PENELOPE KALLIS:

Sitting in the garden, I watched the unnamed half-fae fidget with the flower Ellie gave her, a red rose our mother loved dearly. The sun still shined above us, but Ellie and the twins exhausted themselves while running around the mansion, causing mischief, a sneak peek of what was to come now that they were staying with us. However, the half-fae’s fate had yet to be determined as we were soon meeting with Father and his friend, Geron.

There was still so much I didn’t know about her, yet every time I looked at her, I couldn’t see anything other than a sweet girl tired of struggling to live. I often caught her staring off into the distance as if she hadn’t seen the sun in years, but she didn’t show a hint of sadness, only joy.

“You can ask me, you know?” she said, gazing at the flower she spun with her fingers.

“Sorry,” I said, averting my gaze as I must’ve stared for quite a while.

“You saved me,” she whispered, and when I turned to her, our eyes finally met. “The least I could do is tell you about myself.”

“You don’t have to force yourself,” I reassured her.

“I’m not,” she smiled at me, sniffing the flower before letting out a content sigh. “Would you like me to start from the beginning?”

“If you want, sure,” I said, reaching for her hand gently but stopping myself halfway. “May I?”

She looked confused, then realized what I was asking and nodded, grabbing my hand before I could react. Her cheerful smile helped reassure me she was happy, which helped ease my heart for more than one reason.

“Let’s see. . .” she hummed, thinking about where to start. “I was born in Sylvania and abandoned after my mother realized the grave mistake she made giving birth to a child with fiendish blood. I was two when my horns began growing, among other features.”

“Other features?” I asked, assuming she meant eyes.

The fact that she was born on the eastern continent didn’t surprise me, considering she was half-fae, making me wonder what her mother was.

“I’m sure you’re aware a succubus can shapeshift, and a half-succubus like me is no exception,” she explained, stretching her legs out and crossing them at the ankles. “However, this is as close to my true form as it gets.”

“I thought they sealed away all your powers?”

“They did other than short-range telepathy. That’s why I can’t change back to my true form. I happen to have a pair of bat-like wings as well. Small ones, though.”

“Does that mean you can fly?”

“Yes, but I’m not good at it since they never let me use them.”

“That’s–”

“Sad?” she asked, looking up at the sky. “Not really. If you think about it, I can’t miss something I never had a chance to enjoy in the first place. Besides, I’m afraid of heights, so even if I could, I doubt I’d fly around much.”

“Yeah, not a fan either. . .”

“Glad I’m not the only one,” she giggled, gazing into my eyes that, until now, were never still. For a while, she’d only looked at me in passing as if constantly looking for something new, afraid of missing out. I couldn’t imagine what she must’ve gone through. “Anyway, my shapeshifting is very limiting. I can only make minor alterations to my form, like changing the color of my eyes and hair or hiding my wings and fangs.”

She opened her mouth, dragging her tongue across the vampire-like teeth that looked cute rather than threatening because of her youthful appearance.

“Do you know how old you are?”

“Seventeen, but I’m turning eighteen around the start of next year.”

“Is that so? Then in a few months, I’ll have to give you a birthday gift,” I said, immediately thinking of what I could get her. “To think we’re not even a year apart.”

“A birthday gift?” She tilted her head, puzzled by what I said.

“Yes. It’s tradition to give a person a gift for their birthday to celebrate,” I explained, reaching for my necklace, a silver chain shackling a turtle’s leg. “For example, I got from my brother before the ambush. Though it might look like a simple trinket, it’s by far my favorite gift.”

“Do you miss him?”

“I do, dearly,” I whispered, tightening my grip on the turtle figurine. “But he’ll come back.”

“Will I get to meet him?”

“Why wouldn’t you?” I asked, nudging her gently. “You’re here to stay, but we’re yet to talk to Father about restoring your powers.”

“I don’t need them,” she said, averting her gaze with a timid smile. “If you’re afraid I might harm you, I don’t want them. It’s a small price to pay for freedom.”

“But would it be freedom if you still had shackles bound to you?” I asked, causing her to think.

“When the Syndicate took me, I was but a small child with an innate core. They trained me and treated me like a tool most of my life while acting like I was one of them. Forcing me to fight, spy, and seduce whoever needed to be under their control–”

“They forced you to–” I rudely interrupted, unable to even say what came to mind.

Despite trying to hide how angry I felt, my trembling lips and right hand gripping the dress gave me away. Considering she was part succubus, I wondered why I was so surprised at the idea of her being forced onto men.

“Nothing like that happened,” she said, chuckling at my reaction. “I was referring to my innate ability to charm that all succubi have.”

“Oh. . .” I felt dumb but assuming the worst wasn’t overreaching. “So you didn’t actually. . . you know?”

“Sleep with them? No.”

I exhaled, clueless as to how to act around her.

“Anyway, shall I continue?” She looked at me and continued after I nodded, “As I was saying, they used me, and once I realized what I was helping them do after figuring out their lies, I refused to cooperate. Of course, they tried countless methods to control me, but when even mind control magic failed, they decided to put me up on auction. Might as well earn money off me, right?”

