An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 4: Present

---------------Percy's POV: ---------------

I looked back to Talia with wide eyes. Of course she couldn't see that but the surprise was probably evident in my posture.

Talia had a child, and he was older, close to being a teen. I looked back to the kid quickly, his eyes narrowing at me showing a strong form of detest.

"Who is this?" He took a step forwards, everything in my body screaming that he was going to attack and forcing me to get prepared to be in a defensive position. My hand instinctively raising to grab the knife strapped onto my back.

A strong grip wrapped around my wrist forcing me to look over. Talia was glaring at me, her stare firm and unwavering. "Don't" I held my posture, the need to have a weapon in hand around this kid grew by the second. Stopping me was only forcing these feeling's to mount. My hand pressed against her hand and I could feel myself slowly winning, her hand not being able to push against mine. As her eyes turned more aggressive I released, bringing my hand back to my side. I wasn't looking for a fight, especially not from Talia.

Talia glared a minute longer before turning to Damien. "Stop, Orca's highly trained, at best you'll both get very injured, at worst one of you dies." From the way she said it I could tell she was hinting that it wouldn't be me. I felt a spout of pride fill my chest as Damien narrowed his eyes at me, obviously also getting the implied message. I could see his fist clench tighter around the handle of his sword which was now out.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down as I bowed my head. "It's nice to meet you Damien. I'm Orca." I didn't extend my hand, afraid he'd take the opportunity to slash my veins and I'd be forced to do something we'd all regret. Instead I tucked my arms behind my back, keeping my composure steady.

He nodded, looking content with my submission.

"Of course, it's a pleasure to meet you as well Orca." I nodded once, acknowledging his greeting. We stood for a minute his face slowly becoming more like a glare. Talia's heeled boots struck the ground, echoing off against the empty room as she stepped into my view. Her smile was the same smile from earlier that day.

"Wonderful. I'm glad you two could meet, I'm sure you're going to love training together." That one sentence was almost like a kick to the side, my head turning quickly from Talia to the same kid. He glared at his mother, obviously angry.

"What!? I can't train with-" He turned to me, looking me up and down with a scrutinizing look. "Her!" My fists clenched up and the urge to grab the knife once more flared through my system. Instead I pinched my fingers together, focusing on the feeling of the rough texture of my skin. This kid was acting more and more like Octavian and it was really getting on my nerves.

Talia took in a deep breath and turned to me. "Orca, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to meet up with us tomorrow. Please be here by 12 pm and we can get started in the training room." I nodded, sending one more look towards the kid who was practically steaming at the ears. I resisted the urge to say something snarky instead turning for the door and not turning back as I made my footsteps silent, using the water particle to soften my shoes' impact until it was impossible to hear me.

I heard the door shut somewhere behind me as I made my way back out of the halls.

I was done for the night, it was too late to go back out and patrol and really any normal person would or rather should feel tired right about now so I was gonna go with the norm this once and sleep.

As I left the building I made sure to do it with silence, grabbing my backpack on the way, my body already aching for the bed and its soft comforter as I pulled the lightweight bag onto my back. I picked up the speed, typing in the code for the exit before heading straight for the elevator. I stopped as I entered the elevator clicking the button I needed rapidly before tightening my grip on my gloves once more, the elevator letting out it's ungodly screech before lifting me up.