—Interesting… now you're crying. Maybe you're not as tough as I thought.
( Amon said, confused, watching him with a mixture of mockery and curiosity )
—but you are interesting. Before… and now. You changed, you changed your appearance. What exactly are you?
Amon extended her hand toward Morgan once again, driven by a dangerous curiosity, almost ravenous. Her fingers trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the desire to understand what she could not comprehend.
—I want to know.
But just as Amon was about to touch him again, her wrist was firmly intercepted. Another hand—decisive yet respectful—grasped her arm.
Amon slowly raised her gaze.
Standing before her was Zarathoz.
Without hostility, without open defiance, but with a determination impossible to ignore, she spoke in a calm voice.
—Your Majesty, I believe that is enough.
Amon straightened slowly, freeing her arm, and faced Zarathoz with an icy expression.
—Do you dare lay your hands on me… and tell me what I should do?
( Amon said in an intimidating manner, her voice ringing like a blade )
—No, Your Majesty. I do not intend to tell you what to do. However, I fear you may go too far in your punishment of the poor boy.
( Zarathoz said respectfully, without lowering her gaze )
—So you will tell me how I should punish and impose justice? Is that it, Miss Zarathoz?
( Amon said threateningly, stepping forward )
—I repeat, Your Majesty, it is not my intention to tell you what to do. But as you yourself said before, rules are rules. And the rules of this academy state that everyone must receive a fair trial. And if I recall correctly, one of our mottos is that anyone with potential is worthy of the opportunity to prove it.
( Zarathoz said firmly, serious yet respectful )
Amon lowered her gaze for a moment, observing Morgan on the ground—broken, trembling. Then she fixed her eyes back on Zarathoz.
—Are you suggesting that he has potential? I admit he is interesting… different. But having potential… that is another matter.
( Amon said coldly )
—He is now a member of the academy, is he not? Then we must let him prove it. Or will Your Majesty allow herself the luxury of dismissing someone with talent, with potential, who could elevate the name of this institution?
( Zarathoz said in a firm voice )
—Do not be deceived, Your Majesty! Punish him and that damned scaly woman! Do not hesitate, Your Majesty—do it!
( Ursa shouted with overflowing fury )
Amon raised one hand in a light, authoritative gesture.
Ursa immediately fell silent.
The princess lowered her gaze toward Morgan once more. Then she began walking toward the center of the area, her presence imposing itself like a crushing shadow. When she spoke, her voice rose so that all could hear.
—You are right, Miss Zarathoz. I cannot waste someone with the strength and talent to raise our name to the clouds. That would be a disrespect to my father. So I will accept what you ask. The boy will be given the opportunity to prove his worth.
( Amon said, placing her hands behind her back and lifting her chest )
—but, Your Majesty…
( Ursa said desperately )
Amon raised her hand once again.
Ursa fell silent again.
—As planned, your protégé will face the boy. That is how his worth will be proven… and what was promised to you will be fulfilled.
( Amon said seriously )
—Thank you very much, Your Maje—
Zarathoz tried to express her gratitude, but she was interrupted.
—but if the boy turns out to be a fraud… if everything promised about him is nothing more than an illusion… he will not only be expelled from the kingdom.
Amon's voice turned cruel, razor-sharp.
—you, Zarathoz, will lose your position as headmistress of the academy and become a slave. A slave who will become the property of Miss Ursa. And you, Ursa, will lose all rights as a living being. You will be reduced to a mass of flesh and blood, at the service of others' desires. You will become… another disgusting human.
A deathly silence fell over the place.
Ursa smiled.
A twisted, malicious, satisfied smile.
Murmurs began to rise among those present—impressed, terrified. Zarathoz remained motionless, without uttering a word.
—So then, Miss Zarathoz… if you trust so deeply in the boy's worth… if you are so certain of him… it will not be difficult for you to accept these terms, will it?
( Amon said, appearing in front of her, her tone threatening )
Zarathoz's expression changed.
She smiled.
—Of course… Your Majesty, there is no problem. I accept.
( Zarathoz said cheerfully, clenching her fists )
—Good. So it shall be. It is decided. The training will take place tomorrow at noon. Until then, it would be best for you to prepare your students, Miss Ursa and Miss Luzbel.
( Amon said in an imposing manner )
Ursa's face looked joyful, but in a deeply malicious way. Luzbel, on the other hand, remained expressionless—lost, unsure of how to react.
—That is all for today. I hope you are wrong, Miss Zarathoz.
( Amon said, before disappearing in an instant )
Once Amon left, the place began to fill with murmurs. Everyone went their separate ways, commenting on what they had witnessed.
Ursa, wearing that victorious smile, arrogantly approached Zarathoz and spoke directly to her face.
—I must admit it… the boy surprised my dear Kalista. But that will not happen again. The next time they face each other, you'll see how she tears him to pieces. All of this leads us to a single ending… and you and I both know what it is. Do not worry—she will treat you well. I will make sure to collect every humiliation, slowly. Enjoy your last moments as headmistress, Zarathoz… because after tomorrow, you and I will have plenty of time. Alone.
( Ursa said arrogantly and victoriously, as she walked away alongside Kalista )
Zarathoz approached "Morgan."
He was still on the ground—expressionless, broken, his gaze empty. His lips trembled as he muttered softly, over and over again.
—Mother… why have you abandoned me?
End of chapter.
Next chapter: introduction.
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