Hashim watched as Sadie headed to her room, wiping the black blood from his lips. After using Angus's magic on her, he was sure she was telling the truth. It was difficult for humans to fight magic. Deep down, it had been anger, not fear, that had caused her reaction to him. She knew nothing. Hashim clenched his fists, remembering her words. Did she not see how her people treated his? No, of course not. She was locked away, shielded from the outside, and force-fed lies. His people had a right to be angry-they were glorified slaves.

Wiping his bloody hand on his pants, Hashim took a deep breath as he fought the burning fire in his throat and heart. He still wanted to ask the man who'd gone after Sadie in the hall some questions, but he was exhausted. He had barely any magic left and still needed to speak with Sabre Sighing, he pulled himself from the wall and headed down the hallway. As Hashim stood before the large tapestry hanging along the wall, he pressed his palm firmly against the fabric, feeling its coarse texture beneath his fingertips. With a whisper of the word "unoseth," he felt a subtle vibration in the air as the wall before him shifted. Slowly, the tapestry folded back, revealing a hidden corridor beyond. As Hashim stepped into the newly revealed passage, a rush of cold air swept outwards, causing his robes to billow. He was surrounded by softly glowing lights that emitted a gentle hum, casting an otherworldly glow along the walkway before him.

The intricate underground maze, designed and constructed centuries ago to facilitate discreet movement throughout the capital, served as a clandestine refuge for the Novas. This network was convenient for the Novas and advantageous for the Terrans, allowing the two groups to coexist since neither wished to interact more than needed. With a smile playing on his lips, Hashim skillfully maneuvered through the labyrinth of narrow passageways, diligently following the pulsating lights that illuminated his path, guiding him toward the central corridor. He stood still as the enormous walls slid open, revealing the entrance to the primary chamber, where most Novas resided. A towering glass window greeted him, capturing the vibrant lights of the outside world - a colossal cavern adorned with bridges and airborne vessels slowly gliding through the dimly illuminated night. The purple and green hues of the Quimath sky were mirrored across the bustling platforms, where Novas of all kinds were engrossed in their nightly activities. Amidst the sounds of laughter and shouts, Novas toiled tirelessly, transporting materials that had arrived through the Portal, concealed from Hashim's view at the rear of the cavern.

The chamber was bathed in a warm, golden light, adorned with opulent furnishings, and furnished with every imaginable comfort. Above them were the luxurious chambers where Novas stayed, typically for a single night before embarking on their next destination. The chamber was filled with a soft, golden glow, complemented by lavish decorations and equipped with all conceivable luxuries. Above them lay the opulent quarters where Novas resided, usually for just one night before moving on to their next destination. Despite its temporary nature, Hashim couldn't help but be charmed by the warm colors and peaceful ambiance. This should have been his first encounter, not the Council.

Ignoring the hushed voices and prying eyes, Hashim made for the stairs until he arrived at his room. He pressed his hand against the lock and went in, closing his eyes as quiet descended around him. He was alone. He immediately sat on the nearest couch, letting the tension roll off his shoulders.

"How did it go?"

Not even bothering to look up at the orb that was surely hovering over his head, Hashim said, "It went well."

"How did they react?"

"They seemed pleased. Predictably arrogant-and angry," Hashim paused, then said, "Especially angry. Has there been a recent event that affected Quimath? Like an arrest or killing by a Nova? Something to make humans restless?" A pause, then a quick clicking of the keyboard, and Raoul said, "Four months ago. A Being was killed in public in Quimath."

"Why?"

"Well... it was because of the Listless mission." Hashim tensed at the words and sat up. He clenched his fists and said, "So, I assume it got out of hand?"

"Yes. Do you remember when the Tetech got control of some Novas and made them burn Bronteen? It was a botched mission. We still don't know where he is. Terrans blamed Novas, and Novas blamed Terrans."

Hashim remembered that mission. He was initially assigned to it, but when it was discovered that Tetech used your magic against you and wasn't using a type of manipulation magic, he was immediately removed. It would have been dangerous if he had gotten to Hashim. But the consequences of the failed mission had been astronomical. The Beings that resided there had refused to assist, causing delays in the mission, which would have saved valuable time. Because of it, the city burned, and the citizens took their anger out on the assigned Novas. In the end, several Beings and a Nova had been killed. Even worse, the Tetech had still not been found.

"How was Quimath involved?"

"You were gone by then, but there was a-uh, a "mission" if you could call it one. A few of the Beings that the Novanoid announced were to blame for the failure of the Listless mission had moved to Quimath. Some evidence showed they had helped the Tetech, so a Nova was sent to arrest him. Let's just say it didn't turn out well."

Hashim clenched his teeth, cursing his fellow Nova for his stupidity. You contain your anger-no matter what they do to us, you contain it.

"He was an idiot then. If he had to kill him, at least do it privately." Raoul remained silent before saying, "Ajax said to start searching downtown. I'll be pulling an all-nighter trying to read up on Quimath. But you know the drill, right?" Hashim sighed and said, "He won't be there. It's too obvious."

"No, but rumors have partial truths, and the best place to learn crap like that is in the slums. Besides, it will be good for you to feel the city-get to know it. You might be there for a long time." Hashim clenched his jaw, his gaze fixed on his skin as a gradual transformation unfolded. The pallor of his complexion was giving way to a tanned hue, and he winced as a sensation akin to a myriad of sharp pinpricks coursed up and down his body. This was always the most painful part-turning back.

"Fine," Hashim snapped, the pain making him annoyed, "I'll look tomorrow." Raoul must have guessed what was happening, for he didn't argue and said, "Call Ajax tomorrow. He arrived this morning."

Hashim didn't respond as the globe turned off, and clenched his eyes shut. Blood now fully pooled in his mouth. He had been Angus for too long, and this would be a painful one. He wiped his mouth and pulled away, watching as the black blood on his hand slowly changed to red. This was the part he hated the most-the reminder that, no matter how hard he pretended and lied to himself and to others, he was just another Curse-not a Nova. Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes again, letting the pain roll over him in waves until unconsciousness finally sweetly took him.

                                                                                    -----

He was running, feeling a terrible pain along his back and sides, blood dripping down his skin and onto the floor. As he fled through the crumbling streets, the once serene town now a chaotic inferno of twisted metal and billowing smoke, a symphony of terror assaulted his senses. The shrieks of the townsfolk, their voices raw with fear and anguish, pierced the air like jagged shards of glass, tearing at his soul with each agonized cry. Fire danced and leaped, devouring everything in its path. Its tendrils of flame licked hungrily at the crumbling facades of buildings, casting eerie shadows that danced and writhed upon the charred remains of what was once a thriving community. The heat was palpable, a suffocating blanket that pressed down upon him with relentless force, searing his skin and throat. Every gasp felt like inhaling liquid fire, the acrid smoke stinging his eyes and clogging his throat with each desperate breath.

Amidst the chaos, the glow of the inferno cast light upon his horrified face, illuminating the stark lines of his features with a ghastly hue. Tears mingled with sweat and soot, tracing dark rivulets down his mud-splattered cheeks, the moisture evaporating in the searing heat before it could ever truly fall. His heart thundered in his chest, a frenetic rhythm of fear and despair that reverberated through his entire being.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he cried as blood flooded his vision, causing him to stumble on the cobblestone roads. As he fled from the town, he could not escape the damning realization that he had become a harbinger of destruction, a specter of chaos unleashed upon the world. And amidst the chaos and devastation, he found himself lost in a maelstrom of guilt and despair, his very soul scorched by the flames of remorse.

Hashim's eyes snapped open, and he swiftly sat up from the couch, his gaze fixated on the crackling fireplace. The sound of the burning wood echoed through the room, accompanied by the unmistakable smokey smell that slowly filled the air, transforming the once-cozy room into an increasingly stifling furnace.

He extended his arm toward the flower vase resting on the coffee table and swiftly removed the flowers to pour the water onto the blazing fire, his heart racing. The heat remained overwhelmingly intense, prompting Hashim to dash toward the expansive window overlooking the radiant cave lights. He flung it open, inhaling deeply the refreshing, damp cool scent of the cave air. He hadn't had that dream in quite some time.

Wincing, he remained on the balcony for a while, allowing the crisp, refreshing air to flow into his room. The curtains swayed inward, and Hashim stayed until he felt confident that he could endure any lingering warmth. He crouched down to inspect the fireplace, and he noticed a small fire potion filter nestled into the corner. It was clear that the filter had been activated during the recent drop in temperature. Carefully removing it from its holder, he disposed of it using the trash distributor, making a mental note to ensure it wouldn't be refilled later.

He hastily reached for his robe and pulled it on, trying to avert his gaze from the searing burn marks that snaked their way up his arms and across his torso that his clothes failed to cover. It was a detail he had overlooked about Quimath – a desert city, unbearably hot. Concealing his skin would be an impossible feat; the local men's fashion was an extravagant display of lace, floral patterns, and exposed skin, adorned with jewelry from head to toe. The men resembled peacocks, while the women were dressed more conservatively. Even in the less affluent regions, men would often opt for minimal clothing, except when venturing outside the city where the weather conditions were severe and called for more substantial attire. Hashim found amusement in picturing the reaction of the inhabitants of planet Vixx to this knowledge – they would have been astounded. They hoarded their men inside–away from prying eyes and sickness. Hashim believed that not a single male on that planet ever stepped outside. He had been happy to leave.

Hashim signaled to the globe, which rested neatly on the table, and said, "Let me speak with Ajax." The globe glowed a warm yellow, and Ajax's voice rang out. "So, did they try and humiliate you yet?"

"If you call being dragged into the Council and then asked a bunch of demeaning questions while they look down at you as if they're a god then yes, I would say they have tried," Hashim said, reaching for the perfectly placed jewelry laid out for him to wear.

"We knew this."

"No, you knew this. I had to find out myself as they demanded to know my magic as if the Creed doesn't specifically state they are not allowed to question such things. They act as if they are above it all." Ajax ignored him as he said, "Did you notice anything?" Hashim paused, neckpiece in hand as he thought of Sadie. He had already disclosed the information to Raoul, and he planned to inform Ajax at some point as well. However, he believed that Ajax had a knack for identifying opportunities in certain situations, so Hashim decided to share his thoughts with him. "There was this one woman who appeared to be frightened of me, which was unexpected because I was using my magic at the time. Her name is Sadie Hartley. I spoke to her later, and she seemed genuinely innocent, but her reaction caught me off guard. I would have anticipated similar reactions from others if what Raoul had told me was accurate."

"Oh, the Tetech," Ajax muttered.

"Yes. That was Raoul's assumption but I think it is more personal. I plan to ask someone who seemed close to her for more information."

"Raoul will look into it–for now, focus on getting into downtown. Apparently, there is a connection to the Oshu there."

Hashim's eyes lit up at the word. That was really good. The Oshu was a famous black market–known for dabbling in black magic and Curses. If they knew anything about where the Novanoid Curse is it would be them.

"And the girl? Should I just forget her?" Hashim asked. Ajax didn't respond for a long moment before finally saying, "You said she is close with someone? Who?"

Hashim grinned, and said, "I do not know his name, but I assume he is close with Lord Daltroy. He was sitting next to him."

"For now, get close to her. A connection is a connection, and if she was in the courtroom that day, that means she is part of the Council. Let me know what you find out through her, and I will decide if it's something we can use. In fact, become popular, Hashim. Do not turn away anyone for even a servant can give you valuable information."

This, was, of course, Hashim's specialty. He was good at this part of his job–getting people to like him and spill their secrets. At his core, he was a performer. He could turn into anyone you wanted and croon kind words to make you believe he cared. You would spill all your secrets to him before he ultimately betrayed you and took your life as if you were just a stranger. He could make you commit deeds you could never imagine yourself doing, and then praise you with his soft voice as he killed you afterward. It was a gift and while he used it to help Novas, even his own people were scared of him. After all, he was the Curse of Deception.