Weeks passed as Althea carried on training with Arsalan and spending time with her friends each day, acting as if everything was normal. It wasn't however, for Althea had continued taking more and more books every few days from the hidden library. She had such a vast knowledge now of the cadre that she wondered if anyone else here even knew the things she did. It was widely thought that the cadre was formed after an already powerful sorcerer who called himself Astaroth, had stolen the power of a god to make himself stronger and truly immortal. However, he’d not stolen the power from just any god, the books Althea had scoured, declared that Astaroth had taken the power of the deity of death.
By stealing that power, Astraroth had unleashed a kind of turmoil the world had never known, the death god went on a rampage, burning the world to cinders as he searched for the man who had taken his power. He’d promised to damn all of humanity until he got his power back, and so entire kingdoms rallied their forces to find Astaroth and bring him to the deity, just so the hell unleashed over their world would end.
But Astaroth was clever, and knew he could not outrun those who hunted him forever, so he had cast a spell to remove the gods power from himself and place it within an object. He then sent that object through time, hiding it within space and time itself, so that the god would never find it.
To protect the human’s from the death god’s wrath, six individuals, from various parts of the world, banded together and successfully fractured their world in two, cleaving the human world from the magic realm. The object he’d sent through time was called the flame. And the six original members of the cadre, now the Board of the Ageless, had been the only individuals left in this plane who still possessed any magic. They had created the cadre as a way to keep a piece of their lineage alive.
Althea had also learned a much more vast amount of all that her ability encompassed. Throughout history there were many who recollected, before going mad, of the various skills they had learned. From time pausing, to seeing and visiting other times, to using time attacks. She also found it quite interesting that some had even spoken of rewinding time and redoing things they'd realised they'd done wrong, as well as going back in time to heal wounds they'd received. There had even been writings of masters manipulating the ageing process and not seeming to age for multiple years. She wondered if Arsalan knew any of this? She hadn't told anyone, not even him or her friends, of anything she had read in these ancient texts, and withholding it from them had weighed on her conscience.
Jasper was still away on his mission, but he had written her a letter, stating that he was okay and would be back soon. He couldn't reveal any of the details of his mission to her, but he did say that it wasn't anything dangerous. Although Althea missed him immensely, she was a bit grateful for his absence. She didn't know how she would refrain from telling him of her findings.
It was Tuesday now, and this weekend was the autumn equinox ball at the institution. According to Monique, every equinox and solstice the cadre held a ball at one of the institutions around the world. This quarter it was here at the London institution. Over the last week everyone seemed to be buzzing with activity, from the girls giddily picking their dresses and talking of the courtiers and friends they were excited to see from the other institutions, to the staff busy cleaning and decorating. Everyone was ready for an excuse to venture away from their regular activities and practices for a night of fun. From what Monique, James and Meg had told her of the balls they hosted, both here and at the other institutions, they put human gatherings to shame by comparison.
She and Arsalan had moved from balancing her creativity, to enhancing her determination, and now this week they had begun to balance her heart.
She laid in beneath the covers now, having just awoken for the morning. Her newest friend, who she had decided to name Archibald, or Archie for short, laid curled up at the foot of her large bed. The calico ball of fur had remained in or around her bedchamber since the first night he'd led her to the hidden library. She’d asked Monique about the feline, wondering if he was the institution’s mouser but she’d declared they kept out any small animals with the use of magic, so she wasn’t certain where the cat had come from.
When he felt her stretch her limbs, waking from her sleep, he did the same, pawing his way up her bed towards her. It had become her new routine to wake every morning, pet him and feed him whatever leftover scraps she had from dinner the night before. Already he had begun to put on some healthy weight and looked the part of a good pet cat.
"Good morning Archie," she yawned, reaching over to pat his head. He purred in response.
After readying herself for the day, Althea went down to the dining hall for breakfast before training.
Before walking into the dining hall she was greeted by Zella at the bottom of the stairs. Her and the girl had grown rather close over the last weeks, and they now spent much of their free time, roaming the institution’s grounds, in the library or simply sitting in the common areas chatting together.
