The morning sun’s intense rays kissed Suri’s porcelain skin, starkly contrasting with the cool, earthy embrace of depth she had recently left behind. While the unsuspecting victim tested her resolve deep within the bowels of Azur, the celestial orb ascended unhindered to herald the start of a new day. Gusts of icy wind tangled the light curls that had escaped the weakened grip of a leather strap, and the chill seeped beneath the thin fabric of the tunic.
Cassia stood nearby, her fingers tapping rhythmically against her arm, betraying her impatience. Her gaze, intense and calculating, remained fixed on the aera, revealing her triumphant anticipation. She had invested considerable effort in deciphering the wanderer, seeking a connection. Her endeavors revolved around a singular goal – the elusive chance to save not herself, but her own blood. Her actions did not escape the Magister’s notice. He understood all too well the depth of his servant’s obsession and chose to tolerate her methods. Yet, no sympathy graced his eyes. To him, Cassia was one among many, and sadly, not the last ensnared by her own fate.
The servant approached Suri, extending a hand to offer the communication artifact. Her movements were so hurried and jerky that she almost dropped the pristine white stone. The Magister stepped forward, halting her with a firm gesture.
“Now is not the time,” he growled.
Without warning, Cassia’s voice rose, sharp and edged with frustration. “And when will it be time for him?! He’s dying! And no one is doing anything!”
“Servant! The Council used the power of your artifact, and you presume to demand something?” Magister Pankratz, the head of the Council, inquired darkly. Where did the girl gather such courage? How dare she argue with a titled one? He had already overlooked too many of Cassia’s offenses, remembering the past merits of her father and the loyalty of her brother. A servant should know her place, and he will teach her a lesson one last time. “Hunter`s soul has not left him, and when it does, he will reunite with Azur, fulfilling his duty.”
“But he’s all I have…” The girl’s voice quivered.
In an instant, the warrior loomed behind her. With deliberate and unhurried precision, he placed his hand on her shoulder. The color drained from Cassia’s face. Her body contorted unnaturally. The unsettling sound of clicking joints filled the morning’s silence. With each passing moment, she edged closer to resembling a broken doll. Struggling for breath and unable to scream, the only sound disrupting the quiet was the distress of her body.
Suri’s eyes, before calm, now held a hint of concern. Her brows converged, and her gaze wavered, revealing a fleeting vulnerability. A metallic taste filled her mouth, and her lip quivered.
“The Magister is too swift to play with lives,” a chilling, soul-shaking voice belonging to a blood mage shattered the calm.
The unfortunate soul crumpled to the ground, gasping for air as if trying to erase the pain she had endured. Liquid trickled from Cassia’s nose, and her eyes, stained with fresh blood from burst vessels, stared blankly ahead. Her mind seemed distant.
“On the contrary, the value of every life safeguards the breath of audacious youth,” the man returned. “Furthermore, through her reckless actions, she diminish the sacrifices made by those who bear the common burden.”
“Constructive dialogue can only occur when both participants are capable of equal engagement. So, perhaps you’d care to explain?” Suri demanded. She dared not touch Cassia, fearing to exacerbate her fragile state.
“Knowing the nature of the young servant, pain won’t kill her hope, and she will explain everything herself once she regains composure. I merely carried out the punishment, and believe me, it was more merciful than she deserved.”
***
Cassia regained consciousness as the sun erased all shadows. She stirred, checking the unity between her mind and body. The pain she had suffered made her doubt her own sensations, making breathing difficult. This was the result of overwhelming might. The suppression.
A gentle touch suggested she wasn’t alone. It was remarkable how such a faint, almost imperceptible presence could breathe a second life into the hopes of the dying. Joy and tenderness welled up within her. Apart from Imber, no one else in Azur had shown her any kindness. Here, any hint of sympathy was deemed a useless sentiment, a weakness, as the duty to protect the castle took precedence above all.
“Can you stand?” The gentle question tempered Cassia’s elation. The voice was unfamiliar, and the realization struck her that even the captain of the hunter’s squad could not come to her aid. She was permitted proximity to the Heart only because she served the blood mage.
“Yes,” Cassia whispered, her chapped lips parting with effort. With her master’s help, she rose, taking a moment to reacquaint herself with the rhythm of breathing and regain control over her rebellious body. But then, a sudden realization dawned upon her.
“You can speak…” Her voice trembled with despair, “…does this mean you no longer need me?”
“Quite the opposite. After what I’ve seen, I have no intention of letting you go,” Suri responded, a half-smile playing on her lips. “It appears you had a profound reason to jeopardize your life.”
