An old man blocked our path before we entered. He was the most beautiful old man I'd ever seen—his long, straight white beard and hair nearly touched the ground. His cane was carved from blackwood, wrapped in gold strips that spiraled around it, and the hilt was hollow, holding a violet gemstone that glowed faintly. Apparently, we needed the Obsidian Sigil to be granted access to the Vault.
I raised my eyebrows at Theo, expectant. But he turned his head sharply, let out a huff and crossed his arms. "I don't have it. Only the Headmaster and his commanders are allowed to carry it."
It was very tempting at this point killing him, but I had to hold myself back ,he was useful.
On our way back, we passed by the training grounds, where only one woman was training her combat drills.
She had chin-length black hair, and up close, her eyes matched Darius's.
"Don't even think about approaching her," Theo said, standing beside me, watching her with a strange spark in his eyes. "She's the first in command of our House—and the Headmaster's right hand."
When he saw the intrigue in my eyes, he shook his head frantically. "No. No. No. No. She despises the curse." He didn't explain further. He didn't need to. We both knew he meant the curse I was born with.
He continued, "She was the only one who opposed bringing you here for that relic. But Darius insisted—and brought you against her will."
I smiled and paid him no mind. I walked toward her. He muttered a string of curses and rushed after me.
I raised my hand in greeting. "Hi—" Before I could finish, she lunged at me and struck. Her punch landed squarely on my face, laced with magic so strong it drew blood.
I lay on my back, staring up at the sky—and I smiled.
Theo tried to intervene, but she hit him so hard he went flying across the training grounds, crashing into what looked like the Armory.
So this is what alchemy can do.
"You wicked monster," she spat.
Monster.
"How dare you speak to me, you lowly creature," she continued, starting at me again. But at that moment, Darius came rushing in, snatching me out of her grip.
I heard a quiet "Shit" from Theo's direction.
Darius grabbed both of her wrists. "What are you doing, Rhea? This isn't what we agreed on," he said, voice raised and sharp.
Theo rushed to my side, checking my face. His eyes widened as he watched it heal—my nose shifting back into place, the blood fading.
He didn't ask questions. He simply offered his hands and helped me to my feet. "I told you that was a stupid idea," he whispered in my ear.
Rhea yanked her hands free from Darius's grip, let out a hateful huff, and stormed off, furious.
"What in the world?" Darius stared at us both, his eyes gleaming. "YOU. I told you she wasn't supposed to leave her room until training begins," he snapped at Theo.
But Theo couldn't respond. He just lowered his gaze.
Darius turned and sent us back. "Training starts in two hours. Try not to do anything stupid before then."
Theo was guarding the room, visibly frustrated, and had refused to speak to me since then.
I lay on my back on the bed, one hand tucked behind my head. I stared at the stolen sigil between my fingers, contemplating it—and smiled.