Library

8. Remina

The night was consumed by an eerie stillness as if even the wind dared not breathe. The moon hung low in the sky, a pale, haunting presence that cast long shadows across the family estate. I clutched my favorite doll close to my chest as I hid beneath the heavy, velvet curtains in the dimly lit parlor.

I had never seen my family so serious, so worried. They had huddled in the grand hall, voices hushed, heads bowed in discussion. My father, a tall, imposing figure, had sent me away with a stern expression, promising that everything would be alright, but his eyes betrayed the fear that churned within him.

In the darkness, the dim glow of oil lamps casting flickering shadows across the walls had seemed comforting. The soft hum of a lullaby whispered in the background as my mother sang my baby brother to sleep, a bittersweet melody of love and protection.

It took me a moment to realize my world had erupted into chaos.

The heavy, oak door to the grand hall swung open with a loud creak. A rasping of guttural voices, the harsh scraping of blades, and the thud of footsteps filled the air. My heart pounded, deafening in my ears, as the intruders burst into the room.

The metallic scent of blood mingled with the sweet fragrance of the roses that adorned the room, creating a sickening contrast that stung my nostrils. The attackers were swift and merciless, their weapons flashing like bolts of lightning.

I watched, wide-eyed and terrified, as they overpowered my father, his sword and spells useless against the sheer numbers and brutality of the assailants. His booming voice was silenced forever, his imposing figure crumpled to the ground.

My mother, a vision of strength, had tried to shield my baby brother with her own body, but her efforts were futile. The attackers had shown no mercy, no remorse. The hushed lullaby had faded into a heart-wrenching plea, and the soft, warm cradle of love had transformed into a cruel battlefield.

The grand hall had been transformed into a scene of devastation, the red and gold accents of our family crest now splattered with the dark crimson of death. The ornate tapestries that adorned the walls had been torn, their threads ripped apart by the savagery of the intruders.

As I cowered beneath the heavy drapes, tears streamed down my face, my silent sobs echoing the cries of my family. I felt powerless, an insignificant witness to a tragedy beyond my comprehension. I clutched Sophie to my chest; her porcelain face was a stark contrast to the horrors that surrounded me.

The attackers lingered for what felt like an eternity, their presence casting a long, menacing shadow over our home. When they finally departed, leaving behind a wake of destruction, I peeked out from my hiding spot.

My mother lay lifeless on the cold marble floor, her once vibrant eyes now vacant. My baby brother, a bundle of innocence, had been taken from her arms, a tiny victim of an unforgiving fate. My father, a fallen hero, had been robbed of his strength, leaving only memories of a once formidable protector.

I emerged from my place behind the curtains, my trembling hands reaching out to touch the lifeless forms of my family. I whispered their names as if my voice could bring them back, but they remained silent.

I awoke with a start, gasping for breath, my heart pounding against my chest. The echo of the nightmare still clung to my senses, the memory of that dreaded night consuming my thoughts. The room was bathed in the eerie, cold glow of the moonlight that streamed in through the open window, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls.

Sweat coated my skin, making the silk sheets cling uncomfortably to my body. I shivered despite the oppressive warmth of the night. My mind raced as I lay there, trying to push away the visions that had plagued me.

The room felt too stifling, too oppressive. I pushed the covers aside and rose from the bed, my bare feet brushing against the cold, polished wooden floor. I needed to escape the memories that had ensnared me, the memories of that night when my world had been shattered.

The darkened apartment held a disquieting silence as if the very walls were privy to my darkest thoughts. I stepped into the small living room; the hardwood floors cool beneath my feet. I made my way to the open window, leaning against the sill to peer outside. The compound, wrapped in the silvery moonlight, lay still and silent below. It was a sanctuary for the supernatural, but for me, it was also a prison of the past.

The night was filled with memories, painful and persistent. My family"s estate, a place once brimming with magic and laughter, now stood abandoned and desolate. The Dark Mages, who had been my kin, my family, were gone. This compound had been their tomb.

I could feel the pull of the estate, a haunting and relentless tug at my very core, urging me to return, to confront the painful past. My father, a powerful Dark Mage, had been a pillar of strength, his laughter filling the halls. My mother, a beautiful and gentle soul, had nurtured my powers and guided me with her wisdom. My brother had been a beacon of hope and promise.

The compound had been our haven, a place where our kind could thrive and celebrate our gifts. As I stared out into the moonlit compound, I grappled with the decision that had haunted me since I arrived. I knew I should visit the estate, to pay my respects, to honor the memory of my family and the Dark Mages who had perished. But the weight of the past, the loss and heartbreak, held me back, like an invisible shackle.

My mind was a whirlwind of emotions, the memories of that night a relentless storm. The estate represented everything I had lost, everything that had been taken from me. To face it was to confront my vulnerability and my pain, and I wasn"t sure if I was ready.

