It's always the same.

  Sitting.

  Writing.

  Learning.

  It's never enough for them.

  It's always this simple for me.

  [Sigerd!]

  A thud startles me.

  The desk's going to break at this point...

  Sigerd: [I'm sorry...]

  He paces around the grand room, countless books placed neatly in ancient handcrafted shelves lining each wall. A large world globe, its base made out of onyx.

  Three arched windows to the left, lighting the room.

  A single desk in the middle. Mine.

  Filled with books, papers and stationery.

  [I understand this is relatively easy for you, master. But you mustn't stray from focus.]

  Sigerd: [I understand, Mr. Nelin.]

  Mr. Nelin: [Very well. Then, let us resume the teaching. In 1913, the Isothe Extermination Module... Encountered... a problem that would be devastating to their organization. The hierarchy in that time, presided over by one seat, started to give way to corruption and the negligence of duty within. An example of this is Sire Junmen, who used his position of power to cover a terrible operation involving human trafficking.]

  I contain my laugh as I see his mustache wiggling with his lips.

  [Focus, master.]

  He clears his throat.

  [Thus, six of the Eight Families agreed upon one simple solution. Thirty of the most powerful Exterminators would be granted independence from the organization, except for critical threats. This would, at least, make the... Less virtuous, reconsider their actions.]

  [And your family is one of those who voted for this revolutionary change, master.]

  He smiles warmly, a glint of pride in his eyes. I sigh, too bored to care.

  Mr. Nelin: [And that's why you shouldn't sigh at such a statement. You'll need to become exceptional so as to lead this family one day.]

  I nod noncommittally, a little irritated.

  Always the same thing.

  Sigerd: [Is that all for today?]

  A chuckle escapes Mr. Nelin.

  Mr. Nelin: [I'm afraid that's the case, as I'm sure you'll get full marks on the exam tomorrow. Off you go, master.]

  My face lights up as I run to the door, swinging it open before running through the halls.

  I pass by several maids and butlers, greeting them.

  [I'd advise not to run, master!]

  Shouts someone behind me. I rush down the stairs, descending at least 5 floors before I reach the third.

  I slow down, walking through the hall, gaze fixed on the dark, spotless wooden floor.

  One, two, three, four doors.

  At the fifth, I stop, reaching for the handle.

  With a soft click, it opens. I step inside the spacious bedroom.

  A wide window illuminates it, light breaking through the heavy red curtains. A closet to the left side, a single bed to the right. Various toys are sprawled out on the floor along with some opened books.

  I could arrange them.

  Walking over to my bed, I sit down, the mattress sinking slightly.

  But that wouldn't seem childlike.

  I close my eyes. I feel restless.

  It's frustrating.

  I was born.

  Everyone's born. I just remember it.

  As they held me in their hands, faces filled with tenderness and pride.

  6 months later, I walked.

  Shortly after, I spoke.

  They told me I was a prodigy. They still do.

  Numbers were easy. Letters were too.

  Language. Math. History. Arts. Archery. Horse riding. Golf, even.

  It's all easy. It's all simple enough.

  I lay down on the bed, an arm placed on my forehead.

  I was born once.

  But nothing felt new.

  I wait an hour. In silence.

  And then, I stand up, staring at a toy.

  I knock it down. At a deliberate angle, so it fits in with the toys around.

  Walking over to the door, I exit the room, my steps echoing through the hall.

  A maid arranges some flowers nearby. She turns to me, head lowered as she bows slightly.

  [I'm glad you're doing well, master.]

  I nod at her before making way to the looping staircase. Stepping down, I reach the last step, walking through the chamber to the first floor.

  A rosewood tree stands in the middle, leaves nearly a golden color due to the sunlight hitting them from the windows on each side of the entrance door.

  The transparent floor makes it possible to see the tree's roots stretching far and wide, coursing behind the walls before curling around the heavy door.

  I approach the tree, placing a palm on the rough surface.

  People said trees were nature.

  I saw many outside.

  Why wasn't this one there, too?

  Steps echo from the left, and I tilt my head towards the person approaching.

  I can already feel my shoulders tensing.

  Her gentle, red eyes stare at mine as she approaches me. Her long, dark charcoal hair is made into a bun too complicated for me to describe, though a single, long strand flows down her shoulder.

  She wears a long, navy evening gown that seems to shine like metal. A few pieces of jewelry with shining stones I haven't seen in any geology book.

  Sigerd: [Moder Dronning.]

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  I bow slightly.

  Sigerd: [Gud giffve ?der gódhan dagh.]

  I stay perfectly still, waiting for an answer.

  [Tak, min k?re s?n.]

  Rising, I find a warm smile on her face.

  Sigerd: [Were you planning to go someplace?]

  [Your father's finally agreed to take me to dinner.]

  Sigerd: [Too early for dinner, it's just past noon, if I'm not mistaken.]

  She runs a gloved hand through my hair, combing it with precision.

  [I've certainly lost count of the times I told you to keep your hair to the side. It fits you better.]