"Good morning sunshine," Zella beamed at her, displaying a wide grin. Althea raised a questioning brow at the young girl's slightly overbearing delight to see her.
"Good morning to you too," Althea chuckled as she took her last step off of the staircase.
"Soo," Zella drew out the word, glancing sidelong at Althea who was now at the girls side, "I know you said you were likely going to wear one of the dresses you already had this week for the ball, but I was wondering if you might want to join me this afternoon to help me find one? It's just... this is my first official ball, and I want to make it memorable for myself, you know?"
Althea turned to her and smiled.
"Of course I will help you pick a dress! I would love to! Although, I don't know how much help I'll be, I'm not really up to date with current fashion etiquette," Althea said honestly. She wasn't sure what people would be wearing to the ball this weekend. So far the women at the institution didn't have as bad of taste in luxury fashion as they had amongst the regular humans. But she still sometimes felt out of place with the gowns she chose for their Sunday feasts.
"And that is exactly why I want you to be there with me," Zella beamed, "you think I want to look like everyone else? Definitely not. I love that you always create your own sparkle in a crowd where everyone blends together."
Zellas words made Althea's heart ache. Hearing that really made her happy. She didn't think anyone noticed the way she dressed or really noticed her in general. After the first week of her arrival, when everyone's eyes had been fixated on her, and the whispers swirled and carried through the air to her ears, things had calmed down quickly. Now she felt lucky if anyone glanced in her direction throughout the day. Not that she minded though, she hated when extra attention was spared on her. She and Zella agreed to meet after Althea's training was over for the day.
After breakfast, Althea walked out to the training yard to meet with Arsalan. She was silently dreading whatever they were to do today. It felt like over the last couple of weeks, all he had done was work her to death. Her muscles had been in a constant state of agony, and her feet hurt from all the standing and holding poses she'd been doing.
When she made it to the large oak tree, Arsalan was not yet there. With a sigh, she set down her small bag of stones and started to walk towards the base of the tree to seat herself beneath its shade.
She heard something snap before– "Ahhh!" She lunged back, nearly losing her balance when the back of her foot met with a jagged tree root. Arsalan had jumped out in front of her, roaring a yell.
"Arsalan!" Althea yelled through clenched teeth, holding her rapidly beating chest.
He laughed so hard he held his stomach, hunching over in giddy delight at the fact he had scared her so tremendously. She balled her hands into fists. She hated being scared and he knew that. Suddenly the rage built up so quickly she had no time to cool herself down.
She lunged for his legs, and was surprised when she wasn't met with an instant mass of brick muscle. No, her arms wrapped around his legs and under her pressure they buckled. Arsalan fell to the ground beneath her with a hard thud.
When she looked up at him he just blinked, as if not knowing what had happened to him. Clearly he hadn't expected her to attack him like that. He looked over at her and a wicked grin spread across his facial features.
"Well Althea, if you wanted to get on top of me, all you had to do was say so," his wide grin spread into an even wider smirk. She rolled her eyes, pushing herself off of his legs.
"I'm glad you fell, you deserved it," she snapped back, dusting herself off. He stood as well, still smiling slightly as he brushed off the backs of his legs.
"How did that fear and that rage feel inside of you?" he asked suddenly, she wrinkled a brow at him, not understanding the random question. "I bet it made your heart beat rather quickly didn't it?"
She supposed this was correct, she had felt her heart beating rapidly after the initial scare she'd received from him.
"Well of course my heart was beating fast, I was terrified for a second!" she said, still annoyed with him. He just chuckled. God she wished she could wipe that smug look off of his face.
"Well then it worked," he said snidely.
"Well then what worked?" She was beginning to tire of this conversation. Were they to practise training today or keep up this annoying chatter?
"Your heart... it responds to a lot of things in the same way... fear, rage, embarrassment, excitement... love," he said, glancing at her from the side. She gritted her teeth, looking at the angle of his set jaw rather than those piercing eyes.
"And?" she said, trying to sound as disinterested as she could.
"Your heart responds to everything by beating faster to send blood through your body quicker in response to the possibility of injury.” She rolled her eyes. Why was any of this relevant?
