The Reaper's Trust

Trusting

The following day, Violet watched the snow happily. She stood by the window of her bedroom for hours, observing the falling flakes gather on the surfaces below. The cool air brushed pleasantly against her pale skin, putting a smile on her face. "This is so wonderful," she sighed to herself with joy.

Gray skies and white rooftops surrounded the village and the world, silencing the usually loud days. Though the wind was sharp and bitter, Violet's layers kept her warm.

A knock at the door interrupted her trance and she went to answer it. Behind it was a panicked Florian. "Uh, V-Violet! It's...snowing!?" He said, trying and failing to keep his composure.

Violet smirked, pride flashing in her eyes. "You're right. It is."

"Something needs to be done about this. The people of the world are confused and worried about the weather. Snow is unnatural for this planet."

"I couldn't stand the heat here, Florian. Snow is falling because I commanded it to. I won't be changing it back," Violet explained.

Florian struggled to hide a gasp. He adjusted his glasses over his shocked eyes and sighed, "If that's what you want, then...all right. Unless you have any objections, I'm going to prioritize the making of warmer clothing to ensure everyone's survival."

"That's fine."

Her advisor nodded and scribbled something down on a notepad. He was shivering. Violet looked to the floor for a moment, then back at him. Her voice softened. "Just make sure to take care of yourself first, okay?"

"Of course," he replied, managing a smile. "I'll be sure to spread the news about the climate and I'll be back later to discuss the tower's renovation and your guards."

Violet thanked him and sent him on his way. She was content in her solitude, only interacting with anyone when she checked on the contractors, who were repairing the basement's hole.

Now, she waited. Suspicion sprouted in her as she wondered about Comet. She sure took her time fetching Amber. Messengers can travel anywhere instantly, so Violet saw no reason for the hold up. She yearned to sink her deadly magic into her sister, to make her regret her betrayal.

Needing a distraction, Violet left the tower and stepped through the fresh snow. It produced a satisfying crunch beneath her boots, and the frosty air whipped up her dark hair brilliantly against the white world as she walked. The few villagers that had dared to step outside into their new climate shrank back at the sight of her, some of them even bowing.

Violet made her way to the library and eagerly stepped through its doors and into its warm walls. She showed the librarian a friendly smile, as if to say everything was fine.

After skimming the shelves for longer than she would've liked, she found several thick books that intrigued her and took them back to the tower. She settled comfortably on her bed and opened one up. It was a tome that detailed the uses of advanced spells, many of which she already knew.

She wanted to learn more. Experiencing the euphoria of obliterating the houses opened her eyes to the possibilities of her power. There was something so enticing about exploring her limits and learning all there was to know.

For hours she was buried in the book, reviewing what she already knew as well as the occasional fresh information. Her mood was positive, if not a little power hungry.

"I have a question for you." The voice was calm and resounded in Violet's head. She looked down to see a vine hugging her ankle.

"Yes?" Violet tried to pay attention, but had not fully pried her mind from studying.

A smooth tendril slithered around her neck. Senkards whispered, "Do you trust me?"

Violet stiffened. "Of course."

"Then you won't mind telling me the details of your plan."

The mage glanced at the falling snow outside.

"You're shrewd, I know you have one," Senkards pressed.

Violet closed the book and went to the window. She shut her eyes. "Distress him..." Her voice was soft, calculated. "Eliminate his deities until he's too distracted to stop me from breaking into his archives."

"You wish to enter the Sages' Archives?"

"He keeps the universe's most powerful and valuable knowledge there. There's no telling what I'll find," Violet whispered. A wry smirk possessed her face. "Maybe even a sealing spell..."

Laughter fled the plant. "Seal the king? Ha, you truly are ambitious."

"Don't patronize me. You know I can do it."