Secrets of Ravenstone: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book One
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟡

Searching for my mom among the crowd leaving the hall, my eyes watched as Anthony mingled with several men, flashing a sexy smile and contagious laugh that could be heard from my distance. There were moments when he looked across the hall in my direction but I chickened out, looking away cause I didn’t want to make it obvious that I was admiring him.

“Think about something else, Yza.” I told myself then eagerly searched the hall once more for my mom but I couldn’t replace her anywhere, “Mommy, where are you?” I grew worried.

“Hello again.” a man’s voice spoke behind her.

“Nathan, I told you already, I’m not interested!” I argued, and turning around thinking it might have been Nathan, it was Marxus in his place, “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were…”

“Nathan? Yes, yes I heard.” he recalled, “I hope he didn’t say anything inappropriate to you?” he wondered, “It wouldn’t be the first time, unfortunately.”

“Nothing I haven’t heard before, but I’m fine.”

Marxus nodded, but his expressive eyes gave way to his utter distaste for the young man in question.

Studying his features up close, somehow he was different than the man in the bookshop, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Aside from his striking goatee, he was an elegant Spaniard and commanded respect, in how he carried himself with straight posture that made him look taller than he was.

“And how are you otherwise?” he changed the subject.

“Fine, like I said.” I backed away, feeling uncomfortable, “The food was delicious, so kudos to the chefs and you were right, we did wind up eating our fill, but getting down to the true meaning behind this greeting, is everything all right there, between you and my mother? I saw the two of you speaking a while ago.” I inquired, “What was that about, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Yes, everything was fine there.” Marxus stuttered, and in that moment, he watched her wide-eyed expression, “Um…” he felt stumped for words for the first time in his life, “well, not there, but everything was fine between your mother and myself.” he sighed deeply, continuing to study her strangely, “Just friendly greetings, I’m sure she’ll inform you all about it later, but now that we have a moment, may I speak with you?”

“Isn’t that what we’re already doing?” I hinted cautiously.

“Yes, but I’d like to take this to my study for more privacy.”

“Surely we can talk here.” I looked around, searching for my mom but she still wasn’t anywhere in sight, “Yeah, I feel fine right here.” then I reached out telepathically to her, “Mommy, where are you?” but she didn’t answer and that worried me greatly, “Are you Soylent Green yet?” I hoped my humor would receive a reply but still nothing, “And why there?” I referred to his study.

“Is the word THERE the only word you know?” Marxus asked, tilting his head confusingly.

“No, it isn’t. I have many, thank you, but right now, it seems to be the popular word of the day.” I mocked, “But seriously though, why there, in your study? Can’t we speak here, or the lounge or even the foyer?”

“We could, but there are always residents passing through.” Marxus muttered in complaint, “And my study is off limits to everyone, so we will not be disturbed.” he slowly approached, watching her uneasy mannerisms, then he paused, realizing how it must have sounded and appeared from her cautious point-of-view, “I must apologize.” he backed away, “If you would like, you can discuss this with your mother, who was also cautious but I was given her permission to ask you. She too, was hesitant, but after explaining quite a lot to her, she understood. Reluctantly, of course. She’s standing out in the foyer, admiring the artwork if you’d like to confirm this with her. She’s over THERE.” he gestured his left hand toward the foyer behind him.

“I will do that, thank you.” I agreed suspiciously, “And just in case you’re some creepy old man, wanting time along with a young woman and all, I’m not defenseless.” I leered at him with my dark eyes.

“I resent that.” Marxus groaned in protest, “And I resent the fact that you, someone who knows nothing of me, would consider such intentions, but you are paranoid.” he huffed, “If you decide to meet with me, my study is upstairs on the right at the top of the staircase, door open, of course.” he tugged at the hem of his vest once more.

“Of course.” I squinted cautiously.

Giving a nod, he turned away, making his way through the foyer ahead of her, swiftly ascending the staircase, shaking his head in disbelief. Cursing Spanish words under his breath, he couldn’t believe that the young woman could think of such things, and that he had never been called a creepy old man.

