It was late into the night, the dim glow of lanterns casting flickering shadows on the walls as the disciples gathered for dinner. After a long day of learning, cultivating our skills, and exorcising restless spirits, we finally had a moment to relax and breathe.
Everyone sat cross-legged on soft cushions, their bowls and chopsticks clinking softly amidst quiet conversation. we shared bowls of warm rice and vegetables. I allowed myself to sink into the moment, letting the exhaustion of the day fade away.
As I lifted a bite of rice to my mouth, the chief approached, her presence commanding attention without a word. Her sharp gaze settled on me.
"Akira, I would like to have a word with you," she said, her tone calm yet firm.
I froze, nearly dropping my chopsticks, I swallowed quickly, nearly choking. "Ah—yes, Chief," I stammered, rising quickly. My mind raced. Did I do something wrong? Or Did I cause trouble again without knowing it?
Setting my bowl down, I followed her out of the hall, the warmth of the room fading as we stepped into the cold corridors. The lantern-lit hallways were silent except for the soft sound of our footsteps against the polished wood. She led me to the balcony, where the chill of the night air made me pull my robe tighter around me.
"I have a task for you, Akira," she began, her voice unusually hesitant.
"What is it, Chief?" I asked, my curiosity mixed with unease.
She sighed deeply, her usually calm demeanor giving way to an uncharacteristic distress. "There has been unrest in the Veela Territory. Sect leader Luliang was arrogant enough to challenge..." She paused, her gaze hardening as she finished, "the Void Tyrant."
My breath caught. "You don't mean—!"
"Yes," she interrupted gravely. "It really is him."
"But Chief," I asked, confusion clouding my voice, "what does that have to do with us?"
Her eyes drifted down, avoiding my gaze. "I sent a small group of our disciples to assist the Veela sect. They were tasked with observing and supporting, should it come to that. However..." Her voice faltered, and she sighed again, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air.
"We haven't heard from them since. They were supposed to send us updates via owl every few weeks—or immediately, if anything urgent happened. After the third week, their reports stopped, and even the owl never returned." She sighed, for the umpteenth time.
"What?!" I exclaimed, wide-eyed.
She continued, her gaze met mine. "I called you here privately because I have a favor to ask of you."
I stood frozen, the weight of her request already pressing down on me. "What is it, Chief?"
"I want you to travel to the Veela Territory and find out what's going on."
My heart pounded. The weight of her words sunk in, the implications clear. But how could I refuse? I was only a disciple of the Sekine Clan, while Maya was the new sect leader of Yangyi Sekine. She was Maya Sekine, the young sect leader who bore the burdens of the clan after the death of Uncle Quren. And me who is only just a disciple here. Though she was only 24, just five years older than me, she carried the mantle of leadership with a quiet strength I couldn't help but admire.
"Yes, Chief," I said finally, bowing my head.
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and a small, fleeting smile crossed her lips. "Thank you, Akira," she said, her voice hurried as if she feared she might lose her resolve.
She turned to leave, but paused mid-step and glanced back at me. "You will leave after everyone has gone to sleep."
"Yes, Chief," I affirmed.
"And, Akira," she added, her tone sharp.
"Yes?"
"Do not speak of this to anyone else."
Before I could respond, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving me alone on the balcony.
I stared out at the stars for a moment longer. The cold night air bit my skin, causing my face to go pale and my cheeks to flush a deep red. A shiver ran down my spine, the chill seeping through my robes and in my bones.
By dawn, I would be gone, and the Veela Territory would be mine to uncover.