26

The next morning when she woke up, she was tired. Regan had barely slept, the events from the night before washing over her like a dark cloud. She sat up, her mind reeling just before someone knocked. Regan flinched. What if it was him? No, she couldn't face him.

But she got up and opened the door cautiously. There was a middle aged woman behind. Her hair was a mess of dark brown curls, her eyes a warm shade of gold and she was clad in simple blue long dress. Her features, though weathered with age, held a certain wisdom that seemed to radiate from her. She smiled at Regan, revealing her pointed teeth that were somehow endearing.

"Uhh...hello?" Regan blurted out, a confused expression on her face.

"Good morning, my dear," the woman said, her voice gentle. "I'm Seraphina, your mentor, and today we're going to start the lessons."

Regan's mind raced. Mentor? She had totally forgotten about it. She had even forgotten the dinner, except that blue haired girl from it.

"Yes, sure," she said unsure. She had to be careful.

The woman stepped in, carrying her old books tightly and Regan closed the door. She took a deep breath, remembering what he had said about powers and magic. It was a twisted joke, she thought. Maybe an excuse for other intentions.

"First you need to clean up and change," the woman said, eyeing Regan up and down, not with a disdainful look but more with a concerned one. "I mean, you have to be fresh to be able to focus. It's how magic works." 

The thought to wash herself under the roof of a man with a harem made her shiver. It didn't sit well with her.

"Uh....you know, I'm not comfortable doing that," Regan stammered, her eyes darting nervously.

"What's wrong, my dear?" Seraphina asked with a raised eyebrow.

"N-Nothing," Regan replied, trying to not give out too much. She didn't know how these lessons were supposed to go, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her. Seraphina had an air of serenity around her, unlike the rest. She walked near the wardrobe, and tried to find something decent to wear. The tank top and the sweatpants were the only thing she had brought from her home, and now she felt a pang of sadness to change them.

But the mentor was looking at her expectantly, her gaze not sinister, but firm nonetheless. Regan's eyes widened slightly as she looked inside the wardrobe. It seemed there was an update, because she saw some clothes that weren't there before. And it also seemed like they've gotten more....revealing.

She managed to find a simple green shirt, black pants and undergarments, and headed to the bathroom, locking it behind her.

The mentor had told her to wash up, but the thought of undressing made her anxiety skyrocket. The bathtub was guarded with a velvet curtain that made it more comfortable, but she was still scared and didn't want to be naked.

How much more things were going to force her do?

Regan took a shaky breath, her hand trembling as she turned the silver faucet, watching the surreal water fill the tub, steam rising in the air. It had a lavender scent to it.

She could feel her blood boiling already either from the hot air forming, or from her own frustration. She felt the urge to tear all these clothes in the wardrobe. The tub filled rather quickly, the water forming gentle bubbles, but Regan's heart raced like a drum. What if he came in? What if he was watching her?

The bathroom had a warm aura, but she couldn't help but feel exposed, even though she hadn't removed anything.

She checked the door once more if it was really locked, but it did little to ease her paranoid nature. It was becoming so unbearable that she had to hide from her own self in the mirror. Finally, she decided she'd remove just her top and pants, keeping her underwear on.

She was engulfed by a frost of shivers as she stepped in the bathtub, dipped herself as quickly as possible and shoving the curtain closed. The warm water wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, but it didn't ease the fear gnawing at her insides. Regan washed herself as quickly as she could. She used a shampoo for her hair that smelled the same thing as everything here. But the quicker her movements were, the more time seemed to fly by.

It was maddening, being captive in an alien world and bathing in a tub used by another woman.

When she finally finished, she took a deep breath and grabbed a big towel she had found on the rack. She dried herself within the second and wore the clean clothes she had found. The pants were too tight, sticking to her damp skin. They were high waisted and showed off her curves but the shirt was long enough to cover. It had a low cut but it didn't show anything. Regan felt a bit better after the bath, but it was nothing compared to what tormented her.

She stepped out of the bathroom, the mentor still sitting on a chair, looking up with bright eyes, "You look lovely. Let's dry your hair." She chanted something under her breath and Regan felt her hair drying. It was fascinating despite the weight of her predicament.

"Uh thank you, I guess," Regan mumbled, hating her voice for sounding awkward, "So what now?"

