flesh of her bottom lip. Cora¡¯s expression was immediately downdraught. A scornful look on her face, directed at no one but inside of her whiskey glass. Much like Annice, she had started bruising her lip, but didn¡¯t draw attention to it. But her daughter noticed, she always did. A woman who was always focused on her outward appearance rarely made mistakes. It was only at the mention of her deceased husband that her true thoughts seep through cracks. Renfrey was the same. His eyes soft and delicate at the thought of the late Lord Mezianne. They were extremely close, from what Annice has been told. Her birth father was the sole reason everyone at this table were able to be a family. They were far from perfect. Scarred and struggling to find a longing peace. But they were together, for better or worst. All built on the foundation of Zahir Mezianne. ¡°I-It¡¯s nothing, really.¡± Annice spoke up, she forced down her need to pick at her skin again. ¡°Dr. Franco says that your dreams are just things your brain can¡¯t say out loud. Maybe I just miss him or something.¡± She couldn¡¯t believe the words coming out of her mouth. How could she miss a man she¡¯d never known? She shouldn¡¯t feel any sentiment. Annice swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. Renfrey offered a gentle smile to his daughter. ¡°I¡¯m sure if your father was here, he¡¯d be very proud of you.¡± She noticed her mother give a silent nod and quickly take a sip of her tea. But she didn¡¯t smile. She didn¡¯t speak much for the rest of the day. It was a lie. They dedicated the rest of the day to meaningless pleasantries. A walk in the garden. Playing games in the drawing room. Ingram and Annice did most of the talking and eventual childish bickering. Renfrey would cut in to keep the peace, happily and without hesitation. It was chatter about everything and nothing all at once. Dancing around the topic that slowly but surely suffocated them. But they refused to address it. They refused to acknowledge that after today, there would be no laughter left in this house. Only regrets and longing for a life far different from the path they took. As evening came by, Annice was left with the rest of the day to herself and a parting gift. Cora had pulled her aside and presented her with a jewelry box. It¡¯s dark blue satin was old and frayed at the edges. ¡°It¡¯s a bit overdue. But this was a gift from your father.¡± Her voice was delicate. It made the hair on the back of Annice¡¯s neck stand. It wasn¡¯t often that she used such a tone. But when she did, it made Annice anxious. It¡¯s been dulled over the years, but she feared when her mother would speak so softly. Like she was willing to listen to her. To have a moment of vulnerability and honesty. But Annice knew well. It was a warning. She could never describe it well. But Annice learned at a young age that her mother was emotional. Not just the occasional bouts of sadness or despair. It was terrifying. Cora would lose herself in her misery, usually accompanied by a half empty bottle of whatever drink she found that day. Her voice would be as quiet as a soft rain shower. But then, her true feelings would come rising to the surface. A roar of thunder able to shake the earth and take anyone by surprise. Annice was never comfortable being alone anywhere with her mother. Especially if she stank of booze. Fortunately, today the only thing Annice could smell was saffron spice and crocus flowers. The look on Cora¡¯s face was one of true remorse but also conviction. Annice swallowed the lump in her throat and steeled herself. She just needed to make it through this conversation. Cora slid a hand to the front latch of the box. She caressed the satin with a certain fondness, pausing for a moment before opening it. Inside was a beautiful necklace. A long silver chain held a square pendant rounded at the edges. The markings on the metal were intricate and crafted with love. The markings were drawn to the center where a large glittering ruby lay. ¡°I know pearls are more popular with girls your age.¡± Cora looked down at the necklace like it was a newborn babe. ¡°But he told me this was special.¡± Annice carefully lifted the necklace from the case. It was a bit heavier than she expected, the silver must have been mixed with another metal. She put the chain over her head, bowing her head down to pull her hair out from under it. Her mother circled around her to help pull her hair free and brushed through it. Cold metal touched the back of Annice¡¯s neck. She scooped the pendant into her hand. It fit snuggly into her palm. Despite the cold, she felt warmth nestled deep inside. Her expression softened as she traced her thumb over the patterns and gem. Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked back to Cora. ¡°Are you sure this is safe?¡± She asked. ¡°If anyone saw me wearing this, I could get in trouble.¡± ¡°Why do you think I spent so long debating whether to give it you or not?¡± Cora shook her head and closed the jewelry box. ¡°I trust your father. If he wanted you to have that necklace, it was for a good reason. Keep it hidden for now.¡± Annice watched her mother as she retreated down the hall before asking. ¡°Will you miss me when I¡¯m gone?¡± Cora stopped. She stood still, the silence between them stretched as far as the distance between them. She turned to look back at her daughter, her sharp gaze from before returning. But she didn¡¯t meet Annice¡¯s eyes. She turned back around and continued down the hall. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t have to come to that¡­¡± She muttered to herself. Annice watched her mother disappear down the hall, leaving her behind to hold back her scorned feelings. She returned to her room at last. She shamelessly crashes onto her bed, the sheets fresh and without a single stain. She lay there, taking deep breaths in and out, replaying the day¡¯s events in her head. She turned her head to the side, lifting the pendant to her face. Her eyes stung a bit as she quickly blinked away tears. She clenched the pendant in her fist, shoving down any of the pain and spite she felt towards her mother. She will not be missed. Not one bit¡­That¡¯s fine. It made leaving much easier on Annice¡¯s conscience. She sits up and tucks the pendant under her corset. She took one final breath before going to her desk. She opened her journal and flipped through the pages. It opened to a letter with a red seal, an imprint of a rose split in two by the broken wax. Annice snatched the letter and closed the journal, taking that along with her. She crawled under her bed and tucked her fingers under a loose tile before pulling it open. Inside was an old buckle bag made of dark aged leather. She pulled it out from its hiding place and put the tile back. Annice quickly went to her door and slowly opened it. Just enough for her slip through. She took one last look at her bedroom, her hand gripping the door tightly, before closing the door behind her. She was careful not to make a sound as she disappeared down the hall. Chapter 3: Cant Put A Price On Pain Annice was jolted awake by the rattling of the cart. She looked around in a stupor, barely recognizing the lumpy sacks cushioning her. There was a tarp overhead clouding the night sky. She could still feel the cool air. She groaned before getting a grip on the tarp and pulling it back. Her head popped up and scanned her surroundings. Rolling pastures disappeared over the horizon. There was a lamp post at every mile, illuminating the dirt road. They flicker as she passed by, her eyes fixated on the clear skies above. The moon was grand and glorious surrounded by the stars. This was a sight she¡¯d only ever seen from the estate. Like a distant dream. But she was fortunate to be sitting below its splendour. ¡°Rise and shine, Little Mistress!¡± Annice grunted at the mocking tone steering the cart. She had nearly forgotten her escort driving in the first place. That maid from the bathroom. That doe-eyed girl that accompanied Ingram. Annice learned her name was Myla just a few weeks ago. She¡¯d been employed at the estate for a few months now. Not that Annice really paid attention to who came in and out of the house, just who was assigned to her, when and why. The two met by random chance one summer night. There were no other attendants close by. Annice was gripped by a horrible nightmare when Myla peaked into her room. She must¡¯ve seen the unholy sight of her young mistress contorting in pain. Annice was just as surprised to have someone shaking her awake. A short stocky girl with choppy short hair, round cheeks, and thick eyebrows that seemed to have a mind of their own. It certainly brought the dream dazed girl back to reality. And thus, their unique business relationship was sealed in blood. In a very literal sense. Trusting Myla to safely smuggle her into town wasn¡¯t Annice¡¯s smartest plan. But she didn¡¯t have many options. She¡¯d rather take her chances with someone who¡¯s got a clear motive. Money. Annice didn¡¯t have the liberty of spending an allowance as she pleased. This caused some contingencies in her escape plan. Fortunately for her, Myla was willing to exchange her short-term services for jewels that could easily sell for a pretty penny. She could get new ones when she found a new home. Annice agreed to rendezvous with her questionable partner at the stables in the dead of night. Myla waited there ready to steer a crap cart with a wobbly wheel, and a single horse pulling. The cart was inconspicuous enough to pass through unnoticed. Annice remembered the cringe on her face as she stared at her oh so glamorous chariot. Myla rolled her eyes. ¡°Beggars can¡¯t be choosers. Now get under the smelly sheets and don¡¯t make a sound.