A floorboard creaked behind her. Before she could react, strong arms seized her, and a cloth was pressed over her mouth. The world blurred as shadows closed in. When Raze woke, the room was dimly lit by a single enchanted lantern. Her hands were bound, though not too tightly. She wasn't alone.
Seated across from her was none other than the obnoxious El'Grazhia student—the one who had stopped the duel, Dyker. He regarded her lazily, swirling a small vial of liquid in his hand yet again.
"Breaking into places you don't belong? That's a bold move." His voice was amused but not unkind. She tested the bindings, arching a brow. "And knocking people out in alleys is completely normal, I assume?"
"Depends on the person." He leaned forward slightly. "You were snooping around something dangerous. You don't seem the type to be part of it, which leaves me curious—why and how are you involved in this incident?" She said nothing. "Fine, keep your silence." He stood, stretching, knowing she was the cautious type. The way she gazed at them suggested that she thought he was the enemy. "But if you want to keep breathing, you might want to consider your next moves carefully. There are people watching you, Raze." She froze.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
He had used her stage name. That meant he knew. Dyker acknowledged that the girl was definitely careful but in the kingdom's capital teeming with high rankers, where everyone is scouting, seeking new talents, scheming and regarding new enemies, there was bound to be someone who noticed her and that someone had sent him to entice her into El'Grazhia for her safety.
Dyker did not really know the reason behind the old man's decision but he'd follow through regardless, lest he become the object of his attention. The old man always knew things others didn't, plotting and scheming to his own amusement.
, Before Raze could demand answers, the door creaked open, and another student entered—a sharp-eyed girl with an air of authority. She studied Raze before turning to her companion. "Is this her?" He smirked. "Oh, definitely." The girl crossed her arms. "Then she'll have to accept the offer. Take the trials and you can join us, The Silver Order in shutting down the threat and maybe we'll overlook the fact that your theatre is getting involved in official business"
She would not be a perfect addition to their ranks, Rein thought, but it was all they could do to keep her out of the sharks tank and safe abiding by the orders they were given, after all the girl was not trained in anything other than entertainment, the other applicants and student would tear her apart despite her feigned tough exterior.
Raze was slightly confused, Dyker knowing bits of her was fine, she'd guessed he must've been the one watching her in the theatre and pieced it together with her appearance near that dumb noble spectacle, but now?
What's this nonsense about an offer of joining them? They weren't arresting her but recruiting her? Is this some sort of joke? She'd have to escape, she tested her bindings once more and hatched a plan.