"Now I first need to tell you about your base power," the mentor began, her eyes on an old book. "Your base power is fire and the essence is called 'eternal ember'. It means that you have the ability to summon fire, use, defend and attack." Her eyes locked with Regan's, who was standing there with wide eyes. "Come sit here, my dear."

Regan sat reluctantly beside the mentor, her eyes wandering to the pages of the book, which held a blur of old sketches and weird scripts.

"What fire?" she finally asked, her voice full of disbelief, "I'm sorry, but I have no powers. I'm just....just a human."

"I can sense your aura," Seraphina replied, taking Regan's hand in hers, "And it's obvious."

"So what, am I a witch like them?" Regan asked with a hint of disdain, her eyebrows furrowing.

"You're a powerful girl, Regan," Seraphina replied, "But if you have doubts, they're going to clear on the way."

"Fine, let's start then," Regan said, though her voice dripped dripping with sarcasm. "What am I going to do now? Say something and expect the volcano to blow?"

The woman chuckled, "You'll get it as you learn, my dear."

"Okay okay, let's start."

"Now you're going to hold your hand like this," Seraphina began and showed her to hold her palm like she was holding something on it. Regan followed, her mind making it look like she was some freak. This seemed straight out of a fairytale, she didn't believe it, but she had to play along for now.

"Now focus," Seraphina said, "wish fo it and it will happen."

Regan's eyebrows furrowed. Focus. She didn't know what to focus in. Althea's words about the dark reality of this sick castle had struck her. She couldn't get his image from her head.

"I can't....I can't focus!"

"It doesn't happen immediately," Seraphina said, placing her hand on her shoulder. "There are moments where we're insecure and don't believe in it."

"But I've never felt some magical power inside me," Regan admitted.

Seraphina smiled gently, "It's not always about what you feel. It's about what you chose to believe. Now, try to focus and imagine a small flame."

Regan looked down at her hands and tried to think, but it seemed absurd. Seraphina took her hand, "I know it's foreign to you, but once you get the hold of it, you'll have already mastered it. It's exciting really. You can use it to protect yourself and others. It responds to your emotions and intentions. With a little practice, you'll learn to shape and control it according to your needs. Now try again and don't force it. Let it come naturally."

Regan nodded. But she was just a girl from Earth, what did she even have to do with demons, witches and power? But still, there was something exciting about it. She could defend herself, she could maybe escape this hellish place and its master.

This time, she tried to focus better. But nothing happened. Her hands remained empty.

Seraphina encouraged, "It takes time. Keep trying."

She tried, but nothing changed. Seraphina encouraged her, remaining patient. She told her it was okay to face challenges. They could still work through it.

As they continued, Regan's struggles with the fire power persisted. Each attempt ended in disappointment. Seraphina, however, remained unwavering in her guidance.

"This is ridiculous," Regan finally said, covering her face with her hands in embarrassment, "I can't do that. You've got the wrong person."

Seraphina offered a supportive smile, "These powers can be elusive, but persistence is key. Let's approach it from a different angle. Imagine a spark, the tiniest flicker, and focus on nurturing it."

Regan skeptically followed the advice, attempting once more. This time, a faint spark emerged, but it quickly vanished.

"Yes!" Seraphina exclaimed. "That's it. good step." She smiled and Regan looked at her with disbelief. She blinked, there was no flame now. But Seraphina had seen it to, if Regan's eyes had imagined things.

They continued the lessons and Regan began to focus more clearly. The small spark appeared once more and she couldn't believe her eyes. She showed improvement. That was very exciting, she had to admit. But she was still a captive and she had to worry about escaping this place, not about learning magic. 

After another round of exercises, Seraphina said, "You've made great progress, my dear. Mastery takes time, and you're on the right path. But we have to have a talk about the eternal ember.

Regan saw that the mentor's expression grew serious and wondered what it was about.

"What is it?"

Seraphina sighed, weighting the words carefully, "It's something you can't take lightly. The lord of this castle carries the same power."

"Well?" Regan asked with a shrug, "Where's the big deal? Can't there be multiple people with fire powers?" 

"Fire is not common, not rare either, "Seraphina explained, "But that's not the point. The essence, that's what makes the difference. You share the same essence which gives the fire, my dear. Before you appeared, he was the only one known with that power. And there's more to it, that perhaps you won't really like...." Seraphina said, her voice trailing.

