3. Nadia
Her expression changed in the split of a second. I saw her jaw flex and then the narrowed eyes that followed. Either she contemplated on what to do with me, or what to do with the fact that I used magic… if she saw me use it, that is.
“You could have just waited for your turn, Nailah!” She screeched as she dragged me by my hair to a dark room.
I winced. I was already losing my goddamned hair- wait a damn minute. Now that I think of it, I don’t know why the air became so constricted. Did I make a mistake? I zoned out for a sec. How can I mess up a basic level spell?? I caught Jienna’s shaking hand reaching out, and motioned for her to stay back as she wept, crawling after me.
“I’m gonna be fine,” I mouthed at her before turning away.
The newcomer didn’t know how things worked at the mansion, especially not about the Madame. Katrina Thelowar abused those she couldn’t rile up, and from her collection of toys, I’m her favourite.
“What do you do with my husband in his office, huh?” she shoved me against the wall, pinning me down with all the force she could muster.
How do you go from one thing to the other, crazy lady? I’m shocked at how dumb this woman is. Literally, where did this topic even come from??????
At the sound of that slanderous bullshit, my disgust exceeded hers. Above all, I can’t stand a student-teacher relationship taken out of context like this. Shit, it’s now or never. I gotta do something so this bitch gets off my back, although I know for a fact nothing I do will convince her.
“Master Thelowar has specified my role in this house. Your excellency should be careful not to tarnish his name with rumours that he cheated on his beloved wife. Especially, with a servant, your grace. You will have to deal with greater consequences than I will.” I turned away from her and stared at the wall.
She can do whatever she wants with that. She knows everything about my position, but she uses this student-teacher circumstance as an excuse to vent her anger at me.
As her silence intensified, it became almost unbearable to stay put. Today was no exception. My words seem to do more harm than justice. I cursed myself under my breath, feeling as though I cast my soul to hell by my own hands.
She twists my arm behind my back to where I can feel my muscles whine in protest. I bit my lower lip to stop a scream from escaping.
“You slut! How dare you defile my name and advise me in my house!” she lashed out with her hand and beat at me, as best as she could with a single hand.
Despite her constant hurls at me, I tried to remain composed. What astounded me is the fact that Master Thelowar doesn’t even realize the maltreatment in his own residence. Or does he just feign ignorance?
Subconsciously, I don’t want to admit to his negligent side, but like? What in the world am I supposed to do with this shit on a daily basis? My eyes welled up at the sting of her slaps. Why can’t you just kill her, you chicken- I tried to control my putrid thoughts, but it was hard. I felt my core tense, as if ready to make a rebuttal.
After she rammed her fist into my stomach one more time, I was about to lose it when I heard a few people murmuring down the corridor. I let a shred of relief trickle into my face. I knew exactly who it was that was reaching us.
“Compose yourself,” Madame Thelowar hissed, as I turned away to fix my “inconvenient” state.
“Love, over here!” I heard her giddy voice and nearly choked with disgust.
I heard the two lovebirds kiss affectionately before exchanging loving words of affection that I wish I could delete from ever entering my ears. I try to make it seem as if I didn’t hear him close to the room, naturally resuming my cleaning duties.
“You, where is Nadia?,” Master Thelowar asked, looking at the extra rags.
In fear, Jienna halted and shook her head. My ears perked up. He was looking for me? I grabbed my pail after noticing the shadow that crossed Madame Thelowar’s face for a moment before she plastered a fake smile on her face.
Her tone turned sour at the mention of my name. “Why do you need that girl?”
“The matter regarding the upcoming social event is what I wanted to discuss,” he told his wife as he sought me out.
While she pretended to look for me, Madame Thelowar’s dark eyes cut at me. Get over here, you slut. What are you doing over there looking at me like that? That’s exactly what her eyes told me, word for word, I kid you not. I huffed as I made my way towards them. I limped a little to look pitiful, satisfied seeing Madame Thelowar’s widening eyes.