Noticing her boredom, Arsalan moved closer to her, looking at her with those icy blue eyes. She swallowed. As if on signal, her heart began beating a bit quicker. Was it fear? No, she wasn't scared of him... it definitely wasn't love, or rage... excitement then? No... what made her heartbeat quicken now?
"That's why when I scared you, a mix of fear and then anger caused your body to pump blood more quickly in case the threat tried to harm you..." he glanced down at her chest and stared for a moment. A wave of heat washed over her body and she took a step back.
"And now your embarrassment is doing the same," he said, smirking. She balled her fists again. Did he always need to be such a pompous fool?
"You don't intimidate me, and I'm not embarrassed," she crossed her arms over her chest, watching as his eyes moved up to her face now.
"Tell me Althea, does your heart beat quickly when his hands touch your skin?" He moved forward another step, "or when he kisses you?" The warmth from her neck spread up to her face now.
She breathed out an annoyed huff, "can we please just get on with our training?" Althea was tired of all these idiotic ramblings. Why did he enjoy getting beneath her skin so much? She wished she could find the words to do the same to him.
"How about when he fucks you?" he asked, his smirk only growing as he revelled at how much he could torment her with his words.
"I don't know what that means... but I don't like it," she hissed. Arsalan sometimes forgot that people in this time didn't use that word yet.
"It's what he does when the two of you participate in intercourse," he mused, eyes still fixated on her with predatory intent.
"I prefer the term, love making," she snarled back, despite not having yet done that herself.
"They are not the same thing," his Persian accent was thick, as was the tension between them, it seemed to suck the air from the vicinity.
He took a step closer to her, and she took one away from him. "When two people make love, it is sensual, two hearts bonding, and caring for one another. It's slow and gentle and undemanding. It's just you and the person you love, and nothing else in the world matters." She didn't know when he'd gotten so close to her, but her eyes burned as she read the slight expression that flashed across his own eyes... sorrow, as if perhaps remembering something, or someone from his past. She didn't know why it made her chest hurt, he was only a brute after all…
Just as quickly as the emotion was there, it vanished, replaced with a sly smirk.
"But fucking," he glanced at her with something sinister brewing in his mind, "fucking is rough and passionate. When two people fuck, it is laced with need and desperation, they are seeking a fulfillment for not only their own desires but, if they are a good lover, their partners desires as well. The act itself is seething with hunger and a desire so deep that it turns you ravenous," he ground out the last word, staring at her with such intensity she didn't dare draw in breath.
When he finally turned away, the tension was somehow cut, and her airways were clear once more.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
"But it was just a question." With a snicker, he walked away from her at last, and towards the large tree in the centre of the massive field.
"I'm giving you somewhat of a break today... we will be practising still meditation," he said, taking a drink of water from his canteen.
Althea sat in the shade of the tall tree, whose lobed leaves had begun changing colour to a green now speckled with red and orange. Though the weather was usually cooler in the morning when they trained, today the sun shining down on Althea's skin made the day feel warmer.
They began their meditation by breathing, as they usually did. She listened to the wind tossing leaves through the air around her. The rustle of the oak branches and calling of nearby birds put her at ease from her earlier annoyance.
"Think of the world around you," hummed Arsalan, who sat across from her. "Think of the small blades of grass, and the warm sun as it shines down on you today. Think of the trees as they begin their descent into the colder months and the birds as they migrate to warmer climates. I want you to concentrate on the love you have for this world around you."
Althea thought of that mighty tree that soared tall above her. She had grown fond of that tree with its curved leaves and wide gnarled trunk. She found herself wondering how long it had been here. Had it grown long before the London institution had been built? Had it witnessed the power she'd read about in her ancient books? She also thought of the odd creature that had led her to those books. Cats didn't have minds that thought the way little Archies did. Was it possible that the creature was more than just a small cat?
"Now as you breathe out I want you to think of the people in your life who have made you feel loved." This command made Althea swallow. She thought of the people in her life that had made her truly feel loved. Growing up she would have said her father... he was always kind to her and generous... but after what he did? After he had blamed her for what happened in her bed chamber that night? Althea felt that she could no longer express that she felt loved by him, or her aunt for that matter. The woman was willing to force her into a marriage with a man who was older than her own father. The thought sickened her.
