Katrin's eyes fluttered open as the gentle rays of the morning sun kissed her face. Disoriented and groggy, she found herself in an unfamiliar room, her gaze settling on the ornate ceiling above. Panic momentarily gripped her as she tried to recall how she had ended up here.
"You're awake; please get up," a familiar voice broke through the fog of confusion. She turned to find Duke Ethan, the man responsible for her unusual punishment, standing nearby.
"Good morning, Sir," she greeted with a slight bow, her voice laced with a touch of sarcasm. The Duke merely nodded and approached with a tray of food.
"Is this poisoned?" Katrin wondered aloud, her suspicions veiled as jest. The Duke's deep chuckle rumbled in the room, and a small shiver ran down her spine.
"No, it's not," he replied, his tone dry. "If I wanted to harm you, bunny-cat, I'd find more effective ways to do so."
Katrin's gaze flickered with uncertainty, unsure if he was jesting or making a veiled threat. She decided it was best not to delve too deeply into the matter and began to eat the food hungrily.
"My lord." he suddenly interjected as she took a bite of her meal. Katrin choked on her food, eyes widening as she stared at him in disbelief.
"What?" she managed to croak out, struggling to swallow the bread in her throat. The Duke's serious tone contrasted sharply with his previous playful demeanor.
"From now on, you are to refer to me as I am, your master, 'My lord'." he declared firmly, his gaze unwavering. Katrin felt a sense of powerlessness wash over her, reminding her of the first breakfast with the Duke's family when she had felt like an outsider.
"But, Sir—"
"My lord," he corrected, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Katrin sighed in resignation. "Yes... My lord."
Satisfied, he continued, "When you finish your breakfast, ring the bell, and a maid will come to clear it. Afterward, have a bath, and meet me in the garden. We need to have a talk."
"A talk?" Katrin inquired, perplexed by the Duke's sudden interest in conversing with her.
"Yes, a talk about your powers." he confirmed before exiting the room, leaving Katrin to her bewildered thoughts.
As she nibbled on her breakfast, Katrin's mind raced. How had the Duke discovered her secret powers? She had taken great care to keep them hidden just as Willow asked her to, but then she remembered the incident from the previous night that must have exposed her. She berated herself for her carelessness.
Dread gnawed at her as she imagined the worst possible outcomes. Would the Duke reveal her abilities to the castle? 'Was he going execute me in the garden, sell me off for my blood. Or worse, was he planning something even more sinister?' She couldn't be sure, but she knew she had to tread carefully.
With a heavy sigh, Katrin rang the bell to summon a maid to clear her breakfast. She then made her way to her room to have her bath as instructed. When she stepped out, she was shocked to see that waiting for her on the bed were a pair of rider's pants, a feminine top, and a pair of sturdy boots. Katrin had never worn trousers before, but the practicality of the attire felt oddly comforting, especially since there were no cumbersome layers of fabric to trip over.
After she had dressed in the unfamiliar but practical attire provided for her, she made her way to the garden as instructed by the Duke. Her steps were hesitant, her mind filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity about the impending conversation. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was spiraling into uncharted territory.
As she strolled through the magnificent garden, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the sweet scent of jasmine enveloped her senses. It was a stark contrast to the uncertainty that loomed over her.
Spotting a maid who had been present during the events of the previous day, she decided to approach her. "Sofia," she called out, trying to strike up a conversation. "About yesterday, I know you must be confused about what happened and I can explain but-?"
Sofia turned to her, her expression blank. "I'm sorry, but what are you talking about?"
Katrin frowned, surprised by the response. Sofia seemed to not recognize her as friend, or a least someone she'd gotten kidnaped with. It was clear that to her Katrin was just a lousy girl interfering in her chores, but how could anyone forget a day like yesterday. She had a sinking feeling that this had something to do with the duke and her secret. And with each passing moment she got more and more worried.
Pushing her concerns aside, Katrin continued on her path, eventually reaching the spot where Duke Ethan awaited her. He was seated on a stone bench, his gaze fixed on a delicate rosebush a few feet away.
"My lord," She greeted respectfully, recalling his earlier command.
He looked up at her with a faint smile and gestured for her to sit beside him. "Please, Katrin, have a seat. There's much we need to discuss."
As she settled on the bench, her curiosity got the better of her. "So you now that you know about my powers my lord, are you going to sell me off?"
Ethan regarded her with a knowing look. "I'm not that cruel, Katrin. Let's just say that your powers, could be used specifically in my favors, I just need more knowledge on it."
Katrin's heart raced. She felt exposed and vulnerable, her trust in the Duke shaken. "Then, what do you intend to do with this knowledge, My lord?"
Ethan's expression softened, and he leaned closer. "I don't intend to use your secret against you, Katrin. In fact, I want to help you, and in return; you help me."
Confusion washed over her. "Help you? with what?"
The Duke's gaze bore into hers, and for a moment, he seemed almost vulnerable. "I see potential in you, Katrin. and I know the destiny that awaits you, one that involves embracing your powers and using them for a greater purpose, that's what I want. but in a different way."
Katrin's mind swirled with questions, but she couldn't deny the intensity in Ethan's eyes. "What way do you speak of?"
