7. Remina

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a radiant glow over the Light Mage district. It was a stark contrast to the shadowed alleys and mysterious corners of the supernatural compound I had visited so far. The district was bustling with life, the air filled with the fragrant aroma of flowers and fresh pastries from the street vendors. The sounds of laughter and lively chatter filled my ears.

My first stop was at an apothecary, a quaint little shop adorned with ivy-covered walls and delicate, glass-blown ornaments displayed in the windows. The bell above the door chimed softly as I entered, and the elderly Light Mage shopkeeper looked up from behind the counter. Her wrinkled face broke into a tentative smile.

"How can I help you today?" she greeted me, her soft-spoken voice filled with wary kindness.

"I need a few supplies for a tracking spell," I replied, keeping my tone polite and neutral. There was no need to draw any unwanted attention. I was aware that my presence here was tolerated at best, and I had no intention of causing trouble.

The shopkeeper nodded, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Of course, my dear. I have just the thing you need." She began gathering the necessary herbs, crystals, and parchment, her hands moving with the ease of someone who had prepared countless spells.

As she handed me a small bag filled with the required components, I paid her, ensuring to keep my silver coin discreet. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention to my coin"s origin. Once I had the supplies, I offered the shopkeeper a grateful smile before heading back out into the vibrant street.

As I stepped out of the small shop in the heart of the Light Mage district, I felt watchful eyes on me. Leaning against the stone facade of the shop, a Light Fae awaited me with a tension that seemed to radiate from his very being.

The Fae embodied ethereal grace, with his silver hair cascading like liquid moonlight, and his iridescent skin shimmering in the soft daylight. His turquoise eyes were like gemstones, reflecting a depth of wisdom and purity that I could never hope to attain. He wore tailored pants of white and gold and was bare chested. Bat-like wings, white as pristine clouds, extended from the Fae's back, adding a surreal touch to his appearance.

As I approached, his gaze never left me, his lips curved into a condescending smile that made my blood run cold. In his mind, I was undoubtedly a disgrace, a dark blemish in a realm of light and purity. And truth be told, I couldn"t blame him for his disdain.

"What are you doing here, assassin?" The fae's voice was like a silken whisper, carrying an undercurrent of tension.

I shrugged my shoulders in nonchalance. "What is it to you, fae? This isn't your district."

The Fae arched an eyebrow. "My name's Kique. I often look out for this district as well as my own."

Ah, the Light Fae council member, I knew that our first encounter wouldn"t be pleasant, but I hadn"t anticipated it to be this openly hostile. I held my head high, refusing to let his prejudice get to me. "I"m here on business, just like anyone else."

Kique"s laughter was a soft, mocking sound. "Business? The Light Mage district is no place for the likes of you. We don"t need your darkness tainting our peace."

I couldn"t deny that his words stung, but I wasn"t about to back down. "If you want peace, Light Fae, you'll leave me be. I'm here on the Order's authority."

The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air. The bystanders in the street wisely chose to keep their distance, leaving us to our confrontation. I had grown used to the hostility that met me in the various supernatural sectors, but Kique"s open contempt cut deeper than most.

Perhaps it was because I saw a glimmer of truth in his words. A Dark Mage like me, burdened with the legacy of my heritage, didn"t belong in a world where reverence for life and light was paramount. Imagine what he would think if he knew the truth, and that I wasn"t simply a Light Mage who had chosen a darker path like he thought.

Usually, Fae and Mages worked well together, but Kique made it clear that he knew my energy was anything but pure. Fae, like Kique, were enchanting creatures deeply connected to nature, embodying the vibrant essence of the world around them. With wings gracing their forms, they"re the epitome of ethereal beauty. They possess a unique magic, one that harmonizes with the natural order, allowing them to manipulate their surroundings with little more than a thought. They had an intrinsic connection to the pulse of life. It was clear his connection to the natural world allowed him to see the darkness surrounding me.

