Chapter - 36
"That was one strange meeting, and she was one strange lady," Jacob muttered to himself as he descended the stairs back into the main hall of the guild. He then made his way towards Seraphina and Elara.
Seraphina looked up as Jacob approached, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "How did the meeting with the guild leader go?"
Jacob shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of discomfort. "It was... peculiar. She's a sharp lady, I have to admit. Anyway, let's focus on the mission details. I need your expertise on this."
He pulled out the mission parchment and laid it out on the table between them. "I need to understand the best routes, potential dangers, and how these escort missions typically work."
Seraphina examined the parchment closely. "For this kind of mission, you'll need to be aware of a few key points. First, the route might take you through some less-traveled paths where monsters are more common. Second, make sure to check the merchant's goods and their security, as they might be targeted by thieves or rival factions."
Jacob nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. And what about the cities themselves? Any particular details I should be aware of?"
Seraphina continued, "Each city has its own quirks. Some are known for their trade routes and markets, while others might have political tensions or local gangs. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the local customs and potential trouble spots in each city. It would help you in the future as well."
Elara, standing quietly beside Jacob, listened attentively but remained silent. Jacob glanced at her and then back at Seraphina. "Thanks for the insights. I appreciate it. I'll make sure to follow your advice."
Seraphina smiled warmly. "You're welcome. And just so you know, I wouldn't mind a dinner sometime as a more fitting thank you. It would be nice to catch up," she suggested. Jacob rubbed the back of his neck, considering the offer before giving a nod of agreement.
He then turned to Elara. "Let's get going. We've got a lot to prepare for."
A few minutes later, Seraphina found herself standing in front of Althea in the guild leader's room. Althea had always been a role model for Seraphina—a paragon of strength and independence, a woman who commanded respect through her formidable skills and unyielding determination.
"Seraphina, how well do you know Jacob Turner?" Althea asked, her voice tinged with an unusual intensity.
Seraphina looked at her mentor, taken aback by the sight before her. Althea, usually composed and controlled, was breathing heavily, her nostrils flaring. A deep blush spread across her cheeks, making her look almost feverish.
"Umm... we're friends," Seraphina began, trying to make sense of the situation. "Jacob is new to the city and tends to keep to himself. I'm one of the few people he considers a friend."
Althea nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I need you to prioritize your relationship with him. Get as close to him as possible. Any other guild tasks you have can be set aside if they interfere with this. Ensure that Jacob Turner remains a loyal and content member of the Ironhelm guild. Understood?"
Seraphina was baffled by the directive. Why was the guild leader placing so much importance on Jacob? Despite her confusion, she nodded. Spending more time with Jacob, being near him, feeling his touch, imagining his lips on hers... Seraphina had to shake her head slightly to clear her mind of the enticing thoughts. Being tasked with something she already longed for seemed like a dream come true.
"Understood, Guild Leader. I'll make it my priority," Seraphina replied, her voice steady despite the racing thoughts in her mind.
"Good. You may go now," Althea said, her tone dismissive. As Seraphina left the room, Althea leaned back in her chair, releasing a deep, shuddering breath. The emotions coursing through her were a mixture of professional interest and something far more personal, something her mind wasn't quite ready to confront.
Althea's hands curled around her body, her thoughts consumed by the blue-eyed man she had just met. When Jacob was in her office, sitting before her, it took every ounce of her self-control to keep from leaping across the desk and succumbing to the overwhelming desire that surged through her. The intensity of her reaction was unlike anything she had ever experienced, and it left her feeling both exhilarated and unsettled.
As one of the strongest faerium users in the Kingdom of Avele, Althea had earned her place through relentless hard work and unwavering dedication. Her mastery of the element of lightning was unparalleled, making her a force to be reckoned with. Few could match her strength and skill, and she was accustomed to being in control. However, her encounter with Jacob had shaken that control to its core.
Althea's sensitivity to faerium allowed her to sense the extraordinary power that radiated from Jacob. It was as if a dense, swirling pool of faerium constantly enveloped him. She had never encountered anything like it before. When she attempted to probe deeper, to understand the source of this immense energy, she was nearly overwhelmed. Inside Jacob, she found a bottomless well of pure faerium, a reservoir of power so vast and pristine that it dwarfed even the greatest magic users in Mirntha.
With a frustrated sigh, Althea's hands moved to her hair. She undid the bun, letting her dark locks cascade over her shoulders. Running her fingers through her hair, she tried to steady her racing thoughts. The encounter with Jacob had left her feeling strangely vulnerable, as if she had been stripped of her defenses. Unbeknownst to her, she had already fallen victim to the hypnotic allure of Jacob's faerium. The close proximity to such raw, untamed power and her probing into it, had intensified its effect on her, embedding a deep, unrelenting desire within her.