Getting Caught

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Reza--

I enter the Head's office and bow to her. Instead of gathering my assignments from a Level Five like usual, I was directed here. I wonder what she could want from me now. I am never called upon. I straighten and keep my gaze focused on her. I have no problem meeting her eyes unlike most people here.

"Rezallia, I'm sure you know that as Reaper, you are held to a rather high standard and are in line as the heir to the Family, correct?"

"Yes Mother." I answer despite internally cringing at her use of my proper name.

"It is the duty of each Reaper to perform as required to prove their worth as potential heirs. I hold you to an even higher standing considering your lineage. This job will be the hardest assignment given to any Reaper thus far. As such, your deadline will be three days. You know the consequences of failure. Do not disappoint."

"Yes Mother."

"Your assignment is in Clarines, at Wistal Castle. Your target is the First Prince of Clarines, Izana Wistaria. You have three days. Dismissed."

"Yes Mother." I bow before leaving the room.

Roman is waiting for me against the wall near the door and falls in step with me immediately.

"How was your visit with Mommy Nightmare?"

I sigh and tug my hood up to conceal my hair and face. "I have three days to assassinate the First Prince of Clarines. I was also given the wonderful heartwarming reminder that if I fail I die. Did you pick up a job?"

"I'm not a L4 Thief anymore. I am now the attendant to the ravishing Reaper, remember?"

"Flattery gets you nowhere with me, Roman. I need you on perimeter for me tonight."

The full moon hangs high over Wistal Castle as it's occupants sleep soundly. Everything is still and silent, save for the guards on patrol and myself as I slip through the shadows unseen. My breath escapes in a small puff and I silently curse the early spring night before fastening the buttons on my cloak. After making sure my hair is tucked under the hood, I leave the cover of the tree for the cover of another. Sadly I have to pass through a small pool of light from one of the lamps along the way. As soon as I step into the light, I draw my sword from my sheathe and block the dagger sailing down toward me. I'd barely noticed the man's presence so there's no way he's a member of the castle's employ. If that is the case, then why is he here attacking me? My eyes narrow as they fall upon my attacker. He looks vaguely familiar but he holds common features for the most part: angular face, tall, thin, dark hair. He could be just about any man that exists in the world of the underground. The only things setting him apart are his eyes. They're a shiny golden color with the pupils angled to be reminiscent of a predatory cat. Recognition flickers in his gaze as he looks me over but I still can't place him definitively.

"Why are you on my grounds, Reaper?" He asks as our blades continue to clash.

"What else would bring a reaper into the open?" I answer evenly as a small smirk crosses my face before fading out. "Death approaches Wistal Castle."

In a fluid motion, I turn and jab my elbow into his sternum then grab the back of his head and slam his face down onto my knee. The man drops instantly and I let his body hit the ground before continuing on my way. Our fight was rather quiet but I'm not going to tempt fate and hang around. I make it to the exterior of the castle a few minutes later and start to study the windows, columns, and outdoor alcoves for hiding places and escape routes. My objective rests on the third story beyond the balcony hanging above my head. Now, it's the simple feat of making my way up there unseen. Sure, I could use the castle's interior and the shadows it holds, but where is the fun in that? Being a reaper is getting rather stale on it's own. My eyes trace the perfect route up the side of the wall and I smile lightly before starting my climb.

The room is dark save for a small fire in the hearth as I step inside and softly close the doors, then tuck myself against the wall. This is easier than I'd expected, even with my run-in with the dark haired man. I won't lie and say that I'm not a little disappointed at how easy this is. With a sigh, I reach for a dagger from my pocket and study the room.

It appears to be empty, I can't hear anyone's breathing, but of course the fire may be covering it. The bed is empty for sure so the only other place someone could be is in the oversized arm chair facing the fire.

The door opens and I internally curse everything as I make myself comfortable hidden beneath the bed. It's a set of guards, come to alert the prince of a dangerous presence on the castle grounds. Technically, I'm not on the grounds anymore, I'm on the floor. I guess I wasn't alone after all.... I guess the dark haired one ratted me out since I kicked his ass. I hear a smooth voice across the room tell them to increase patrol. The door closes a moment later, signaling the men leaving and I hear the man sigh afterward.

"You can come out now."

I arch a brow but stay silent and un-moving until he sighs again.

"Person hiding under my bed, come out."

If he knew I was here, why didn't he out me to the guards? Regardless, I'm armed and have no fear that he could pose me any sort of threat.

I slowly get to my feet, my hand still clutching the dagger though it's hidden in my pocket still, silently challenging him to raise an alarm. From my new spot near his bed, I can see him settled in the chair. It's a shame he's on the list, he seems rather handsome... nice angled face, long blond hair, and a piercing blue eyes. He doesn't look concerned by my presence though as his eyes focus on me. What is wrong with him?

"I've been expecting you."

What? "What?"

"You are the Reaper, yes? I knew it would be a matter of time before you came for me."

"Why do you assume such things?" I ask, trying to avoid admitting the truth, then arch a brow as I notice his footwear. He's wearing bunny slippers... Roman would love that.

"You match the typical reports of the appearances the Reapers take on. I followed the trend of deaths stemming from the newest Reaper and figured I may end up on the list considering the status of the previous victims. You also move far more silently than the average assassin."

"Why did you not report me?" I ask finally.

"That's simple," He says as he drinks his tea. "I want to die."

Well, this is unexpected.

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