CHAPTER 54: PLANS WITH KACIR

(Amaia)

"My mother had healing magic and I never met my father. My mother never spoke about him so I don’t know," I answer, hugging the book to my chest, trying to find some solace.

Memories of my family come rushing back and I let out a sigh, my body deflating like a balloon which has been pricked by a needle.

"I am sorry about your family, Amaia. No one deserves such a fate," he says with hints of compassion in his voice.

I raise my head and look him straight in the eyes. Our gazes lock.

"They will pay. Every one of them." I remembered their faces, the ones who came before my mother placed that necklace around my neck and ushered me out. It’s because of this necklace around my neck that my appearance remains concealed.

"Focus on getting stronger for now. If you need any help–you come to me. Don’t go looking for trouble," he says calmly and I stand up.

"Thank you for the book. I will read and make notes."

Alnilam offers me a calculated look before moving towards the table with the penholder. He extracts a green pen with a golden cap.

"Use this to write notes. They will remain invisible and can only be seen with the blue light at the end of this pen." He clicks the small button and shows me the tiny blue light emitting from the other end.

This is genius and I marvel at his thoughtfulness before graciously accepting the pen from him. My heart warms as my fingers curl around the pen.

He doesn’t know, but this is like a first gift from him for me, and I am going to cherish it, keep it safe.

There is a caring heart under that impassive frigidity he carries. I have seen glimpses of it today. The way he has decided to keep my secret and train me.

"I should get going."

Taking one last look at his serene face, I turn around to walk out of this cosy nook of his. It smells exactly like him, every corner, every tiny object reveals a detail about his personality.

Alnilam walks over to his seat and presses the button underneath the armrest.

The bookshelf parts from the centre again, making a passageway for me to pass.

With a heavy heart, I leave him behind; the bookshelf closes as I arrive in his office. I guess he wishes to remain there.

His scent still swirls around me, invading my senses, drenching my heart. I need to leave this place, it’s enough torture for a day.

Clutching the book still close to my heart, I make my way out, and thoughts of Rigel cross my mind.

I need to go see him, even if it’s for a few minutes. I need to know he is there and alive, that he is not hurt.

Instead of returning to my room, I take the route Yanna had shown me to head over to the dungeon.

The tension grips my heart the closer I get. I pass a few other students but everyone seems to be occupied in their own bubbles.

As I near the corner where the door leading to the dungeon lies, I am stopped by two sentinels in their black and red crisp uniforms. Their long spears cross, letting me know I can’t pass.

"This area is out of bounds for students, return to your dorm," one of them says sharply. His deep blue eyes hold dangers.

"Since when? It was just yesterday when I cleaned that dungeon," I boldly answer.

"Since it has been ordered by the headmaster. Now scoot." The anger creeps up in his voice.

Headmaster???

Why would he cordon off this area suddenly, unless he is the one involved in holding Rigel there? Nothing in this Academy can happen without his permission.

"Amaia?" Kacir’s voice has me turning around as he marches towards me. His dark hair disheveled still covering his right eye.

His eye goes towards the sentinels as he asks, "What’s happening?"

"This girl is trying to get into the forbidden area, Master Kacir." The sentinel instantly softens his tone while straightening his back some more.

Kacir comes to a halt beside me. The questions in his eyes are directed towards me.

"I left something of mine in the dungeon. Just wanted to retrieve it but they are not allowing me to pass," I lie, pressing the book closer to my chest. The ribbon Rigel has tied to my wrist feels heavy as if saying he needs me.

Kacir’s gaze shifts back to the sentinels.

"Why has this area been cordoned off?"

"Orders from the headmaster. No one is allowed, and we can’t break the rules even for you, Master Kacir." They bow to him but remain in their positions.

"Of course!" He answers before gently holding my arm. "Come with me."

I am about to resist, but he presses my arm, urging me to follow him. Getting the signal, I quietly accompany him back to where we came from.

Once we are out of their earshot he turns to face me. "You should be resting, Amaia. What are you doing returning to that dreadful place?" he asks concernedly.

"I am fine, Kacir. I was discharged and I left something of mine down there. I need to fetch it." The urgency in my voice has his face hardening.

"I went to fetch you from the infirmary but you were already gone. Then I went to our room but you weren’t there. I understand that it is important to you but you shouldn’t be here if this area has been closed off. It’s always done for a reason," he counters, bunching his lips together to show he is dead serious.

"Please, Kacir. It’s important for me. I need to go to that dungeon." I shake my head, the pain intensifying in my heart.

He sighs, letting his lean shoulders drop.

"Alright, I will take you tonight. But you will stay by my side and we will return as quickly as we can." He gives up and I just lean closer and hug him with one free arm, overwhelmed with emotions.

"Thank you! You are such an amazing friend." He gently rubs my back.

"It’s no problem." That’s the thing about Kacir, he never asks too many questions, he trusts me.

Letting him go, I separate and ask. "How will we pass the sentinels?"

That makes him smile as he holds both my arms and says. "I have my ways. Just trust me."