  [I hate it.]

  I mumble.

  [Well, certainly you would say so, as a child that you are. To answer your question, who ever said I was ready?]

  Once combed, she walks over to the chamber, calling a maid to open the door for her as she steps on the staircase.

  [You already know I take lots of time to prepare.]

  With that, the maid closes the door, bowing respectfully.

  I sigh in relief, pacing around.

  [What to do...]

  I enter the chamber, sitting down on the floor as I think of something.

  [Maybe today's the day I tidy my room.]

  Standing up, I take the stairs to the third floor. Strolling through the hallway, I enter my room.

  It's tidied up.

  Spotless.

  It's what I wanted.

  And it still irritates me a little.

  Sigerd: [What a disappointment.]

  [They all think it's acceptable.]

  [Just because I seem superior to them.]

  I ruffle my hair.

  [Better.]

  I look outside my window, where a few dozen people are working on different tasks.

  Some mow the grass, others clean the fountains. A few trim the bushes.

  I pull the curtains, sinking onto my bed as I close my eyes.

  Drifting off to sleep.

  Later, I wake up, glancing around the room. It's certainly darker.

  Yawning, I stretch before standing.

  I rub my eyes. A knock on the door forces me to stop.

  I flick the light switch on before opening the door.

  A maid stands outside. Her features are perfectly neutral.

  Or at least, they try to.

  [Lady Hagen wishes to see you, master. She is waiting for you in her room.]

  Sigerd: [Alright.]

  My mind races with possibilities.

  Did I do something wrong?

  Not possible. She wouldn't call me for that.

  Petty conversation just to irritate me?

  Probable.

  Something else.

  I walk through the corridor to the second door, knocking 2 times.

  2 seconds.

  And I knock twice again.

  A maid opens the door shortly after, leaving as I enter the vast, even more vastly decorated room. You could have 50 people sleeping comfortably if there were enough beds.

  [Sigerd, I may need you to get ready. Put on your best attire.]

  She sits on the couch across the room, upset.

  Sigerd: [What for? I thought you and Father were going to dinner.]

  She sighs, smiling apologetically.

  [The Angell family has communicated a visit today. Your father was forced to agree, as it's been a long time since we've maintained contact.]

  Sigerd: [I'll... Get ready, then.]

  As she nods, I turn around, stopping just before leaving the room.

  [Don't let it linger for too much, mother.]

  She chuckles, though her eyes glint appreciatively.

  [I know. Also, make sure to fix your hair.]

  I step outside, making way into my bedroom as I call out a maid, requesting specific pieces of clothing.

  After roughly 20 minutes, she returns. As she sets them down, I nod.

  After she leaves, I begin dressing up. Black trousers with a white dress shirt, a black vest above, and polished leather shoes of the same color.

  I reluctantly comb my hair to the side before heading out.

  I glance outside the windows, the sun already setting. Taking the stairs to the first floor, I stand next to Mother, just a step behind.

  [It's really sudden, if I may say so. Be sure to behave accordingly, min s?n.]

  [Have I ever misbehaved, Mother?]

  [Gue forbyei.]

  I roll my eyes. We wait patiently, in complete silence. Mother still looks upset.

  After a short while, the door opens.

  Joy courses through my veins.

  Father.

  He steps inside, perfectly polished black leather Oxfords clacking against the floor. His three-piece suit consists of a white dress shirt, with a slightly low-cut vest and a single-breasted jacket, both a deep charcoal. His trousers match perfectly with his attire.

  Mother steps forward, bowing slightly. Her earlier expression is completely gone, replaced with affection.

  [Min Konge.]

  Father bows too, his slightly wavy hair —parted in the middle— brushing his shoulders.

  [Min Dronning.]

  Mother holds out a hand for him, and Father takes it, kissing tenderly. I cringe at the sight, looking the other way.

  [Gue sīgne tik, Katarina.]

  [Gue sīgne tik, Athisl.]

  Then, Father steps in front of me. I smile, placing a hand on my chest as I lower my head.

  Sigerd: [Fader Konge.]

  [Gue sīgne tik.]

  Athisl: [Og tik, min S?n]

  He places a hand on my shoulder.

  Katarina: [When are the guests coming?]

  Athisl: [Soon enough. Saw their car on my way home.]

  Mother raises a brow.

  Katarina: [And you didn't greet them?]

  Father shakes his head.

  Athisl: [Too far away. And of course, we must remain cautious outside. That includes confidentiality.]

  He turns to me, a bright —almost silly— smile playing on his lips.

  Athisl: [So? What about you, smarter than Father yet?]

  Katarina: [That he was, already.]

  She replies immediately.

  I glance between the two, unsure what to say.

  Sigerd: [Maybe we should wait for the guests. They could arrive at any time.]

  Athisl: [As you wish, min Herre.]

  Father stands next to Mother. I stand a step behind. As soon as a knock is heard, a butler opens the door.