“Ah, there you are! I was looking for you,” Master Thelowar smiled, as I stooped to a respectful bow in front of him.
He noticed the limp and glanced at his wife out of the corner of his eye. He knows. I know he knows. And he doesn’t care. I ignore the annoying twinge in my chest. Well, whatever… it’s not even that big of a deal… I think.
In the middle of an exchange with his wife, I picked up my rags, continuing the pitiful facade… just to spite Madame Thelowar. How did this man even marry someone like her? I looked at her, seeing the stars in her eyes and all that. I grimaced. Even a crazy witch like her can be like that. Well, yes, she has the visuals, but her personality was so dry. Especially considering the weight of the Thelowar name. I’d think he’d do better.
The empire once considered the Thelowar name forgotten until Master Thelowar restored its honour. As a renowned scholar, his collection of groundbreaking research speaks volumes about him. Despite his rather foreign mannerisms, he is an absolute gem to this empire.
His most notable feature would be the wisdom behind his eyes. It added to his gentle yet intelligent look. Though a few wrinkles crept their way onto his face, it just added to his appeal. Observing his frivolous outfit today, I held back a smile. Quite the fashion sense for a geezer, if you ask me.
“Ah, love, make sure the outfits are perfectly tailored, hm?”
“Yes, dear, they will be ready soon,” Madame Thelowar glanced at me before moving on.
Master Thelowar and I have actually become pretty good friends. The only reason he admitted me into this mansion was because of the “potential” I have. Though I refused to be anything more than a servant, he still allowed me to stay and shared with me his many brilliant discoveries.
I couldn’t help but raise my head in pride at the opportunity; many would jump at the chance to be his student or even work with him. Fortunately for me, I’m his only student… meaning, I don’t have to deal with his kids.
The only problem is that I can’t control my mana in this god-forsaken mansion. Haha, if I accidentally get caught, it’s straight to the authorities. I shivered at the thought.
That violet gaze still gave me goosebumps. I blink away the disgusting image that just passed through my mind, snapping back to reality as Master Thelowar waves his hand in my face.
“Earth to Nadia, you there?” He smiles as I blink.
“Sorry about that.” I bow my head in apology. With a wave of his hand, he changes the subject.
“Let me cut to the chase. You know what’s going to happen at the upcoming gathering. Come by my study after you finish your work to pick up your duties,” he instructed me, and I nodded in obedience.
“Yes, Master,” I bow and he nods before leaving.
Damnn. What an entertaining week this will be. I smile to myself before falling headfirst down the flight of stairs.
4. Nadia I shot out my arms and grabbed the railing. The atmosphere becomes tense as Jienna locks eyes with me. She let out a short squeak before catching my other arm and hauling me back up. I landed a few feet from her, catching my racing heart. “Holy shi-” I tried to process what just happened. How come I didn’t sense her from behind me? I turned, my confusion peaking. Jienna stood with her arms straight at her sides, but the look in her eyes was odd. Slowly, I reached out to touch her shoulder, but she jolted from whatever she was thinking and snapped her gaze towards me. She evaded my eyes, scratching at her arm. It was probably an accident; I reasoned. “Um… did you hear us right now?” I ask Jienna. “The c-onversation?” I don’t mistake the tremor in her voice, but I nod, edging her on. “Yeah, I did.” It was soft. Her voice was soft. She nudged
5. Nadia “Um, Master Thelowar, I think this is a bad idea.” I fumbled with my fingers as an awful premonition arose within me. I should’ve left when I had the chance. It’s not like this shi’ is mandatory. Let me recap what happened a few minutes ago… After skipping with glee to the study, a dark premonition came over me. How did I come to this realization? Well, I came to find a very irritating itch on my ass. (No, it’s not because I don’t wash my ass, ‘cus I very much DO). While I stood there, staring at the wall, I peeked around the corner real quick before I rubbed that area. Hallelujah, of all things to happen. It had to be this. I rolled my eyes, continuing my course. My grandmother used to scratch her ass whenever something bad was about to happen, too. Well, at least it’s not my coochie. * cough * * cough * My mother. * cough * * cough * But
