Black Ice ✓ | Deathsworn #1

Chapter 27 ∞ Escape

"Mistress, I'm going to out to meet Eren," I said, approaching Mistress Liane with the guilty Maun in tow. She was sorting through some papers—piles of them. I didn't really understand what they contained, but it seemed serious considering how focused Mistress Liane was.

"None of us can go with you because all of us are busy. Right now, you can't really go alone," she told me, gazing me at me from the top of her glasses while tapping the butt of her pen against her cheek. "Remember, your ability can act up any minute."

"It seemed like it was an emergency. Erenol might be needing my company right now."

She sighed. She placed her hand down with the pen so that it was resting on the table.

"What about Maun?" I asked, pointing at the boy beside me.

Maun's eyes shot wide.

"You two?" Mistress Liane looked at the both of us and weighed whether it was a good idea. "Is he well and willing? Kora!" she yelled. "Evy wants to go out but I told her we aren't available, so she wants to bring Maun along!"

Mistress Kora looked over. "Well, his wounds are healed already, but it's better not to push it. Why does Evy want to leave anyway?"

"She says Eren is calling."

"What for?" he asked. "Evy, you can't go out alone. And it seems that Maun is not willing either. If it isn't too important, please stay indoors. Eren would surely understand."

"But—"

Seeing the firm rejection in my mistress's eyes, I knew that the topic was no longer open for consideration. I rarely went out and I asked for permission whenever I had to. I have not seen Eren in a long time and she sounded very desperate when she called.

"Fine," I said. I could not hold myself back from sounding bitter and resentful. Nonetheless, my mistresses had their reasons.

And I had mine.

I went back to my room. Maun, flustered at the exchange between myself and the mistresses, trailed after me quietly. I did not turn to look at him, but I could hear the occasional stutter in his footsteps—a sign of hesitation and hurriedness.

Upon reaching my room, he slipped inside before I could close it.

He looked at me worriedly.

"It's not your fault," I said. "I'm sorry I dragged you into it. It wasn't right of me to put you on the spot like that. But be quiet and don't tell the mistresses anything."

Confusion spread across his face.

I went through my wardrobe and took out an outside dress along with a green cloak that would help me blend in better in the gardens. This was a reckless and probably the first time I would be going against what my mistresses told me to do. Of course, I did my fair share of rebellion, but this should be the biggest one so far.

I would reckon that they had their reasons for keeping me inside the house—far bigger than just 'my ability acting up.'

As I was readying my clothes, my communicator began ringing.

"Eren."

"Evy, are you close?" she asked, worried.

"No. Not yet. I'm still getting dressed. I'll be there in a bit, don't worry."

"Okay. Please hurry."

I cut the call and started retreating into my walk-in closet to change into the clothes.

Maun's face had now contorted into one of panic and question. He didn't need any words to tell me he was asking why I was doing what I was doing. Grumbling rolled free from his throat, emphasizing his protest. I hadn't heard him make any sound until now. This was the first time.