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T he rest of the day was uneventful. It wasn’t until after classes had ended and Mistress Rhodes was waiting for her that she became excited. She would finally have her runes translated and could maybe figure out a way to one day get rid of them.

They made their way to Andishmand’s classroom.

He had a stack of books next to him and smiled as he felt their presence.

“Ah, perfect timing. Here is your essay regarding the pitfalls of men.” He handed her the parchment.

He had scribbled on the sides of her writing.

“I can see that you adapted the rules when you faced your opponents during the tournament. You’ll be quite the strategist one day.

" He closed a book and went to stand. “Mistress Rhodes, thank you for helping us. Let us start. Lilith, I will ask you to remove your shirt.”

Lilith was not shy and was eager to get this done. She threw off her shirt, leaving her in her top undergarments.

“I unfortunately will also need you to remove those,” he said apologetically.

There was a reason why Mistress Rhodes was here.

If anyone barged in they would find Lilith half bare.

It would look strange. Lilith felt the blush creep up her face, but removed her top undergarment.

With confidence she lowered her hands and allowed her large breasts to hang freely.

She saw a hint of a blush on Mistress Rhodes' cheeks.

As embarrassing as this felt, she needed to know.

“I will have to hover my hands over your skin as I translate these runes. Just so you are aware, this translation will not be fully accurate. Some words cannot be translated so easily. ”

“Do what you have to.” Lilith blushed. Her eyes roamed the illusionary twinkling lights of the starry night, as she felt the heat from Andishmand's hovering hands drifting over her shoulders and down her chest. Goosebumps broke out along her skin and her nipples hardened from the phantom touch.

Andishmand began reading aloud:

"Have honour and be steadfast. The bearer’s power will be suppressed.

Finding one’s worth will uncover more than what fate has decided.

Humility. Those that seek strength, will first have to find control.

The flow will return when the user is worthy.

The dam will break when the fire is pure.

The darkness seeks the light. Destruction, Endurance, Transformation. A balance of energy."

His words pulsed within Lilith's mind, as his translation recited over and over.

Lilith's balance seemed off, it was as if the world had tilted on its side.

A sensation of pulling lingered in her chest, over her heart.

Her knees buckled under her as this pulling dragged her closer to the ground.

Yet, Lilith drew strength from within and kept herself upright.

She would not falter, even as these words whispered to the darkest parts of her soul.

Her mana burned through her veins. Each individual mark on her skin felt ablaze, as if they were being cast on her for the first time.

“It looks like this is repeated, with the last part forming a crest over your heart.” Andishmand's voice blended in with the buzz she was hearing.

Mistress Rhodes closely inspected the runes. “For it to be over her heart would indicate significant importance, with 'honour,' 'humility' and 'steadfast' going up the spine, which would be more foundational.”

“As well, worthiness is mentioned twice, which we can assume plays a significant role as a clause in breaking the curse.”

Lilith’s head was spinning. She ran to a bucket in the corner and heaved.

“Oh, my apologies. I should have mentioned when I read aloud the incantation you may feel its potent effects, similar to when it was first cast,” stated Andishmand, walking to his desk.

Could have given a bit of a heads up, she thought. “It’s okay. I would have suffered worse if it meant I could understand what these runes mean.” Lilith put on her clothes and joined Andishmand and Mistress Rhodes, who were looking through some texts.

“Out of curiosity, Lord Helmer had mentioned writing to Lord Elwin. Did he mention to you if he heard a response?” Lilith despised the man, but was also curious as to what he thought or what he knew.

“Well, he was quite angry when he heard you had decided to attend Skilheim. He also somehow heard you went through your emergence and had asked if we could provide some details on that. In terms of his reply to your runes, he argued caution and blatantly told Lord Helmer to leave it alone.” Andishmand smiled.

“I’m quite surprised that Lord Elwin didn’t come here himself, ready to take you to Ardaven. ”

Mistress Rhodes let out a loud scoff.

“Lord Helmer made the teachers aware, should Lord Elwin make an unannounced visit. It would be in Lord Helmer’s interest to form a reply seeing as there were some veiled threats. To be blunt, this has only furthered Lord Helmer’s hatred of that man.” Andishmand laughed.

"Why does Lord Helmer bear a grudge against Lord Elwin?" Lilith wondered. No doubt Lord Helmer was justified in whatever dispute they had.

Mistress Rhodes' smile disappeared as she replied, "It's not our place to say, but Lord Elwin is truly a despicable man."

"Yeah, I already knew that." Lilith scowled. Her curiosity was eating her up.

"Ask him the next time you and Lord Helmer meet.

He doesn't share that story with many, but he would tell you.