6. Nadia “Take the trash out with Afsan,” Suzana instructed, before gliding away. A trail of scullery maids followed soon after, quick to listen to her rushed instructions. The head maid was definitely the best for her job. Prim and proper, she was everything Madame Thelowar should’ve been. Enough of that. I needed to know about what’s in store for me come Friday. I asked Afsan about the gathering. Asking the maids, were out of the question right now. “So, the servants have a duty this time around?” I ask. His response was curt. “Apparently.” We loaded the sacks into the metal crate, rusting at its side. I banged the rusted metal to attract the attention of the man upfront. It took a second for me to see him amidst the flurry of flies. After seeing him nod, I relaxed. He flicked the cigarette away before taking the trash away on his run-down bike, leaving a buzz of flies scurrying after him
7. Nadia I jolted as the truck passed a bump, making me groan out in pain. The wood must’ve shifted to an awkward angle behind my neck while I was sleeping. As if on cue, I overheard a laugh sound from the drivers upfront, and a wave of irritation shot through me. Those bastards, I cursed before turning my eyes elsewhere. How strange... I dug around to ease the pressure in my ear. The pain distorted my hearing, which shot a jolt of panic through me. You're so stupid, Nadia. Falling asleep just like that.The voice in my head pinged around like thorns, making me crankier than usual. A small finger jutted out from under a worn tunic sleeve. It didn’t take long to realize who they aimed the jab towards. “Did you see how she was snoring?” The older of the two boys asked. They snickered, imitating my face rather hideously. I stared at them, blank. Is this your firs
8. Calaf -Earlier that day, in the palace- This information better be worth listening to. I released a sigh before turning my attention to the fellow in front of me. Soot and mud impregnated the carpet beneath the quivering knight, drenching it with a faint brown stain. I scrunched my nose in disapproval. The smell reeking from his armour told me that the newbie’s been through an awful path to get me the information I asked from him prior. I nodded at the butler and sipped my tea. He understood my command as he quickly retrieved the sodden documents from the knight’s outstretched hands. Che, it’s gone cold. I frowned at the drink and noticed the butler’s wariness. My discontentment must’ve shown on my face as he made haste to divert my attention elsewhere. “Your Highness, these documents need to be looked over,” he blurted out. He placed the crumpl
The haze of pain that washed over me disappeared as fast as it came. I rubbed my chest with apprehension, hesitant to move forth with my schedule. Should I risk it today? I felt for other signs of pain and discovered none. Rather, my urge to leave the hauntingly dark palace roared like fire through my veins. I got up and restored my appearance on the jewel-encrusted mirror hanging on the wall. It leaned against it heavily. Almost as if its bearings were too much for it to hold. The thin mirror was elongated in shape. Rectangular, with tarnished gold rims that emphasized its edges with a vintage appeal. Nonetheless, it looked akin to any other mirror. At least that's what I've been told. Normal, they say? What a good job I've done then, I thought with some reverence. A few years back I infused concealing magic into the mirror so it performs as a walk-in cell. Years of work
It came first as a deafening ring, before forming a sound like that of a grown man in the pits of agony. With this, the room ascent into a chaos that involved running mages and flying crates raining splinters of wood. The curses that followed would have sent Sufian into an uproarious glee. I forgot the command I was to give and made way towards the retreating crowd, all the while feeling my patience wearing thin by the second. The crates should’ve been neutralized by now. What’s taking them so long? I looked at the liturgy dealing with the bigger crates and glared at the mages from my castle. How embarrassing. They flinched and raced to help quell the whining coming from far south of the room. I made way to the secluded room to bring in the raucous djinn that threatened to break free of its binding. It was still in its budding stages of becoming a full-fledged shapeshifter, so it’d be too early of a statement to tell what form it will