¡± Annice begrudgingly got in and nestled between the lumpy sacks. ¡°How romantic of you...¡± She grumbled. What were even in these bags? It got a smirk out of Myla as they rode off into the chilly night. ¡°Gotta get the girls somehow.¡± As their cart made its way to the border entrance, Annice leaned back and continued to watch the starry sky. ¡°Are you sure these people can help me?¡± She glanced back to look at Myla. ¡°Even if they couldn¡¯t, you really gonna make me ride all the way back now?¡± Annice sighed and turned away. Despite the odd smell, she tried to wrap more of the tarp around her. Warm light slowly crept up from behind her, before illuminating them both. They passed through the brick border and the horse¡¯s steps became more pronounced from the stone path beneath them. The Amora Marketplace. A district dedicated to the merchants and entertainers foolish enough to settle in Lenoa. Their businesses were built into the tall apartments lining the stone paths. There were giggles and lively chatter floating about in the distance. Likely from the many courtesans and pleasure houses working hard past midnight. Annice closed her eyes and listened closely. She felt her chest well up. These women with high spirits and strong ambitions lived their lives however they choose. Annice wasn¡¯t keen on the idea of sex but if it bought you power, she¡¯d gladly take her turn. ¡°Busy night tonight¡­¡± Myla said. The chestnut horse she steered slowed its pace. ¡°Is it not usually?¡± Annice asked. She enjoyed the wind rustling her hair before they came to a stop. She opened her eyes to find themselves across the way from a building full of merriment. Beyond the alley stood a bar emanating light from its windows. There silhouettes of late-night drinkers waved their drinks in the air and danced out of sight. It was nameless and out of obvious sight, the perfect spot for some scandalous fun or much more. Myla got out of the driver¡¯s seat and stretched out all the kinks in her joints. ¡°Not unless the scouts got back early.¡± She turned to see Annice getting up. She hooked a leg over the side of the cart, struggling to keep her skirt from getting caught. Myla silently approaches and offers a hand, she rolled her eyes at Annice¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re already late.¡± Myla yanked Annice forward, making her stumble before letting go. She patted down her dress and watched continue on without her. This was too far out of her depth. She gripped her dress and looked back to the rickety old cart. She should turn back. Break the horse free and ride back home before anyone noticed she was gone. She quickly turned herself around and followed Myla¡¯s lead. This was no time to be a coward, not when she was practically halfway there. Myla brandished bright grin as she pulled the door open. The two young women were greeted by a bright atmosphere, a strong smell of sweat, and bittersweet alcohol. The patrons of the bar were an odd mix of the common folk and the roguish type. Belts and buckles with exotic clothes and accessories. There were tables at the corners of the room to make space for the happy dancers making a show. Annice watched silently from the door, not sure whether to be shocked or mesmerized. The way these people stomped and swayed to the music playing. It felt rather nostalgic. She felt a tap on her shoulder and flinched. Myla gestured for her to follow and went to the back of the bar. The drunken merriment became muffled as came to a secluded back hall. The soles of their shoes clicked against the floorboards uncomfortably loud before coming to a stop in front of a single door. Myla knocked then opened it, not bothering to wait for permission. Annice clutched her bag to her chest, looking behind them every other second, expecting someone to snatch her up. Myla left the door open for Annice to enter. She took one step in and looked around. It wasn¡¯t a large office by her standards, but it certainly had some charm to it. Paintings and ornaments hung on the walls from all over the country. A portrait of Saint Elizabeta from Jacoste. A colorful china collection from Madiz. At the centre of the room was a large mahogany desk with papers scattered and small trinkets along the corners. A large chair had its back turned to Annice, but subtly swayed back and forth. ¡°Boss!