Twin Mages Book 2: Deception

Chapter 6: The Ultimate Betrayal

Lily sits in the Mage Hall, all alone while examining the notes she's compiled, pondering on their meaning. It's been almost a month since Dez was arrested, and there is still no sign that he is going to be freed any time soon. "I need to convince Zephyr to let me be on the case, but how?"

Almost on cue, the door to the hall opens, Zephyr strolling in casually. Lily takes her notes and puts them in her pocket as Zephyr sits down across from her, a faint smile evident on his lips. "Hi, Lily. How are you?" Lily is confused by this friendly inquiry, considering it's been weeks since the two of them have spoken. "I'm doing okay, I guess." Zephyr nods, and tries to start up small talk. Lily can't stand it, and blurts through the chatter. "I want to help with the case! I know you said that I'm not allowed to, but it's driving me insane to be blacklisted like this!"

"I understand your frustration, Lily, believe me. I wish there was more that I could do, but I simply cannot budge on this issue. I'm sorry." Lily stands, her hands firmly planted on the table as she speaks desperately to her Master. "Delilah told me that a lot of students managed to escape the courtyard, so maybe I could just ask them what happened?"

Zephyr looks at Lily with a glare so sharp it could cut through diamond. "You spoke to Delilah about the case?! I told you specifically not to get involved, Lily! How hard is it to NOT do something?!" Lily slams her fist on the table, yelling at the white haired man. "I am being told to sit on my damn hands while everyone else looks at Dez like the Devil Incarnate! How did you expect me to react, Zephyr?!" Zephyr stands up, not taking this disrespect lightly. "I expect you to respect your orders, Lily!"

"How can I respect an order that is so ridiculously unfair?!" Zephyr raises his hand, causing Lily to float in a tunnel of wind. His eye patch glows with an emerald green as he shouts. "Next time you disrespect my orders, there will be a punishment. You may be a prodigy, but you are not above the rules." He sets her down, watching as she storms away.

Zephyr prepares to leave the hall, but stops when Leo and Kei walk in. "What's wrong with Lily? She just barged past us without even a look." Zephyr sits, explaining to Leo how Lily admitted to investigating Dez's case behind his back. Leo nods, looking at the Master. "I was going to tell you about that. She was also in the courtyard after she was told to stay away from the investigation. She got extremely upset when I confronted her about it."

Kei looks at Leo, confused. "Why did you confront her?" Leo looks over. "I'm being promoted to Captain, and my first job is to investigate Lily, and make sure she doesn't interfere." Kei gasps, surprised by this development. Zephyr taps anxiously on the table, trying to give his pupil faith, but not sure what she's thinking. "What have you decided, Captain?"

Leo thinks back to the night where he told her to stay home, when he went to Zeus's hideout. The night that started their lives as Mages. He stands, his fists clenched, speaking through gritted teeth. "It's obvious that my sister isn't going to listen to anyone right now. She's too stubborn. Always has been. So I have a plan, but you're going to have to trust me, Master."

Zephyr nods, standing up. The Master bows, shocking Leo and Kei. "I will trust your instincts on this, Leo. Just know that Lily isn't going to take you telling her to stay out of this kindly. You should know that better than anyone."

"I know. That's why I need your help, Kei." Her head springs up, gazing at her boyfriend and his smoldering body. "What do you need?" The newly appointed Captain looks to his partner, a pained expression in his eyes. "Go to the Training Grounds. I'm going to get some help." Kei stands, bowing to Leo, proud of him and scared for what is about to happen. "Yes sir, Captain."

Lily finds herself in the Cafeteria, sitting all alone, stewing in her anger. "Why has everyone turned against Dez? Leo doesn't trust him, the Masters and Odji have their minds set that he is a mass murderer, and Kei is just trying to keep the peace with everyone." Lily is surprised to see a man in a Master Cloak sit across from her. "Hi stranger, I hope this seat isn't taken." Master Landry plops down, his half smile not hiding any of the pain or anguish in his soul. "I've heard that you've had a rough go of it lately? Want a fresh ear?" Lily shrugs, not seeing the harm in talking for a while.