"Little thing?" Julie's voice carried a note of offense as Cerilla's words hit her ears. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and anger. "What on earth is that supposed to imply?" she demanded, her steps purposeful as she closed the distance to Cerilla. Tension radiated from her clenched fists, poised as though she might lash out.
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"Huh?" Julie's questioning gaze shifted downward, landing on Tora's arm that held her back from advancing any further.
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"Let's keep things civil, you two," Tora interjected, his tone taking on a parenting-like authority.
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"Cerilla," Tora's voice held a commanding edge as he stepped past her. "I need you to escort her home." His words hung in the air, laden with a sense of responsibility.
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"Really..." Cerilla's tone dripped with boredom, as if she were being burdened with a task she had no interest in.
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"Yes, really!" Tora's frustration tinged his voice with an edge. He couldn't mask his annoyance at Cerilla's lackadaisical attitude. "She's not safe out here. So, could you actually do your job for once?"
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With a roll of her eyes, Cerilla seemed to relent. "Fine... So I'm guessing she's one of us then, right?"
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Tora's lips curved into a sly smirk, his gaze flickering back to Cerilla. "Yes, indeed she is."
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"I'm not going," Julie's voice carried determination.
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Tora and Cerilla both turned to face Julie, who stood resolute and alone. "I have to find Trevor!" Her words came out in a fervent yell. "Or have you all conveniently forgotten?" She shot a pointed look at Tora. "We can't abandon him. We need to save him!"
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Tora regarded Julie with a mix of empathy and understanding, releasing a heavy sigh. "I've told you before, when someone's been corrupted, when their body is taken over by a creature from another world, there's no way to rescue them."
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Julie shook her head, denying the reality that was presented to her. "No, that can't be true. I won't accept your non-..."
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"That's enough," Cerilla interjected, scooping Julie up and slinging her over her shoulder. "My task is just to get her home, right?" Cerilla glanced at Tora for confirmation.
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"Correct. Do that, and we'll settle things in a battle at another time," Tora agreed, his eyes fixed on Julie's futile struggles within Cerilla's hold.
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"Remember your promise, fire slinger," Cerilla retorted, dismissing Julie's attempts to break free. "Stop struggling or you'll end up biting your tongue."
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"What?" Julie's confusion was cut short as she found herself soaring hundreds of feet into the air, her panic turning into a terrified scream. "WHAT THE HELL!" she screamed, the reality of her situation sinking in.
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"You're so loud, all from a little jump," Cerilla remarked casually.
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"A jump?!" Julie's incredulous voice quivered. "That settles it – you're not human. No human can do something like that."
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Cerilla's reply was matter-of-fact, her tone almost indifferent. "You're right. I'm not entirely human. I'm a half-breed, just like you."
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Julie's voice trembled as she struggled to comprehend. "I can't do anything like that!"
***
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Tora walked through the park, his steps deliberate and unhurried, weariness etched into the lines of his face.
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"Are you going to keep skulking around like a rat, or are you finally going to make yourself known?" Tora's words were directed toward an unseen presence as his gaze fixed on the still trees ahead.
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"I must admit, the rumors about you seem to hold true," a concealed voice replied.
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In a sudden burst of movement, a woman materialized before Tora. She stood confidently, her long blond hair seemingly like silk and her attire a sharp contrast to the casual surroundings – a white long-sleeved button-down shirt paired with tailored business attire that exuded both power and elegance and yet, Tora's expression remained unimpressed, his demeanor unwavering.
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"My name is Deena Dawnswell," she introduced herself, her name flowing like a melody, "and I represent the Luminal Accord." A dangerous smirk touched her lips. "They've dispatched me to bring you back." Her gaze sharpened. "They're none too pleased that you failed to report in as soon as you arrived in this town."
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Tora's response was a quiet chuckle. "I'm sure they're seething. Rumors do tend to mention my penchant for getting under HQ's skin."
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Deena's eyes sparkled with a mix of intrigue and amusement. "Indeed they did. Your reputation preceded you – the tales they spoke of were both entertaining and intriguing."
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For a fleeting moment, Tora's eyes gleamed with a sharp and dangerous intensity before swiftly transitioning to a composed calmness.
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"Shall we proceed, then?" Tora's voice carried a veneer of politeness, accompanied by a smile that seemed polite but rang hollow, lacking genuine warmth.
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Deena's own smile persisted, seemingly unaffected, her eyes dancing with amusement at the subtle tension in the air.
***
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"Are you sure you want to walk? My way would've been faster," Cerilla's irritation was evident as she trailed closely behind Julie, the two of them walking at a leisurely pace down the street.
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"Well, my way is less likely to get me killed," Julie responded dismissively, paying little attention to Cerilla's complaints.
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Cerilla's words carried a matter-of-fact tone. "Your body is quite weak for a half-blood. Perhaps walking is the wisest choice."
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Julie halted in her tracks upon hearing those words. "So maybe I'm not one?"
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Standing behind Julie, Cerilla observed the young woman's self-doubt, her little frame embodying uncertainty.
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"STOP BEING SO PATHETIC!" Cerilla's outburst echoed through the street as her hand slapped the back of Julie's head.
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"What the hell!" Julie's outcry was filled with pain as she clutched her head.
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"Weakness in any form gets on my nerves. Keep acting like this, and I won't hesitate to end you myself," Cerilla's threat hung in the air, her fist crackling with veined energy.
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Cerilla's demeanor shifted to a calmer tone. "You are a half-breed. I, for one, struggle to sense our kind. Yet, being so close to you now, I'm entirely certain of your heritage."
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Julie remained silent, continuing her walk. Cerilla walked in tandem, arriving at Julie's house where she observed as Julie ascended the front stairs.
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"I'll be back to pick you up tomorrow," Cerilla stated, her hands resting on her hips.
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"What?" Julie's sudden reaction spun her around to face Cerilla.
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Cerilla's gaze held a seriousness that matched her words. "You're an Unregistered Half Blood in the heart of the city. You need to get registered," she explained. "And that damn bastard has made it my responsibility to ensure you comply."
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"Registered for what?" Julie's confusion was palpable.
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"The Luminal Accords," Cerilla's answer held weight, carrying a sense of gravity.
***
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
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