"What?" Regan pressed.

"It forms a bond."

"What a bond?"

"It's just something like you could feel each other's presence," Seraphina said, her eyes lingering on the book, "communicate without words."

Regan's expression shifted from disbelief to a mixture of shock and anger. "That can't be possible," she muttered under her breath. She didn't need any more complications in this messed up place, especially not some mystical connection with a manwhore who held her captive. But despite it, it made sense. It made perfectly sense. She could feel his presence like a weight in her chest, like a pain in her head.

"But why?" she asked with a bewildered look, "Why it makes a bond?"

"Because you're the last in-line keepers," the mentor explained with a sigh. "And this happens to everyone who's the last in-line, and shares the same essence."

Regan didn't get it. The last in-line. What did that even mean? "So what does it mean, that he's going to kill me because I got the same power?"

"I don't think that's his deal," Seraphina answered her, her eyes thoughtful. "But whatever it is, you have to be careful." There was a hint of warning in her voice. She took her books and left then, giving Regan a lastly smile that looked slightly forced. But she told her she was going to come again.

Regan sank on the bed, her mind racing with thoughts. She couldn't believe herself. Yesterday she believed nothing of this, today she had done it herself. But the unease grew stronger. The word 'bond' rang in her mind. She didn't know what it truly meant, but she didn't believe it a bit.

And the feeling of being watched persisted.

***

Meanwhile, Vesper and her sisters were in Sirius's study. The tension ran high, no one of them speaking. He had hired them here, but his mind was elsewhere. 

He had yelled at her last night and couldn't help but wonder if he had been too harsh. He knew she would try to escape, and it was Althea's fault for being careless. It was also his fault for not locking the door. She didn't have to see him like that.

But despite it, there was a sort of relief it was her and not someone else. Like Vesper. 

Vesper, on the other hand, was getting irritated. She had told her sisters the matter about Regan and could see the mischievous looks in their eyes. They were going to drop something for sure, and it wouldn't be so pleasant. And she could see he was distracted. He was half looking at his small mirror, half at the parchment.

"Here's the letter from the Council," Vesper broke the silence, her voice confident as she approached him, "I'll give you a brief summary if you want."

"I don't want it," he barked, not looking up from his parchment.

"But-"

"I said I don't want it," Sirius repeated, not even looking at her, irritation in his voice palpable.

Vesper's jaw clenched and she could hear her sisters' snickering. "What could be more important than your state's affairs?" she asked, trying to keep the frustration out of her voice.

"Nothing that concerns you," he shot back coldly.

"You seem too....concerned with that mirror, my lord," Allegra said with a sugary sweet voice, but cautious nonetheless. "Is it about the girl from yesterday?"

Sirius's eyes darkened, but he didn't move, didn't even reply to her. Vesper glared at Allegra, who still hadn't gotten an answer. "Maybe he has a soft spot for her," she whispered to Circe, trying to heighten the tension.

Circe's eyes widened slightly at Allegra's blunt words, but they could see his expression becoming even more dangerous, "Get out," he ordered flatly, "The general will take care of the Council."

"But...but my lord," Allegra began again, taking a step closer, her heels clicking on the wooden floor, "You....you promised us a new power. I mean, a reward for our most recent mission."

Sirius's gaze was cold, his eyes not leaving his desk. "Fine. Sit there," he said, pointing at the couch opposite him. It was easy to give them the illusion of power and make them leave.

"And what about me?" Vesper demanded, her voice laced with irritation. "You can't just ignore me like I'm not here."

Sirius's gaze snapped up from the desk, his eyes meeting hers. "You want something, Vesper?"

Her eyes narrowed, but she played it cool. "Just wondering what power you're going to give these two." The two were sitting on the couch, watching him with greedy eyes.

The sorcerer turned to them and sat on his chair, his expression unreadable. "You're getting a new power," he said, his voice calm but firm. "A power that'll enhance your abilities, make you more...useful."

Allegra and Circe's eyes lit up with excitement, while Vesper was seething with curiosity. But before any of them could ask another question, Sirius raised his hand and shot a spell at the two of them. They yelped as their bodies began to glow with an eerie light. The room grew quiet, the air thick with anticipation.