¡± Annice jumps again at Myla¡¯s sudden shout and the slamming of the door behind her. Myla approached the desk with a skip in her step. There was a beaming smile on her face. ¡°So glad you could see us on such short notice.¡± The chair stopped its swaying. Annice swallowed the lump in her throat, she kept to herself in a corner of the room and watched this unfold. She had her suspicions that Myla¡¯s real loyalties were to the Crimson Jackals, how else could she arrange a meeting like this so quickly. That was a name you didn¡¯t casually throw around unless it was to slander them. They were an exact opposition to the ruling power of the monarchy. A barbaric group spanning the entirety of the country that made a mockery of the crown. They had their ways around the Queen¡¯s sights and influence. Which Annice hoped would work in her favor. The leader in question turned themselves around in the chair. There sat a beautiful woman with dark dreads draped in deep violet robes. The crystals she had around her neck jingled against each other as she swung her legs over an arm of the chair. She smugly greeted Myla with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s a little past your bedtime, don¡¯t you think, Mimi?¡± Myla suddenly turned a deep shade of red. ¡°Ruth-!¡± She staggered back before shrieking. ¡°What the hell are you doing here? Where¡¯s the boss!¡± Ruth leaned back in the chair. ¡°They had a busy day today and needed some rest.¡± She kicked off the desk with one her feet and spun around in the chair. ¡°She sent me instead, hope that¡¯s alright.¡± The mischievous grin on her face only grew wider. Myla growled and crossed her arms. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°The hell it doesn¡¯t. You trying to recruit someone your age? I told you that¡¯s not a great way to make friends.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not a friend. She¡¯s a Mezziane.¡± Ruth kicks out one of her feet to stop herself from spinning. The grin on her face is gone. She stares at Myla silently before her eyes shift to Annice, who stayed silent in the corner. Annice felt her chest tightening under the scrutiny of this woman¡¯s eyes. She couldn¡¯t look away. Her words were caught in her throat, waiting to be swallowed. Fortunately, she was able to force them out. ¡°My name is Annice. I-I..¡± She glanced at Myla. Her confidant gestured for her to continue. ¡°Nice to meet you...¡± Ruth¡¯s nails dug into the leather of the chair as she sat upright in the chair. ¡°Are you out of your fucking mind?¡± She completely ignored Annice and focused all her attention on Myla. ¡°You thought if you waltzed in here and it was Beatrice in this chair instead of me, you would¡¯ve gotten a better result?¡± She got up from her chair and circled around the desk to Myla. She was a tall figure, nearly matching Annice¡¯s dear brother and father with her height. Myla stepped back but Ruth easily closed the space between them each time with a single stride. ¡°What¡¯d you tell her? How the did you get her all the way out here with no one noticing?¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t tell me anything!¡± Annice quickly forced herself between them. She grabbed Ruth by the shoulder and pulled back. She squeezed between them and kept Myla at arm¡¯s length. She didn¡¯t break eye contact with Ruth the whole time. ¡°She said she knew someone that could get me out of the country. No one¡¯s going to notice I¡¯m gone. Not for a long while. They don¡¯t even know I¡¯ve been planning this.¡± She puffed out her chest and stared her down, her hands balled into fists. ¡°So are you going to help me or not?¡± Ruth leaned forward, casting a shadow over Annice¡¯s smaller figure. ¡°You really think that¡¯s an option?¡± She asked plainly. ¡°Name your price.¡± ¡°That game doesn¡¯t work on me, kid.¡± Ruth nodded her head toward Myla. ¡°She may take bribes, but I don¡¯t. Especially when I can¡¯t deliver.¡± She stepped away and circled around the desk. ¡°You¡¯re gonna take back whatever you paid Myla off with. Then you¡¯re gonna head back home, got it?