“Oh, Dios mío, ¿cómo podía una mujer joven pensar en esas cosas? ¿Y yo, un anciano espeluznante? Increíble.” he waved his hands around, expressing his self-complaint.

Coming in seconds later, I entered the foyer. Walking over, standing alongside my mom, I asked her if what Marxus had claimed was true. I listened as she confirmed his conversation with her, and that he wanted to speak with me about my past, why we left the Great City, as well as the real reason to our access to the island.

“But shouldn’t he already know that?” I wondered, “He spoke to you, didn’t he?”

“Perhaps he does, and yes he did, but maybe he just wants to hear it from your point-of-view.” Lady D answered, “I was hesitant too, not liking the idea of having an older man wanting to speak alone with my daughter, especially after your two jobs, I mean that poor man can never wear a toupee again, but if we’re to trust anyone, we must start with the man that runs this place, and obviously owns it, hmm?”

I nodded, knowing she was right. Excusing myself, I turned, heading toward the stairs and began the climb to the man’s study. Following the curved stairs, I paused on the wide, landing-like step, glancing out the window along the wall to my right, overlooking the atrium. Pushing the distraction aside, I continued my ascent upward approaching a smaller lounge for private uses and sure enough, on the right at the top of the stairs as explained, was the study with a plaque on the door.

M.A.C. is all it said.

“Because that’s not obvious at all.” I mocked sarcastically, and before I could lay my knuckles on the door, I turned glancing down a hall behind me, leading to another room. Where it led, I didn’t know, but taking a quick breath, I gently knocked on the door, then waited.

“Come in, Little One.” Marxus’ voice summoned.

When I gently pushed the door open to the right, I stood baffled. Lining the wood-panel walls were bookshelves stacked with color-coordinated books, and large balcony doors greeted you straight ahead behind an elegantly carved, Spanish desk, in which Marxus sat at, comfortably in a leather office chair. To the right was a small fireplace with candles on the mantle, one on each side of a sword stand displaying a beautifully, highly-polished Medieval short sword. A grand glass case hanging above, put various weapons on display. Set before the fireplace was a red velvet settee with a dark green blanket draped across its feet. Spanish-style furnishing with arched backings, and red fabric cushions sat to the left of the study, with a table set in the center, and Spanish rugs covered the wooden floors.

“Wow.” I praised in admiration, “This is beautiful!” I stepped toward the desk, then glanced down at him, noticing several stacks of paperwork sprawled out across the desk, even our pictures of myself and my mom were poorly hidden beneath the corner of papers, “Doing background checks on us, really?” I gestured at the pictures, “Where did you get those, we just arrived.” my eyes scanned the poses of the pictures, hoping to see when and where they were taken.

Marxus smiled casually, stacking the papers, tucking them all into folders before leaning back against the chair that slowly reclined backwards slightly.

“I was creating your residents files yes and yes, I was looking into your backgrounds. And the photographs, well let’s just say I have many resources on the mainland.” he answered calmly, “I am pleased to see that you’ve noticed all of these little details, you’re perceptive, that’s good. Now please…” he gestured his right hand toward the furnishings, “sit.” he offered, then he stood, approaching another chair that sat across from her. He reached over to pour two cups of tea, “Tea?” he looked at her.

“Yes, please. Thank you.” I accepted, reluctantly sitting on the couch across from him, “So, did you replace anything out of the ordinary during your secret background checks with your secret resources?”

“Out of the ordinary, oh yes. Cream? Sugar?”

“Extra cream and one sugar cube, please.” I muttered, “So when you say out of the ordinary?” I raised my left eyebrow.

Pouring cream and a single tablespoon of sugar into the cup, he handed it to her on its place.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, your file claims there was an incident at your high school in the States, involving another student that was left with four degree burns, tell me about that if you don’t mind, please?” he asked, leaning back, “Also there were incidents of burning a man’s, uh…”

Sitting with wide eyes, I waited for him to finish.

“Yes?”

