The mansion was primeval, medieval and yet majestic. The walls were a pleasing golden with massive arches and Tudor windows. It looked extremely impressive from the inside. As Dane lead her through the halls, Ahsid could not help staring at the massive paintings adorning the walls. She recognized Salvador Dali and Rembrandt but most of them were unknown to her. Ahsid stopped in front of the picture of a sky, showing nothing but the twinkling stars. There was nothing fancy or artistic about it. Neither had the artist tried to add his own interpretation to the night sky, leaving it for the observers. Yet, there was something strangely alluring about it.

"Star Struck,"whispered Dane.

Ahsid saw a small tag attached. The name of the piece was Star Struck, written in slanting italics.

"Who painted this?"

"Nobody knows. It was anonymous. You liked it, didn't you?"

Ahsid smiled. "It is certainly different,"she said, not wanting him to know about the tumultuous emotions suddenly raging through her.

"It is my favourite,"Dane whispered.

Ahsid looked back at him. She sensed her emotions raging through him too.

"Would you like to see some other paintings with me? I could show you some which I am sure you would like."

Ahsid shook her head gently. "I wouldn't want to anger your superior by being late. Especially since I am planning to not get my memory erased."

Dane was quiet. He didn't say anything more and motioned her to follow. After climbing a flight of stairs, they found themselves in front of an oak panelled door. Dane rapped twice on it. A gruff voice coughed in reply. Ahsid could feel her hands sweating. She looked at Dane, who gave her a reassuring look and they entered.

Ahsid's eyes widened in amazement. The room was panelled with wood with a writing desk and cupboards. An ivory statue stood near one corner. A plush armchair was right in the middle of the room, wherein sat a wizened old man, with grey hair and a bushy moustache. He wore thick rimmed spectacles and had a pocket watch in his hand.

"Ahsid?"

She nodded, nervously. The man looked at her, his eyes boring into her.

"Special, special indeed,"he murmured.

Ahsid gave a weak smile.

"What do you say, Master? What are we to do with her,"piped up Dane.

Ahsid noticed that Dane was a little restless.

"Well, we could put her to sleep."

Ahsid's eyes widened in horror while Dane stiffened, his muscles tensing. The man observed the duo again. "You don't seem too keen about my idea? Are you forgetting 'facción diante de ti'?"

Dane immediately bowed his head on hearing the phrase. Yet he did not relax. His fists clenched.

"Or maybe we could just see if she can keep her mouth shut and not let her become a weak link,"pondered the master.

"Weak link?" Ahsid could hardly recognize her own voice, so squeaky.

Dane muttered,"If our enemies come to know about you, you could become a target and well...."

Ahsid was silent. "Well, you could just teach me how to defend myself."

Master laughed. "Well, well, well, Dane, you are going to train her then?"

Dane was taken aback. He opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it and closed it again.

"It's decided then. Ahsid Ejrehkum, I give you a month's time to prove yourself. If you show yourself worthy of our company, we will give you our protection. If you speak of us to anyone, you will be immediately erased without further ado and I don't mean only your memory by that. You may mingle with the rest of the Coetus and it would do you good to start on the same page with the others as Dane may not be there every minute by your side. Do not keep your true identity a secret as there are many who would instantly know who you are. If they have any objections, I would like you to settle it as amicably as possible."

Master stopped to catch his breath.

He continued,"I would have you know, Ahsid, it is not because my favourite student came to me for help that I spared you. You have a certain spark in you. I would like you to not let it fizzle out just because of want of chances."

Ahsid's eyes sparkled.

"Now, get out of my sight."

As soon as he had uttered the words, the door flew open and a boy with bright blue hair came bouncing in and hugged Dane tightly.

"Yo, partner,"roared the newcomer,"miss me?"

Dane gagged, trying to free himself from the vice like grip of his friend.

"Pssh, not at all."

"Liar,"he smirked.

However, they had hardly noticed Master turning red.

"OUT NOW! Coming in without knocking on the door,"the man roared, jumping out of his armchair, flushing and breathing hard.

Ahsid noticed how he suddenly seemed a bit taller. Dane and the other gulped visibly.

"Uh oh,"they moaned and turned tail, Dane grabbing Ahsid's hand, pulling her out of the room, slamming the door shut in the process, but not before Ahsid heard some bone-crunching sounds from the back.

The trio stopped only when they reached the bottom of the stairs. Huffing and puffing, the three of them stared at each other, then fell to the floor, laughing and clutching their stomachs hard. Maybe, thought Ahsid, this was the major break that she needed in her life. Perhaps, it wouldn't turn out to be that bad after all!