In the Shadow of Regret (Sebastian Sallow Story)

Chapter Twenty-Two | The Burden I carry

My breathing is heavy, and my lungs feel like they are on fire. I have been running for more than 15 minutes, and even though there were better ways to get to my destination, I had to ensure that I was not being followed. Nephilia's emblem alone attracted the attention of the authorities; I could only imagine how bad things could get if I were discovered with them. I don't doubt they are patrolling the area now, so it is best to be safe getting to her.

I don't know what I expected regarding Nephilia's summon, but it wasn't a spectacle. An owl or one of her men in disguise would have been enough, but this was over the top. Not only has she alerted the authorities, but possibly the ministry. Especially considering her territory is posted in the southern region. I hope Auror singer remains ignorant about the meaning behind Nephelia's emblem and decides to report this as an isolated incident. I swallow the lump in my throat. If I am discovered working for a crime lord such as Nephelia, I will indeed be sent to Azkaban. All my work to amend my public image would've been for nothing.

I stick to the shadows and watch my surroundings for any patrolling Aurors. Leaving Hogsmeade undetected was easy; navigating the surrounding areas was the real challenge. Auror Singers men were immediately dispatched to patrol the surrounding areas of Hogsmeade. I am certain she even sent an additional unit to search the Forbidden Forest for the source of the dark raven that plagues the sky.

My legs are beginning to burn as I approach my destination. I press forward, and the feeling of being watched invades my senses. I stop and slowly reach for my wand while my other hand tugs at my scarf to hide my face. I hear a twig snap from behind me and turn toward my opponent with my wand pointed at them. The breath I hold is released with a sigh of relief as I look upon his silver mask. Azazel tilts his head and lowers my wand with his finger.

"You could have said something instead of sneaking up," I scoff. I place my wand back in its holster and look back at Azazel. He is quiet as he turns and walks toward a small opening in the trees. "Okay? Am I supposed to follow you? or..." I question while following close behind Azazel. He remains quiet, his attention focused on the path ahead.

"Was it you who cast the emblem in the sky?" I ask, attempting to kill the silence between us. "Because a simple owl would've been fine. It would've been more discreet." Still, he says nothing. I roll my eyes and follow behind.

We slowly come across a waterfall at the edge of the forbidden forest. The waterfall lies between two towering mountainsides and is sheltered by various tall trees. In front of the waterfall is a small cliff containing a sizeable leaning tree. Azazel leads me up the path towards the leaning tree, and there she stands with a small group of five men. Azazel turns to the right and leans up against a nearby boulder. He watches as I walk past him and over to Nephelia.

"Dark one," Nephelia smiles. "I do hope Azazel was kinder to you this time around." I turn towards Azazel, who is still looking at me, and then return my attention to Nephelia.

"He was fine," I answer honestly. "Although I did notice he isn't much of a talker." I pull my hood off my head and the scarf from my face.

"He is a mute," she answers. "He only speaks when he has something worth saying. However, that is very rare. He is my most trusted warrior, which is why I will be placing him with you."

I give Nephelia a confused look. "I'm sorry, what?" I look over to Azazel, and he looks away, almost as if he is just as annoyed with our new partnership. "I prefer to work alone. I require no nanny, especially with one who is unable to communicate with me under stressful situations. He will only slow me down."

"Don't think of him as a nanny; think of him as an extra set of hands... and I assure you, he is more than capable. He is one, if not the best, of my warriors. You two will learn to communicate with each other in time. I trust him... I don't trust you."