Here's part three. I know that the story's been pretty slow so far, but bear with me. The exciting stuff's coming up soon (hopefully X3) so all of your patience might be worth it in the end. Anyway, I really hope you guys like this piece because I did a lot. Feel free to tell me how you feel; criticisms are, as always, needed and very much appreciated :3
I blinked.
“My first assassination?”
My mother nodded. “Yes. Like your father said, you’ve reached the point where you need to put all your preparation to use. We’re confident that you won’t prove us wrong.”
My first assassination. They were sending me out on my first mission. They were confident in my abilities, certain that I wouldn’t disgrace our family’s flawless legacy.
They were sure I could kill.
“When?” I asked. My voice was calm; it betrayed nothing of the emotion that was slowly consuming me.
“It’s of average priority, but needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. You’ll be leaving today.” my mother told me briskly. She was all business now, no longer the detached mother who hadn’t seen her daughter for almost a year, but now the superior addressing her subordinate.
I was going to kill someone.
“The target?” Was that really my voice? It was too cold, too…impassive.
“A vampyre aristocrat,” she answered, handing me an envelope from her desk. It was made of a rich, heavy material, more fitting for a wedding invitation than a death sentence. “Our employer wants him dealt with quietly. His death will create a big enough commotion as it is, so this has to be as smooth as possible.”
“Are you certain I’m of the right level for this?” asked the emotionless voice.
“Yes.” This time the answer came from my father. He eyes bore into mine as he said, “Though our employer would like it done immediately, it’s ultimately up to us whether or not we deem it top priority.” There was the famous Senri arrogance. We were a proud bloodline, as vain and conceited as they came. “You’re mother and I have reviewed the case and have decided that it’s perfect for your situation.”
“All the information you need is in the file, along with funds.” my mother added. “It’s spelled so others won’t be able to read its contents, but I suggest that you memorize and destroy it all the same.” Her tone made the words a dismissal, sending panic rushing through me. Horror choked me, making it impossible to form words. I curtsied—this simple move being all that I was capable of—and turned towards the door. I could feel the hysteria on the edge of my reason, lurking eagerly in the corners of my mind as it waited for its chance. Any second now, it would take over me completely; I had to get away from my parents before that happened.
Just as I opened the door, my father’s cool voice called “Do not make us regret our decision, Emily.”
I left the room, shutting the door behind me.
I walked slowly back towards the entrance hall, forcing myself to take each step. My emotions screamed at me, slicing at me as they attempted to shatter my frail reserve. I lifted one foot after the other as I climbed the main stairs, my hand gripping the banister as if it was the only thing keeping me tethered to this world. My body trembled at the war that raged inside it. Down the hall I went, past my sister's room and into my own.
I was going to miss Katie’s birthday.
I closed mydoor behind me, locking it securely as I whispered a spell, enclosing my room in an impenetrable web. No one would be able to disturb me now, though I doubted that they would of in the first place. I turned and walked towards my bed. It was only a few feet away when my resolve finally crumpled under the weight of my emotions.
My knees buckled beneath me and fell to the cold, white stone. Uncontrollable spasms racked my body. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold it together.
I was going to kill someone.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, mixing with the cold-sweat that I had broken out in. So many feelings tore through me that my mind longed to burst, for anything to bring release from the chaos; fear, horror, shame, fury, confusion...all of it cut at me, battling to which could carve the deeper pain.
No. I bit down on my lip as I pulled my body back under my control. My tears slowed and stopped, and the tremors that flowed through me stilled. I would not act this way. It was disgrace to my bloodline. Countless of my ancestors had gone through this same ordeal and I was no different. I would complete my mission, no matter how strong my own morals opposed.
