Dark Matter

Chapter Ten

Author's Note: so I don't want to seem like a whiny person or anything, but it'd mean a lot if you guys (if anyone reads this story) left a comment or something, if you think it's good or bad or if you have any feedback. That'd mean a lot, thank you

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The next few days pass far more quickly than I'd expected. The Guard and us have come to the conclusion that eliminating a few of the silvers would be beneficial. Maven will provide us with the names, Mare will probably shut down the lights and I... will be used as backup.

I'm not gonna lie, the fact that I almost have nothing to do here soothes me in a really cowardly way. But it also brings out the question of what purpose I actually serve?

The Guard knowing about my blood color oddly isn't as unnerving as I thought it'd me. Maven knowing about it is, however.

We didn't have time to properly talk about my condition, and he hasn't exactly been acting differently, but I can feel a bit of his trust in me slip away. How could it not? I'd feel the same if he revealed he was dark-blooded instead of silver.

I'd feel the same if he openly told me he's a freak. A freak like me.

Somehow those words don't feel true. Maybe it's because I myself am on the receiving end of these thoughts, but I don't really think I'd treat anyone differently-or rather, badly-if I found out they were like me. Honestly how could I?

Training has been quite stressful, but even then I enjoy the burn of my muscles. Hiding my true powers may be difficult, but I'm beginning to like running and training with the others-save the side remarks and angry glares I get, especially from Elane. The girl doesn't seem to like me one bit and I know exactly why.

She thinks-for whatever delirious reason-that I'm trying to steal her house's place as the new Shadow. The fact that I seem to be awfully stronger than her does not help with her hatred towards me. But in all honestly, I don't really care as much.

I came to this palace to help Mare and now I have other friends to help, and I will not let some childish rivalry get in the middle of that.

Julian has been quiet lately, his nose deep in his scrolls and experiments. He hasn't asked for more blood, but besides the occasional dinner we have every now and then, we don't talk much. And even then he won't explain anything about his discoveries or even if he's made any progress at all.

But what bothers me isn't his silence, not exactly at least. What bothers me is when he opens his mouth to ask a question or say something and then thinks better of it and goes back to his own shell. That is quite annoying and frankly a bit nerve-wracking.

After the third time of him performing this irritating gesture, I decide to speak up.

"Anything you might wanna say?" My voice echoes throughout the room. Julian asked the staff to leave a small dining room available for the two of us. It is still much more luxurious than anything I'm used to, but next to the rest of the rooms in this place? It's barely a speck.

"No, dear (Name). Why would you think so?" If Julian thought he could act nonchalant, he's mistaken. Merely the sound of my voice made him drop his spoon into his bowl with a distinct clink. And the grimace that passed his face for a second was unmistakable.

"Come on Julian, I'm-" I swallow, not knowing how to continue "If it's anything about me, I deserve to know."

He sighs, puts down his spoon and fixes me with a look. I squirm under the pressure of his gaze but don't break. At last he stands up, circling the table to sit down next to me.