¡± Myla cursed under her breath, she dug a hand into her pocket but hesitated to take out the jewelry Annice gave her. Annice shook her head furiously. ¡°What? N-No!¡± She slammed a hand on the desk, stopping Ruth. ¡°You have to help me out- You have to!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to do anything.¡± Ruth replied. ¡°Myla bring her out, and don¡¯t expect anything good next time you hear from Bea.¡± Myla went around Annice and came to Ruth¡¯s right side. ¡°By the time we get back, we¡¯ll both get caught!¡± She said. Ruth looked between the two girls. She turned away while pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Myla tsked and turned on her heel. She stuffed both her hands in her pockets. ¡°I¡¯m not risking my butt just because you won¡¯t take an easy job!¡± Ruth growled at Myla, pointing an accusatory finger at the girl. ¡°Well you shoulda thought about that before trading your brain in for a couple o¡¯ pearls. We need you there.¡± ¡°Ruth, please.¡± Annice spoke up again. She reached out to touch Ruth before pulling her hand back. She winced when Ruth stared down at her again. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever it takes, I can¡¯t go back there. I don¡¯t have a place to run. I¡¯m going to shipped off as a slave for the church to use me. They¡¯ll have me waste away until there¡¯s not a single drop of magic in me.¡± She held a hand to her chest, feeling the pendant underneath the bodice. ¡°That isn¡¯t a life I can live.¡± Ruth¡¯s eyebrow twitched in annoyance. Her jaw tightened as she held in her venomous words. This was just some kid. Some rich asshole¡¯s stupid kid. It wasn¡¯t her problem. ¡°Some of us have to make do.¡± She snapped her fingers to call Myla to attention and gestured to Annice. Myla huffed but went to take Annice by the arm. ¡°Come on¡­¡± She gently coaxed her to the door, even in Annice¡¯s stupor. Annice could feel her reservations falling apart. This couldn¡¯t be it. She only just got here and she was being sent out the front door? She roughly pulls away from Myla, gritting her teeth before barking. ¡°I¡¯ll report you!¡± Ruth, having turned her back on them again, looked at Annice. This little girl had the look of a hostile mutt, holding back tears as she bared her teeth. ¡°You think people won¡¯t notice a girl like me coming to a place like this? It¡¯s only a matter of time ¡®till they catch on that there¡¯s something shady going on here.¡± Her eyes held scalding fire as she hissed. ¡°I could just speed up the process.¡± Ruth looked down, contemplating the threats Annice spouted. She looked up at the girl once more. Her hands were shaking. Her breath was shallow in her chest and struggling to break free. Her face, that of a desperate child, tears brimming. Ruth met her eyes and her threats. Not with a smug grin or glare. Just pity. ¡°Go home, kid.¡± All three ladies briefly shifted their attention to a sudden commotion coming from the main bar. Ruth sighed and left the office to deal with the matter. On her way out, she patted Annice¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t do more for you right now¡­¡± Myla watched Ruth leave. She watched Annice¡¯s shoulders shake and reached out to touch her shoulder as well. She stopped herself from doing so and turned away in shame, leaving to help Ruth. Annice leaned against the doorframe. Her breathy suddenly came out ragged. She fell to her knees, covering her eyes as salty tears came. She blinked and shook her head furiously. ¡°Fuck¡­¡± She roughly wiped her face, cursing under her breath. As she ripped her skin clean of tears, she mindlessly knocked herself in the head. ¡°Idiot! Fucking idiot! Why did you say that, you stupid girl!¡± What was the next move. What was the next step. Her only laid plan fell through six feet under, and she made a mockery of herself in front of her only possible allies. ¡°I can¡¯t go back.¡± She mumbled to herself. The room was closing in on her. The corners of her vision were fading into black. She immediately returned to her senses at a deep voice calling her name. She looked up, her nails dug into the wood of the doorframe. Annice picked herself off the floor and walked down the hall. She kept a hand on the wall to keep her balance as she entered the main room. Amongst the conflict, she sees the culprit of the sudden noise being held back from confronting Ruth. It was Ingram. He roughly pushed people out of his way and yelled at Ruth, demanding where his sister was hiding. Close behind him stood Helen who silently observed the entire situation. Her eyes scanned the area and quickly noticed Annice across the way. The color drained from Annice¡¯s face. Helen¡¯s eyes visibly darkened as she called for Ingram¡¯s attention. ¡°Young Master.