Noir

The next morning, as the sun cast its golden rays through the window, I found myself gazing at the familiar faces gathered around the large oak table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of warm pastries, creating a comforting atmosphere. Over the past year, I had come to know, and to like many of the people who sat with me, enjoying their breakfast. I could hear the gentle clinking of silverware against plates as they indulged in their meal. Yet, despite the familiar surroundings, I still couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. Why were they *here*, living as if we were in the 1500s, instead of embracing the modern world? Gran had tried to explain, to help me understand that it had become unsafe for the Eton witches to exist in the world during their time. But even so, it was hard for me to grasp the concept.

As I glanced around the table, I couldn't help but be astonished. The faces I peered upon were multiple generations older than me, yet none of them, other than Gran, looked to be any older than in their late thirties, at most. Their youthful appearances were deceiving, a testament to the power of magic that ran through their veins.

But, then, as my eyes shifted to Noir, Eton, and Thorin, I reminded myself that they too were far older than they appeared. Their ancient wisdom and experiences were hidden beneath their youthful facades.

Lost in my thoughts, my gaze wandered, and I was suddenly transported back to a year ago. I vividly remembered watching the heavy wooden door quietly close behind Noir, my heart sinking with each creak of its hinges. Tears had welled up in my eyes, their salty taste mingling with the lingering scent of sadness in the air. Each sob that escaped my lips echoed into the emptiness of the room, a painful reminder of Noir's imminent departure.

My heart had ached at the thought of his absence, but I had straightened my posture and wiped away my tears, a newfound determination forming within me. I had come to this place to learn, to grow stronger, and to harness the depths of my magic. And I'd decided I would do just that. I would not let this setback deter me.

I'd drawn in a deep breath, and walked over to the water basin sitting on a small wooden table next to my bed and splashed the cool water on my face. The droplets had dripped down my cheeks, leaving a refreshing sensation. As I'd reached for a towel to dry the moisture off my face, I'd heard a gentle tap on my bedroom door. Hurriedly, I'd wiped away the remaining wetness and made my way across the room, the soft carpet beneath my feet muffling my steps. Opening the door, I'd been met with the sight of Eton standing on the other side, concern etched in his eyes as he'd taken in the weariness staining my features. With a sympathetic gaze, he'd murmured, "You're going to be fine, you know?" I'd nodded, my nose tingling and eyes slightly red from the tears that had continued threatening to spill over again. Grateful for his support, I'd stepped into his waiting arms, seeking solace in his brotherly embrace. Snuggling into his hold, he'd provided me with a sense of comfort.

"I just don't understand why he is leaving," I'd whispered, my words muffled against the fabric of Eton's shirt. The faint scent of his cologne had mingled with the familiar scent of home, offering a fleeting sense of familiarity in the midst of confusion.

Eton had shrugged, his chest vibrating with a soft chuckle. "Someone needs to return to the agency and save the world," he'd said, amusement lacing his voice.

A pang of frustration had mixed with sadness and welled up within me. "Then why didn't he say that?" I'd hiccupped, my voice breaking. "Why has he made me feel like I will never see him again?"

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Again, Eton had shrugged, his silence speaking volumes. We'd stood there in the doorway, enveloped in a heavy silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I'd known that Eton understood the weight of my emotions, the overwhelming loneliness that had threatened to consume me. And in that moment, I'd felt his unspoken understanding, further reinforcing my belief that there was much more going on than Eton was willing to reveal.

I'd felt him shift, and when he'd spoke again, it was with a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You know you can always talk to Thorin, or me, about anything We're here for you, and we understand the bond you shared. Noir would want you to be happy, and if that means leaning on your friends for support, then do it."

My eyes had still been red from crying, and glancing up, I'd nodded. "I know."

Eton had smiled down at me, his expression softening. "Good. Now, come on. Let's go find you something to eat, and then we can get you settled into your lessons for the day."

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I'd murmured, "Okay," and followed him out into the hallway.

As we'd walked, I'd glanced over at him, noticing the way he'd seemed tense, his shoulders slightly hunched. I'd known there was something he wasn't telling me, and I'd determined I would find out what it was.

Returning to the present, I jolted when I realized that everyone in the room was staring at me. The air felt heavy with their gazes, making me uncomfortable at being the center of attention. "What?" I blurted out, my voice filled with unease. Elena sprang up from her seat, her eyes locked on me, a gasp escaping her lips. "What the hell *are* you?" she exclaimed.

Confusion washed over me, and I shook my head, trying to comprehend her words. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice trembling, as I looked around at the stunned faces before me. Their expressions ranged from horror to fascination, and even Eton and Thorin were staring at me, their eyes widened with shock.

Suddenly, a searing heat enveloped my wrists, causing me to wince in pain. I glanced down and saw flames dancing across my skin, leaving behind an intricate design etched into the flesh of both wrists. The flames then surged upwards, tracing the length of my arms, their nimble dance continuing onto my shoulders before cascading down my back.

As I stood there, bewildered, Gran entered the dining hall, his eyes widening in surprise. He took a moment to collect himself before finally uttering, "Well, that explains a lot."