I opened my eyes to the sound of continuous knocking on the window. I sat up quietly and looked over. A bird was pecking at the glass. I walked to the window and opened it, letting the bird fly in and land on a stand. I took the small bundle tied around its leg, and it flew away.
'Livi, I send you your present.'
Mother's present? I hope it's not something extreme this time. She has cut down on the extremity of her gifts, but they're still quite grand. I currently own a mansion in the capital, a research lab, and other things I can't even remember. Her presents are always extravagant, often more than I could ever need or use. Despite her attempts to be more modest, her generosity knows no bounds.
I cleaned up and walked to my bed, carrying the letters and opening them one by one.
'I was told to write a letter so here it is. Congrats, by the way.
Leo.'
Of course.
'You became a professor? That's cool! If you ever consider using my poison treatments in your research, contact me.
Skye.'
I checked it. It only works on some things; poison will only strengthen the worms.
'How is the present? I helped Phoenix pick it; he was so shy about it. And he forced everyone to write letters, isn't that considerate?
Congratulations, Faina, I hope you don't die of exhaustion.
Sienna.'
Phoenix did that? That is considerate. I wonder why.
I picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a pen with a very pointy tip. It was a beautiful pen, crafted from rich, dark mahogany with delicate gold inlays running along its length. The grip was wrapped in fine, deep green leather, embossed with intricate floral patterns. The nib, gleaming in the light, was made of polished brass, tapering to a sharp, precise point. The cap was adorned with a small emerald, adding a touch of opulence to the already exquisite piece. It looked like a pen that belonged to a noble, a timeless artifact of both function and beauty.
"I'd feel guilty using this pen," I said aloud. There was a paper inside the box, so I picked it up and read it.
'It's a good luck charm. Congratulations, you earned it.'
It wasn't signed, but I knew it was from Phoenix. I went through the rest of the letters; they were just simple congratulations, except Keith's.
'Phoenix is making a fuss about writing you a letter. It's not like you're dying or anything. Are you dying?
Anyway, what's your height now? Are you taller or shorter? Send a letter once in a while so that I can tell how far you've come.
Keith.'
I wasn't surprised. I'm sure he forgot why he was writing a letter in the first place. It's a big feat that he knew who he was sending it to.
'Faina, you're a professor? That's good to know. I'm so happy. Wow, this is surprising. Congratulations. And why is Phoenix obsessed with this letter? He's been disturbing me for weeks.
Clove.'
Why was he disturbing them to write letters? Phoenix was always nice, so it's not really surprising.
'Congratulations.
Wolfe.'
I put the letters back in their envelopes and placed them safely in a box. I'd have to start preparing to move to my own accommodation within the school.
…
I walked to my new building with Tyler by my side. I opened the door and walked in. Some people had helped me move my things, so it was easy. I saw a letter on the dining table and picked it up.
'Your present isn't something but someone. I lifted the ban on my students for a week so you can speak to your friend.
I feel sorry that I couldn't stay long, but congratulations, Livi.'
She always apologizes for leaving. I'm doing fine on my own. She's always there when I need her, so there's no need to apologize.
I heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. I opened it and saw Alia, Elwin, and Landen. They're here already. I looked around but didn't see Teon.
"I was surprised when Master said we could go see you. Even when we graduated, she still refused," Alia said as they walked in.
"I'm glad to see you," I said, closing the door, but not before looking outside one more time.
"Teon went back to… he went somewhere, so he couldn't come," Elwin said, and I nodded. He went somewhere; that's why he couldn't come. It's fine.
"Are you really staying here alone?" Alia asked. I get what she means. I'm staying in a small house in the middle of the forest.
"Yes," I replied, sitting on the floor to pat Tyler's head.
It was unexpectedly nice staying with Mother's students. They spoke as if we were old friends reunited after years apart, their laughter and easy conversation creating a warm, familiar atmosphere. But for some reason, they refused to mention Teon. Perhaps they thought I'd ask probing questions or assumed I wouldn't believe their answers. The unspoken tension lingered in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the subject they all avoided.
…
It was late, and I needed to get back home quickly. I still don't understand why I have to stay in the middle of nowhere, but it's better than staying with people. It was quiet and a good environment for concentration, it was nice except at nights like this when I have to go back up there.
"Faina," someone called, and I turned.
"Bella, Ariel," I said, turning to look at them.
"Where are you headed?" Ariel asked.
"I'm going back home," I said.
"I heard you stay in the mountains now," Bella said, and I nodded.
"Yes."
"Don't you get scared staying up there alone?" Ariel asked.
"Should I?" I never thought of it that way. It is really quiet and peaceful there. I don't see what's there to be scared of.
"Can we see it?" Bella asked.
"Sure, whenever you want to," I said.
"How about now?" Bella said, and Ariel looked at her.
"We are already running late. It's past curfew," Ariel said.
"We slept in the library," Bella replied.
"O… okay, let's go," I said.
"Are you doing this purposely?" I heard a male voice. We all turned and were met by one of the last faces I wanted to see.
"Doing what?" Ariel asked, already agitated. Calm down, calm down, it will be fine.
"I would like to speak to Miss Alden," he said.
"Go ahead," Ariel said.
"Alone," he stated. I can't be left alone with him. I don't want to be anywhere close to him.
"That's not possible," Ariel said.
"I wasn't asking," he said, stepping forward. Bella laughed, dragging her sister back.
"You need to calm down. You are too hotheaded for a lady," she said. Is she saying that right now? "Young man, we have no intentions of leaving our lady. If you can't say what you want in front of us, please keep walking," she said calmly, but I could hear the threat in her voice. Did she say young man?
"I was just curious about Faina over there. Seeing as she's very quiet, it makes me more interested. You two keep interrupting me, but in the end, I'll get what I want," he said, smiling at me. I shuddered as he turned to leave.
"That kid is something," Bella said. "We'll stay with you tonight. Is that fine?" she asked, and I nodded. I was so shaken up that I couldn't say a word.
It had been quite some time since I last encountered Walsh Rosen, not since the freshmen party. Yet, seeing him again brought back a rush of unsettling emotions, reminding me that my fear of him and his family still lingered. Initially, I had attributed my unease to his brother's intimidating presence, but now I realized it wasn't just him. The entire Rosen family seemed to evoke a sense of dread within me.
As Walsh approached, I couldn't shake the apprehension that gripped me. What did he want from me this time? His demeanor, always aloof and slightly menacing, only fueled my anxiety. I silently prayed that our paths wouldn't cross again, hoping to avoid any further encounters that would dredge up memories of past discomfort and unease.
I'm so grateful to Bella and Ariel for being here. I could never face him alone. If they weren't with me, what would have happened? I shudder to think of it, as my mind inevitably drifts back to haunting images of bloody chains. The fear that grips me is overwhelming, and the thought of confronting him without their support is unbearable.
I just need to focus on my research and make sure I reach my goal and survive. I need to push the thought of the Rosen family aside, even though I am scared, my priority is and will always be living.
My research just started fully and everything seemed to be moving at a hectic pace, I won't let anything or anyone distract me.
If only it were so easy.