1. Nadia I recovered my face with a veil as I walked towards the dawning city, only pausing at the hindrance keeping me from my path. And it was the blasted sun that lapped at my skin like a thirsty hound. “Aishhh- why now?” I complained, irritated. The wind was working against me. No, rebelling is a better word. Rebelling, bullying me even. I’m definitely blaming this on my granny. That woman’s up there howling in her seat, watching the sand feast at my life. I catch my breath and wait a sec to deliberate whether I should just turn back. In that moment of hesitancy, I felt the exposed areas of my body stinging, pulsing in cadence to my anger. Like the wind wasn’t already enough, golden coils of sand lashed at me, leaving cruel marks against my feet. Feet that were pockmarked from the last spasm of bruises and blisters. I regretted every decision that made me live out in th
It came first as a deafening ring, before forming a sound like that of a grown man in the pits of agony. With this, the room ascent into a chaos that involved running mages and flying crates raining splinters of wood. The curses that followed would have sent Sufian into an uproarious glee. I forgot the command I was to give and made way towards the retreating crowd, all the while feeling my patience wearing thin by the second. The crates should’ve been neutralized by now. What’s taking them so long? I looked at the liturgy dealing with the bigger crates and glared at the mages from my castle. How embarrassing. They flinched and raced to help quell the whining coming from far south of the room. I made way to the secluded room to bring in the raucous djinn that threatened to break free of its binding. It was still in its budding stages of becoming a full-fledged shapeshifter, so it’d be too early of a statement to tell what form it will
The haze of pain that washed over me disappeared as fast as it came. I rubbed my chest with apprehension, hesitant to move forth with my schedule. Should I risk it today? I felt for other signs of pain and discovered none. Rather, my urge to leave the hauntingly dark palace roared like fire through my veins. I got up and restored my appearance on the jewel-encrusted mirror hanging on the wall. It leaned against it heavily. Almost as if its bearings were too much for it to hold. The thin mirror was elongated in shape. Rectangular, with tarnished gold rims that emphasized its edges with a vintage appeal. Nonetheless, it looked akin to any other mirror. At least that's what I've been told. Normal, they say? What a good job I've done then, I thought with some reverence. A few years back I infused concealing magic into the mirror so it performs as a walk-in cell. Years of work
8. Calaf -Earlier that day, in the palace- This information better be worth listening to. I released a sigh before turning my attention to the fellow in front of me. Soot and mud impregnated the carpet beneath the quivering knight, drenching it with a faint brown stain. I scrunched my nose in disapproval. The smell reeking from his armour told me that the newbie’s been through an awful path to get me the information I asked from him prior. I nodded at the butler and sipped my tea. He understood my command as he quickly retrieved the sodden documents from the knight’s outstretched hands. Che, it’s gone cold. I frowned at the drink and noticed the butler’s wariness. My discontentment must’ve shown on my face as he made haste to divert my attention elsewhere. “Your Highness, these documents need to be looked over,” he blurted out. He placed the crumpl
7. Nadia I jolted as the truck passed a bump, making me groan out in pain. The wood must’ve shifted to an awkward angle behind my neck while I was sleeping. As if on cue, I overheard a laugh sound from the drivers upfront, and a wave of irritation shot through me. Those bastards, I cursed before turning my eyes elsewhere. How strange... I dug around to ease the pressure in my ear. The pain distorted my hearing, which shot a jolt of panic through me. You're so stupid, Nadia. Falling asleep just like that.The voice in my head pinged around like thorns, making me crankier than usual. A small finger jutted out from under a worn tunic sleeve. It didn’t take long to realize who they aimed the jab towards. “Did you see how she was snoring?” The older of the two boys asked. They snickered, imitating my face rather hideously. I stared at them, blank. Is this your firs