" Mistress Rhodes flipped through more pages.

Lilith wondered if there were others that received the same treatment from Lord Elwin.

He presents himself as refined and stoic, but really he's driven by his wild emotions.

Lilith suspected Lord Elwin had ears everywhere. Of course he would know about her emergence. Feelings of rage clouded her judgement. If that man came here, they would have to restrain her. She breathed slowly, trying to regain her composure.

“So he gave no clue as to how these can be removed?” she asked them.

“I’m afraid we’re on our own. I found some texts which could give some ideas.

You may take these books and search for yourself.

It seems like this incantation is dependent on the bearer’s personal growth.

Based on the feel of this incantation, I don’t see an easy way to undo it.

” Andishmand pushed over a stack of books.

Personal growth? Lilith ground her teeth. That seems like an ambiguous demand. “Thank you both for giving your time towards this. I appreciate the help.”

Mistress Rhodes gave her a pat on the shoulder.

“I know this is not what you wanted to hear. Despite their annoyance, I think these runes are useful to you right now as you are still getting a handle over your own power. What could have happened if you had no restraint during your emergence? There is the possibility that someone could have gotten seriously injured or killed during the tournament.” Lilith frowned at Mistress Rhodes' sentiment.

She had this debate in her head, but this was done to her without her consent. It felt wrong to her.

“We are here if you need anything,” Andishmand added. “I understand the turmoil you are feeling better than most." Lilith thanked them both again and headed to her room. Now that she understood what her runes meant, and with the texts that Andishmand provided, she could figure out what to do next .

Feeling drained, she sighed as she realized she also had to pack for the mission with Danai.

She would not be able to wear her uniform and only packed a few casual outfits.

Going over to her side of her wardrobe, she went through a few options.

She loved wearing dresses and took this trip as an opportunity to wear some more refined attire.

Taking out an empty backpack that was folded at the bottom of the wardrobe, she began to stuff items she figured she'd need into the bag.

How many days did they say she'd be gone for?

Did she need to look a certain part? Would she need to bring food?

Should she bring a different pair of shoes?

Question after question formed as she rifled through her belongings. She hated packing.

Meira and Meridith were relaxing on their beds watching Lilith.

“Going somewhere?” Meira asked.

“Yes.” Lilith gave an exasperated sigh. “I am required to do some additional training at Lord Helmer’s request. I’ll be away for a few days.

” She let out a louder sigh. “I’m not allowed to wear my uniform, but I didn’t pack enough warm casual outfits.

” Maybe I can borrow some of their clothes?

Felicia was in the infirmary, and if she asked to borrow her clothes, it would only lead to more questions.

“Oh, you get to leave the school?” Meridith pouted. “Seems unfair that you get additional training.”

“Yes, well, they’re afraid if I unleash my full abilities I’ll kill a student, so they’re taking me away from the school to practice.

” Lilith put on her best 'upset' mask. “I’ll be sleeping outside.” She looked pointedly out the window.

It was raining sideways, battering against the shabby windows .

Meira and Meridith exchanged looks and then looked sympathetically towards Lilith.

“That sounds awful.” Meira hopped off her bed and went through her trunk. “Here. Take these.” She handed Lilith a pair of thick gloves. “Please don’t damage them.”

Really, gloves? Lilith mustered up her best attempt at being sincere.

“Thank you. I will take good care of them.” She stowed the gloves in her pack along with a warm green dress, some other small necessities, and a little knife her brother gave her.

She stuffed her packed bag back into the wardrobe just as the other women returned from their bath.

They gave a curious glance, but she just waved them off and nonchalantly laid on her bed.

The twins looked like they were about to say something, but then Verrona and Juniper started sharing some gossip they'd heard white in the bath.

Some tale of romantic conquest one of the upper years had shared.

All interest in Lilith's upcoming adventure was long forgotten.

For a school with a relatively low student population, there was more than enough stories of passion and heartbreak.

Juniper had learned that Silver was working his way through the ladies in the year above, which surprised no one.

Lilith and the other women from her year had established a rule that they would not bring men into their dorm.

For the most part, all romantic adventures happened in the shadows of the castle.

Lilith did note that none of the women dared to approach the prince.

He had showed zero romantic interest in anyone else aside from her.

She had tried to casually ask the upper year ladies what their experience with him was, but they were tight lipped and only gave out the same cautionary warning to stay away.

She found one or two that shared some gossip that he cared little for long term commitment, but had played with some of the women who offered themselves up.

This left a sour taste in Lilith's mouth and had learned to no ask anything else about him.

She laid under her covers, falling to sleep listening to Meira gossip about her latest exploits with Fang.