Spirit of the Ashes: A Nyssara story

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Ra's POV

I watch in amusement as Taer al-Sahfer eyes widen in surprise. She was not expecting this. I expect she has many questions, but for now I will have Nyssa answer them. She has a fire within her, one day she will make a great warrior.

A small smile escapes my lips as I remember the first time she walked these halls. Her skills were unmatched. But the way she had spoken of Nyssa had baffled me until now. There was a warmth about her tone, in almost a loving way, as though they had been something more then friends. Back then, I hadn't thought much of it; but now, they seem to becoming close.

My daughter has fallen in love. This is not much of a surprise to me, Nyssa has always has a love for fixing what is broken. Especially when it comes to people. If only she knew what Taer al-Sahfer would become in the years that approach. I will have to keep an eyes on Mrs. Lance, if not just to see what her future will hold.

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Sara's POV

I look at Ra's confused. Nyssa had told me that I would never be allowed to go back to Star city ever again. But here Ra's is, offering a chance to go back. Maybe things here won't me as bad as I thought.

Ra's looks at us expectedly, "Go pack your bags and be back within an hour. A plane will be coming for you soon."

Nyssa and I nod. He seems to watch us closely as we leave the room. I can still feel his eyes burning into my back as we walk down the halls. I look over at Nyssa and notice her stance for the first time, It's rigid and tense, as if she's expecting someone to come attack us. I look at her questioningly but she doesn't seem to notice. That makes me even more worried, her sharp eyes never miss anything.

Once we reached the room, her shoulders slump and she lets out a strange choke-like noise. I run over to her and put my arm around her shoulder, guiding her over to the bed.

"Nyssa, what's wrong?" She's never this upset, this is completely out of character for her.

She puts her head in her hands and sits like that for a couple minutes before answering, "I should have never allowed you to join the league."

Now i'm seriously perplexed. "Nyssa, it wasn't your decision. You didn't have a say in the matter; to be frank, neither did I. Now, what's really wrong?"

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with sadness, "In the file, it said that you would have to be the one to make the kill."

"Oh." I feel myself tensing next to her. It's not like this would be my first kill, I'd killed some of Slade's men on the island. But that was for pure survival. This... this would be different. This would be killing someone who hadn't done anything to hurt me. This wouldn't be my first kill, but it would be my first murder.

"Who." I ask quietly. She sighs and hands me the file.

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Name: Xavier Young.

Age: 24

Gender: Male

Height: 6'1.

Weight: 230 pounds.

Prominent features: A dragon tattoo on his neck.

Reason for assassination: Has been feeding the league false information.

(Taer-al Sahfer will make the kill)

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Nyssa's POV

I watch as she flips through the file. I can't believe that she has to kill him. My father must have chosen him especially, he's close to her in age. She might have known him. What worries me is not that she won't be able to make the kill; it's what happens after.

I still remember what happened after I had killed my first person on a mission. I had only been 12. Nightmares had plagued me for weeks after. Only stopping when I started drinking tea to lull them away. Something I still do after a particular gruesome mission.

After a few minutes I can tell she has finished reading but she still hasn't said anything.

"Sara?" She looks up, a dull look in her eyes. I internally wince, this is my fault. "We should be going. We don't want to be late."

She nods, keeping quiet. I grab our clothing and weapons, making sure I have everything we will need before walking out the door; Sara silently following.

We make it onto the plane. It's first class; of course, since my father would never have 'anything but the best' for us. I roll my eyes at myself and sit down. Sara still hasn't said a word.

I pull out a book in an attempt to calm my nerves when she finally speaks.

"Nyssa?" I look at her and melt. She looks as when I found her; scared and broken.

"Yes Beloved?" I try to silently covey how much I love her with those two words.

"How am I going to do this? I-i've never murdered anyone before." Her voice shakes as she talks. I involuntary flinch when she uses the word murder. I always hated that word.

"It will come easily, you are a natural when it comes to weapons, and I will be there next to you the entire time."

She reluctantly smiles at me, "Promise?"

I nod, "I promise."

"Thank you."

I surprise myself by leaning in and kissing her softly on the cheek. "You're welcome. Now get some rest, It is going to be a long flight back to America."

She nods and soon her breathing is steady. I lay back next to her, loving the feel of her warm body next to mine. She is so perfect, I don't deserve her. But the gods work in interesting ways, I hope to never lose her.

With these thoughts, I sink into the warm embraces of Hypnos's kingdom.