Baker Mansion, once called Thorn Wood Manor, was the definition of opulence. At least as far as a town positioned in a western state could hope. Its name change had only come with the newest head of the family. Mayor John Baker being a man who favored puzzles and mazes had changed the name. It simply did not fit once he’d clear cut the age old Thorn Wood Trees. They’d been a staple to the area so long that many were shocked at the occurrence.

  The people in the town had expected some explanation as even during the war the trees had stood firm. Some claims say the trees protected the valley. An ad hoc religion had been brewing since the war and he’d poked the bear. Nothing however came of any of the outrage. The town council remained silent and under the Mayor's thumb.

  Pristine hedge mazes now cover over the once gnarled thorn woods pleasing the Mayor greatly. His side business was even helping to reduce these pesky unbecoming plants. His hatred for them had led to the creation of their intricate dining hall.

  The wood of the thorn trees had few uses beyond firewood but even that was poor. Their thick branches filled with heavy traces of water. From the dining table which seated thirty, to the chairs to match the number, all was made from Thorn wood. It was a show of prestige, that their family could take a useless tree and make something out of it. The expense had also factored into the matter.

  Mandy sat to her fathers left. She wore as was her fathers long standing request a nice floral dress. This one had a kaleidoscope of summer flowers which were out of season at the moment. Though you could find them in the greenhouse. It was John’s preference for such months of the year.

  John Baker sat at the head. He ain't slowly methodically, the picture of a proper gentleman. Each generation of the Baker family had been sure to pass down the perfect form. To which it was expected of Mandy to follow.

  Mayor Baker had neglected his youngest daughter for most of her life. With so many other children to take up his position she was of little importance. It was only recently that he took an interest, but for all the wrong reasons. Her escapades with a gang, that obsession with a simple plebeian boy, and now the boy has ended up in the hospital. Informants whispered that he’d cleaned up his act but had dropped out of school.

  It was laughable that she could see anything in a child like this. Now he had the chance to push her down the proper path. For the most important reason he’d taken interest was her grades. She had real potential more so than her siblings. High scores throughout school had gone unnoticed as such things were of no consequence. That was until a recruiter came for her. The military colleges were in need of outstanding minds.

  If he could send her off to a prestigious school then he’d gain accolades by proxy. His social standing would rise and if she made anything of herself. That would just be a bonus. The quiet atmosphere had lasted long enough.

  “Mandy. I wanted to apologize if I upset you earlier. But you know how I feel about you squandering your chances.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  She was nervous not only about having to be with her father but also what she’d unleashed onto the town. Surely Karah would be more calm now. Two years was a long time, no trouble could come of it.

  “I don’t want to be cruel but I have news.”

  “Of what father?”

  “My dear this may break your heart. I am truly sorry. That man of yours you’ve put so much effort into taming. How do I put this delicately? The other woman is back. You know the one you begged me to do something with.”

  Mandy would have been stunned if she hadn’t been the one to call her in. Like a puzzle she realized that her father hadn’t checked her phone. If he had, he'd not have put it in those terms. This confirmed for her that someone was watching Nate.

  “That can’t be right. Father, please tell me you're wrong.”

  She went as far to let her eyes water. Honestly, part of her did feel this way. They needed allies; it was just a shame all she had left was her. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind she’d be making moves on Nate.

  “Oh, my poor girl. It is sadly the truth. Now I’m sure you might feel cutting off the boy is for the best, however. I find his plight pitiful. So let us keep up this transaction shall we?”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “Good.”

  He took a small drink of his wine. A pleasant smile coming to his lips as he did so. The energy of a snake ready to strike. This was the obedience that she should be showing him.

  “Now I have one other question for you.”

  “I’m not sure if I can help Father. After what you said. I feel distraught.”

  He clicked his tongue at her. How did he raise such weak children? John pushed away the thought of his progeny. It was of no consequence so long as they helped him achieve his goals.

  “I know dear and yet you will answer. Now who is it that might be visiting that boy? A friend, told me that they recognized a visitor. It's just the pesky name he can’t remember. Do you know who’s been visiting your friend?”

  “I haven’t talked much with him. Especially now that you have my phone.”

  “Are you certain my dear? If it happened to be the one who struck the poor boy with their car. Well, I don’t know what could happen.”

  Mandy truly didn’t know who was visiting him. She cursed herself for being so foolish as to push him away. If she had just gone to him and stayed by his bed side things would be different. Her father wouldn’t be here holding her and the others hostage. With the long silence the Mayor prodded once more.

  “Well, dear?”

  “I’m sorry father. He becomes more of a stranger each day.”

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  “That is fine dear. If you remember, I must be told.”

  “Ok.”

  “NO, I have to be told. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Father.”

  They fell back into silence. Mandy wondered who it could be that was visiting Nate? It couldn’t be the Paladins or if it were they could be doing things to him. It became more urgent to get to him. Even Karah wouldn’t be able to hold off the Paladins. They were freaks of nature.

  Mayor Baker’s phone buzzed in his pocket. Checking it his mask broke for only an instant someone important was calling. Mandy took this chance to escape.

  “Father, may I be excused?”

  “Yes, Girl. Do so.”

  Just as she was about to escape he stopped her. His face growing what for him could be called warm. Like how he imagined real fathers to act.

  “Dear, a word of advice. You should be preparing for your exams. Don’t waste your time on the boy.”

  She left the room without answering. None of the guards were stationed outside the door and she stopped. She would be preparing but not for exams. Pressing her ear to the door she listened in. The Mayor answered the phone, his tone neutral. Mandy struggled to hear his words.