¡± Annice backed away. Her eyes darted around before she bolted to the bar. She hoisted a foot onto an empty stool and vaulted over. Glass and food spilled all over the floor. The bartender staggered back as Annice disappeared into the back. ¡°Annice!¡± She ignored Ingram¡¯s voice. She crashed into nearly every kitchen station and helper in her way. It was a demented dance of slipping on spilled ingredients and miraculously catching herself. She burst through the back door and broke off into the night. Her path was lit by flickering lamps. She slipped into a dark alley to the right and clung to the wall. She could still hear him calling out for her. But didn¡¯t move from her place. She couldn¡¯t tell how close or how far he was. She kept herself low to the ground and eyes trained on the path she took. She suddenly felt a hand brush against her shoulder and jumped back. She nearly trips on her own feet but was harshly grabbed by the wrist and pulled to her feet. She shrieked and couldn¡¯t break free from their grasp. She turned and went to hit them with her free hand. But that was caught as well. She was pulled closer to her captor and came face to face with Helen. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± She hissed at Annice. Helen letting go of her wrists as she made another attempt to break away. Annice spun and hit the cold stone. She hissed in pain but quickly scrambled to her knees, her palms were scraped. ¡°Annice!¡± She came to her senses and hurriedly got to her feet. She turned to run in the opposite direction but was quickly caught in her brother¡¯s arms. ¡°It¡¯s okay, we¡¯re here. We¡¯re taking you home.¡± ¡°Get off me!¡± She screamed. She clawed at his arms and tried to pull him off. But he kept her in his embrace, burying his head in her hair, relieved that he found her unharmed. He lifted his head and turned her around. ¡°Are you alright? Are you hurt at all?¡± She refused to look at his face. He was distraught, much to her disgust, and refused to listen to her pleas. She managed to get loose and wretched herself from his hold. She hit him square in the jaw with the back of her hand. Her knuckles swelled with pain. She backed away from him, cradling her hand. He was stunned by the hit, it only pinched his skin, but coming from his little sister it felt like a blackened bruise. Ingram looked down at her like an injured puppy. Ruth ran out the back door with Myla close behind her. She skidded to a stop and watched the lamp posts around them start to crackle menacingly. A kindling fire was beginning to swirl inside its cage. She watched Annice closely. Helen approached from behind her and grabbed her arm. ¡°Your mother won¡¯t be happy when she finds about your little stunt tonight.¡± Annice delivered a heavy slap to Helen¡¯s cheek, a flash of heat searing the skin. ¡°Get the hell away from me!¡± Her hand shook as embers flickered off the skin. Helen was keeled over. Her neat bun had let strands loose and they were singed at the edges. She instinctively went to touch her cheek but pulled back at the severe sting. There was a burn mark clear as day, touches of flame continued to bite at her skin. Ingram brushed past Annice to help Helen. He carefully pulled her hand away and examined her injury. Annice backed away from them, suddenly occupied by a nauseating ache flooding her body. Her vision started blurring again. But the embers clinging to her hand cut through the haze. She glanced up to meet her brother¡¯s expression. He kept an arm around Helen, prepared to take a hit in Helen¡¯s place. ¡°What did you do?¡± He asked in a hushed tone. She took a deep breath in. She forced down the throbbing pain and balled her hand into a fist. The licking heat on her skin grew. It spread through her arm and into her chest. There was a wicked chattering in the back of her mind as she spoke. ¡°You won¡¯t take me back there.¡± Ruth¡¯s eyes widened at the sudden shattering of glass. Wildfire broke free from the lamps and flooded the scene. ¡°Annice, stop!¡± She cried out. She launched herself forward to grab onto the young girl. The dancing flames surrounded them both and shot into the sky. Annice was overwhelmed by flashing lights and intense heat before it all went black. The pain that gripped her nerves was suddenly gone. But the chatter in the back of her mind never left.