Jasper... and Monique... and now Zella, they made her feel loved, she supposed. Jasper with the way he always looked at her with those big hazel eyes, checking to ensure she was content. Monique did her best to make Althea feel included, even though there was little she could help her with. And Zella simply by not treating her like she was an outsider here. Althea felt honoured today when the girl had complimented her.
Her mind flashed to the man sitting in front of her. Arsalan, despite his loutish behaviour, had treated her as an equal to himself. He never looked at her like she was less than, or unable to do something. He had been so gracious to come here for months, just to ensure Althea trained safely and didn't jump into an ability without proper knowledge.
"Thank you," Althea spoke to him, not opening her eyes.
There was a pause, the tension slightly growing in the air with each passing second until Arsalan spoke at last, "for what?"
"You didn't need to come here to train me... you could have looked the other way when the board asked you to. I know you have a life outside of London, and yet you chose to sacrifice that to help a stubborn girl with an ability she didn't know the first thing about controlling.”
He stayed quiet and after another moment of thick silence, Althea opened her eyes to look at him. He just stared at her, an unreadable expression on his face.
"I didn't mean to make you—" she started but he cut in.
"I should be thanking you for helping me," he said, not meeting her eyes as he stared down at the green blades of grass beneath him.
Althea furrowed her eyebrows, unsure of what he was implying.
"Helping you?"
He nodded, his blue eyes dashing to look into hers. They glowed so vibrantly under the sun... almost unnaturally so.
"Yes... back in Beijing I was..." he paused, as if looking for the words to say, "well some very bad things happened. I lost someone who I loved... very much... and because of that, I didn't really feel like I had anything left to live for anymore." Althea wanted to reach for his hand, she wanted to do anything to comfort him and silently show him that she was here for him. But alas she made no move, for she didn't want him to shy away right as he'd begun to open up to her. Judging by his solemn expression, this was not easy for him to talk about.
His eyes flickered to hers once more as he said, "thanks to you, I feel I have purpose. Training with you and extending my knowledge to you brings me great joy Althea, so thank you for giving me a reason to keep living."
Althea's heart ached. She didn't know how to respond without making him close up again.
"I'm very glad I've been as much of a help to you as you've been for me," she finally did it, she reached out for his hand. His skin was hot as her fingers closed around his large, calloused hand.
He stared down at her hand with an odd expression. Althea swallowed back the questions that rose up in her throat. His eyes roamed up from her hand to her own eyes, peering deeply at her. She bit the inside of her cheek trying to keep her facial expression neutral. Inside however, Althea didn't know exactly what she was feeling. Something about the way he stared at her, with such intensity and calm all at the same time made her mind race. She was a bit nervous, a bit curious, a bit unsure, but something from within was pushing her. It felt as if the man in front of her held some kind of magnet that pulled her closer to him.
Suddenly he pulled his hand away from hers, and it felt as if a cord had been cut… a tether that had begun braiding itself between them. All the racing thoughts in her mind dropped to the ground below.
"Let's um... continue our meditation," Arsalan said, clearing his throat as he scooted a foot farther from her. Althea's face grew hot and she found herself feeling slightly foolish. She didn't know why, it wasn't as though she had done anything embarrassing. Something about that shared moment had just felt unnecessarily intimate.
"Okay," she barely choked out. What was it about him that made her feel so... utterly suffocated? Like she was drowning, and yet content to willingly do so.
Althea and Arsalan continued their training until afternoon approached. When the sun was midway overhead, Althea sighed. "Okay, we get it, I love everyone and everything around me, and I understand the meaning of love within myself," she huffed, "but right now I have someone who would love to pick out her dress for the fall equinox ball, waiting on me."
She knew that Zella would likely be waiting for her by now.
Arsalan smirked at her. "Oh I see," he chuckled, "you just can't wait to go pick out your dress for this weekend can you?"