“A man’s toupee.” he bluntly finished. Laying the plate on the table, feeling a bit nervous, I hid my hands beneath my thighs, “Why would you like to know about that, it was years ago, and how would you even know about that?”

“Because I want to know what happened, and why it did? I do not allow individuals with dangerous pasts to live here, not if that past has a chance of following them here.” Marxus spoke bluntly, “Now please, explain. If you do not, I cannot make the promise that you will be allowed to remain here.”

I paused, choosing my next words rather carefully.

“First, the student incident was self-defense.” I cleared my throat, “She was a bully at school, tormenting me and others who weren’t of mortal blood. The b*tch pinned me down in the bathroom, so I had no choice and I defended myself against her, after all, she had a pocket knife in hand, so what was I supposed to do? Go to the Principal’s office and tell on her like a little school girl? I did that once, and it didn’t work, because she just came back for more. And that’s when the incident pertaining to the man’s toupee happened, the Principal tried putting his hand on my knee complimenting my beauty and blah-blah-blah. I got offended, since he was also…an older gentleman like yourself, so…yeah, there’s that. I burned his hair and last I heard, he won’t be wearing toupees again.”

“I see.” Marxus tried concealing his smile and light chuckle, by clearing his throat, “The incident was justified, I suppose, and there was another report about a trash can?” he sipped his tea elegantly, as if the heat didn’t phase his lips or tongue.

“Oh come on, it was just a trash can!” I argued, then looked at him, “Fine, I voiced my opinion on a topic from one of my classes and the a**hole of a teacher threw me out because of it. I got mad, the trash caught fire, and the rest is history. Or in that case, ashes. Look, Sir…I did what I had to do because it was right, I’m not a troublemaker or some hot stuff chick, okay?” I nervously shifted, “Now, is there anything else?! My tea, which you kindly offered, is getting cold.”

“There is one thing…half-breed.” he muttered bluntly.

Before my fingers touched the tea cup’s small loop of a handle, I paused, raising my gaze, staring into his that watched me.

“How do you know that?” my voice held caution.

“I have my sources.” he leaned forward, laying his cup down.

“Do you now?” I raised an eyebrow, “What do you want from me?” I ignored my tea, leaning back, “I mean, really want?!”

“Nothing.” he reassured her, “Other than wanting to know a bit more about you, and if this helps in anyway, I have had these interviews with all residents that arrive on the island, from Demons, half-breeds and Wraiths. Or other beings.”

“I’m not even going to ask what falls into the other category.” I mocked softly.

“Fair enough.” Marxus nodded, “So, in the end when it comes down to it, you’re a firestarter?”

“No!” I objected, “I hate that term! I…” I paused, catching my words, knowing he already knew I was a half-breed, “I’m just a woman who had some bad luck in her time and a woman that is getting tired of answering all of these questions. Now, if we’re done with this little Q&A interrogation?!” I snapped, reaching for my cup. Stirring the cream and sugar, I turned my gaze toward the bookshelves, hoping to change the topic of the conversation before something is set aflame, “Where, if you don’t mind me asking, did you get all the books? Are you a collector?” I attempted taking a sip of the tea, but it was too hot, so I quietly blew on its surface, “Sh*t.” I burnt my lip.

Seeing she became agitated, Marxus replied casually.

“A collector. Yes, of sorts. The books are just many that I’ve collected over the centuries.” he looked at the shelves.

“Did you just say centuries?” I blurted, “Whoa, hold on! I do know you’re an Immortal, but centuries?” my dark, wide eyes studied his appearance, wondering exactly how old he was.

“What I meant by that was, most of these books I have found over the years while others had been passed down to me from the Castillion bloodline. Over the centuries.” he clarified with his expressive hands.

“Hmm, makes sense. To someone who’s oblivious to your kin.” I muttered, watching as his eyes grew wide, “What’s wrong, how did I know you’re an Immortal?” I smiled, “Just because I’m a half-breed, doesn’t mean I don’t possess some abilities, one of which is being able to sense like kind, Demons, Shayds, or Immortals. It’s all in the eyes.”

