Chapter 5: Revien

Hayeon looked at the window in awe. The plane was landing on the mountaintop where home resided. "You live here" she gasped turning to me. "Yes". The door opened and everyone stepped out. I was used to the cold however Hayeon was not. She shivered as we made our way inside.

"Why is it so freaking cold" she huffed. "We're in Appalachia. It's gonna be cold" I bantered. Coming into the building torches lit up warming the dark-lit hallway. "Azail you should inform Mikha'il Ra Gual about the mission" Shavon advised. I clicked my tongue noticing the other men in front of me. I could read them like the back of my hand.

They wondered what I was doing bringing an outsider like Hayeon here. "Take Hayeon and get her changed. I will go talk to Mikha'il Ra Gual on my own" I informed. I turned to a confused Hayeon. "I thought your name was Revien". "It is. Go with Shavon. He will make sure you're cared for. Right Shavon," I asked looking over my shoulder.

He nodded and I looked back to Hayeon. I walked away heading to the throne room. Two bodies lay to the waist as my father wrapped himself in his robe. "Son" my father called sitting in his chair. "Father," I said boredly. "I hear you brought a girl home," he said brushing his stubble.

"So". "So" my father scoffed. "You know the rules and you are to abide by them. Since you brought this child here we can't just send her back. She will die at midnight". My blood grew cold "You won't be killing her father". My father showed amusement in his eyes as he smiled. "Oh, really, and why wouldn't I kill your new toy"?

I bit my lip and blurted out. "I will listen. You wanted me to follow my orders. Don't do anything untoward. Fine. If she stays I will act right". My father laughed standing up from his seat. "You know I always thought you were just like your mother. Cold. A killer. Someone with no emotions that still needed to learn about my teachings. But you aren't son". He held my shoulder "You're like me".

He walked with his hand behind his back. I turned folding my arms. "And what will your toy do"? Hayeon was interesting something different. "She can be one of us. Learn our ways" I urged. My father paced slowly looking at the ground. He paused and my back straightened. "If she can make it through the ceremony and training. She can become part of the Guild of Assassins".

I internally smiled "Now tell me how you killed the diplomat". I gave him a detailed report and left to figure out where Hayeon was. I passed by Shavon's room to find it empty. With frustration, I moved through the training

rooms. I went down to the guest rooms. Catching Shavon standing outside a room my eyes dimmed.

"Azial" he called. "At ease. Is she in there" I say looking behind him. "The maids are changing her". I nodded leaning against the wall. "Azail. I have a question"? "Shavon" I gritted nodding my head for him to continue. "Why did you bring that girl here? Your father will kill her". "She's going through the ceremony tonight".

I could see Shavon's face pale and he moved from his position off the wall. "She will be victorious" I coursed. I could tell by his expression that he hated what Hayeon was about to go through. However, we had a system that everyone had to go through.

My father believed that when you join the guild you must leave your old life. You become a new and affirm your calling. A person dedicated to the guild. The door opened and the maids came out. I walked into the room and saw Hayeon back turned away from me. She turned around and my eyes grew wide.

Natural curls bloomed from her black damp hair. She stared at me with those dark eyes. "I can't stay. Can I" she croaked. I grinned "Why don't you think you can stay"? She ran her hand across the bed. "Some things are too good to be true" she frowned.

"You have to go through a trial tonight. But if you succeed you can stay" I said darkly. She didn't even move an inch and just nodded. This girl was a mystery. I watched her eat her meal which she practically ingested. She peeked up whipping her mouth with a napkin. "Azial" Shavon knocked from outside.

"Why do they keep calling you that"? she whispered. "It is my official name. A sign of respect since I am the son of Mikha'il Ra Gual. But you are the only one who gets to call me Revien. It was the name my mother gave me" I explained. I could see the gears turning in her head. "Come in. Shavon" I drawled. He stepped in with his hand behind his back.

"It is time". I watch the maids come in with a black Sarhee. "Get dressed and I will escort you".

We stood in front of the thick wooden doors.

The room was dimly lit with different men surrounding the ceremonial water. My father stood in the water and I let go of Hayeon's hand.

"Come to me, child".