Aysha stood next to the door of Craytia's office. She and the butler were talking about Aysha's performance. She sighed with her arms crossed over her chest as she wondered what the butler thought of her. Had she done a good job? A bad one? Or was he simply indifferent to it all?

Aysha kept trying to distract herself from the way the man looked after she had killed him. She felt weighed down with guilt and regret. She couldn't simply just let him go. She had to react, and she did, but it cost her.

The man could've had a family that he was looking after. Children he loved, but even if that wasn't the case, she understood how it felt struggling from day to day to try and survive. That was what he was doing, so he wasn't all that different from her.

The butler left the room as Craytia called out to her. "Come in Aysha."

Aysha entered the room, uncertain. How would Craytia grade her performance?

She stood in front of Cryatia trying to keep a strong facade. Nobody could ever see her fall. If they did, then it would be the end. If anyone ever knew your weakness, then you were done for. They could use it to exploit you anytime they wanted as much as they wanted.

"There was a man sneaking around and you allowed him to kill the boy, but you killed the man. Is that correct?" Craytia regarded Aysha with her sharp, green eyes.

Aysha nodded. "Yes,that was the case."

"How did it feel?" Craytia asked.

Aysha was taken aback. "Are you asking me how killing him felt?"

Craytia nodded. "Precisely."

"Terrible! I don't want to ever-"

"Shut up," Craytia's tone had turned cold and unforgiving. "Do not lie to me Aysha. I know you loved it. I love your ruthless streak...I know you will do well in the Trials. But, humour me. Tell me exactly how it felt to have him under you and begging for mercy?"

Aysha felt herself trembling slightly as Craytia got up and walked to her side. Craytia gently stroked Aysha's cheek.

"Tell me."

"I loved it. I enjoyed seeing his blood. Feeling it on me. I loved it..." Aysha felt ashamed to admit such a thing

She loved it and hated it.

She loved killing, but hated how it could corrupt her so easily.

Craytia crooned softly as she wrapped her arms around Aysha, pushing Aysha's head into the crook of her neck. They were the same height, so it was done easily. Aysha enjoyed the way Craytia smelled like lavender. The type that filled your senses, but didn't overload them.The type that felt so comfortable, you wouldn't mind being wrapped in it forever.

It reminded Aysha of her mother.

Craytia patted Aysha's back as she relaxed in the embrace.

When they pulled away, Aysha was calmer and more relaxed. Craytia's face a had a small smile on her face

"I'll call you downstairs for dinner, okay?" She tucked a curl behind Aysha's ear. "Then we can discuss what you need to train on, okay?"

Aysha enjoyed the sound of her voice as she left the room swaying. Fortunately for her, the old maid held her arm and led her back to her room. Aysha kicked off her sheets, laid on the bed and rolled around on it a few times. It was unbelievably soft.

She sighed in relief. She'd never felt so calm before. Her mind drifted for a while before she closed her eyes, entering a deep and comfortable sleep.