Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

No More Secrets

When Tassel landed in Svartlfheim, she headed straight for Kurse's domain. As she looked around what used to be her home, Tassel couldn't help but see it in a different light. The academy building that stood on the horizon gave her a sick feeling, and when she passed the courtyard, a chill ran down her spine.

There were a fair amount of guards stationed outside Kurse's palace when Tassel arrived, but other than a few strange looks, she slipped through with ease. Her steps were quick and sure, and it didn't take long for her to navigate the sterile halls to Kurse's throne. She reached the large, black doors, where she was greeted by a pair of hefty soldiers. Though young, both their faces were already scarred. They glared at her when she approached them.

"Who are you?" the first one asked, stepping forward to block Tassel's way.

"My name is Tassel, and I need to speak with Kurse immediately." Tassel said.

She moved towards the doors, but the second guard put out an arm to stop her.

"I'm sorry, but he's not taking visitors right now." the second guard said.

"I don't think you know who I am." Tassel said.

"I know exactly who you are, and the answer remains the same." the second guard said.

Tassel heaved a sigh and shoved her way forward, muscling past the guards with as much strength as she could muster. She threw open the doors, silencing Kurse and his guest instantly. The woman standing next to Kurse was young. Her skin was deathly pale, her lips white. Black markings appeared to be painted on her face, beginning under her eyes and circling around the edge of her face towards her forehead, where it descended down just above the bridge of her nose, forming an arrow.

Her hair was the same jet black as the markings on her face. It was cropped just a little below her chin, and it was straight as a board. Her eyes, which were a blood red, locked with Tassel's, and a smirk lit up her face. Tassel narrowed her eyes in confusion as the stranger whispered something to Kurse and walked away.

"Sir, our apologies, we told her she couldn't come in, but she didn't listen." the first guard said as he and his partner rushed in.

"Leave us." Kurse said with a wave of his hand.

The two soldiers nodded respectfully and closed the door behind them when they exited.

"Who was that?" Tassel asked through gritted teeth.

"Someone you needn't be concerned with," Kurse said, glancing at Tassel, "My, my, you do look upset. Care for a drink?"

Kurse poured a glass of wine and offered it to her. A cruel smirk lit up his face, and he shrugged.

"No? What a shame," he took a sip, "It's quite good. I believe Anson would have liked it."

Tassel strode forward with clenched fists until she was close enough to smell the wine in the glass he was holding.

"You! You monster! What did you make me do?" she shouted.

She tried to push him backwards, but he caught her hands with a tight grip. Kurse's eyes flashed as he shoved her away.

"Your job. I warned you, and you didn't listen, so I took matters into my own hands. Perhaps now you'll be able to finish what you were sent to do in the first place," Kurse said, "I thought you were better than this, Tassel."

Tassel stepped forward. Fire coursed through her veins as she met his eye.

"I came from the darkness, born of shadows and secrets. I can bring down entire kingdoms with the bat of an eye or a peck on the cheek, and Asgard is no different," Tassel said, "I'm choosing not to."