I turned away from the window, the moonlight no longer holding any appeal. I retreated to my small bedroom, the shadows concealing the anguish that had gripped me. I couldn"t escape the past, but for now, I could postpone the inevitable visit to the estate, to the place where my life had changed forever.

The morning sun filtered through the curtains. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the aroma of the breakfast that Gi-Gi was preparing in the tiny kitchen. I stretched and yawned, feeling the tension of the past days gradually ease.

As I walked into the living room, I found Gi-Gi bustling around, humming a soft tune to herself. Her hair was sticking up all over her head, and she wore one of her oversized sweaters which she claimed was "comfy chic." I smiled at her infectious energy.

The soft glow of pendant lights hung over a well-worn dining table, surrounded by an assortment of chairs that seemed to have tales of their own. A large window allowed sunlight to filter in, casting a gentle embrace over the worn, checkered floor. Gi Gi"s touch was evident in the small potted herbs on the windowsill and the eclectic artworks on the walls.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Gi-Gi said, flashing me a bright smile. She had a way of making everything seem brighter.

"Morning, Gi," I replied, feeling the tension of the past few days slowly melt away. The events of my mission for the Order had been taxing, and now, with it finally behind me, I could enjoy a well-deserved break.

Gi-Gi set a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me. The scent was enticing, and my stomach growled in anticipation. I took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, relishing the warmth that spread through me.

As we ate, our conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with friendly banter and laughter.

Gi-Gi teased, "I swear, Remi, you eat like you haven"t seen food in a decade!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, I"ve been on the road, and hunting down rogue supes is hungry work."

"So, now that the mission is over, what"s next?" Gi-Gi asked, her curiosity shining in her eyes.

I leaned back in my chair, taking a moment to savor the rich aroma of the coffee. "Well," I began, "I need to attend a council meeting and give them a report. Once that"s done, I"m off the clock for a few days. I told Feron I'm taking a break before he sends me out again."

Gi-Gi"s eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds fantastic! We can have a mini vacation right here in the compound. What do you say, a few days of relaxation, movies, and maybe a little bit of wine?"

"That sounds perfect," I replied with a smile, "just what I need."

Gi-Gi"s laughter filled the room. The prospect of a few days of rest with Gi-Gi lifted my spirits, and I was grateful for her presence in my life. For a few days, I could let my guard down and simply be Remina, not the assassin or the supernatural enforcer. It was a rare gift, and it was one I intended to savor.

But first I needed to deal with the council member assholes.

I pushed my empty plate aside and with a contented sigh, I stood up and deposited my dirty dishes in the sink. The clatter of plates and utensils echoed in the small kitchen. I made my way to the room I occupied while staying there. I pulled open the closet door and, with the familiar creak of hinges, revealed my leather attire.

The scent of worn leather filled the air as I examined the dark ensemble that had become my armor. The sleek pants hugged my form, and the supple jacket promised both protection and mobility. Each piece of equipment, from the thigh holsters to the sleek daggers I strapped to my thighs, held a history of battles and survival.

My fingers brushed over the cool metal of my weapons, a reassuring touch that anchored me in the present. The familiar weight of the blade holstered at my side was a constant companion, a silent promise of protection and power.

After I"d equipped myself with all the tools of my trade, I glanced in the mirror. The reflection that met my gaze was a far cry from the young, carefree girl I"d once been. Dark hair cascaded over my shoulders, framing my determined face. The amulet around my neck, a symbol of containment and restraint, glimmered with the power it held within. And my eyes, hauntingly amethyst, revealed an unyielding resolve.

I stepped out into the living room where Gi-Gi cleaned up. The traces of our shared meal were disappearing, and the apartment slowly returned to its usual, inviting state.

"Remina, are you all set?" Gi-Gi asked, her eyes filled with concern.

I nodded in response. "Good to go, Gi. You should have left the dishes; I would have cleaned up."

Her lips curved into a soft smile, "Nah, babe, I"ve got it. You get going and we will catch up after you've made your report. Say ‘Hi' to my big bro."

The promise of a few days of rest loomed on the horizon. I reached out and squeezed Gi-Gi"s hand, grateful for the support she provided.

"Thanks, Gi," I said with a hint of a smile. "When I get back, we'll start on our mini vacay, just you and me."

With one last glance around the apartment, I headed for the door, my boots making a soft thud with each step. The tension had returned, my mask was back on, and I double-checked that my magic and tattoos were concealed. I couldn"t let my guard down outside these walls, not even for a moment.

As I stepped into the bustling streets of the compound, the sense of purpose that came with my role as the Order's enforcer filled me. I would face the council, share my report, and be on my way.

Comments

0 Comments
Best Newest

Contents
Settings
  • T
  • T
  • T
  • T
Font

Welcome to FullEpub

Create or log into your account to access terrific novels and protect your data

Don’t Have an account?
Click above to create an account.

lf you continue, you are agreeing to the
Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy.