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Breaking the wax seal, I carefully unrolled the paper.

You, my dear Zia, have grown so much since I've last seen you. You still have so much to learn, but you are nearly ready. I know you might've grown to resent a part of me, as killing may seem a worse fate than that of them brandishing you as a bad omen, but I assure you it all has served a greater purpose.

You have a heart of diamond, so beautiful and strong, but also so very breakable. Now it's up to you. You can continue to train, and help me help you, or you can go on a road of your own once your training ends.
-Koria

"What the hell is this? Still no clue as to what she wants me for, but she can call me breakable."

"It's a test of faith, do you only work and belong to yourself, or are you willing to put your faith in another? Its up to you now Zia." And with that, he's leaving me alone in the bed, the sun slowly making it's way to the morning.

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It still feels odd for me. Doing what I do, anyone could easily say that I'm scum on this earth. But honestly, couldn't you say the same of those who took the time to make the outline of a raven made of metal, then put it to fire only to put that hot steaming metal on my back.

Some say I was lucky, and that they should've held it longer, pushed it deeper. It left a red brownish scar on my back, an outline more so than deep grooves.

That was the response I was given after my torture. Hell, the only reason they didn't go back and go deeper into the skin of my back and shoulders was because of one elder. He had his moments of kindness, and I'm greatful that I was on the receiving end of one of his moments.

It took everything in me too not tear up her paper, and not chase after Axel for answers not so vague.

Work for myself? Work for others? All I've done is work for the gang! For her group of assassins.

I may not be able to blame her for making me a killer, but I can blame her for taking advantage of that. I never meant to kill one of our elders. As much as I may've dreamt of her death, I never thought I'd go through with it.

Of course no one had proof, but I knew, I knew that the lightning was going to strike her. After all, I willed it to happen.

A/N
Very short, but it all has a purpose. For now, Zia will have short chapters that I will upload the day after one of the longer normal chapters. She will get her length back, but for now it's a waiting game.

Lemme know how you feel, vote and comment 🥱

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