Ethan sighed, as if grappling with the weight of his words. "I am not just an ordinary Wizard, Katrin. I possess abilities beyond what most can comprehend. I can read minds, erase memories, and manipulate reality to some extent all without using spells or wands."
Katrin's eyes widened in astonishment. She had heard of such powers in tales and legends of old and powerful wizards, but she had never imagined they could be real. "You can read minds, Erase memories. What are you?"
Ethan nodded. "What I'm I doesn't matter jut know that I have used my abilities to your aid. When I understood the magnitude of the powers you posses, I realized the danger you could be in if others found out. So to protect you, I cleaned the memories of the maids who witnessed your abilities."
Katrin was speechless, her mind racing to process the revelations. "You did that to protect me?"
Ethan nodded again. "Yes, Katrin. You are special, and your powers are a gift. You are destined for destruction. But, you are also destined to save our world in the process. Your powers can also act as a curse if you do not properly harness them. I want to train you, guide you, so that you can be prepared for what lies ahead."
Katrin felt a mix of emotions—fear, awe, and gratitude. Her life had taken an unexpected turn, and she was now faced with a future filled with mysteries and challenges. But she knew one thing for certain: If she had a mentor like Duke Ethan, a powerful and enigmatic figure who understood her destine, then wouldn't that make things easier.
She contemplated her Ethan's offer, her thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty and intrigue. The idea of mastering her abilities both excited and frightened her. She knew that without guidance, her 'gift' could easily spiral out of control, putting herself and others in danger. And if this man, with his extraordinary abilities, was willing to mentor her, perhaps it was an opportunity she couldn't afford to pass up.
After the moment of contemplation, Katrin nodded with determination. "I'll agree to your training, my lord, on one condition: you must promise not to use my powers against me or anyone else."
Ethan's eyes softened, and he extended his hand towards her. "I promise, Katrin. I will be your mentor, not your adversary."
With a firm handshake, their pact was sealed.
Ethan wasted no time. He rose from the bench and gestured for Katrin to follow him. "Come with me, Katrin. I'll show you where your training will begin."
They left the picturesque garden behind and ascended a series of narrow staircases that wound their way to the top floor of the castle—a place restricted to maids and guests. The air grew cooler, and Katrin couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mixed with trepidation.
"Where are we going?" she asked, but Ethan didn't answer so she stay silent. Finally, they arrived at a heavy, ornate door, the entrance to Duke Ethan's laboratory. As the door creaked open, Katrin's eyes widened in wonder. The laboratory was unlike anything she had ever seen.
The room was bathed in soft, ethereal light emanating from crystalline formations embedded in the walls and ceiling. Shelves lined with ancient tomes, alchemical ingredients, and curious artifacts stretched along one side of the room. A large, ornate table dominated the center, covered in scrolls, parchment, and intricate diagrams.
In one corner, a collection of exotic plants thrived under carefully controlled conditions, their leaves and blossoms glowing with faint, otherworldly hues. On the opposite side, a massive, gleaming telescope stood, its lens aimed at the stars.
Ethan watched Katrin's awestruck expression with a hint of pride. "Welcome to my laboratory, Katrin. This is where we will explore the depths of your abilities and uncover the mysteries of your powers."
Katrin couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a touch of trepidation. She had entered a world of wonder and intrigue, one that held the promise of unlocking her true potential. As she gazed around the laboratory, she knew that her journey was just beginning, and she was ready to embrace the challenges and discoveries that lay ahead.
As she marveled at the wonders of the laboratory, Ethan's voice broke through her reverie. "But before we delve into the mysteries of your powers, Katrin, there's another aspect of your training we need to address. You must learn physical defense."
Katrin turned to him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Physical defense? Why is that necessary?"
Ethan's expression grew serious. "Because, my dear, there may come a time when your powers alone won't be enough to protect you. You must be able to defend yourself in the face of danger, especially in a world filled with unpredictable challenges."
Katrin considered his words carefully. She knew he was right. Her powers were a valuable asset, but they couldn't be relied upon exclusively. She nodded in agreement. "Alright, my lord. I'm willing to learn."
A hint of satisfaction crossed Ethan's features. "Good. You'll be receiving combat training from my brother. He's an exceptional swordsman and will teach you the art of self-defense."
"Prince Felix!" Katrin's eyes widened at the thought of learning from a Prince. She had sometimes secretly watched the knights train with him and she was aware of how good he was at welding both his weapons, and magic. The prospect of training with him filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Before she could ask any further questions, a sudden, ominous knock echoed through the laboratory's door, shattering the tranquil atmosphere.
Ethan's eyes narrowed, and he motioned for Katrin to stay quiet. With caution, he approached the door, his hand hovering near the hilt of a concealed weapon.
Another series of knocks, louder and more urgent, resonated through the room, setting Katrin's heart pounding with unease.
Ethan cast one last glance at Katrin before carefully opening the door, revealing a figure whose identity remained concealed in the shadows of the corridor.
As the figure stepped into the laboratory, Katrin's instincts screamed with a sense of foreboding. Whatever had just arrived had the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of her new life and training.
With bated breath, Katrin waited for the unknown visitor to reveal their purpose and the secrets they might hold.