“I’m surprised they didn’t put a slave mark on you.”

“The slave mark is a curse, not an oath. Succubi and other fiends are immune to such weak magic.”

“Then how were they planning on selling you?”

“With my powers sealed, I wouldn’t have a way of running away.”

“I see. . . But if you spent so much time with the Syndicate, then do you know a lot about them? Maybe you could help us get rid of them for good.”

“I’ll share whatever I know when we meet with your father, but it’s not much. Is that okay with you?”

“Thank you,” I said, dropping my gaze to the rose she still held. “I’m guessing you really like it.”

“The flower?” She asked with a gentle smile, pulling it closer to her nose and taking a sniff. “Elena gave it to me, saying it matched my eyes. It was the first time someone saw them as something other than a reminder of who I am. So yeah. I’d say it’s my favorite.”

“Get used to it,” I had the urge to compliment her gemlike eyes but refrained from doing so. “Ellie says the sweetest things without realizing how meaningful they are, but she’ll balance it out with–. . . You know what? I’ll let you figure that one out on your own.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I can’t wait.” We both had a lighthearted laugh for a change.

“Mind if I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“You mentioned not having a name. . . Is that true?”

“I mean, I probably do, but I don’t remember it,” she explained, taking a deep breath. “The Syndicate gave me so many names to use for the sake of my missions that I don’t know which one was first, so in a sense, I don’t have a name I relate to.”

“Hmm. . .” I kept staring at the rose and then back at her. “What about Rosaline? And Rose could be a nickname.”

“You’re giving me a name?”

“Ah. . . Sorry, I was just trying to make a suggestion. Don’t mind me,” I awkwardly laughed, looking away embarrassed. “Thought maybe you wanted to pick one.”

“I love it,” her gentle voice whispered.

“Huh?” I turned to meet her eyes but caught myself captivated by her beaming smile. “Oh. . . I’m glad.”

“Rosaline, a lovely rose,” she whispered, playing with the flower. “Thank you. . . for giving me a name.”

“Y–You’re welcome.” Feeling flustered, I couldn’t help but smile as I whispered her name, “Rosaline.”

----------------------------------------

“Whoever placed this seal knew what they were doing. I’ll give them that,” said Geron, a man that looked significantly younger than he probably was, considering he knew my father.

“Can you break it?” Father asked, leaning against the desk as candlelight illuminated the room.

“You’re joking, right?” He laughed, gazing at me with his hazel eyes and a soft smile before turning to Father. “Maybe it’d be difficult if I was at the same stage as you.”

“Stop being smug and tell me the details.” Father kept his typical commanding tone despite their unusual friendship.

“The girl’s powers are indeed sealed away, and unless she suddenly breaks into the seventh circle, she’s not breaking it on her own.”

“Sorry. . .” I interrupted as quietly as possible. “Rosaline or Rose. . . That’s her name.”

Father cleared his throat with one hand covering his mouth. “So, does that mean. . . Rosaline will eventually break it on her own?”

“If she could strengthen her core, but she can’t.” Geron crossed his arms, looking back at Rose, who quietly stood and waited for her turn to speak. “The seal blocks her ability to manipulate mana and her innate abilities, meaning she can’t shapechange nor use charm.”

My father hummed, pinching his chin before turning his attention to Rose.

“You look as if you have something to say. Speak.”

I often cracked under Father’s stern voice, but Rose looked unfazed by his heavy presence that left many stuttering during debates.

“Thank you,” she said, bowing respectfully, similarly to how she did when we first entered. “Firstly, I wanted to express my gratitude for saving me back at the auction. The freedom you’ve bestowed upon me will forever leave me indebted.”

“I appreciate the gratitude, but there’s no need for you to worry about that.”

“Thank you,” she said again, looking composed. “Then shall I tell what was briefly mentioned to Lady Penelope?”

She paused as we all intently listened.

“Go on,” Father said, softening his voice and crossing his arms.

“There’s no need for you to remove the seal from me, and I shall tell you everything I know about the organization behind the ambush that took your son away from your family. In return, I ask that you don’t just cast me aside with nothing. I’d like at least a set of traveling clothes and a bit of money until I find a place to stay if I’m not allowed to stay with Lady Penelope.”

“But we already said you could stay,” I interrupted, feeling she had misunderstood me earlier.

“I’m aware, but at the same time, I know how being pressured could sway an opinion. It’s only fair for your father to reconsider now that some time has passed.”

“Why did you ask for your powers to stay sealed?” Geron asked, gripping the blue vest of his noble attire.

“It would make everyone uncomfortable having someone like me running around while being a sixth circle mage, which is the last thing I want. I’d rather adapt to the world so I can live in peace than have a bit of power and be cast away.”

Geron turned to my father and nodded as Rose looked adamant about having her powers bound.

“Regardless of our decision, we won’t be kicking you out, Rosaline,” Father reassured her, drawing a deep breath and pushing himself away from the table. “I already talked to my wife, so you and the twins can stay indefinitely.”