I rose from the floor and went to my dresser. I picked out a few of the plainest and most durable clothes I possessed and then placed them on my bed, folded neatly in a small pile. Next, I changed out of my elegant gown and into a simple shirt and jeans. After I had retrieved a few more things from my room—toiletries, a small first-aid kit, etc…— I packed it all into a light bag bought for this exact situation. My father had given it to me three years ago and it had laid in a corner of my room since, a silent reminder every time I was home of the future that I awaited me.
I headed for my door and then paused, turning around to look at my room one last time. The next time I saw it, it would be with the eyes of a murderer.
The spacey room was more or less the same as it had been since I was a child. Thanks to my excessive absences from home, I’d never had much of a chance to decorate from the time I was eight. As a result, the room still held a slightly juvenile aura. The lacy curtains that framed the two windows were a faded pink, matching the comforter and pillowcases on the four-poster bed. The toys I had once played with were all put away in the white chest in front of the bed, probably aged and dusty from time. The only thing that spoke of adulthood in the room was my vanity table; it was laden with exotic perfumes and lotions placed there by mother sometime ago.
Only a small breath, wanting desperately to be a sigh, escaped my lips as I left the room.
I walked slowly down the hall, pausing when I reached Katie’s door. I could sense her small heart beating peacefully through the heavy oak, her breathing deep from sleep. I longed to go to her, to take her in my arms and never let go. Every inch of me pleaded to be with her, telling me one more moment with her would be worth the pain of seeing the disappointment in her eyes when she learned of my imminent departure.
But I was too much of a coward. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of my little sister so crushed. All I could do was lean down and place the small box I held in front of her door. She’d find it when she woke and came looking for me. Maybe the beautiful bracelet inside it that I’d got for her birthday would help when she learned that I wasn’t here.
I made my way back into the entrance hall, savoring the sights of my home with a new found desperation. I’d thought I’d have more time, just a little longer to…I fixed every detail to my memory, breathing in the scents as I tried to take as much of it with me as I could.
I was surprised when I saw my Aunt Mina waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. “Do my parents want me?” I asked when I reached her.
Her warm eyes watched me, carefully surveying me. But it wasn’t in the same way my parents had; it was tender, not calculating. “No,” she said, handing me a small envelope. “They asked me to brief you on how you’d arrive at your destination. Inside that is a plane ticket that will take you where you need to go. There’s a car waiting for you at the main gate that will take you to the airport. My sister asked me to tell you goodbye for her, and that she sends her love.” Mina’s voice had a slightly hard edge to it as she said that last part. I wasn’t certain, but I felt as if Mina didn’t completely approve of my mother’s actions.
“Thank you, Aunt Mina.” I replied sincerely. It comforted me to know that I wasn’t alone in my resentment of my mother’s distant relationship with me. I paused, wondering if I could ask my aunt for such a favor, but then rushed it out before I lost my nerve. “Aunt Mina…I was wondering. Could you…well, could you watch over Katie for me? She’ll need someone when she learns that I’m gone, and I don’t think our mother will be able to spare as much time as Katie will need.”
Mina’s eyes softened and she nodded. I felt a rush of relief flow through me. I could trust my aunt to keep her word. Katie would be looked after in my absence; at least that was one less thing for me to worry about.
Then, to my surprise, Mina pulled me towards her, wrapping her arms around me. I was shocked by the embrace, but my body instantly reacted to the comforting contact. It hugged her back, greedily lapping up the warmth and serenity that always floated around Mina.
“You’re going to make it through this, Emily.” she whispered softly in my ear. “You’ve always been far too gentle for this kind of life, but you’re strong. You’ll overcome this.”
I felt my emotions well up inside me, dangerously close to breaking through again. My eyes stung in warning and I knew that my time here was coming to an end. “Thank you.” I murmured back thickly, placing more feeling in those two words than I had ever done before. I pulled out of her embrace, bowed to her, and practically ran out the doors, never once looking back.
As for the things you pointed out, I'll go back and edit them so that they make more sense. I completely missed the "me" thing and I felt the same about the emotion part as well; I just wasn't sure how to fix it. Thanks again!