Mages wielded arcane arts, similarly tapping into mysterious forces that go beyond the ordinary, but with the use of spells and rituals. A Mage's magic was a manifestation of intellect and discipline.

However, within both Fae and Mage communities, the duality of light and darkness manifested. Just as the sun cast shadows, the Fae and Mages grappled with the balance between benevolence and malevolence. The radiant Light Fae, akin to the gentle caress of sunlight, embraced the harmonious coexistence with nature and the mortal realm. Conversely, the Dark Fae, akin to shadows in the moonlight, navigated the enigmatic depths of magic with a penchant for mischief or, in the extreme, malice.

Among Mages, the dichotomy mirrored a battle between enlightenment and corruption. Light Mages sought to channel their powers for the greater good. They brought balance, healing, and enlightenment to the world. Dark Mages delved into the shadows, wielding power and knowledge that granted them dominion over the shadowy facets of existence. Their mastery extended beyond the conventional boundaries of the arcane arts, reaching into the murky depths where the threads of life and death intertwined.

The existence of light and dark within Fae and Mages was not a mere cosmic coincidence but rather a reflection of the universe's demand for balance. For all anyone knew, there were no longer Dark Mages in existence but that didn"t stop supes like Kique from recognising that even those of the light could be corrupted.

Kique leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "We don"t need you spreading your darkness in our district. This is a place of healing, harmony, and light. We don"t take kindly to your presence."

For a moment, I considered explaining my purpose here, the need to find Lucius, the rogue vampire who posed a threat to the balance of our world. But something told me that Kique wouldn"t listen, that his convictions were as unshakable as the light he embodied.

"I won"t be staying long," I finally replied, my voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "You don"t need to worry about me tainting your precious peace."

Kique"s turquoise eyes bore into mine, and I could feel his obvious disapproval. "Just remember, assassin, there are some places you don"t belong. This is one of them."

With those parting words, he pushed himself off the wall and walked away. I watched him until he disappeared into the heart of the Light Mage district, his contempt still lingering in the air.

I knew that Kique"s words reflected the monstrosities I had committed in the name of the Order. The Light Mages were dedicated to peace and the preservation of life, while I had chosen to walk a darker path.

As I resumed my journey back through the Light Mage district, I felt like an intruder in a realm where I didn"t belong. My business here was far from over, but I had the materials I needed to track Lucius, and that was a win I needed.

I slowly walked back to Gi-Gi"s apartment. My footsteps echoed softly in the corridor as I headed toward her apartment.

Letting myself inside the apartment, I felt relief at finally being able to drop my mask. Gi-Gi and I were more than friends; we were sisters in every way that mattered. And it was Gi-Gi alone who knew my true heritage, who understood the complexity of my existence. To the world, I was a Light Fae, but in reality, I was the darkness that hid beneath the veil of light. In Gi-Gi's home, I no longer had to hide, and it was like coming up for fresh air.

As I entered the living room, I was greeted by the comforting scent of Gi-Gi"s favorite lavender candles, casting a soft, soothing light that danced across the walls.

In the center of the room, I set down my satchel filled with the components I had acquired in the Light Mage district. Herbs, a vial of moonlit dew, an intricately carved bone knife, and some parchment. Each item held the promise of magic and the potential to reveal Lucius"s whereabouts.

I couldn"t perform the spell in the open, not when my magic held the inky darkness that would betray me. The world believed me to be a Light Fae, a creature of purity and light, but my true heritage was a secret I could share with no one but Gi-Gi.

With a sense of anticipation, I moved into the spare bedroom. The room was cast in shadows, save for a circle of unlit candles on the floor that lit up and flickered with a wave of my hand.

Before beginning the spell, I loosened the amulet that hung around my neck. The amulet was a delicate piece, an ornate trinket that held my powers in check, the one thing that allowed me to blend into the realm of Light Mages. It was a delicate prison, an iron shackle wrapped in a pretty case.

