Chapter 11
Hadrian’s Curse I
“Have you been crying?” The sandy haired professor asked.
“No.” Ciella rubbed at her eyes.
“I don’t need a weepy-eyed child in my employ. If you can’t do as you’re instructed without crying-”
“I can handle it.” Ciella snapped, “I’m Ioro’s number one.”
The sandy haired professor looked skeptical of the claim, but didn’t outright dispute her, instead returning to issuing his instructions.
The two had met in one a classroom that was not being used this semester; the professor claimed they would not be disturbed here, and Ciella had no choice but to take him at his word.
Meet our assets, do exactly as they say.
At least Ioro had simple instructions. This man seemed to love the sound of his own voice more than anything. This briefing had quickly become a lecture while this man spoke and absentmindedly played with some animator toy; two interlocked discs connected by a bead of stone that he moved between them.
Her thoughts began to drift towards the rusty-haired animator she had run into a few days, and a few minutes, ago. Her luck had been astronomically bad to run into him twice, and it seemed like a third would be inevitable. That could cause trouble for her, turn unwanted eyes in her direction. He-
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Are you listening to me? I’m not speaking for my own health and wellbeing right now.” The professor said.
“Yes,” Ciella said. “You want me to follow another one of the professors, learn their routines, and turn this,” She tapped her bracelet, “Into a master key to their offices, classrooms, and homes. Is that all, professor?” She asked sweetly.
The professor narrowed his eyes but gave a curt nod. “At the very least you can pay attention, so there’s no need to worry on that front.” He reached into a folder and pulled out a detailed sketch of a woman; the same woman with braided hair whose image Ciella had seen earlier along with a sheet of addresses and a partially built schedule. “This is the professor you’ll be following. Her name is Ivy, she’s new to teaching but you still have to exercise caution at every turn. Don’t make too bold of an impression on her, you don’t want to be too memorable.”
“I’m enrolled in her class.” Ciella said.
“Don’t stand out, but you need to have a time and place where you have access towards her.”
“If that’s all then I’m leaving.” Ciella said, making for the door.
In an instant the toy blocked her path.
“No, that is not all.” The professor said, stepping close enough that she could smell his cologne.
Ciella stepped back, but the man still towered over her, looking down with ice cold eyes. “This is not stealing jewellery off an old woman. This is not fishing into an old man’s coin purse.” His eyes grew colder, “The consequences to any fumbling or failures will be far more permanent than anything you’ve faced.”
“You’ll kill me.” Ciella stated.
The professor was silent for a minute. “I have a class to teach. Leave five minutes after I’ve left.” He stood and exited the classroom.
Ciella scowled at the man. It seemed like the world was full of Ioro’s.
But she already knew that.
She walked the few minutes in silence, steaming and lamenting and when it was finally over, counting the seconds until she could finally go home.