"Your power is to manipulate the emotions of others," Sirius said, his voice taking on a commanding tone. "Use it wisely, or I'll take it away."

The sisters' eyes went wide with shock as the magic washed over them. Vesper watched in jealousy as Allegra and Circe giggled, testing their newfound abilities on each other.

"Why them?" she snapped, turning to Sirius.

"Because I said so," Sirius replied, his gaze unwavering, no room for any other words in his tone. "Now, if there's nothing else, leave me be."

Vesper clenched her fists, the heat of anger rising up her arms. She had to be the one to bring him back to his senses. "Why her?" she hissed through gritted teeth. "What makes her so special?"

Sirius looked up from his parchment, his eyes flashing. "What do you mean by 'her'?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm.

Vesper stepped closer, her blue hair seemingly crackling with unspoken accusation. "You know who I'm talking about," she retorted. "Regan. Why did you bring her here?"

"She's just a prisoner, Ves," Allegra said with a mischievous smirk, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "It's not the first time our lord brings prisoners here."

"Enough of this petty squabbling," Sirius cut them off, his tone icy and clipped. "Regan is no one to you. She's a means to an end, and that's final. Now get out of my sight and do your jobs."

Allegra and Circe threw playful glaces to each other, enjoying his and Vesper's reaction at the same time. They left, though the tension between then grew even more palpable.

"What the hell were you losers saying back there?!" Vesper shouted, her face red with anger as they reached their quarters.

"Dear Ves, relax," Allegra said, her grin never leaving her face. "We were just joking."

"Joking?! Listen here, you fools, you think Sirius gives a damn about you, just because he gives you a little of his power?" Vesper spat, her palms glowing with an electric charge.

"You're the one who thinks that, Ves," Circe retorted. "Sirius has given you power all the damn time and now you cry because he skipped once."

Vesper's jaw clenched, "You're pathetic. I'm not going to cry just because of some little magic he gave you both."

"But you're jealous nevertheless," Allegra said nonchalantly. "You know what, Ves?" she said as she leaned closer, her voice lowering to a taunting whisper, "You're not jealous only of us. You're jealous of someone else too."

Vesper watched her with fury and before her sister could continue, she lunged forward, reaching to grab Allegra's hair. Allegra saw it coming and dodged Vesper's attack. Vesper was undeterred as she tackled Allegra to the floor. The two of them rolled around, hitting and shouting at each other, their powers flying around the room in a chaotic display of magic.

Circe, who had been watching the whole scene with a mix of amusement and annoyance, decided to intervene. She raised her hand and a blast of cold wind shot out, freezing the two sisters in place.

"Alright, that's enough!" Circe snapped.

They both glared at each other, panting heavily.

"You...you...whore," Vesper said through gritted teeth.

Allegra smirked, "Oh, Ves. You're so mad that Sirius doesn't even throw you a glance."

"You both," Vesper pointed at Allegra and Circe, "you're trying to seduce him!"

"Seems like someone's feeling insecure," Circe mused.

"Shut up!" Vesper growled, pushing herself off the floor and hitting Circe with a bolt of power. Circe stumbled back, her amusement turning into irritation.

"Ves, we're just having fun. You didn't have to turn it so serious," she said, brushing herself off.

Vesper watched them both for a moment, her eyes blazing with anger. Despite the bickering and brawl, she knew there was a hint of truth in their teasing words.

With a growl, she hit the floor, her magic dissipating. "I'm going there! To her chamber!"

"What?" Allegra and Circe exclaimed in unison, their amusement fading into looks of concern.

"What are you planning to do?" Circe asked, her voice taking on a serious tone.

"I'm going to show her what happens when you mess with the wrong witch," Vesper replied, her expression twisting into a sinister smile.

"You can't do that, Ves," Allegra said, her eyes betraying a hint of fear. "Sirius won't like it. Remember the last time I went there and how he punished me?"

Vesper laughed cruelly, "I'm not like you two. You're both afraid and weak. I'll show you how to handle a situation like this."

"We're not weak," Circe retorted. "And if you're willing to go, go. We'll handle it," she added with a nod to Allegra, who looked equally as determined.

The room was a mess, books and potions scattered across the floor, evidence of their heated argument. Vesper marched out, her hair billowing behind her like a storm cloud. She stomped through the corridors of the castl