The air crackled with magic as I prepared the components for the spell. The herbs shimmered with a hint of pale moonlight when I emptied the vial into the incantation bowl with them. The vial of moonlit dew was a precious elixir, one that bridged the gap between night and day, allowing me to harness its power and link to those born of the night. The bone knife was both beautiful and deadly, a tool that could both cut and mend the fabric of magic.

As the room took on an ethereal ambiance, I placed the bowl in the center of the candles, its contents refracting the soft light. The bone knife, held reverently in my hands, was the final piece of the puzzle. I sliced my palm, letting a few drops of my blood mingle with the contents.

With the spell components in place, I began to chant in the old tongue, words that resonated deep within my soul, unlocking the latent magic within the room. The darkness within me surged, filling the space with an oppressive energy that stirred the very air.

The spell took form, a pale light glowing within the incantation bowl, a beacon that would guide me to Lucius. As the magic of the spell surged, I felt the weight of Lucius's presence in my mind. I now had a direct link to his direction. Like a compass guiding my path.

Finally, the spell was complete, the light extinguishing as its magic was expended. I knew that the spell would guide me to Lucius, and in that moment, I embraced my true nature, a creature of darkness veiled in a false identity of light.

I snapped the amulet back into place around my neck, its silken chains hiding the characteristics of my powers away once more. I stepped out of the room, leaving the circle of candles behind, the sacred space now shrouded in darkness.

With the spell complete, I was ready to begin my hunt for Lucius, to finally bring him to justice.

The pulsating city of humans loomed around me, a discord of noise and movement. It was a stark contrast to the serene and controlled environment of the compound. Here, the scent of gasoline, the hum of life, and the bustle of the city streets overwhelmed the senses. In the underbelly of this human world, I was on the hunt, the hunter hidden beneath a shroud of illusion.

I moved through the crowded streets, the tracking spell tugged at my consciousness like an invisible leash, guiding me toward Lucius.

The scent of grilled meat wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and music that emanated from a nearby tavern. I navigated the alleyways, my every step in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the city.

My target was near, and the tension in the air was palpable, like a storm brewing on the horizon. I quickened my pace, my senses heightened, every nuance of the environment flooding my awareness. My powers as a Dark Mage allowed me to see the ethereal, the energy that flowed through all living things. The city"s lifeblood pulsed before my eyes, a symphony of light and darkness.

The spell continued to lead me forward, the tether between Lucius and me growing taut. The anticipation in my chest was a coiled spring, ready to snap into action. I could feel his presence, a looming shadow in the periphery of my senses.

And then, there he was.

Lucius stood in the narrow alleyway ahead, his back to me as he conversed with another vampire. Their voices were hushed, words barely audible over the din of the city. The scent of blood and sweat clung to the night, an intoxicating blend that teased my senses.

A predatory grin crept across my lips as I observed my prey. Lucius was a formidable figure, tall and sinewy, with jet-black hair that cascaded down his back. His features were sharply angular, a testament to his vampiric nature. I imagine his expensive clothing was once impeccable, but it now looked like he hadn't washed in weeks.

With silent steps, I advanced, the shadows embracing me as I moved. The vampiric senses of my target failed to detect my presence, and I closed the distance between us.

My breath quickened; my pulse thrummed. I poised on the precipice of action, a single heartbeat away from striking.

In the distance, the haunting melody of a lone saxophone drifted on the breeze, its mournful notes weaving a melancholic tale. It was a backdrop to the encounter that played out in the dimly lit alley.

"Lucius," I called. It was time to confront the darkness, to put an end to his reign of terror. With a quick and deliberate movement, I revealed my true nature, the magic that had been hidden beneath a facade of light.

Lucius turned, his eyes meeting mine. In the darkness of the alley, we faced each other like two predators circling their prey. Lucius"s eyes, as black as obsidian, bore into mine, a glint of amusement dancing in their depths. He wore a devilish grin that sent shivers down my spine. He knew the danger that lurked within me, but he was undeterred.

