Chapter 96 Danger

Chapter 96 Danger

"Don't scare her, headmaster," Layla deadpanned whilst spinning around. "We don't know for certain. Our potion is not done yet."

Potion? Ophelia's head snapped to Layla who held a scalpel in one hand and blood on her white lab coat. Her throat tightened at the nauseating scent in the air. n0VelbIn

"I heard from Layla you were reading books written in the old language," Reagan murmured. "The words on there are language of the gods. Even the most trained magicians struggle to understand it."

Ophelia slowly blinked. She could see how unnatural this situation was. "I-I was never e-educated on the language. I-I was just looking over it, I don't—"

Reagan gave her a pointed look, as if he saw through her excuses.

Ophelia clamped her mouth shut. "I-I didn't mean to read it, I was just mouthing it without realizing it."

"Direct Descendants of the moon do not have to be taught the language of the gods, for it is their native tongue," Reagan told her.

Ophelia tilted her head in confusion. "W-what are you implying?"

"It could be impossible," Reagan began. "But the possibility is high, my lady. I know you might find it hard to believe, but Layla and I are certain that you could be a Direct Descendant of—"

"We can't be too sure," Layla suddenly said. "The ancient books never said purple eyes are direct descendants, but a potential trait. Ever since the massacre and burning of textbooks, all information is lost. I told you, we shouldn't be too sure until we have proof."

Reagan let out a small sigh. Seeing the lady's confused expression, he could only frown. Telling her the wrong information would only endanger her.

"It is alright," Ophelia told him upon his burdened frown. "My appearance is quite strange, but I assure you it is just g-genetic defect."

Reagan narrowed his eyes. Who told her of such a thing?

"M-my father has light blond h-hair too," Ophelia continued. "T-the younger you are in t-the family, the less y-you resemble the head. M-my oldest sister has golden strands, b-but as you can tell, I do not."

So this was what they meant. Suddenly, the Eves family began to intrigue Reagan. He was certain the books had commented something about them before. He had come across many types of research in his lifetime, from the limited books of this castle to the sprawling shelves back in Tower of A Thousand Wizards, and he often remembered many of what he read.

"A-actually, I have come t-today with a request," Ophelia said whilst awkwardly twisting her fingers.

"Yes, what could it be?" Reagan gently asked.

"I-it may be impudent of me," Ophelia stated, her heart skipping when Layla glanced at them again. She wondered what Layla was dissecting.

Reagan patiently waited. Could it be that she'd like him to fix her tongue? It wouldn't be a surprising response. He knew high society must've ridiculed her for something she couldn't control. With his magic, if it was an organ thing, he could definitely give it a try even though healing magic was rarer than snow during spring. Though, he wondered why House Eves didn't hire a powerful healer, for they had the money to buy the services.

Then, Ophelia uttered something so surprising, that even Layla dropped her scalpels.

"Wolves born on Mavez Dukedom's lands are forced to obey their Alpha, but I am a mage. I might be scared of the Duke, but I am not afraid of disobeying him," Layla stated.

Ophelia was surprised. She couldn't fathom anyone ever going against the frigid and large man.

"I'll teach you magic," Layla immediately told her. "You are more special than you credit yourself for."

"Y-you just want an e-excuse to rebel against t-the Duke," Ophelia said out loud.

Layla's lips curled. Finally, she smiled. She even laughed under her breath. "Perhaps."

"W-why?" Ophelia mumbled.

"You'll find out tomorrow," Layla deadpanned. "I must implore you for a favor, my lady."

Ophelia blinked. "L-like?"

Layla stepped closer. "I won't say it, but just now, I am more useful to you than unexpected. You would not want to lose me."

Ophelia didn't know what Layla was implying. She glanced over her shoulders. She was glad that there was no servant or guard present on this path. Should they have heard this, they'd report it to the Duke immediately.

"But because it is a secret that I will teach you magic, you'll have to meet me at night time in the basement of the Mavez mansion," Layla informed her.

"T-the Duke returns at night t-to me f-for his d-duties..." Ophelia's cheeks burned when Layla raised a brow.

"I can leave earlier and before he returns for your services, then," Layla stated. "It'll be when the sun is midway into the setting. Come alone and to the basement where they keep the weapon supplies."

Ophelia tilted her head. "I-isn't that place usually locked up?"

"It is," Layla told her. "But Reagan and I usually have free reign around the Mavez Mansion. The Duke is kind to us, but mainly to Reagan who had watched him grow up."

Ophelia didn't know Reagan was that involved with Killorn's life. In fact, she knew nothing about her husband. She was suddenly saddened by the truth.

"I'll find a way to open the basement doors, you just have to show up, alright?" Layla said.

"Y-yes..."

Layla revealed a slight smile, for the first time since their conversation.

Ophelia was momentarily awestruck by Layla's beauty. With her hazel hair and soft brown eyes, Layla was quite the dazzling gem.

"It will be my pleasure to teach you then, my lady," Layla softly responded.

Ophelia's heart skipped with excitement. She immediately nodded, her eyes glistening with joy.

"T-thank you!" Ophelia chirped, her chest light and airy. She was overcome with delight, completely unaware of the danger that lurked from their secret.