Nightblade (Darkest night)

The secretary led them up a winding staircase. Pictures of previous headmasters adorned the walls, some seemingly hovering mid-air, giving the room an ethereal feel.

Some of the paintings depicted the founding of the school and its history, as well as the original founders of the academy.

They stopped in front of a large room with an inner chamber barred off by large double doors that served as the headmaster's office. The young woman rapped twice on the door before leaving.

"Come in," a voice commanded from within. A small breeze stirred, passing between them and slightly rustling their clothes. The large double doors slowly swung inward, granting them entry.

The room had several paintings depicting some of the more recent headmasters. The scent of old paper and smoke lingered in the air, giving the room a studious atmosphere.

A few shelves were built into the walls. Numerous ancient-looking tomes and books were neatly arranged on them.

Gregory Whizen, the new headmaster of Pyreptar, was a white haired man with piercing amber eyes and a hooked nose that looked like it'd been broken once. He wore a black double-breasted suit with golden lapels.

He exuded an aura of power that seemed to fill the room. He sat behind a large desk that was neatly arranged.

Flames crackled in an ancient fireplace on one end of the room.

An aromatic woody scent wafted from the fireplace, filling the air in the room with a slight smoky quality.

He stood up to receive them, first shaking Rebecca's hand, then Morgan's.

"Miss Kingsley, a pleasure to meet you. And you, young man, you must be Morgan Thane."

"Mr. Whizen, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Rebecca smiled, shaking Gregory's hand before settling down on a plush chair in front of the mahogany desk.

"Mr. Thane, we're delighted to have you join us. Based on the information I've received, you're relatively new to this... world." Whizen said, smiling cheerfully.

" You recently discovered your identity as a Thane, the Thanes being one of the famed great families of the Brotherhood, which is why you're joining us this late in the semester."

Gregory leaned back, stippling his fingers together.

But being a Thane, this should not pose much of a challenge to you."

"If I may ask, pray tell why you have so much confidence in my abilities," Morgan asked, studying the weave of the tapestry on the ceiling before turning his eyes to gaze directly at the headmaster.

Whizen studied the young man's face before standing up and moving to stand directly in front of the fireplace. The flames crackled in the fireplace slightly in increasing intensity as he gazed at them.

His eyes glowed briefly before he turned back. He stared at Morgan briefly, then smiled.

"I honestly don't know why the Brotherhood still clings to things like fireplaces. I'm told it's because they're trying to preserve the tradition and originality of this place."

He sighed and then sat down.

"It's simple, really. You're a Thane and the son of Alexander Thane." A corner of his mouth curled up.

"You knew Alexander Thane!" Rebecca asked in astonishment.

Looking at her flabbergasted face, Whizen chuckled.

"Well, that's a story for another time." He looked up, the flames reflected in his amber eyes. He smiled suddenly at the sound of footsteps approaching the door. There was a light, successive rap at the door.

"That should be someone we know. Earlier, I requested my secretary, who also happens to be my liaison with the Brotherhood, to invite someone you're well acquainted with to help you settle in."

"Come in."

The doors swung inward to reveal a muscular young man with deep green eyes. "You summoned me, Headmaster?" he said, eyes sweeping the room.

"Morgan, this is Scott McAllister. I believe you two have already met. He'll take you around the academy, show you your lodgings, and be of assistance if you need any help. If that's all, you may leave."

Morgan nodded, he rose and shook Gregory's hand, then headed out of the office.

Rebecca stayed in her seat.

" I'll join you two outside in a while. I'm sure you have much catching up to do."

Gregory raised an eyebrow at her gesture but stayed silent, a silent smile playing on his lips.

" Miss Rebecca," He began, "I'm honored that you think so highly of me, but I'm afraid that I'm already taken, you see. There's no need to propose."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow in amusement, then laughed.

"Don't flatter yourself, Mr Whizen. Still, I didn't know that the infamous Darkblade was capable of humour."

Gregory regarded her in surprise, "So you've heard of me?"

Rebecca smirked.

" Your reputation precedes you. Every assassin in the Brotherhood who's worth their salt has heard of you. Commander of one of the most elite kill squads of the Praesagius. To think that you'd one day end up with the very people you used to hunt. "

The atmosphere in the room became a bit strained, a slight breeze stirring through the room.

Gregory shrugged nonchalantly.

"I guess, life is funny that way."

Rebecca nodded.

That said, I stayed behind for a different reason."

Her demeanor turned serious.

"Why do you think the Brotherhood would consent to a Talented as infamous as yourself becoming the headmaster of an institution despite the rocky history between our two sides?

Gregory leaned back, putting his arms behind his head.

" Honestly, I was against the idea myself, but if I had to take a guess,"

He leaned forward, piercing her with a calm gaze.

" It's because we're well-versed with the weaknesses of the assassins. We can learn from each other; it's a mutually beneficial relationship."

Rebecca crossed her legs, staring at him. Her green eyes betrayed no emotion.

" Is that what you truly think?"

Gregory calmly regarded her, observing her face before sighing.

" I think the real question here should be, what do you think? And of course, why you'd like to know what I think about the matter. "

His gaze turned serious.

" Miss Kingsley, I'd prefer not to play mind games. I'm a rather frank person, you see. If there's something you'd like to say, now would be the time to say it."

Rebecca regarded him for a while in silence.

"The man or creature that you fought at the orphanage is somewhat of an urban legend among the assassins. He once wreaked havoc across the entirety of both worlds, this one and the one we call Tenebris, what you call the Dark World, until he was bound and killed in Tenebris. But as it turns out, he is very much alive and evidently free. You can attest to that. But right now, we don't know what he wants and when he'll make a move."

Silence filled the room.

Gregory sighed.

"We probably know what he wants."