“Then I truly have no need for my powers.” Rose smiled, looking content.

“Penelope, what do you think about all this? After all, you’re the one responsible for her,” Father asked for my opinion, a gesture I deeply appreciated.

“Honestly? Maybe I’d be a bit disappointed if we kept her powers sealed, but I’d understand the decision. Besides, Rose agreed before you decided, and since she’ll be staying with us, I know we’ll take care of her.”

“I agree,” Father said. “Since we’ll be taking care of you and I’d be responsible for your well-being, we shall go with the safest option.”

It was to be expected. Few would argue against letting someone like Rose run around the kingdom, let alone a Duke’s house. If she ever managed to charm my father, she’d seize control over a massive region, but I doubt Rose could do it even if she tried. After all, his entire office was heavily warded.

There was even a Circle of Truth underneath the carpet that I discovered while he was away. It allowed Father to know if someone was lying, but it wasn’t perfect. Some spells could influence the circle, but it worked flawlessly against someone with sealed powers and my foolish brothers, who sometimes lied in an attempt to get out of trouble.

Despite knowing Rose was honest, my father understood better than anyone that opinions change. There was no amount of loyalty Rose could show that would outway the risk of her going rogue, so unless something extreme happened, his decision was likely to stay the same.

“Nobody going to ask me anything?” Geron spoke up, stealing our attention as he smugly chuckled. “What if I told you that there was a solution for this mess that would potentially make everyone happy?”

“Please. . . tell us,” I said, knowing Rose wasn’t going to and father was satisfied with how things concluded.

“Alright, listen. This was something I wished to offer Rose had your father said no to her staying here, but it seems I won’t be getting such a chance.” He looked at my father and sighed. “You see, being part succubus and part fae is a tricky combination, but one that’s perfect for forming a blood bond.”

“What’s a blood bond?” I asked.

“High-level magic that bounds two creatures together, making Rose essentially your familiar.”

Familiars were magical entities, typically animals, a mage’s servant of sorts.

“That doesn’t make it better, though. . . Rose would just be chained down to me instead.”

“True, but she’d regain a portion of her powers while your father can rest his mind knowing she couldn’t betray you even if she wanted. After all, only someone like the headmaster of the Grand Academy of Nuia could forcefully break a blood bond. Rose would be of great help in your career as a mage.”

“I’ve never heard of a third-circle mage having a sixth-circle familiar,” Father commented. “How would that dynamic work exactly?”

“Rose would only be allowed to utilize the same tier of magic as Penelope.”

“Does that mean Rose will get stronger the stronger I become?”

“That’s right,” he said proudly.

“But I don’t want to be her master.” I looked over at Rose. “I want her to be free if possible.”

“In a way, that’s freedom,” he pointed out. “If she’s to stay with you, don’t you think giving her the power to protect herself and you while also helping you achieve greater heights would be something she wants?”

“I think that question is best reserved for the person in question,” Father interrupted, looking at Rose. “What do you think?”

“I’d be happy to help Penelope in any way I can, but the decision is ultimately yours,” Rose unhesitantly answered.

“I still don’t trust it,” Father said, turning back to Geron. “The blood contract. If I’m going to allow anyone to follow my daughter, then I have to make sure she’s safe above everything else. I learned the hard way what carelessness leads to.”

“Well, that’s the thing. . . Rose wouldn’t be able to betray Penelope intentionally. Doing so would shatter her core, making her permanently powerless.”

“Wouldn’t that potentially kill her?” I asked, thinking it was ridiculous. “What if I wanted to harm someone she cared about? Wouldn’t she be forced to watch?”

“Yes, which is why when choosing a master, a familiar must carefully think it through,” Geron explained. “That’s the inherent risk of a blood bond.”

“That’s fine,” Rose spoke up, reassuring me with a smile. “I have no such bonds, nor do I believe you’d ever do anything to wrong me.”

“I should point out that a blood bond is not a slave contract, meaning that you can’t force Rose to do something she’s not willing to do. Maybe that makes you feel better.”

“Penelope,” Rose called out to me. “I’m willing to do it if it’s with you.”

“Before I agree!” I raised my voice, needing everyone to let me speak without interruptions. “You mentioned that only the headmaster could forcibly break a blood bond, but I must know. . . is there a way for me to end it?”

“As long as you’re not under the influence of foreign mana and are willing, you can break the bond without any penalties since you’re the master.”

“Father?” I looked at him, wondering if he had made a decision.

“Hmm. . .” He stroked his chin, taking his time to answer. “Very well. I shall approve of her becoming your familiar if you so choose.”

I sighed in relief, happy that it was up to me in the end. The deal wasn’t bad and would help me in the future, especially at the Academy.

“Rose.”

“Hmm?”

“Are you sure about this?” I asked, understanding that it was a lifelong commitment she’d be making.

“Without a doubt.”

No matter how much I stared at her, Rose’s determination stayed unwavering.

“Then I’ll be honored to have you by my side,” I said, extending my hand with my palm facing up.

“I shall be in your care.” Rose smiled, giving me her hand.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.