“Please! Save my brother! I’ll do anything you ask! Take my body, my life—anything!” Cassia’s voice cracked with desperation, terrified of losing the slim chance she had painfully earned.
[What a pity. One of the few creatures that managed to impress Shug,] a honeyed voice echoed in Suri’s mind. She felt a gentle warmth in her hand. Probably the Thorn was still feeding. And it was none other than hers. Fortunately, it had no effect on her well-being. Or at least she didn’t feel it. Only the Heart was becoming talkative.
[You speak of her brother?]
[Exactly. The creature faces certain death and wishes to share its final breath with Shug,] the voice confirmed. [Though, such actions hold no significance for Azur.]
[He has chosen to sacrifice himself,] Suri surmised.
[The inner energy of the creature has not yet matured and will one day flourish. The potential of such a pitiful creature before Shug cannot even sprout a bud. It’s a rotten exchange, ripened on the grounds of empty emotions.]
Magister Pankratz interrupted the plea of the weakened girl. “You foolish child! How dare you argue with me over this?! On what grounds did you assume that a blood mage could heal Imber?”
For the duration, the man remained out of Cassia’s line of sight. The blood mage had firmly refused to abandon the unconscious servant, compelling him to once more exercise restraint. It would be unwise to sour relations with a potential favorite among the mages.
“What else could I do?” Cassia whispered, her lips trembling, terrified by the sight of the Council’s Head.
“Cassia, I don’t seek your life or your death,” Suri interjected. “However, to give your brother the best chance, I need a clearer understanding of his condition. You’ll need to be patient a little longer.”
Cassia dared not ask further. She merely nodded in response, pouring all her emotions into that singular movement. She also needed time to prepare her compelling arguments. Blood mages were notorious for their unpredictable nature; they seldom gave their word, and even more rarely did they honor it. Unlike others, these entities operated outside conventional laws, fueled by personal interests.
Magister Pankratz headed towards the Council chamber, ensuring the blood mage wouldn’t linger a moment longer than necessary. A long and difficult conversation awaited within. And Cassia, given her status, had no right to take part.
***
“Your path in serving the Heart is yours to choose,” the Magister declared, extending a chair with deliberate courtesy to the wild blood mage before him. “Traditionally, those preparing for the Illumination undergo rigorous training under seasoned mentors, refining their skills and facing diverse trials. Yet you have achieved without such guidance, showcasing a rare talent, even among blood mages.”
Suri ignored the evident attempts to smooth over the disregard for her life, choosing instead to focus on potential future benefits.
“Whether it’s within the Savants Circle or the Warrior’s Order, your status affords you certain privileges: senior mentors, top-tier equipment, and dedicated servants to hone your skills. I’m confident that soon, you’ll have the opportunity to align yourself with one of the elite hunter squads,” the Magister stated, his eyes sharp. “I’m intrigued to see which path you’ll choose.”
Suri’s eyes flickered with uncertainty before she finally asked, “Must I choose?”
The Magister’s fingers drifted to his chin, tracing the stubble thoughtfully. Breaking a long-standing habit is a formidable challenge. The more one strives to change, the deeper the attachment grows. A moment passed, and he seemed lost in deep contemplation. Suri believed that she wouldn’t soon see the warrior’s thick beard.
“No matter how gifted a neophyte may be,” the Magister began, his eyes meeting Suri’s with a knowing intensity, “without a proper mentor, one cannot become a warrior. Especially a warrior who has survived the descent.” The Magister yanked his hand from his face, as if reading the girl’s thoughts. “Every talent has its purpose. Should the path of the hunter not appeal to you, Archmage Velda might be an alternative. After all, you do bear a resemblance in certain aspects.”
Suri’s breath hitched, her voice a whisper. “You’re wrong. I have no abilities.”
A broad grin spread across the man’s face, but there was a glint in his eyes that suggested otherwise. “There’s no need for modesty.”
Suri’s brow furrowed, her eyes narrowing. She knew how to mask her emotions well, but at that moment, the weight of her feelings betrayed her.
“Don’t deceive me. The Heart has never shortchanged anyone.”
“If it hasn’t killed them?” Suri added.
The Magister’s gaze darkened, and his knuckles whitened as he clenched his fingers. The girl could have sworn she heard the ominous creaking of the stone chair.
“You should decide on a mentor,” he urged. “The storm cloud over Azur hasn’t disappeared, and I am investing my time only as part of our agreement.”
No matter what she said now, they wouldn’t believe her. Yet Suri hadn’t lied. Regardless of others’ opinions, the Illumination had restored her voice. If the Thorn was a unique ability of blood mages, then she had received a forbidden power from the Heart. No one must learn of this connection. But she definitely needed to understand why.
