The Queen of Hell

Chapter 4

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When the room came into focus again all I could register was how numb my body felt. But then I moved and a searing pain jolted through my muscles. My mouth felt parched and in desperate need of water. My suit was stiff and covered in blood.

I turned my attention to Nathan, and almost fell off the chair that I didn't even realise I was sitting on. Once I regained my balance I focused back on Nathan, who was sitting slumped in the chair besides me. Instinctively, I reached over to him, putting myself second as usual and checking his heart rate, pulse, breathing and every other vital I could. He was alive, but either sleeping or unconscious. Probably unconscious.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I quickly healed some of the wounds that hadn't already been done. Then I turned, pulling at new scabs. Only then did I remember that I had wounds too - but they were already healed. I walked into the adjoining bathroom with wobbly legs and saw that the scratch on my forehead was only a faintly pinkish line. But the stab wound on my arm was left with a large, bumpy scar. I smiled as I traced the outline of it. In this business, scars are like medals; they say that you won - that you survived.

I stumbled back into the main office, trying to make my legs work properly. As soon as my body hit the chair the door clicked open and I instinctively reached for a dagger. Realising there wasn't one there I snapped my head up only to see Joseph giving me a half amused, half disappointed look.

Joseph walked in and sat on the front edge of his desk. "That was sloppy" I opened my mouth to protest but he held his hand up, silencing me. "You came in, barely conscious, lugging Nathan on your back. I'd say that whatever happened before that was sloppy". He looked so disappointed. I dropped my eyes to the floor. I could handle many things but one thing that I absolutely couldn't stand - and Joseph knew this - was the look of disappointment. It reminded me too much of my father.

"Permission to speak" I steeled myself and looked at him as I spoke. "Go ahead" He said, waving his hand like it was the last thing he could be bothered to do. "The assailants. They were from the Tricard guild" He cursed hearing the name. "You mean like..." He trailed off making a face. "Yep"

I went on to describe the last man - the only one I got a good look at. His 6' 1" frame, masculinity and brown and grey heterochromia eyes. Luckily for me, Joseph seemed to be memorising every detail meaning it was valuable information.

Once I'd finished, we sat in silence, the only sound being Nathan's quiet breathing and soft heartbeat. Joseph was staring at me, almost like he was trying to burn a hole into the side of my head. I felt really uncomfortable and scrutinised by his gaze.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally stood, telling me to go back to my room and change from my bloody clothes into a training suit. I did as he said and waited in my room once I was finished. After about 10 minutes he knocked on the door, and when I opened it he motioned for me to follow. I scurried after him, determined not to make whatever was about to happen worse.

Joseph barged through the training room doors with me following close behind. He told everyone to get out, sending someone to spread the word. Everyone obeyed with a quiet "Yes sir".

"Go for a walk around Raina." I was so confused but followed the order. I was wandering along a dark corridor when suddenly I was thrown against the wall. My head hit it with a crack and my vision went fuzzy. I felt punches being thrown and all I could do was block them. I waited for a reprise but got none. I realised the only way to get away was to fight back.

I threw my arms towards the attackers face, clawing at their eyes. Their punches faltered and I slammed my fists into their throat, trying to trap their breath. It worked and I blinked rapidly, my vision slowly coming back into focus.

It didn't take long after that to pin them to the floor, shoving their arm behind their back. "Sloppy" I heard Joseph's voice but couldn't see him. "Let him go." Reluctantly, I released the person under me, realising it was a fellow assassin who Joseph probably needed to punish.

"Go Raina" Joseph emerged from the shadows and waved me off with a flick of his hand. I walked down the hallway and turned the corner, slightly more prepared now that I knew what was happening.

I was ready when the next person attacked, however I was not ready for their swinging daggers. The assassin slashed at my arm and that's all it took for me to decide how I was going to kill him. I pinned him to the wall, took one of the daggers and pressed it against his throat, ready to slash into the flesh when Joseph commanded I stop.

I almost growled in frustration. That second of hesitation was all it took for Joseph to march up to me and rip me off of him by my hair. I stumbled backwards and Joseph threw me on the floor. "You do as I say or you're not allowed in my guild" He spat. I stayed on the floor until he made me walk again.

This time there were multiple people without daggers. I felt like I was getting better. Joseph also seemed to be getting calmer with each assassin I disabled. By the time the sun rose I was battered and bruised but I was given my daggers back and I felt like hugging Joseph. It was like giving a normal person a treasure back after they'd lost it.

I dragged my feet out the doors as the first assassins started arriving for the day.

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A/N
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