"Several reasons. First, you’re innocent. Second, you’re talented in void magic theory that advanced is rare. Third, the people who frad you are the sa people causing problems. And fourth..." I t her eyes. "Because soone needs to stand up to the bastards who think they can destroy lives for political convenience."
Ah....I’ve really gotten good at this.
She was quiet for a long mont, studying my face like she was trying to read my soul.
"What do you want in return?" she finally asked. "And don’t sprout so bullshit, I should have known since the ti you ca for the spell. Now, what do you want?"
I did not hesitate.
"I want your expertise and your knowledge of dark magic, void theory, forbidden techniques. I want your help developing counterasures to holy magic. And eventually, I want your loyalty."
"That’s it? My knowledge and loyalty?"
"That’s not it. That’s everything i need, knowledge and loyalty are the most valuable things a person can offer."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you go back to researching desperately, hoping to find a solution before your next hearing. Which, incidentally, is scheduled for three months from now. They’re just waiting for the paperwork to clear."
Her face went white. "How do you know that?"
"I told you. I know things." I pulled out a folder I’d prepared. "This contains copies of everything I’ve gathered. Witness statents proving fabrication. Evidence that the forbidden magic materials found in your ho were planted. It’s not enough to clear you completely but it’s enough to delay the execution. Buy us ti to find more."
She took the folder with trembling hands. Flipped through it. Her breathing beca shaky.
"This is... you really did investigate thoroughly."
"I don’t do anything halfway."
"Why give this to ? You could use this as leverage and force to work for you anyway."
"I could, but then you’d resent and work for out of obligation, not loyalty. And the mont you found a better option, you’d leave." I leaned back. "I’d rather offer you a choice. Take the evidence, use it however you want. Or work with , and I’ll help you clear your na completely. Your call."
That was one thing I could not understand in books, especially on the villain part. Why force soone to work for you? It would only create more trouble as things goes on.
Ravenna stared at the folder, then at , then back at the folder.
"This is insane," she whispered. "You’re insane."
"So I’ve been told multiple tis and just this morning, in fact."
Despite everything, she smiled, it was just a flicker, but it was there. "What happens if I say yes? What exactly are you offering?"
"Protection. Lucille Nightshade’s assassination network can keep you safe from hired killers. Resources. I’ll provide money for research and access to rare materials. Legal support. My family’s will fight your case. And allies. People who will believe you because I vouch for you.
"And....I will support you in your quest to search for knowledge in the grey areas."
She went silent for a while. Then. "In exchange for my knowledge and eventual loyalty."
"Exactly."
"What’s stopping you from betraying later? Using and then throwing away?"
"Nothing." I held her gaze steadily. "You’ll have to trust that I won’t. Or don’t, and die when in chap.....fra job culminates in your public execution."
She froze. "What were you about to say there? Whatcdoes that even an? How did you know that much."
Shit. I’d almost let the system terminology slip out.
"Figure of speech," I waved my hand. "I am only talking about when the execution is scheduled."
She didn’t look convinced, but she let it pass. "You talk like you know the future."
I spoke carefully. "I know patterns...I have sothing that let get glimpses, and without stepping in, things are not looking good for you at all."
"And with your intervention?"
"I will make you legendary. And you’ll beco great in the field that most won’t study because of fear."
"That’s..." She shook her head. "That’s a lot of confidence in soone you just t."
"I’m good at reading potential. And you have more of it than almost anyone I’ve t."
Ravenna closed the folder carefully. Set it on the table between us. Her decision hung in the air.
"I need ti to think," she said finally.
"Take all the ti you need. Well, not all the ti. You’ve got about seventy-eight days before..."
"I get it." She almost smiled again. "You’ll have my answer soon."
"Good enough." I stood. "One more thing. Don’t go back to your dorm tonight. Adrian’s people know you t with . They might try sothing."
"Where should I go?"
"Underground Arena. Bottom level. Ask for Marcus Voidstep and tell him I sent you. He’ll set you up with a secure room."
"The Underground Arena? That’s....."
"Technically illegal, completely ignored by administration, and the safest place in the academy for people who need to disappear temporarily. Trust ."
She looked at for a long mont. Then nodded. "Alright. I’ll go."
"Good. And Ravenna?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For considering this. I know trust doesn’t co easy when the world’s tried to destroy you."
Sothing flickered in her expression. "You sound like you understand that personally."
I smiled slightly as I thought back to events that should never be smiled about. Then I shook my head and buried what should stay buried.
"Let’s just say I’m familiar with being underestimated and discarded." I turned to leave. "I’ll be in touch."
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