Althea rolled her eyes. "No, didn't you hear what I said? I am going to help my friend Zella pick out a gown. As for myself... I'll likely wear something I already have, I've got enough… After all, balls and gala's never really interested me," she sighed, picking up the green stone representing love and putting it into her bag.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Have you ever been to a ball hosted by the cadre?" Arsalan asked. She shook her head, though she had heard they were far more fun than regular human held balls and galas.
"I think you'll enjoy yourself," he smirked knowingly.
"Okay, whatever you say Arsalan," she laughed and they made their way inside.
Zella was waiting outside of the dining hall and smiled widely upon seeing Althea enter the corridor. Zella opened her mouth to greet her but then her eyes moved from Althea to Arsalan who walked by her side.
She paused her motion to talk. Instead her mouth just gaped as she stared at him with a blank expression. Did she know him? Why was she looking at him like his very existence was a puzzle to her?
"Um hi Zella... are you ready to go pick out a dress for the equinox ball?" she asked, raising a brow at the girl who stood frozen in front of her.
She blinked quickly and looked at Althea now, a bright flush rushing to her cheeks. "Oh, yes! I am ready!" The girl said, her voice cracking as she spoke.
"I'll see you tomorrow at training Althea," Arsalan said, nodding curtly at the two girls before walking up the stairs.
Once Althea and Zella were down the corridor a ways, the girl smacked Althea's arm, looking at her with an alarmed expression.
"That is your trainer?" she gasped. Althea just nodded in confusion. She didn't understand why Zella was so shocked.
"Yeah… why?"
"Well you never mentioned that your trainer looked like that," she turned her head to look behind them as if he would still be standing there.
Althea laughed, confused by Zellas statement. "Like what?"
Zella shot her a look as if to say, ‘you know exactly what I mean’.
"C'mon Althea you can't be that daft, your trainer is gorgeous. There is no way you can't see it. Only a blind fool wouldn't think so!" Althea was taken aback by the young girl's words. She choked out a laugh, unsure of how to respond to that.
"I mean I guess he is attractive..." she said, brushing her hair out of her face, suddenly feeling a wave of heat rush over her, "but trust me, his insolent behaviour dominates his physical allure." She was being honest about that. He was a complete arrogant lout and no amount of rippling muscles or sculpted facial features would make up for that. However, Althea's brain absentmindedly slipped back to her earlier encounter with him. He had been no such thing as he poured a piece of himself out to her, so raw and vulnerable.
Zella laughed as they continued making their way down the corridor towards the seamstresses quarters. When they made it to Layana’s shop the two girls gawked at all of the beautiful gowns on display. There were so many different colours and styles that she'd never seen before. They were... extraordinary. From royal blues, to golds and deep berry reds, dresses of every colour hung from the ceiling in all different styles and lengths. Althea had never seen dresses cut above the knee except for scandalous nightgowns she caught glimpses of in boudoir shops and boutiques throughout London.
"Good afternoon mademoiselles," Layana called out as she walked out from the back of the shop.
"Good afternoon Layana," Althea said, still glancing around at all of the gowns on display.
"Are all of these for sale?" Zella breathed out, in awe of her glittering, sparkling surroundings.
"Em, well, some of them are! But some were made special for the women here at the institution." That sparked Zellas attention. She looked at Layana with a wide smile.
"Could I have a dress custom made?" Layana smiled politely at the young girl.
"Well, it is a bit short notice, but I think we could make something special for you, Candidus girl." Layana smiled down at the girl, taking in her prominent black and white opposing features.
"I thank you kindly! It's just that this is my first ball, and I want to remember it." Layana nodded and the two descended back behind the counter and began looking at fabric swatches. She knew from her past conversations with the seamstress that she and her team used technology from the future to make garments much more quickly.
Althea took her time walking through the maze of gowns, taking in the lace details and different textured fabrics. These dresses were truly one of a kind, there wasn't one that looked exactly alike to another.
Rows and rows of beaded bodices and satin, glittering gowns engulfed her the farther she walked into the boutique. She reached a blank white door that was slightly cracked open, it read La Voûte in a decorative writing. Althea was about to walk away when a gleaming caught her wandering eye.
