The Silent oath

Chapter 11: Shadows of Doubt

The days following the kiss were a blur of confusion and conflicting emotions. At eighteen, I had faced countless challenges and missions, but nothing had prepared me for the turmoil I felt after that moment with Alicent. She was now twenty, her changeling features more mature and beautiful than ever. The rules of The Family were clear, and relationships below the rank of Teacher were forbidden. Yet, my feelings for her had only grown stronger.

I avoided Alicent as best as I could, throwing myself into my duties and training. But every time I caught a glimpse of her, the memory of our kiss haunted me, a constant reminder of what I couldn't have. I knew she was hurt by my distance, but I couldn't risk breaking the rules and facing the consequences.

One evening, Matron Rheneares summoned me to her chambers. Her expression was grave, and I knew another mission awaited me.

"Zai," she began, her voice steady, "we have a new assignment for you. There's a woman named Serina who has obtained sensitive information about The Family. She plans to leak these plans to our enemies. You must stop her."

I nodded, trying to push my personal turmoil aside. "Where can I find her?"

"She frequents a small café in the city's outskirts," Matron Rheneares explained, handing me a dossier. "Your task is to follow her, confirm her intentions, and eliminate the threat."

As I left her chambers, I felt the weight of the mission settle over me. This wasn't just about killing a target; it was about protecting The Family and ensuring our secrets remained safe. But the confusion and conflict within me made focusing on the task at hand difficult.

I spent the next few days stalking Serina, watching her every move. She was a sharp, observant woman, always looking over her shoulder. It took all my skills to remain undetected. She frequented the café daily, meeting with various contacts and exchanging coded messages.

One evening, I followed her to a secluded alleyway. She was meeting a man, handing over documents that could expose The Family's operations. My heart pounded as I prepared to strike, but the internal conflict gnawed at me. The memory of the kiss with Alicent, the feelings I had been trying to suppress, all bubbled to the surface, distracting me at the worst possible moment.

Serina's head suddenly snapped up, her eyes locking onto mine. "Who are you?" she demanded, her hand reaching for a concealed weapon.

I cursed under my breath, realizing I had been caught. I lunged forward, but she was quick, her movements swift and precise. We clashed in the narrow alley, the sounds of our struggle echoing off the walls. She fought fiercely, and for a moment, I thought I might lose. But I managed to disarm her and deliver the fatal blow, her body collapsing to the ground.

Breathing heavily, I retrieved the documents and slipped back into the shadows. The mission was complete, but the near failure left me shaken. My internal conflict had nearly cost me my life and the mission's success.

Returning to The Family's headquarters, I continued to avoid Alicent. The distance between us grew, and I could see the hurt and confusion in her eyes whenever our paths crossed. It pained me to see her like this, but I didn't know how to reconcile my feelings with the rules we lived by.

One night, unable to find peace, I wandered through the headquarters and found myself in the Temple of the Fallen. The familiar scent of incense and the soft glow of candlelight filled the air, offering a sense of solace. I knelt before the statue of The Faceless One, seeking guidance and clarity.

As I closed my eyes and let the silence envelop me, a vision began to form. The amethyst tree appeared once more, its branches glowing with an ethereal light. The leaves shimmered like gemstones, casting a radiant purple hue over everything around it. The vision was vivid and real, and I felt a deep sense of peace and purpose.

Then, a voice echoed in my mind, clear and resonant: "Not yet."

The vision faded, and I opened my eyes, the words lingering in my thoughts. "Not yet." It was a message, a reminder that my journey was far from over, and that there were still challenges and decisions ahead. The path was uncertain, but the vision of the amethyst tree offered a glimmer of hope and direction.

Rising to my feet, I left the temple with a renewed sense of determination. I didn't have all the answers, and the conflict within me remained. But I knew I had to keep moving forward, trusting in the guidance of The Faceless One and the strength I had gained from my training and experiences.

For now, avoiding Alicent and focusing on my duties was the only way I could protect her and myself. The words "Not yet" were a reminder that there was still time, and that perhaps, one day, I would find a way to reconcile my feelings with the life I had chosen.

As I walked through the silent corridors of The Family's headquarters, I felt a sense of resolve. The challenges ahead were daunting, but I was ready to face them, guided by the lessons of the past and the hope of the future.