Without a word, he moved with a speed that defied the laws of nature. I reacted instinctively; my senses were heightened by the thrill of the hunt. My body shifted, and I unleashed my Dark Mage abilities, a swirl of shadows engulfing me. In a blur, I dodged his attack, my form barely visible as I countered with a strike of my own.

The clash of our powers echoed through the alley, the impact like thunder in the night. The world narrowed to the deadly dance between us, a waltz of aggression and skill. My dark energy crackled in the air as I unleashed a barrage of spells, each one designed to incapacitate and neutralize my adversary.

Lucius was relentless, his movements fluid and calculated. He was a creature of the night, a master of his vampiric abilities. The scent of his blood, thick with the power of the supernatural, mixed with the metallic undertone of fear and anticipation.

The sound of our battle was punctuated by the occasional burst of inhuman speed, the whisper of our cloaked forms, and the echoing resonance of our magical clashes. The shadows danced to our rhythm, a deadly ballet of light and dark.

I felt the scrape of stone beneath my fingers as I propelled myself upward, aiming a powerful kick at Lucius"s chest. The sheer force of the impact sent him crashing into a pile of discarded crates. The wood splintered beneath his weight as he emerged, unfazed and grinning.

The city"s heartbeat pulsed around us, the rhythm of life and death intertwined. My senses sharpened as I anticipated his next move. I could hear his steady breathing, the quickening of his heart, and the hint of excitement that emanated from his very pores.

We continued to engage in a deadly exchange, a symphony of spells and strikes that echoed through the night. I was fueled by a relentless determination to protect the humans of this city, to ensure they remained safe from the darkness that threatened to consume them.

Amidst the battle, I noticed the flicker of despair in Lucius"s eyes, a crack in his facade. He was not invincible. With renewed vigor, I pressed my attack, my powers surging through me like a tidal wave of darkness.

In the end, it was a cunning spell that brought our duel to a close. I watched as Lucius struggled to break free from the enchanted bonds that held him. With a final burst of energy, he fell to his knees, his dark eyes filled with defeat.

I stood over him, my chest heaving, my form bathed in the eerie glow of my dark powers. The battle had taken a toll on both of us. Lucius was no longer grinning; his eyes held a glimmer of desperation as he lay trapped by my enchantments.

With a heavy heart, I knew what needed to be done. My fingers tightened around the wooden stake in my hand. I stepped closer to him; my movements deliberate and precise. The scent of his vampire blood was pungent, an intoxicating blend of danger and allure, but I couldn"t afford to waver.

With a swift and decisive motion, I drove the wooden stake through his heart. The sound of the wood piercing his flesh was deafening in the silence of the alley. Lucius"s eyes snapped open, his body stiffening as the stake found its mark.

My chest heaved with exertion, the adrenaline coursing through my veins like wildfire. Lucius"s form was bathed in a pale, eerie light, his dark eyes locked onto mine, and his voice emerged, carrying with it the ominous weight of prophecy.

"P-p-prophecy … c-c-chaos shall rise," he whispered, the words resonating with an otherworldly chill. His voice was like a shadowy caress, an unsettling echo that sent shivers down my spine. I had staked countless rogue supernaturals, but this encounter was different, and Lucius"s warning was laced with an unsettling certainty.

Lucius closed his eyes, his warning reverberating in my mind. The darkness that had clung to him dissipated like smoke, leaving behind a void that seemed to echo with foreboding. It was done. Lucius"s body crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

I stood there, the stake still held in my hand, the taste of finality heavy on my tongue. The weight of Lucius"s cryptic words lingered in the air, an oppressive presence that refused to dissipate. I knew that darkness was never far from the supernatural world, but my instincts told me this warning was not to be ignored.

I cast a final, lingering look at the lifeless form of the rogue vampire before turning away. As I walked into the night, I carried with me the weight of his cryptic warning. I promised myself that I would look into any prophecies of chaos as soon as I got the chance.