Indeed, at this mont, Jack's curiosity burned brighter than the candlelight in the room. He wanted to know exactly what had brought the lady of the church to this school.
'And why is that fool wandering out of his section in the dead of night?' Jack wondered, a frown shadowing his tiny form.
So many pieces felt out of place tonight, and Jack was determined to find out just what these two were discussing. The timing was perfect, and his disguise flawless. Though Jack's natural skill, [Dark Cloak], made his magical presence nearly undetectable, he wasn't in his true body right now. But as a small, nearly invisible beast, he was practically untraceable.
A sly grin spread across Jack's face as he scuttled forward, tiny legs carrying him with ease. Reaching the door, he slipped beneath it effortlessly, entering the dimly lit room. The golden glow of a candle greeted him, casting flickering shadows that danced over elegant tapestries and gilded furniture, adding an aura of quiet opulence to the space.
"Alisha…" Jas began with a small, nervous cough. Though she'd instructed him countless tis to use her na, the hesitation still lingered in his voice. "I… we… are all concerned about your safety. The high priests are worried too. Things are unstable, and your life—"
"You talk as if I can't protect myself." Alisha's voice, though soft, carried an unmistakable edge. Her hand froze as she brushed her silvery hair, and her piercing red gaze reflected in the mirror, eting Jas's eyes with defiance. "You all doubt , even now. Mother wouldn't have entrusted her powers to if she didn't believe in my abilities. Do you think she'd choose a weak successor?"
Jas winced under her steady gaze, his face shadowed with doubt and frustration. "It's not your strength we question, Alisha. It's just… these lunatics out there won't rest until they've sent your soul to the afterlife, just like they did to her." He swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on him. "We need you. The people need you."
Alisha's fingers paused on a lock of hair, and she gazed at her own reflection with a slight, almost wistful smile. Her fingers lingered on the strand that had been sliced short—a nto from her encounter with Jack. Her gaze grew distant, thoughtful.
"Do you rember the young man I dueled?" she asked, her voice low.
Jas's expression darkened imdiately. "I rember, Alisha," he replied, struggling to keep his tone neutral, but resentnt simred in his eyes at the ntion of Jack.
'Oh, that fool again,' Jack thought with a smirk. 'So, this eting is about , is it? How flattering.'
Jas's teeth clenched, and his mind churned with suspicion. He had long suspected that Alisha's sudden interest in remaining at the school had sothing to do with that boy. But why?
"That boy… he has a rare blessing," Alisha continued, her gaze focused on the faint scar at her neck where Jack's blade had grazed her. "His karma far outweighs even mine. There's sothing unusual about his power—sothing imnse. I can't even gauge its limits. He has potential beyond anything I've seen, and I intend to find out why. He could be an asset to the church, a saint even. We need him."
Hidden in the shadows, Jack's eyes narrowed. He could barely contain his laughter. 'She wants … to join the church? With all their holy decrees and strict rules? The very institution that could pose the greatest threat to my plans? She's more naïve than I thought.'
"That's absurd!" Jas burst out, his voice tight with anger. His fists clenched as he glared at Alisha. "No one has as much of a blessing as you do, Alisha. You are the one chosen by the Light! How could so unknown boy be your equal?"
"Are you questioning , Jas?" Alisha's voice turned cold, her calm gaze piercing into him through the mirror's reflection. Her eyes flared crimson, and a palpable energy surged through the room. It was a quiet warning, one that sent a chill down Jas's spine.
Jack observed the power exchange with fascination. Alisha's authority was unmistakable, and her presence grew more formidable with each passing mont. She was no re priestess; she was soone who could command with a single glance.
"No… no, Alisha." Jas's voice trembled slightly, his body straining under the unseen pressure she'd cast over him. Beads of sweat ford on his brow as he struggled to breathe. "I apologize… I didn't an…"
Alisha's lips curled into a faint, mirthless smile. "Good. I gave you an answer, and you'll deliver it to the elders as I have said. I want that boy's potential understood. And as for the high priests, they should focus on preserving the faith, not constantly questioning my judgnt. I may be young, but they would do well to rember that I am the rightful successor. Whatever I do, I do for the Lord's will. Our enemies are increasing in strength, and soon, the planes will be flooded with dark forces. If the gates are breached, we'll all be at risk. We need every capable hand in preparation."
Alisha's voice was calm, but her words struck like a hamr, each one carrying a fierce resolve. Jack shivered, recognizing her growing ambition. She wasn't just so figurehead of faith. She was serious, and if her plans ca to fruition, she would be a formidable foe indeed.
Jas gave a low bow, his face still pale from her display of strength. "As you command, Alisha. I'll inform the elders of your decision."
Alisha held his gaze for a mont longer, then nodded slightly. "Good." She tilted her head, her voice softening but her authority unshaken. "Now, leave . I have much to consider."
"Yes, my l—Alisha," Jas stamred, bowing again before he retreated, moving toward the door with hurried, quiet steps. He drew a deep, calming breath as he exited, closing the door softly behind him.
The door clicked shut, leaving Jack alone in the flickering candlelight with Alisha. She resud brushing her long, silvery hair, each stroke a steady rhythm that seed to echo through the silence. Jack observed her from the shadows, his mind racing with plans of his own.
'So, she's dead set on following , trying to learn more about . If she keeps this up, she'll discover my powers sooner or later… and that would ruin everything.' Jack's gaze hardened, his mind already assessing the potential threats and strategies. Alisha was becoming a threat. If she continued down this path, she'd be soone he'd have to eliminate—and soon.
Watching her reflection, he felt an odd mixture of amusent and admiration. She was formidable, that much was certain, and her authority was unlike anyone else he'd encountered. But that would make defeating her all the more satisfying.
'When we enter the planes, I'll find a way to deal with her,' Jack vowed, his resolve hardening. 'She won't stand in my way… not for long.'
Reviews
All reviews (0)