  In front stand a man and a woman, both around 30. The man wears a formal suit, champagne in color, with a black tie and brown leather shoes. His blonde hair is styled in a middle part that covers the tip of his ears, his goatee carefully groomed.

  The woman wears a formal, red cocktail dress made of silk. Her hair, a deep black, flows freely. She wears a simple but elegant pearl necklace.

  Father shakes the man's hand, while Mother exchanges a graceful nod with the woman.

  Athisl: [Herre Angell. May god bless you.]

  [May god bless you, too, Sire Hagen.]

  He smirks.

  [But there's no need for formalities, Athisl. It's been a while, but you're still a good friend.]

  Athisl: [You haven't changed, Caden.]

  Caden: [I really haven't.]

  He says, chuckling. Caden nods courtly at Mother.

  Caden: [You're as beautiful as ever, Katarina. Alma here is a barbari—]

  Alma stares daggers at the man, silencing him.

  The man spots me, a curious expression growing on his features. He kneels, offering a hand.

  Caden: [Hey there, little guy. What's your name?]

  I take his hand.

  Sigerd: [Nice to meet you. My name's Sigerd.]

  Caden: [What a nice name, Sigerd.]

  He stands up, addressing Father.

  Caden: [I've brought some gifts. Entrusted them to your butlers.]

  Athisl: [There was no need, though I deeply appreciate your gesture. Now, I'm sure it's time for dinner, so let's sit at the table.]

  With a quick peek at his pocket watch, Father leads us to the dining area. It's a long, wide room with a table large enough for 50 people. Several chandeliers are hung above the ceiling, while various pictures of all sizes and times are hung on the walls.

  Father sits down on the front, with the guests on his right. I sit down on the left next to Mother.

  Immediately, several servants fill the table with dozens of

  food items. Roasted meats, vegetables, and several fish.

  Caden: [Amazing. I feel like a king!]

  Athisl: [Indeed.]

  Food is served to everyone, starting with Father, then the guests, finishing with Mother and me.

  After a quick prayer, we start eating. I stay silent, adults switching topics between important and more leisurely ones.

  Though one catches my attention.

  Athisl: [Haven't seen you around for a long time. Why the sudden notice?]

  Caden sets his fork down.

  Caden: [I quite missed you, my friend.]

  [Though... I came here to talk about the state your family is in.]

  Mother pays close attention to their conversation.

  Athisl: [What do you imply?]

  [Well... It came to my knowledge that you've gained quite the notoriety.]

  [Especially within the Honorary ranks of the IEM.]

  Athisl: [We did assist them with financial aid after the disaster in France.]

  His voice takes on a serious tone.

  [The whole country may have been destroyed if not.]

  Caden: [Yes, it is very considerate of you. But you see...]

  [That reckless move has cost us influence over major bases in Europe.]

  [Those Exterminators deem the Angell family as inferior in benevolence.]

  Athisl: [It was simply not my intention, Caden. Moreover, it happened 2 years ago. I'm sure it has settled.]

  Caden's eyes narrow.

  [There, my friend, you're mistaken.]

  Katarina: [We are aware of the demand there, Caden. But we do not consider ourselves responsible for the lack of loyalty and influence towards your family.]

  I sweat cold, tension evident in the room.

  And it takes a single twitch of his eye.

  A single second.

  My eyes widen in horror.

  Caden stands beside Father.

  Father's throat is slit.

  My throat constricts as I watch blood spraying on the man's suit.

  Mother grabs me by the hand, running away from the dining hall. They pay no mind.

  I hear my distorted steps on the tiles as we run, leaving home.

  Mother kneels, embracing me as tears flow down her cheeks, her face a mix of shock and devastation.

  [Run.]

  She says.

  I stay still.

  [Run, Sigerd!]

  I stay still.

  Come with me.

  My lips quiver.

  The words don't come out.

  The man and the woman swing the door open.

  I step back.

  Mother turns around, trying to protect me.

  [Sigerd.]

  She whispers.

  [Come back for me. When you're older.]

  [I'll try to live until then.]

  I step back.

  And for the first time...

  I can't understand.

  I can't know.

  I can't solve.

  I can't think.

  I turn around.

  And run.

  As fast and far as I can.

  For hours.

  As rain starts to soak me.

  As I trip and fall, over and over.

  As I reach the city.

  I keep running.

  I sit down under a bridge, sheltering from the rain.

  My stomach growls.

  My clothes are tattered.

  I stand up, walking to nowhere in particular.

  I bump into someone, falling on the floor.

  He seems to be a tall man, with gray hair hovering just above his shoulders.

  He wears a trench coat. His eyes are friendly.

  [Are you alright?]

  He hands me his umbrella.

  And I take it.

  Sigerd: [Thanks.]

  [No problem. What's your name, little one?]

  [Sigerd.]

  [What's... Yours?]

  He helps me stand up. As my hair sways, I notice.

  My hair isn't dark charcoal.

  It's white.

  [2nd Rank Exterminator. Friedrich Bax.]