"How did you fail?" Vespera seethed.

Bella crossed her arms. "It was me against at least twenty people."

"Well," Vespera breathed, "that will teach not to tell your enemies to bring help."

"I could've taken them." Bella insisted. "I just wasn't ready for their Pyrokinetic. You said Marella Redek was afraid of her power."

"She was." Vespera said plainly. "It seems her lessons with Fintan have amended that."

"Well, in that case, I'll be ready for them next time." Bella said.

"No you won't." Vespera protested. "Not until you tell me why on earth you told them to bring help."

"You should be thanking me." Bella replied angrily. "I was trying to make your job easier. Why take out just one member of the Black Swan when you can finish all of them."

"Don't overestimate your abilities." Vespera warned.

"I'm not." Bella met her hard gaze. "Next time I'll finish them."

"No, YOU won't." Vespera walked towards the door.

"Why not?!" Bella darted in front of Vespera, blocking the woman's path.

"Because, I don't want to risk you shattering your own sanity. You're no use to us drooling in a corner."

"So, What?" Bella pressed. "Are you going to take me off the mission?"

"No," Vespera stepped around Bella. "You just won't be killing them."

"Then Who?" Bella walked along beside her. "You won't do the dirty work."

"No," Vespera paused, looking at Bella. "We'll leave that for our allies."

A/N
So.... that was a short chapter, but important. As always.
Hope you're enjoying the story.
-Cheshire.