38. Chapter Thirty-Eight

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

SERIA'S POV

I grit my teeth, frustration running through my veins as I make my way down the dark corridor.

"You're late," he states from the shadows. "You should know my time is not to be wasted, young one."

I hold my tongue, knowing it would do me no good to annoy him. I needed help, and he was the only one willing to help me at a somewhat reasonable price.

"My apologies. I had to stay a little later than expected so no one would notice my disappearance."

A gravelly grunt is all I get in reply, a dark-cloaked hand snaking out and waiting for his price.

I hand over the old archives that I had taken from Father's study. Only the direct bloodline could access these, and I would soon be the heir. Except they weren't of much use or help to me.

But, thankfully, he always had an interest in information and enjoyed dealing in it more than the others.

He flicks through the books, a small hum of appreciation leaving the shadows before he places them in his cloak and takes out my prize.

I reach forward to take it from his hands, but he pulls it back just as quick. "You do know how this works, correct?"

"Of course—" I call before he cuts me off.

"Because you can't make any mistakes with this one. It can cause a pain worse than death if not properly managed." Murky-green eyes glow from the shadows as they flit my way. "It will drain the life from its barer if you're not careful."

Of course, I knew the risks. If my plans hadn't been thrown so far off course, I wouldn't have even thought to resort to this method. But I didn't have any more time to find something else.

This old relic was dangerous, but it would put things back to the way they were before. And me back on top.

"I understand the risks and have learnt how to properly control it."

I gaze back into his muddy green eyes, showing him how sure I am of my decision.

He sighs as I place my hand out again to receive my payment.

"Make sure you place it well. Spell it if necessary…and make sure it can't be traced back." He hands it to me, but just as I have it in my grasp, he grabs my arm, holding it with a bruising grip.

"Don't be mistaken, child. I've gained something I want from this. And that is the only reason I have helped you. It won't happen a second time." His gravelly voice falls to a low rumble as he continues, annoyance clear in his tone. "Your actions have brought attention to you from them . And their attention you do not want. Do what you must, though keep this day and our transaction buried within you."

He lets me go, his hand sliding beneath his cloak as his murky green eyes grow dimmer. "Make sure your plans fall in line with theirs. If not, they will have no need for you anymore. And what is not needed…is no more ."

With that, he shifts into the dark shadows, his presence gone in the blink of an eye and no trace of him left behind.

I clutch the small gold relic between my fingers, relief and excitement bubbling inside me before swiftly placing it in the spelled bag I'd brought. There was no time to inspect or check it properly, for staying here too long would only draw attention.

I grin down at the small spelled bag in my hands as I begin to make my way back. With this relic, I'll get everything back on track.

Micai's new personality switch has delayed my plans. Whatever was going on with her was jeopardizing my position.

I already felt Knox, Anders, Kane, and Xander slowly slipping away from me. I could see their eyes wandering toward her when she was near and them questioning my words and actions more after interacting with her. It was getting harder and harder to steer them back to me. Each time, their gazes grew more confused and less loving. They were already asking questions, ones that I would never give the answers to.

It would only be a matter of time before they pulled away completely. And I couldn't let that happen.

Not when I had worked so hard to claim what was rightfully mine.

I close the old mahogany door behind me and creep into the mansion's kitchen through its back door.

"Seria?" Gilda, our head maid, says as she enters the room.

I plaster on a soft smile as she rushes toward me.

"Is everything okay? Why were you out so late?" She looks toward the back door before turning toward me. "It's past midnight."

"I was…" The old bat was intuitive and could read people really well. A little vagueness will help her draw her own conclusion. "Just meeting someone." I give her a slightly bashful look and a small smile before turning away.

"Ah." She grins, shaking her head. "I was young once, too. However, if the master heard you were out so late with the boys, he would be worried."

I give her a nod, walking toward the door. "I'll be careful not to leave it too late again."

"But—"

"Have you finished packing my things for my return?" I cut her off, changing the subject and distracting her with the task I gave her earlier.

"Of course," she replies, her mind now entirely focused on the new topic as her creased brow smooths out. "I also added some new uniforms and switched out all of your old clothes for the new season." A prideful glint takes over her eyes. She has always been the ever-dedicated housemaid of the Bane Clan, a puppet to read and use when needed.

"Thank you, Gilda. What would I do without you?"

She beams at the praise before a little pout tilts her thin lips.

"Why not stay longer? It will be your birthday soon." She brushes a strand of her greying hair behind her ear as she continues, a genuine look of concern in her eyes. "Just stay for the rest of the month."

She makes her way over to me and takes my hand in her calloused, rough palms.

"Master Greere could message the academy about your absence, and we could all celebrate it together."

I feel my smile tighten while gazing at the old bat. She was too persistent at times and growing senile these days. Why would I want to spend my birthday with these old fools?

I have plans at the academy. The sooner I return, the better.

"No, Gilda." I clasp the old maid's hand as a gentle look takes over her wrinkled face. "I have to go back. What would others think of the Bane Clan if we took liberties and set our own rules?" I shake my head. "I have to set an example. I also enjoy school and will be with Xander and the boys."

A frown tilts her pale lips as the lines in her brows grow deeper.

"I'll be fine, Gilda." I give her a soft smile. "I can also celebrate my birthday with Micai while I'm there."

The old maid's face instantly scrunches up further at the mention of Micai's name, and I have to hide my grin.

I never had to do much to persuade Gilda to harass Micai. The old bat has always disliked her. It was funny finding out that she had been treated so horribly even before I arrived. And it hadn't taken much effort to place the staff under my thumb completely with a sad sob story and shedding a few tears from time to time. They also knew who the better choice was between me and Micai.

I give Gilda's aging hand another light squeeze before heading to bed, wiping the contact away on my shirt as I make my way upstairs.

All of them are the same. They follow power. And it was as plain as day to see who would become the heir. No one else resembled Father more than I did. It's just unfortunate I didn't inherit his power.

I've had to rely on that damn bracelet and Micai for that.

A sigh falls from my lips as I head down the east wing corridor and toward my room.

I took more after my mother in the magical department. Her abilities weren't normal or even accepted in our community, but…they were damn useful.

I close my bedroom door, taking out the small spelled bag and quickly pack it safely into the luggage Gilda had prepared.

In just a few more days, I will be back at the academy.

And then I'll put everything back in its rightful place…including Micai.