I watched as his gaze lingered on her for just a second too long.

I watched as his mouth curved upward at the hint of a smile.

I watched as his eyes lit up ever so softly at the sight of her.

Thats when I knew.

Should I ask? Should I keep quiet? The room kept bumbling on as i contemplated what to do with this information. Im not sure how much time had passed, but the next thing I knew there was a stern voice brushing past my ear.

"What are you doing here, little one?"

I could recognize that deep, bass filled voice anywhere. That was Aaron, the one and only. Aaron was known for his deadly combat and knife skills. Aaron was someone you wanted to stay far, far away from. He also happened to be my brother. If Aaron was here, that mean father was too. They never went anywhere without the other.

"Where is father?"

"Why do you ask? Are you doing something you're not supposed to be doing?"

I thought long and hard about my answer. I couldn't lie. I only had two lies left to use. He knew this, he knew I only had two left and asked this question intently, which meant father could hear us, wherever he was. The only time direct questions were asked was when it was a life-or-death situation, or unless loyalty was questioned. especially within the assassin's quadrant, which having your loyalty questioned usually meant death either way. My brother and I had a decent relationship, it was strong when it came to working together but outside of that we didn't get along.

He asked again, clearly growing impatient with my silence. "Are you doing something you are not supposed to be doing?"

I looked into his eyes and could see the hurt. I knew he didn't want to ask this question but seemed to be forced. I knew this meant my loyalty was being questioned. His big frame kept inching around as if to shield me from something. I peeked behind him and finally saw father walking through the crowd behind us, trying to get a better view of me, or my markings. Luckily for me, all my markings are covered, no one can see how many lies I have used. I knew there was no getting out of this. I would get killed for even being here, let alone for the information I had just discovered.

"You know, I've had a long day and just wanted to relax a little. so, I came here, to get a drink and relax." choosing the wording very carefully to not lie. I did come here for a drink and to relax after the job my father had just assigned me to. My brother sensed what I was doing but seemed to take it as a good enough answer.

My father, however, did not like my answer...

My brother turned from me and went to fetch some drinks from the bar, it seemed he needed to relax as well. I started after him, until a splitting pain shot through my head. the ground rushed up and seemed to swallow me whole.

I awoke to the sound of water dripping on stone. I knew that sound very well, and I knew exactly where I was. a chill ran down my body as a slight breeze swept through the cavern. It was then that I realized I had been stripped down to my under-garments. presumably to get a look at my markings, or to make it easier to torture me. The sound of a cane on the stone floors became louder and louder. Father was coming. The shadow of a man emerged from the entrance to the cavern.

"I know what you've been up to, my little Osha. until now, i have never once questioned you, or your loyalty. You were always my favorite. But now, it seems things have changed, you seem distracted. I watched you in the club the other night. I know where you head is at and i don't think it's where it needs to be a part of our league. So, tell me little one. Where is that head of yours at? Can you pledge full alliance to the League and no one else?"

As my father's words sunk in, I contemplated what to say. No matter what I couldn't tell the truth. The truth would not only get me killed, but it would get those I cared for killed too. That wasn't an option so I did the only thing I could think of. I lied...

"I pledge my full unfaltering loyalty to the League and no one else." As soon as the words rolled off my tongue, I felt the burning pain of a mark being scorched into my skin. The metallic stench of magic filled the air, as did the smell of burning flesh. My father's eyes went wide and his skin paled. He really did believe that I would pledge my loyalty to him. After everything, he still believed that.

He moved faster than I even had time to process. A white-hot pain shot through my stomach. I yelled out in pain as I looked down, I saw a giant bloody slash through my stomach. As I shouted at my father, I made him one last promise...

"No matter how long it takes, no matter what i have to do, i will kill you, and I will destroy the League once and for all." I waited for the burning sensation of my last lie to burn me alive. To end me once and for all. But no pain came, no smell of burning flesh, even the heavy smell of sulfur from my stomach wound had faded significantly. But the smell of magic was significantly stronger. that metalic twang burned my nostrils. My father looked horrified, as swirls and whorls of ink travelled my skin as my promise, my future, and my story were locked into place. The gods have chosen to honor my promise, and this world was going to burn.

A loud, thunderous boom shattered through the cavern. My Father turned, rage painting pictures across his face. He looked scared, he too noticed that the magic didn't claim me. he noticed that I told the truth, and one day would kill him and destroy the League. He lunged for me, trying to get rid of me before I could fulfil my promise. I watched the hatred in his eyes and smelled his fear as he ran towards me, knife in hand.

Another boom came through the cavern, only this time, shadows exploded through the room, engulfing it into darkness. I heard fighting but my vision was blurring and I was starting to lose consciousness. the pain in my stomach threatening to take me for everything I am. I slipped away into the unknown.

As I awoke, I was in bed that felt like a cloud. I slowly opened my eyes and was shocked to find a big, muscular man kneeling at the side of the bed. To my surprise it was the man I had been watching in the club a few nights ago.

He stood slowly and spoke very softly, though angered coated his voice, "Your father is alive, he is yours to take. Your promise seems to have struck a chord with the plans of the Gods, and it seems you get your way. I, and the rest of the Valquar army are yours to command."

I smiled, seeing Warner kneel before me. "Then, it's time we take what's rightfully ours"