6. Nadia “Take the trash out with Afsan,” Suzana instructed, before gliding away. A trail of scullery maids followed soon after, quick to listen to her rushed instructions. The head maid was definitely the best for her job. Prim and proper, she was everything Madame Thelowar should’ve been. Enough of that. I needed to know about what’s in store for me come Friday. I asked Afsan about the gathering. Asking the maids, were out of the question right now. “So, the servants have a duty this time around?” I ask. His response was curt. “Apparently.” We loaded the sacks into the metal crate, rusting at its side. I banged the rusted metal to attract the attention of the man upfront. It took a second for me to see him amidst the flurry of flies. After seeing him nod, I relaxed. He flicked the cigarette away before taking the trash away on his run-down bike, leaving a buzz of flies scurrying after him
5. Nadia “Um, Master Thelowar, I think this is a bad idea.” I fumbled with my fingers as an awful premonition arose within me. I should’ve left when I had the chance. It’s not like this shi’ is mandatory. Let me recap what happened a few minutes ago… After skipping with glee to the study, a dark premonition came over me. How did I come to this realization? Well, I came to find a very irritating itch on my ass. (No, it’s not because I don’t wash my ass, ‘cus I very much DO). While I stood there, staring at the wall, I peeked around the corner real quick before I rubbed that area. Hallelujah, of all things to happen. It had to be this. I rolled my eyes, continuing my course. My grandmother used to scratch her ass whenever something bad was about to happen, too. Well, at least it’s not my coochie. * cough * * cough * My mother. * cough * * cough * But
4. Nadia I shot out my arms and grabbed the railing. The atmosphere becomes tense as Jienna locks eyes with me. She let out a short squeak before catching my other arm and hauling me back up. I landed a few feet from her, catching my racing heart. “Holy shi-” I tried to process what just happened. How come I didn’t sense her from behind me? I turned, my confusion peaking. Jienna stood with her arms straight at her sides, but the look in her eyes was odd. Slowly, I reached out to touch her shoulder, but she jolted from whatever she was thinking and snapped her gaze towards me. She evaded my eyes, scratching at her arm. It was probably an accident; I reasoned. “Um… did you hear us right now?” I ask Jienna. “The c-onversation?” I don’t mistake the tremor in her voice, but I nod, edging her on. “Yeah, I did.” It was soft. Her voice was soft. She nudged
3. Nadia Her expression changed in the split of a second. I saw her jaw flex and then the narrowed eyes that followed. Either she contemplated on what to do with me, or what to do with the fact that I used magic… if she saw me use it, that is. “You could have just waited for your turn, Nailah!” She screeched as she dragged me by my hair to a dark room. I winced. I was already losing my goddamned hair- wait a damn minute. Now that I think of it, I don’t know why the air became so constricted. Did I make a mistake? I zoned out for a sec. How can I mess up a basic level spell?? I caught Jienna’s shaking hand reaching out, and motioned for her to stay back as she wept, crawling after me. “I’m gonna be fine,” I mouthed at her before turning away. The newcomer didn’t know how things worked at the mansion, especially not about the Madame. Katrina Thelowar abused those she couldn’t rile up, and from her collection of toys, I’m her favourite. “What do you do with my husband in his office,
2. Nadia I left my shoes outside and dusted off my clothes before approaching the burly guards at the doors. Why are you looking at me like that? I questioned, kinda bothered by all the hard looks I’ve been receiving from them so far. I regarded the menacing man before turning away. His blue eyes were hard. Slow day, huh? It seemed like he read my mind. Whilst shrugging, he took my sac and sifted through it, plopping it into my hands, as soon as he finished. Then he turned to receive instructions from the head maid. “You,” he jerked a calloused finger at me, “clean the stairs today.” “Yes, sir.” I nodded, heading in. I looked inside the foyer that the man appointed me grimly. There were already clusters of servants crowding the hallway. As soon as I had put my things away, I hurried to the washing station before the crowd surrounded it. The chatter approached me faster