She lifted her fingers to the door, cracking it open slightly more so she could peak inside. It was a small room, but the gowns which hung in front of her were so extraordinary, they took Althea's breath straight from her lungs. She swallowed down the dry lump in her throat as she took in their beauty, stepping into the room now.
One was a golden gown with bronzed butterflies and citrine crystals beaded into the elegant train, complete with a headpiece that reminded her of the sun. On the opposite side was a dress crafted with purple chiffon fabric and amethyst crystals along the top of the boned corset. The two that surrounded the fifth and final middle dress were a ruby red and a sapphire blue, but she hardly noticed them as her eyes fell upon the most gorgeous dress she'd ever viewed. Her mouth ran dry again as she took in every detail of the enchanting emerald gown.
There in the centre of them all, it featured a transparent netting which was specially designed to mesh perfectly with skin. To cover the chest region, were distinctly placed emeralds paired with metallic gold flecks that looked like stars. Together, with the verdant lace they covered the bust in an elegant entanglement that reminded Althea of vines.
The silhouette was slim and cut close to the figure. The lace and emerald embellishments ran down the full length of the dress, covering the nude underlay beneath which would conceal the actual skin, minus the thigh slit up the side of the dress. It was the sleeves however, that provided this gown with its real flair. The crafter of this dress, had used ties that would wrap around the wearer's arms, just below the shoulder. The sleeves flowed in layers down to the floor, the same gold star flecks glimmering on them as well. Like the citrine gown, this emerald gown was also accompanied by a stunning headpiece. This one however, was made from gold metal, encasing emeralds which wound like vines to form a stunning forest crown complete with golden leaves.
Althea lifted her hand to touch the dress but before she could, she heard the door behind her creak. Althea jumped, turning to see Layana who smiled as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Oh I found her," she called behind her, "it appears your friend who had no interest in finding a dress today has stumbled upon La Voûte."
Zella poked her head inside and gazed in awe at the gowns in front of her. "Wow," she breathed out, her pupils seeming to dilate slightly at the glorious creations which sat inside of the small room.
"Yes, these are some of my most prized gowns that I have made this season. My favourites always go in here, La Voûte or The Vault in your tongue."
Althea looked from Layana to the gowns once more. "You created these... masterpieces?" she gasped.
Layana smiled, blushing slightly. "Oui," she spoke proudly.
"Wow these are," Zella spoke, pausing as if looking for the words to describe the gowns, "astonishing." Althea nodded in agreement.
"Merci my darlings, I greatly appreciate your praise!"
"I don't suppose these are for sale for this weekend's event?" Althea asked, raising a brow. While she had not originally planned on purchasing a gown for the ball, the dress dripping with emeralds had been so dazzling she couldn't help the image of herself wearing it as she walked through the institution’s gardens, catching glimpses of its shimmering beauty in the koi ponds and fountains. How could you not want to attend a ball in such a luxurious garment? Plus the cadre had given her a decent allotment of coin as an allowance for while she was here over the past months, but having nothing else to spend it on, she had acquired a fairly large sum.
"Well, I only give them out to those who I think can, how do you say, execute the desired outcome," she giggled but as her eyes took in Althea's arching cheekbones and long curling hair she raised a brow. "And you my darling, you have ze look!"
Suddenly heat rose to Althea's cheeks at such a compliment. To be praised by someone of such beauty themselves felt like the ultimate form of flattery. The seamstress Layana flaunted a beautifully full, supple figure that reminded Althea of the depictions of Marie-Antoinette in her portrait photos. Though, her hair was a fiery orange rather than blonde and her skin had seen much more sun.
"Why, thank you," Althea smiled, glancing again at the emerald and gold gown. The seamstress hummed.
"Ah, oui, the emerald would bring out those lovely eyes of yours as well." Layana gave her a knowing, sidelong glance. "I'll tell you what, you two lovely ladies just tell all the mistresses at the Fall Equinox Ball who made your gowns, the recognition is all the payment I need from you both."
Zella and Althea turned to look at each other in awe of the seamstresses bewildering generosity. Surely the dress in front of her must have cost a fortune to create. But Althea and the young girl nodded quickly. She would grant her much gratuity for her courtesy.