Bella

It had been a few years after escaping Madam Lina’s and burning it to the ground, within that time Bella had found an easy way to make money within the crime capital Lucden, located deep within the Ava desert.

She could just kill someone and steal their money, she never killed kids or those with no money. Mostly because what good was a dead body with no gold to snatch?

Within a short time, she had become well-known as Bloody Bella. A hired assassin. Those days of a cute girl with a huge smile were gone. She was now a trained killer. Having no mercy for anyone.

It was a quite successful business, especially because word started to spread about how well she was able to take care of each task. With her growing reputation one day a request came in for the murder of a random man known as Draco who appeared on her desk.

She had never heard of the name nor did she care, it was just another payday for her. By the looks of it, a MASSIVE one, for what could have been years the first smile she’s had appeared upon her face. The amount of money was suspicious but the greed in her heart clouded any doubt Bella had.

It was like everything had changed she finally had the chance to get out of this city, and with the amount of money offered she could buy a home in the Capital kingdom of Avadin. All she had to do was kill Mr.Draco. Not a problem at all.

She jumped out the window with the Night Of Nox finally here it was the perfect night, no one could see her.

After running across the roofs of many buildings, with only the light of the city’s torches to guide her, she reached the location written on the letter. Already disposed of she learned how to memorize every detail very early on, not that there were any guards to enforce nonexistent laws here, but a precaution and comfort that nothing was traceable.

As she slowly approached Bella crouched low against the roof grabbing her crossbow, she would have used a musket because they carried more strength but if she put poison on the arrows she could be a silent killer.

As she looked at each window she spotted the man drawn upon the letter. The detail that gave him away was his dark red hair just like the request had stated. He didn’t seem tough at all. Not a threat to her in the slightest, he didn’t even realize she was about to kill him.

Holding her breath she locked on, he was bowed over a desk writing something in the dim light of a lamp. Targeting the back of his neck she fired the arrow, the most money she ever made in seconds, easy, except it was too easy, and as the arrow launched towards the man Bella knew she could have just made the biggest mistake of her life.

The arrow breaking through the glass instantly caught flame and disintegrated. Shocked Bella stood up quickly and dashed away from her spot jumping down to the streets and rushing away from the building.

Hearing feet land on the ground behind her she looks back and sees the man, as he stands up he looks directly into Bella’s eyes, as if he could read her soul. No hesitation he starts to chase.

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As she ran she tried everything to escape, going into alleys, knocking things over, and using hiding spots she had always been able to get away from before. This time was different it was like he knew where she was, like he could feel the heat from her body or hear the breaths she would take.

After running for what felt like hours with no escape from him she knew she had to make a stand. So Bella turned and yelled at the man.

“Who are you Draco!! I won’t let you kill me, I am not weak!”

He stops, slowly looking at her, and he answers.

“I am the one who hired you to kill me.”

Shocked Bella didn’t know how to respond so the man continued speaking.

“I’ve heard a lot about you and how successful your assassinations have been. I'd like to hire you into my clan. I need someone with your skills. I apologize for the misunderstanding but I had to check for myself if the reputation was valid.”

Now Bella was confused, why did this man want to hire her? And for what?

“That doesn’t tell me who you are, Draco…. If that’s even your name. I won't believe your lies!!”

Latching an arrow within her crossbow she aims at the man and launches another arrow directly at the man's skull.

Without any movement from the man the arrow flying towards him bursts into flames once again as if it hit an invisible force field. With no reaction, the man speaks.

"I thought you were smart, that didn't work the first time why would it be the second?"

Now with desperation in her eyes, Bella drops the crossbow where she stands and reaches for the dagger hidden within her cloak. Rushing the man she hoped the poison on the blade would be enough to take him down.

As Bella got into striking distance she stabbed at Draco, but with no effort, he swatted her jabs away. Lifting his arm the blade handle catches flame so Bella had to drop it pain spreading along her palm. Clenching her teeth she grips her hands into a fist and starts throwing punches recklessly. She couldn't get caught all the time she put into being a successful assassin balanced on this interaction.

For every punch Bella threw the man was able to block each one effortlessly, no matter the force or speed she put behind it he was trained and far more experienced. With a final ditch effort, she jumped backward and threw all the concealed daggers, small ones similar to kuni but had edges meant to pool more poison and shred muscle when removed.

With a wave of his hand, Draco set them ablaze, unable to melt the metal he had to dodge out of the way but none hit. With the distraction working Bella turned and made a last-ditch effort to run, instinct taking over.

As she turned around and dashed towards safety a red glow appeared before her. Stopping she witnessed the most radiant flames burst out of the ground. A wall of fire almost as tall as the buildings around it appeared. Blazing for a few moments the height reaching every part of her body. Unable to do anything else Bella threw her hands up in surrender.

As the flames died down she turned back towards the man, with defeat in her voice.

"Alright I give up I won't fight anymore, you can take me prisoner and turn me into the guards, or do whatever else you want I can't fight any longer. You win. Just tell me who are you?"

Now with a slight smile, as if he enjoyed her uncertainty, the man retorts. With a bow.

“Many apologies my lady, I am the leader of the Shadow Rebellion. A group focused on overthrowing the corrupt queen and the cruel country she now rules. You do not need my name as I am simply known as Draco now.”

Bella responds with whatever strength she can muster.

“You speak like a merchant, snobbish and uptight, why should I side with you and not just tell the queen.”

He laughs deep into the air

“Young lady, the queen already wants my head, it would do you no good to tell her. The reason you should side with me is because I can train you, teach you to do something meaningful, and maybe even help you leave this town.”

How’d he know that was her plan with the money??? Was he serious? Could he teach her how to live this life without having no purpose but to make money and escape the city?

She had to give it a shot, something in her soul told her this was the best chance she'd ever have.

“I’ll join you, but first I have a question.”

Raising an eyebrow he looks at her waiting.

“How’d you control the fire??”