[Aspiration to the Heavens Spin-off Vol. 1] Heart of Magic (Completed)

Episode 38: Assassin (Thalia)

"Brother," I called out.

A gust of wind flew past me.

My older brother barely stopped his sword before it could hit me. 

"Thalia, how many times have I told you? Don't sneak up on me."

Lowering my head, I reached my hand out.

"Sorry. So, uh. Do you know anything about shadow mages?"

"Like father?"

I nodded.

"Yup. Just like him."

Tilting his head, Brother looked up at the castle.

"Well, like dad, most come from the southern mountains. They're usually looked down upon due to their ability to blend into the night. Most dark mages are hired as assassins."

"Assassins?"

Brother sheathed his sword.

"That's right. Killers. Our father happened to be one. Starting as young as me."

"But... You're only ten."

He snickered.

"Right. Father has seen a lot of blood during his thirty years. Some belonging to his friends. The rest belonging to his own victims. Sometimes those friends were his victims."

"What?"

I shook my head in disbelief.

Had Father truly killed those he considered his friends?

Perhaps it was for the best that he lost his magic.

Without it, he no longer had to continue living as a murderer.

But... what about me?