Twin Mages Book 2: Deception

Chapter 5: Investigations And Secrets

Lily sits next to her brother and Kei, almost driven to tears at the sight of Delilah in his arms. The normally sweet, bubbly girl a mess of tears and snot, sobbing uncontrollably in Leo's embrace. Who can blame her? After what she just witnessed, Delilah has every right to be a wreck. Master Venus walks up to Leo, tapping Delilah on the head, and waving her to him. "Come, darling. We'll go get you some tissues and a drink. This conversation isn't for your ears." Delilah stands, taking his hand as he leads her out the door, shutting it gently.

Zephyr lets out a deep sigh as he looks across his desk, breaking the ice cold silence with his breath. "I guess there's no easy way to go about this conversation, so I'll just come out with it. Dez is in the dungeon." Leo and Kei stay silent, wanting to give their Master a chance to speak.

Lily sought no such luxury, jumping out of her seat. "What?! We should be trying to help him?!" Zephyr raises his hand, as if demanding her patience. "As I was saying, given the circumstances, and also the complete lack of information that we have on the matter, there will be a full investigation carried out to figure out what happened."

Leo raises his hand, Zephyr nodding to allow him the chance to speak. "What can we do to help with the investigation?" Landry steps forward, running his thumb along his ring. "That's the thing. You three will have no involvement whatsoever with the investigation." Kei looks back, confused with this. "Wouldn't you want us to help, since we're close to him? We might be able to reach him easier." Lily nods in agreement with her, watching as
Verglas shakes her head.

"The connection you three have to him is exactly why you can't be involved. You three want to see the best outcome in this. Zephyr, Landry, and Venus are fully prepared for the worst case scenario." Lily clenches her fists as she hears this. "What's the worst case scenario? What are you guys implying?" Zephyr stands up, a new stern tone to his voice. "Dez very well might be working for the Dark Master." Lily spins around, shouting at her Master. "We all know he'd never do that! He's family! We can't cast him to the side like that!"

Zephyr snaps his fingers, every paper and book flying through the air, sending ripples down Lily's spine. "It would serve you well to remember your place, Lily. I am the Master. You are the Apprentice. I did not bring you three here for advice or negotiation, but to inform you of what is happening out of common courtesy!" Lily scoffs, throwing his door open. "I thought our relationship meant more than that, Zephyr. Just know that if it was any of you in his position, he'd fight to the end for you." Lily leaves, slamming the door behind her. Kei jumps up, running her hand along Leo's shoulder. "I'll go talk to her. I'm sure she's really conflicted right now. I mean, Dez and her are a couple."

After Kei leaves, Zephyr tells Venus and Landry that they can go, asking Leo and Captain Odji to stay back with him and Verglas. "Leo, I have some good news for you, but this is still going to be a hard conversation." Leo nods, ready to hear what he has to say. "I have made the decision to promote you to Captain. One of the people who died today was a Captain in my team, so an opening has just appeared." Leo smiles, not expecting this to come so soon. "I would be honored, Master Zephyr."

"But, you must agree do something to officially earn this job." Leo nods, excited for this opportunity. "What do I have to do?" The Headmistress steps in front of the black haired boy, taking the attention of the room. "You have to investigate your sister. Make sure she stays completely out of this investigation." Leo looks at the Masters, shocked and uncertain.

Kei catches up to Lily, who is leaning against a wall, trying to not lose her composure. "Lil! Hey, let's talk!" Lily looks at her friend, noticing the worried expression in her eyes. "What about? There's nothing we can do. They want us to just sit back and wait for them to make a decision. How is that fair to us?" Kei thinks about it, trying to find the right words to say. "This is bigger than us, Lily. Dez killed a lot of people today. No matter what reasoning come up with that could possibly even begin to justify his actions, there's no ignoring what happened today. We must trust the Masters' judgment on this matter. They know more than us."