“In the eyes?” he seemed to have never known that fact, “I see, interesting. And have you come across many Immortals?”

“Personally, no, but I have passed them down the streets in the Great City and I have to say they’re very mysterious, and not much is known about your kind, really.” I finally took a sip of the tea. Afterwards, laying it on the plate, I glanced at the bookshelves once more, “May I look at them?”

“Of course.” Marxus sat back, crossing his legs in a masculine manner, with his forearms resting on the arms. He watched as she stood, walking toward the nearest shelf, studying her mannerisms as he rested his chin against his left hand, trying to grasp a glimpse of her Aura but all he saw was fire, which caused him to swallow deeply, “If Axeon had foreseen you, I must trust his word, but that does not mean I will not take the necessary precautions.” he spoke to himself telepathically.

“Axeon?” I mumbled over my shoulder, “Is that someone you work with? Is that the resource you’re not willing to reveal?” I turned to him, watching his eyes grow wide, “Sorry, your thoughts were pretty loud and telepathy unfortunately, isn’t something I can just turn off.”

Clearing his throat, Marxus answered calmly.

“Axeon is a source of sorts, yes, and one that I won’t speak of. Not until I feel you are ready to meet him.” he looked away.

Nodding quickly, I turned back to the shelves, running the tips of my fingers over their spines. In that moment, I felt as if I were back in the bookshop where I had first encountered this man, the real one or not. There were antique, rare titles on various subjects, I couldn’t name them all.

“Can I ask you something?” I turned, returning to my seat.

“Within reason, depending on the question.” Marxus replied.

“Why am I here? Because we both know it’s not to look at the books, or to answer you grueling questions,and I think I have the right to know, don’t you think?” I pestered.

“You are correct, you are not here to just answer inquiries.” he nodded vaguely.

“See, right there. Why do you that? You’re so vague, never giving a straightforward answer!” I frowned, “If I’m to trust you, start talking please!”

“I agree, it is time for this nonsense to end.” he gently leaned forward, beginning to explain, “For starters, there are some on the island that refer to me as the Master, a title of which I am against, but there’s no changing the minds of those who address me as such. Just as long as it’s not Mr. Bastard, then well, what can I say?” he smiled humorously.

“I kind of figured that out already.” I replied with respect, “Bobby mentioned THE MASTER quite a few times.”

“Did he now?” he grew curious.

“Both my mom and I thought it was rather odd, but figured maybe it was an English thing?” I shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Ah, I see. Well, my full name by the way, since it seems we broken the ice, is Marxus Alejandro Castillion which you already know part of, and please, do not tease by calling me Mac, despite the letters on the door, I despise that pet-name.” his Hazel-brown eyes grew stern, “I’ve been around for quite a long time because yes, I’m Immortal and yes, I have been collecting books and artifacts from all around the world, for centuries, hence the immortality.” he rested his elbows on his knees.

“I think we’ve established that, and what a respectable name too, it just rolls off the tongue. Marxus Alejandro Castillion.” I complimented, “And what part of the Spanish world have you come from, I can’t place your accent. It’s not Mexican or Portuguese.”

“Spain.” he declared proudly, “But I haven’t been there since my…” he paused glancing across the room, “I haven’t been there in a long time, there’s nothing to go back to.” he looked away.

“I’ve heard it’s beautiful there, in Spain.” I wondered.

“It is. It was.” he nodded.

“So, if you’re an Immortal, how old does that make you?”

“Five hundred and twenty five.” he answered casually.

“Five hundred and twen…shut the f*ck up!”

“Excuse me?!” Marxus shouted loudly, sitting up right in the chair, prepared to stand in protest.

“Oh god, no…I’m sorry. I didn’t…wow, you don’t look a day over five hundred.” I teased, “Nevermind. Right. Okay then. But seriously, what’s the entire purpose of this conversation? I wouldn’t want to waste our time, would we?” I tilted my head, studying him quickly.

Raising a curious brow, clearing his throat, Marxus realized he a lot to learn about the young woman and her reactions to things, much less her sudden burst of unpleasant language that young women from Spain during his youth, would have been shunned for.