  “I told you not to call me at this time.”

  “What do you mean interfered? You were supposed to cover these matters.”

  Whatever was said back shifted his tone. It was the sound of when he was angry but held no recourse. Mandy pegged the person for being either powerful or rich. That same tone was how he spoke with the governor. He was easily swayed by such people.

  “No, I know I can’t do it without you. For how long?”

  “Yes, They haven't listed anyone. Maybe one at the end of the week.”

  “Fine, then we shall discuss further at the meeting. Jeb should be there so you can both collect your money.”

  A surprising name popped up. If Mandy wasn’t mistaken that was the name of Kent and Nate’s boss. What was her father doing that needed someone like him to get involved? They had their own construction company. Baker Construction Co.

  The Mayor audibly rose from the table sending Mandy bounding back toward her room. She was unsure what she’d overheard but it was important none the less. Even if it was just tangentially related to Nate it was important. Now it was time to discuss with the others.

  ***

  Light had long since filled the room when Wayne showed up. He found his new student in the middle of drawing magic circles on numerous pages. He was proud that with only a short amount of time he was already practicing the spirit capturing spell. It was an amateur level, but further along than some people can ever reach. Let alone in only this short window of time. The surprises wouldn’t end there.

  A small girl lay out on the couch, her feet kicked back and forth in the air. Clearly not human from the shape and energy her soul was giving off. She barely reacted when he showed up. Her eyes were focused on her phone, except when she was glancing at Nate. Wayne was no empath. He had lived long enough to see that she was smitten with his student.

  Clearing his throat he drew his students' attention. The nurse was currently checking his vitals and peeking at the odd images he was drawing. It was a normal level of noseyness. Nate had smartly covered the book and the pages he was referencing. At least he was giving the bare minimum of covering his tracks.

  “Teacher, you said I had two days. I only got through the first four chapters. I can finish by tomorrow if you just give me some more time.”

  There was an odd desperation in the boy's voice. Wayne didn’t know where it came from, he would use it all the same. They would have to speed run years of lessons if he was going to have an impact, or just get very lucky with his acquisitions. If he’d known they only had a week he’d forced a different sculpting method on him. It would have ruined his future but at least made him usable. Pushing away the missed opportunities he looked pointedly at the nurse.

  “Sorry, sir, I’ll be done in a moment.”

  The nurse pushed a strand of brown hair behind her ear. Her eyes lingered on Wayne with a Lascivious gaze. He turned up the corner of his mouth in annoyance before taking a seat next to Nate's bed. She was Nate’s regular nurse. Karah had already said she didn’t like the woman this morning when she was chatting with Nate. They resumed the conversation once she left.

  “You’ve made great progress in this short time. I believe it's time for you to make that contract and for you to head into the field.”

  “Teacher, I want to head out but my body is a mess. How am I supposed to fight like this?”

  Wayne looked at him for a long time. The tension building in the air. He still had much to learn if he was still thinking like a normal person. This week would be too short of a time to correct his mentality completely. He cast his gaze to the frivolous looking monster who had sat up to listen in.

  “You will see. Who is this creature of the night?”

  Before Nate could respond Karah barged in. Wayne determined it would be best to take a less direct route. His goals can come in time. No need to rush after just arriving.

  “I’m his long lost love. A flower blooming within the oasis of shit. You better not be fucking with my man.”

  “Sorry, about her. She’s an old friend. After my incident she came to help me. I just found out she was not human.”

  Karah gave an exaggerated pout, slipping over into the seat opposite the Teacher. She slyly slipped her fingers into Nate’s open hand. The attempt to tease him in front of his master backfired. Her assumption had been he’d scold her or pull back. Instead he squeezed her hand, that old determination filling his grip. A loud thumping filled her ears, heart beating quicker.

  “What is she?”

  If he noticed the gesture it was obvious he didn’t care. At any other time he’d smite a mouthy monster that didn’t know its place, but she could be used. Everything would become a resource. That was his creed and he would follow it.

  “We don’t know. She came out this way.”

  “Let me see.”

  A pulse washed over her body as the Teacher inspected her soul. Monsters came in a wide variety. Those who were made, born, and those born from other monsters. Each had strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately they weren’t created equally.

  He caught some trace amounts of the wind in her soul, another still was tied into the strength. It wasn’t much to go off of. The outward features she possessed wouldn’t help with the identification. He would make his best guess. At least her soul was strong. With her under his students' command things might turn out better than he thought.

  “You aren’t adopted?”

  “No, not to my knowledge.”

  Her answer was more subdued with Nate holding her hand. Wayne found she might be a push over if this is all it took to tame her. He looked at Nate, could this be his effect on her? Getting a monster contract this way was economical at least.

  “Then you aren't Pure blood. Somewhere in your family tree you had a monster cross into your family. It probably happened a few times as the feeling you have is close to a chimera. Natural Chimera’s can be very powerful if their ability is grown properly. An awakened blood like you will need a lot of work to reach higher levels but you’ll do.”

  Even if he didn’t know much about what she really was Karah was happy with just having a hint. What made her even happier was that she could get even stronger. She’d been locked into the same place for so long without anything real to fight. A wild grin came to her face.

  “Now, let’s get your first spirit bond. What do you think?”

  Nate was eager to begin. If this went well he’d be a step closer to his goal. With the way the Teacher was acting they were in a rush. He couldn’t be sure why yet, but that didn’t matter if it gave him the power he wanted.