Empire of Lies and Death

3, Lorelai

Lorelai Castoff kept her breath even. She stayed relaxed, like the queen's words hadn't affected her.

She knows, she knows, she knows!!!

How the Empress knew Lorelai didn't know. All she could hear was her heart pounding and her thoughts spiraling in panic.

Lorelai scolded herself harshly. A master assassin would not be this unprofessional. Calming her thoughts and keeping her breathing controlled her heart slowed. 

"What makes you think we have said elemental wells?" Lorelai's voice was strong, for that she was thankful. 

The Empress smiled. "Why, Lorelai, I'm sure you've heard of the rumors that follow you in Featherdell."

The dirty and smelly pirate girl and the rich snob looked at her

She stayed relaxed, her muscles pensive. "You'd have to be more specific I'm afraid, your majesty."

"Your stealth is unmatched. Many say you seem to float an inch above the ground and your hair is always moving on phantom winds."

Lorelai fought the urge to pull her hood up. "Featherdell is known for their fancy tales."

The smile she was given was not a fool's. The Empress was no retard. She was keen and shrewd. "My girl, I think you all have magic abilities. They just need to be triggered."

"Mother," Princess Moticia spoke, her voice would've been enchanting if she did not speak in monotone. Monotone still, Lorelai could detect the layers to it. The Princess wore masks. Several of them. "What leads you to believe we can control anything stronger than our next meal?"

The Empress's eyes glittered. "My dear, the Ancients have spoken to me."

Beside her, the pirate girl, Brandy, rolled her eyes. Lucky for her the Empress did not see. 

"Mother-" Moticia began, she sounded bored, like she'd been through this before.

"Silence girl." The Empress snapped. "The Ancients came to me and told me that the three of you held the legendary magic of air, fire, and water. After some time my sources have lead me to you three. Moticia, I know your power has not been unearthed, but you two," she turned to the other girls ", I will test.'

Lorelai quirked a brow. She was about to speak when armor clinks behind her and she spun out of the way, her spirit tapping into her gift insticvily. 

Three figures dressed in black, white, and grey had stepped out of the shadows. The Storm Wizards. The grey one had just tried to filay her.

The urge to return the favor was strong, so powerful she almost failed to realise she'd revealed her secret.

In the worst possible place. At the worst possible time.

She'd spun into the air in her dodge. She remembered the caress of air supporting her weight as she's swiveled.

Everyone stared at her. The Empress in victory, Brandy in surprise, Moticia in mild interest. 

Lorelai scowled. Swearing mentally she sheathed the daggers that she'd drawn. 

"Lorelai, so the rumors are true. You control air." The Empress said.

The assassin hated the woman and the look in her eyes. But she saw no reason to lie. It would be a fool's path. "Yes. I can."

"Wonderfull!" The Empress smiled brilliantly. The next turned to Brandy.

The other two Wizards struck at the same time. Not with weapons but with words.

Suddenly all the moisture was sucked out of the air and formed a swirling spiral around Brandy.