The Silent oath

Chapter 19: The Price of Devotion

The tension in the air was palpable as Zai and Alicent stood before The Mother in the austere office that had become the scene of so many pivotal moments in Zai's life. The Mother's expression was as unreadable as ever, her eyes cold and calculating as she regarded the two assassins. Zai felt a familiar chill run down her spine, but she kept her gaze steady, refusing to let her fear show.

"The time has come for you both to prove your loyalty to The Family once again," The Mother began, her voice devoid of warmth. "Your targets are Anika and Edmund, twins who have been instrumental in the rise of The Dreamers. They are currently hiding on the outskirts of the city, a mere stone's throw from our stronghold. Their deaths are non-negotiable. They are a threat that must be eliminated."

Zai exchanged a glance with Alicent, her heart sinking at the gravity of the mission. The Mother's words carried an ominous weight, and Zai knew that this mission would be one of their most dangerous yet.

"They are powerful," The Mother continued, her gaze unwavering. "Edmund wields fire magic with lethal precision, and Anika is a master swordswoman. You will have to work together, relying on your combined skills to take them down."

Alicent spoke up, her voice strong but laced with an undercurrent of fear. "We will complete the mission, Mother. But what if... what if one of us doesn't make it back?"

The Mother's lips curled into a thin, humorless smile. "Then you will have served The Family well. Remember, all sacrifices are for the greater good."

Zai felt a surge of anger at The Mother's callousness, but she swallowed it down. There was no room for hesitation or doubt. This was the life she had chosen, and there was no turning back.

After leaving The Mother's office, Zai and Alicent spent the remainder of the day in tense preparation. They went over their plans, studied the information provided by Katrina, and prepared their weapons. But as night fell, the reality of the situation began to settle in, and the weight of what they were about to do became almost unbearable.

In the privacy of Zai's chamber, the tension between them finally broke. Their shared fear of the unknown, the possibility that one—or both—of them might not return, fuelled a desperate need to be close to one another. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, each touch, each kiss, laden with the knowledge that this might be their last night together. The desperation in their movements was a reflection of the love they had kept hidden for so long. They sought comfort in each other's arms, their connection deeper and more meaningful than ever before. Zai's hands traced the contours of Alicent's body, memorizing every curve, every detail, as if committing them to memory. Alicent responded with equal fervor, her kisses searing into Zai's skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The night was a blur of whispered confessions, shared fears, and unspoken promises. In the quiet moments after, they lay entwined, their breaths mingling in the stillness of the room. Zai held Alicent close, trying to memorize the feel of her against her skin, the sound of her breathing, the warmth of her body. There was a heaviness in her heart, a dread that refused to be ignored.

As dawn approached, they reluctantly pulled away from each other, the reality of their mission settling in once more. They exchanged a lingering look, filled with love and determination.

"We'll get through this," Alicent said softly, her voice trembling. "We have to."

Zai nodded, forcing herself to believe it. "We will."

When the time came, Zai and Alicent set out under the cover of night, moving with the stealth and precision that had become second nature. The outskirts of the city were eerily quiet as they approached the safehouse where Anika and Edmund were hiding. They moved silently, their footsteps barely making a sound on the damp earth.