Master?

Seraphina Darkthorn's POV:

"How do you feel?"—I asked Svetlana.

"I feel... 'normal'. I don't really know what normal felt like before— but I guess I am normal now?", she said with a bright smile.

It was a smile I had never seen on her face before.

The only smiles she ever showed me were those of fake reassurance — the kind a dying patient gives to hide their own pain.

But now...

Now her smile held the vivacity of life.

"The medicine is working...you are getting better", I let out.

My hand gently clasped her right hand in my palms. "I'm glad!"—a soft, low exclamation left my mouth, and my gaze locked on her blindfold.

Out of the blue, she planted a peck on my cheek, as if to say 'don't be upset now'.

Then, she took a seat next to me in the study.

"Mother, are you studying Runic magic?" She asked, changing the topic to something less emotional, while eyeing the book I had on the study.

"Yes, that I am."

"But you use Deviant magic, why would you research Runic magic?"

Instead of directly answering her, my eyes darted towards the window, absorbing the scenery outside.

In the garden, Liam and Noah were busy at the tea table.

"That's because you can harness the power of Runic magic even without activating the mana core."

'Or having one.'

Svetlana wore a knowing smile upon hearing my answer. "And I thought you wouldn't accept him as a disciple?" she spoke.

"I never said that... I just wanted to see his true skills. And people only reveal their true abilities when they have something at stake," I said.

But soon a smile graced my lips."The duel however, was hardly anything like what I had imagined. "

"So it was all a test?" Svetlana asked. "All that talk about him being a worthy was just drama?"

"Hardly," I replied. "He is an interesting boy. Despite his young age, he has achieved so much."

I looked at Svetlana, "He can be a great benefactor to us, just as we can be to him. And not to forget your vision about 'Dream breaker.' I was amused by his background.", my words trailed off.

"I wanted to push him to his limits and see."

"And yet, you failed, you know that?" Svetlana replied.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"He was holding back, just like you were," my daughter revealed.

I frowned at her response.

'He was holding back?'

"I think I would like to personally meet him and thank him," Svetlana said, while walking towards the door.

I too followed her.

***

Noah's POV:

In front of me sat a white table adorned with an array of delectable treats, tempting cakes, and aromatic teas.

Seated to my left was the captivating presence of Ophelia Delacroix with her hazel-brown eyes.

But, my attention was not drawn to her gaze, nor the enticing spread before me.

My focus remained steadfast on the bundle of files clutched in my hands : the Indemnity Agreement, Partnership Agreement, Strategic Alliance Agreement, Joint Venture Agreement, Supply Agreement, Licensing Agreement, Subsidiary Agreement, Distribution Agreement, Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), SLA, BSLA... and the list just went on...

It was alot. LIKE A LOT!

These agreements establishes the terms for the distribution and marketing of my future products and services, with the support and protection of the Darkthorn family, as well as their network and infrastructure.

It ensures the confidentiality of any sensitive or confidential information shared between us.

Seated to my left was Nathan, and on the other side of the table was Liam.

Nathan and my work in this estate is almost done.

It had been five days already since we came, and Svetlana has fully healed.

I believe it was time for me to request for my other two rewards.

And after that...

I turned to Liam and said, "If you could kindly summon Madam Seraphina, we can swiftly finalize the last portion of our agreements. Once this is done, I can bid farewell to this estmed estate, preferably today."

Liam raised an eyebrow, his gaze fell on me. "Are you really leaving 'today'?", he asked.

"Lady Svetlana hasn't had the chance to express her gratitude yet. And I remember you mentioned your desire to explore the estate further?"

"Yes, plans have indeed changed," I replied, a hint of determination in my voice.

The source of determination was unknown to me.

"I will leave today..." I trailed off, refocusing my attention on the file before me, ensuring that all was in order.

Before I could continue, a velvety voice suddenly entered my ears from the left—"Oh no, you are not leaving today," the voice asserted, capturing my attention.

Slowly, I turned my head to witness Seraphina and Svetlana gracefully approaching from a distance.

Rising from my seat, I went and greeted them with utmost politeness, as did everyone else present.

"What do you mean I am not leaving today? Is there any problem, Your Excellency?" I asked.

Seraphina appeared taken aback, her expression betraying surprise at the address of 'Your Excellency' coming from my lips.

It was an understandable reaction, I had only ever communicated with more casual titles such as 'Miss' or 'Madam' until now.

She shook her head gently and offered a warm smile."Not Excellency. From now on, you will address me as your Master."

"Master?" I squinted my eyes in confusion, but the realization soon dawned upon me, and my eyes opened wide.

"Ah... b-but I thought I lost the duel! And you wouldn't accept me as a disciple?"

"I guess I changed my mind?" Seraphina replied, a mischievous glint danced in her eyes.

Seraphina gestured for Liam and Ophelia to do something .

And soon enough, Ophelia, Liam, and Nathan exited the premises, leaving only Seraphina, Svetlana, and me in the garden.

Seeing the turn of events,I couldn't help but wonder, 'What is this all about?'

But after a moment something even more strange happened...

Svetlana glanced at Seraphina, and upon receiving a nod from Seraphina, she untied and removed her blindfold.

Confused by the turn of events, I stuttered, "Wh-what are you doi—" ,but my voice trailed off into a whisper, my eyes widening as Svetlana unveiled her mesmerizing deep blue eyes.

'Holy shit... She is gorgeous...' I thought to myself, but I made sure not to let my feelings show on my face.

With confident steps, Svetlana approached me, extending her hand in a gesture of friendship.

"I believe we haven't had the best start. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm Svetlana Darkthorn, and I am incredibly grateful for everything you have done! I would like to make your acquaintance!" —Svetlana said with a cheerful expression.

Her smile was so bright that it felt as if I went into the '13th cloud'—a place I never knew existed until this very moment.

But then again....I remember how Svetlana was when I first met her— dead inside, unhappy and sad.

I looked at her extended hand and realized that now she was lively and filled with the vivacity of life.

Seeing her smile of happiness made me feel great, as if I had truly made a difference in someone's life.

'I really saved someone... '

I extended my hand and locked it with hers, replying genuinely, "Likewise. It's good to see that you are doing better."

In that moment, all my thoughts about manipulating her or making her fall for me disappeared.

I realized that she had suffered, just like I had, and she deserved to live a happy life.

But suddenly, for a very brief moment, her eyes, which were filled with happiness, turned to that of pity--as if she was feeling sorry about something.

She quickly changed her expression, but it didn't go unnoticed by me.

"So...when you usually wear blindfolds, can you actually see through them?" I asked, trying to change the atmosphere with a random question.

Svetlana looked at the piece of black cloth in her hand and giggled, "Of course, I can! I have been practicing vision magic from a young age. But it's not the same as seeing with my actual eyes. That's why I wanted to see the one who saved me with my 'own eyes'."

'Ah...'

-"Your classes are starting next week, if I'm not mistaken?" Seraphina asked out of the blue.

"Yeah...why?"

Seraphina smiled and told me something that made my eyes widen, "WHHHHAAAT? No, you can't do that!"

.

.

.

After talking with them for a few more minutes, I left.

However, the thought of what Seraphina had said was making me somewhat worried.

***

Third person's POV:

Svetlana waved her hand in the air, watching Noah, as he left the garden.

"You tried looking into his destiny?" Seraphina asked Svetlana.

The once-cheerful expression that adorned Svetlana's face faded into one of profound pity upon hearing her mother's question.

Observing her daughter's sudden change of mood, Seraphina asked, "What is it, daughter? What did you see?"

Svetlana's gaze dropped to the ground.

Seraphina also didn't press on, knowing full well the effects Svetlana's propensity had on her.

After a moment, Svetlana finally spoke, in a gentle voice—"Yes. I saw a vision. "

"In my vision, I saw a man who lost his home."

"And a man, who was struggling to swim against the currents of a river...."

"Above him loomed dark amethyst clouds, crackling with thunder, while an owl ominously hovered. Somehow, it was a tragically somber scene."

***

𝐀/𝐍: 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝.𝐠𝐠/𝐡𝐁5𝐊𝐦𝐝𝐝𝐖𝐜7

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