“You and your mother were brought here, because it is the safest place for you and your kind. Especially after everything you have been through, and the fact that your kind are being hunted and killed, or worse I can imagine.” he studied her, seeing the sadness in her dark eyes, even through her glasses, “As far as this place, well…” he leaned back, “once those in my ancestral tree claimed it from the early Viking settlement, it’s been in the hands of the Castillion bloodline, so once I had come of age and discovered it for myself among other things, I used it to create a safe place for supernaturals, paranormals, and mortals, as well as practitioners of magic. It has been this way for the past two hundred years, going on three sometime this month, I believe. I made sure it has everything that you, or someone else, would need. Housing and shopping, medical care, food and anything else you can think of. Perhaps I think the best thing anyone can support, is that no one has to pay for housing, but I do ask that if they, or you, have a talent or trade that is beneficial for the island, please contribute your part. I think that’s only fair, do you not think so?”

“Bobby mentioned something about that.” I nodded, “And yes, it does make sense and fair enough.” but then I thought about it, how contradictory was the last part of his declaration, “So then why are my mom and I here? We’re not blacksmiths, or carpenters, architects, farmers or anything like that, so why? Everything we had, we left in the Great City.”

“Suitable answer.” Marxus affirmed, “But as you know, there are Demons of many levels here on the island, but there is not one that is a natural fire Demon like you. Yes, they have the ability to manipulate a living fire, but cannot withstand or create it out of nothing. When passing through the fog that surrounds the island, I’m sure you felt the magic within it, yes?”

“Yes.” I nodded, “I could barely breathe.”

“Perhaps what I’m trying to say, and poorly I might add, is that there are Demons that have been here since the Isle had opened its shores so to speak, and while there is already older magic weaved around the island, the Demons have threaded their own, which is a contribution to the protection of it. See what I am saying, so there is plenty of time to discover what you and other mother have to offer to the community.”

“But what if we don’t have one?” I worried, “Are you going to ask us to leave?”

“No. I cannot and will not ask that of you. We will just have to figure things out.” Marxus finished, “And now that we’ve established this trust between us, there is something I would like to show you, before the evening gets away from us.” he casually stood, walking toward his desk, retrieving a medium squared wooden box. Returning to his seat, he continued, laying the box in front of her, “This will hopefully be yours, if you pass its test.”

“Its test?” I questioned, reaching out gently picking up the box. Turning it over in my hands, there were no carvings or symbols, no jewels or stamp, just its ornamental iron hinges and latch. Stating softly, I muttered, “Thank you for the uh…” I frowned, “thank you for the box, it’s beautiful and it’s just what I needed, a box.”

“It’s not just a box. Please, just open it.” he urged. Leaning in the chair, he took a deep breath, feeling his patience wearing thin.

I was hesitant, but gently unlatched the fastening. Opening the lid, tucked inside, was a Sapphire orb-stone and all I could do was stare at it, because I was afraid of touching something possibly antique or valuable.

“It’s beautiful, but what is it?” I asked, not breaking the hold of my mesmerized gaze upon its smooth surface, “A cr-crystal ball?” I wondered, “Cause that’s more my mom’s field, than mine but god, it’s exquisite.”

“No Little One, it’s not a crystal ball, but it does come from a powerful source and once you hold it, perhaps you can tell me what you think it truly is. Go ahead, it’s safe. It won’t break, believe me I know, I’ve tried on many of my, uh…flustered Latino temperaments.”

Glancing at him hesitantly once more, he nodded. Lowering my gaze, with my right hand, I gently tucked my fingers in and around the corners of the stone, cautiously withdrawing it. Completely removing it from the box, the orb was cool to the touch, extremely polished and its weight was as if I held a feather. The size of a baseball, it was absolutely gorgeous and perfectly cut, however, holding it in my hands, it wasn’t at all crystal like I had initially thought, and it wasn’t glass, but a solid mass of energy swirling around its rounded shape. Its pulsating heat tickle my palms, and studying its existence, I smiled then softly asked, staring into its core.

