"An Assassin's Blade comes as an example. Bloodlust, murder and shame." I murmur quietly. The light in my wife's eyes fades a little. My breathing slows. The metal stake on the ground next to me is dried with my blood. I cough, almost violently.
This final night, the only night I'll get to spend with the one I love and care for... under the stars. At least I can die knowing that Phantom won't be alone in this cruel world. "I... I'm sorry, Phantom. Please, tell Raine I will always love her. I love you..." Phantom trembles a little. "I don't... I don't want you to leave..." Her voice fades as darkness greets my vision. All I hear is her voice, cracked with grief. "Malice... I never got to say goodbye..."
~×~
Ever wonder what it'd be like going to a 'lower classroom' after your school finishes? Well, this classroom is set for AIT-- Assassins in Training. Class 3-E.
Now, Malice Akabane, being in suspension for the time-being, has an idea of the new teacher.
Phantom, however, is stuck in Class without her. She's had to deal with the Willow Creek Academy boys more than once.
~×~
Before I even know it, a light wind stirs up. This wasn't any ordinary wind. It was magic. The wind blows my skirt to the left, and I hear a familiar voice behind me, as well as my hair being tucked behind my human ears. "Behind you, babe." My eyes almost fill with tears out of shock before I turn around and kiss her, dropping her book in the process. She doesn't even hesitate to kiss me back, but pulls away after a minute or so, nibbling my bottom lip as she does. "Not now. Later." She murmurs softly against my lips. I whine in response, resting my head against her chest and listening to her calming, steady heartbeat.
She holds me in her arms for a while, before letting her arms fall to her sides at the sight of our new teacher. I keep my head on her chest for a moment longer, before I look up, "Go on. Introduce yourself, Mal." A smile forms on her lips.
"Alright."
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.