Raithea bit his lip so hard that it drew blood from his flesh. The pain was little though, in comparison to what was happening with his left hand.

He was aware that it would come to this, he always was aware of the payment. The magic was taking his own skin and body as a hostage when he was performing dark magic and was returning it mangled and tormented. But he realized that the more of magic he uses, the harsher the torture is. But he couldn’t stop, not now, when he was so close, not ever. Dark magic already spread in his veins, addicting him from itself. Black, oily and restless, it was filling his arteries with hunger and boundless thirst.

Buried deep, the splinters of glass, solid and painful, were growing in his flesh, biting through it and making him want to scream. And if that was not enough, it couldn’t be removed by any other magical spell – he had to wait, until the magic dissolves into dust. People in the castle many times have seen him wearing much thicker clothes than the weather demanded. No one asked, of course and Raithea was sure that he mastered the blank expression so well that no pain was painted on his face, never.

If he had a choice, he would use different means. But first steps were in need of drastic solutions and now… now he was like on a drug, a delicious, painful and powerful drug, that was making him feel invincible… but always was taking more than it was giving.

Like every drug he ever knew.

He heard a shy knocking on his door. Arialin already resided in the chambers for the servants, closest to his own as possible. Possibly slept now, too many new things had to take their toll on his tired body. Only one person could knock so timidly and at the same time without hesitation that he will be welcomed.

He took a cape and hid the hand under it, and hoping that no blood would sell him, he stood up with certain effort and opened.

Keeral looked like he was about to sink into the ground.

“Master… forgive me for my intrusion… but, my family…”

Raithea sighed. He was tired. He was in pain. But this couldn’t wait, if he was to be called a good teacher. He never – ever – refused help, even if he seemed harsh and strict. Keeral was his own responsibility he took gladly, saving young elvin child from knowing what violence meant. Of course, the boy will taste the brutal life one way or another in the future, but Raithea wanted to make sure it won’t be the blow he cannot withstand.

“Come” he just said and showed him the chair.

Keeral wanted to blurt a dozen of words at the same time but Raithea shook his head.

“Never bring news in haste. Especially bad ones. They have too much weight.”

Keeral nodded, even if he seemed to burst. He took a few breaths, inhaling the soft scent of lavender that always was predominant in his master’s chambers. His gaze landed for a moment on fresco on the walls, the same one that frightened Arialin so much. Then, he tried again, much slower.

“My sister saw something… I am scared that it may cause trouble… I am afraid for her life.”

Since Raithea didn’t reply but looked at him with an undeciphered expression, he continued.

“She saw a murder… or she thinks she saw a murder. Near the gate… she looked through the windows, just to see a horrifying sight. Someone was killing a person. I… I don’t know if someone saw her too, but…”

“When was it?” came a collected question.

“Two nights ago.”

Raithea didn’t show anything, even one muscle not twitching on his face. Of course. Oh, of course. Even with magical precautions, Keeral’s sister saw him killing Rog. That means that Losna has a magical talent too. Which was as beautiful as dangerous. Only a rare kind of elves could see through his shield, elves who have so much magical potential that it almost spoke for a gift from the gods.

If they lived. If they existed.

A fast memory ran through his mind. A deep green overgrowth. Trees, trees everywhere. Streams and rivulets of fresh water. And strange horned creatures leaning above him, with eyes black as holes and with curiosity painted on their angular faces.

No.

That was not real. And if it was… it was long ago, in another life.

In other circumstances, Raithea would be happy for Losna. But in a human castle, a magical child, with new power which only started to bud, a great power, which trained, could be dangerous for the kingdom, found in an elf, of all… Raithea could be tired, but this was too much of a threat, not only for Losna, Keeral, but also for his plans.

“Lead me to her.”

“But, master, I…”

“She might be in great danger, indeed. And the only way I can help is if I will talk to her now.

Keeral nodded, defeated. So, his sister is indeed in danger, just as he thought. But he also trusted Raithea over any other elves here.

He led him to his family, hoping that Losna wouldn’t feel cornered. She always felt intimidated by his master.

But who didn’t?