“This is mine, where did it come from and what is it?”

“Yes, it’s yours or will be, but that’s an orb-stone. Or, as an old friend of mine calls it, a searching stone.” Marxus softly explained, “It was sent out, searching for the one IT chooses with the proper qualifications suited for the task that will be given, and Yzavela, look at me…” he waited until she looked at him, “I believe you are that person. I have had this in my possession for three centuries now, given to me by that old friend I mentioned moments ago, and you will have the honor of meeting him later, but what you’re holding in your hands, Little One, is pure magic from a powerful creature.”

“A searching stone chose me? For what, and why? I mean, I know you said it chooses because of qualities it searched for, but that’s not enough for me to go by, my mom should be the one holding this, not me.”

“And why not you?” Marxus grinned, “There are many items that are hidden here, that will belong to you someday if you and you alone, choose to accept the position. That stone, it’s just one of many.” he paused, needing a moment to think of other words to console her, but before he could mutter, the stone began glowing in her hands from, at first, was a bright blue, causing her to close her eyes, but suddenly a flash of red flames appeared in its core, that were only visible to her dark eyes. Unsure of what the occurrence meant, Marxus stood, observing the stone, feeling relieved that it had finally lifted a weight off his shoulders.

“What happened?!” I asked excitedly. Looking up at Marxus, he stood behind me, staring with a smile, “Marxus?! Hello?!”

“He knew it, somehow he knew, but the stone just validated.”

“Validated what?! And the flame?!” I argued.

“Flame?” Marxus grew curious, “I-I don’t know, Yzavela. I really don’t, it’s never done that before, not once during the years it’s been in my possession.”

“But I thought it was your stone?” I shifted in my seat, “You should know!” I worried, “Marxus, you’re freaking me out, so please tell me what’s going on! Am I going to be sacrificed to some fire god or something, because I might be a little tough.”

“No, no you’re not.” Marxus grinned faintly, “Calm down.” he took his seat once more, “Tell me more about what it is you saw within the stone’s center, what red flame are you talking about?”

Frowning, I placed the orb in its box.

“You already know that I’m a fire Demon, at least half, but I think it sensed that DNA and I-I don’t know, bonded to it? I don’t know!” I grew flustered.

“Would that be such a terrible thing if it had?” Marxus said in a curious tone, wanting to see her reaction.

“Enough games, Marxus!” I argued affirmatively, “First, you ask me to come here to talk with you, and I still don’t know why, but now you’re telling me all of these things, giving me a glowing ball of whatever that is, telling me it chose me and now I’m the it-girl of the day?! This is bullsh*t, and you are going to tell me who you are, Marxus Alejandro Castillion, and I want a straight answer!” my voice raised, almost into a yelling tone. But what I didn’t realize was, I began steaming, “I arrived here like, five minutes ago, figuratively speaking, and now you’re springing all of this on me, couldn’t you have waited a few days for me to settle in first?! What’s the god damn hurry?!” I clenched my fists.

Marxus as well, grew impatient, blurting his words angrily.

“On top of being the MASTER of this f*cking island, I’m also the Keeper of Secrets and Keys, secrets that go beyond what you see here! I swore an oath to myself, my family name, and to the Order of Men, to protect them and unfortunately when I…” he paused, catching himself quickly, “when I reached the point in my life where I didn’t want this anymore, I sent out the stone. My time here, has ended and I need to move on, so yes, that stone has chosen you to take my place.” he huffed, “You don’t have to accept the responsibility, I will not force it upon you, but if you don’t, it will be a decision I will respect. You and your mother would still be allowed to live here, but if you accept this…” he looked deep into her eyes, “Yzavela, it will change your life in ways that I cannot put into words, but first, above all else, you must tell me one more thing.”

“What else could you possibly want to know that you don’t already know?!” I complained, feeling pushed into a corner.

“Where do your demonic origins come from?” Marxus pulled at the hem of his vest, then clasped his hands in front of him.

“Wh-what?” I stuttered, “Where did that come from?”

“I must know!” he urged, “Before anything is official between you and the stone, I must know!”

Feeling nervous, I bit my lip, then stood and began pacing.

“Do I have a choice?” I looked at him.

“No, you do not.” he answered bluntly.

“All right. For starters, and for the record, I am not an evil thing or the devil’s spawn, is that clear?” I turned to him, watching as he remained silent, listening attentively, “If this is too much for you to handle, or if you’re worried about me, a DEMON, becoming Keeper of Keys or whatever, that’s fine, because if this is the kind of treatment I’m going to receive, then I’m out! I won’t accept, and you shove it, but you need to understand one thing, Marxus.” I stepped toward him, “All my life, I’ve had to hide my DNA and demonic nature, and since I’ve been here for a few hours, you’ve pushed me into a corner, hit on by men, and now put under your magical…uh, microscope! I feel threatened here and when I do, that’s when bad things DO happen and I can’t control it!” I glanced away, “And that trash can is looking pretty good right now!” my right hand pointed toward the small can sitting by the desk, “And before you ask another question, Sir…” I held up my left hand, interrupting his attempt to speak, “I don’t entirely know where my demonic DNA comes from, all my mom tells me from what she knows, is that my father was a Demon but he never delved into his powers or ranking and all that, so it’s all I know. And she wouldn’t lie to me about something like that, having to be a single mother raising a half-breed.”

Not liking the tone in her voice, Marxus too, felt threatened. Watching as her petite form took on a steaming Aura, he quickly raised his left hand, reaching toward the desk, and from its place, a letter opener flew into his grasp. Pointing its blade at her, he stared with fierceness in his eyes as he stood.

“I don’t know what games you’re playing little girl, but I will not be threatened, not in my presence!” he warned her deeply.

Holding my hands up, I backed away.

“Marxus please, put that down!” I warned, “That’s an act of aggression, and I don’t want to hurt you, but if you don’t put that down…things won’t be pleasant.” but he didn’t listen, as he took a step forward, “Marxus?” he still didn’t listen, “Fine.” I warned once more, and feeling a sense of rage, I focused on the letter open he held for defense, lowering my hands in the process.

The Immortal stood in front of her, staring into her dark eyes, catching a glimpse of a dancing flame, then suddenly he felt a burst of heat in the palm of his hand holding the temporary weapon. Dropping it, the blade hovered an inch above the ground, then flew across the room into the fireplace, and its flames burst tall up the chimney. Eyes growing wide, he watched as the blade melted in the fire. Rubbing his hand, he lowered his gaze, seeing a blistered palm, wondering how it was possible because he wasn’t of this world, as we know it. Observing the blade that was completely melted, he muttered.

“How did you? How can you? That’s not possible.”

“I told you!” I snapped, “When I’m pushed into a corner, bad things happen, and I don’t know if you’re asking for a death wish, but don’t ever, EVER, do that again! Because I don’t want to hurt you, or anyone, so if this meeting is over, I think it’ll be best that I just go.” I backed away, and turning around, ready to leave, I stopped, hearing Marxus’ voice call out in a soft, but affirmative plea.

“Yzavela, please! Wait, just…wait!” he sighed heavily, hiding his hand behind his back, “Please, this is new for me too all right, so if we can just sit down and talk this out like adults, perhaps we can start over. I think both of our Latin tempers have taken over, so again please, wait.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I reluctantly nodded.

“Fine. But no daggers.” I pointed at him, “Or any other for that matter, because next time, I won’t stop at the fireplace.” and just as I said those words, the small trash can ignited in a swift burst, “See? I told you.” I looked toward it.

Watching as the half-breed manipulated the small fire with such ease, extinguishing it as she reached out her right hand, seeming to absorb both its essence and embers, Marxus said nothing then nodded, once she looked at him.

“How many Pyros can you say do that?” I clenched my fist, then shook out my hand, feeling a warmth racing up my arm.

“Not many.” he rasped.

After calming down, I sat listening to further details about the position I reluctantly debated on accepting. I studied the Immortal, who was thorough in his explanation, and what was required of me. Finally coming to an understanding, and after noticing the time, I knew my mom had to have worried.

Sensing her eagerness to leave, Marxus announced that the meeting and their encounter was enough for one day, and that there would be time to discuss the following day.

“It is late, and I am sure your mother is looking for you.” he stood, walking toward the desk.

“Yes, I’m sure she is.” I, too, stood, “Listen Marxus, I’m sorry if maybe if I seem too…defensive or b*tchy but…”

“There’s no need to explain, I don’t blame you.” he reassured, “In a way, I shared your reactions when this was first handed to me by the Order after they recruited me, so…” he flashed a faint grin, “it is what it is and one cannot help their genuine emotions and reactions to life and the events involved.”

I nodded, accepting his answer, even though it wasn’t exactly what I expected, not that I knew what to expect, really.

“Well, thank you.” I appreciated, approaching the door, “So, I guess we’ll finish this tomorrow or the days after?”

“Indeed.” he nodded.

“Okay then. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” he watched as she disappeared out into the hall, gently closing the door behind her.

“Dios mío...qué diablos es una mierda?” he cursed under his breath in Spanish, wondering what the hell was this sh*t.

Hours later, sitting at his desk, staring at notes he had made in the young woman’s file, he wondered paying no attention to his elegant penmanship:

“Today, I’ve officially met the young woman that Axeon had foreseen and she is not what I expected, not in the slightest. She is a half-breed, but it seems her demonic nature is more dominant, especially when provoked. Could she be a danger, or is she what this place needs? Maybe a woman could make a different in a world of men where I cannot. Although, I can’t help but wonder how the Order will perceive this?” he laid the pen alongside the folder, then turned the chair, tucking the folder into a cabinet behind him, among all of the resident files alphabetically organized by first name, and not too many were listed under the section with the first letter of Y, “This is going to be a challenge.” he stared at the files then closed the drawer, “And how could she possess such an animal as that wolf, they’re extinct and illegal to own.” he frowned.

Returning to my room after the meeting with Marxus, seeing the image of the orb-stone bouncing around in my mind, I was greeted by Zanzabarr who needed to be walked. Quickly taking him downstairs, leading him outside, I stood by the door watching as he sniffed around the grass looking for the right place.

“Come on boy, it’s cold and I’m tired. Just replace a place, squat, and go hmm?” I said, folding my arms, feeling the evening air with a coolness to mother nature’s breath, “Good boy.” the wolf left a large mound in the grass. Quickly rushing over, with a bag in my hand, I picked it up then looking around, wondering where to dispose of the waste bag, nearby close to the dwelling, there was a large waste bag trash for the other residents who had dogs, “Convenient.” I nodded.

Retreating back inside the dwelling, I thought of knocking on my mom’s door, knowing she must have rested after her long day, because she wasn’t in the manor after I left the study, but I figured I’d catch her the following morning and inform her about what was spoken between Marxus and I. Laying on my bed, staring that the ceiling, I replayed the conversation that took place, wondering if any of this was real and how it could even involve me at all, I didn’t know anything about the Isle or its people or secrets, so why? Shaking my head, I groaned, then turned over, placing one of the pillows over my head but then I sat up, as did Zanzabarr laying at the foot of my bed, hearing howls and squealing in the distance. Running to the balcony doors, opening them slightly, stepping foot onto the patio, both Zanzabarr and I listened.

“What the f*ck is that?” I looked around, continuing to listen to the eerie sounds. Thinking maybe, and it was just a guess, pigs being butchered somewhere on the island, I glanced at Zanzabarr who stood upon the railing burning his paws on the iron, “Zanz, no…your paws!” I worried, pulling him down. Withdrawing inside, closing the doors and curtains, I ran to the bathroom for water and Vaseline, quickly tending to his large paws. Looking into his yellow eyes, I frowned, knowing those weren’t just pigs, “That’s definitely something I’ll be asking Marxus about, hmm?” I kissed his snout, “There you go.”