Just another scar

3. Nadia

Her expression changed in the split of a second. I saw her jaw flex and then the narrowed eyes that followed. Either she contemplated on what to do with me, or what to do with the fact that I used magic… if she saw me use it, that is.

“You could have just waited for your turn, Nailah!” She screeched as she dragged me by my hair to a dark room.

I winced. I was already losing my goddamned hair- wait a damn minute. Now that I think of it, I don’t know why the air became so constricted. Did I make a mistake? I zoned out for a sec. How can I mess up a basic level spell?? I caught Jienna’s shaking hand reaching out, and motioned for her to stay back as she wept, crawling after me.

“I’m gonna be fine,” I mouthed at her before turning away.

The newcomer didn’t know how things worked at the mansion, especially not about the Madame. Katrina Thelowar abused those she couldn’t rile up, and from her collection of toys, I’m her favourite.

“What do you do with my husband in his office, huh?” she shoved me against the wall, pinning me down with all the force she could muster.

How do you go from one thing to the other, crazy lady? I’m shocked at how dumb this woman is. Literally, where did this topic even come from??????

At the sound of that slanderous bullshit, my disgust exceeded hers. Above all, I can’t stand a student-teacher relationship taken out of context like this. Shit, it’s now or never. I gotta do something so this bitch gets off my back, although I know for a fact nothing I do will convince her.

“Master Thelowar has specified my role in this house. Your excellency should be careful not to tarnish his name with rumours that he cheated on his beloved wife. Especially, with a servant, your grace. You will have to deal with greater consequences than I will.” I turned away from her and stared at the wall.

She can do whatever she wants with that. She knows everything about my position, but she uses this student-teacher circumstance as an excuse to vent her anger at me. 

As her silence intensified, it became almost unbearable to stay put. Today was no exception. My words seem to do more harm than justice. I cursed myself under my breath, feeling as though I cast my soul to hell by my own hands.

She twists my arm behind my back to where I can feel my muscles whine in protest. I bit my lower lip to stop a scream from escaping.

“You slut! How dare you defile my name and advise me in my house!” she lashed out with her hand and beat at me, as best as she could with a single hand.

Despite her constant hurls at me, I tried to remain composed. What astounded me is the fact that Master Thelowar doesn’t even realize the maltreatment in his own residence. Or does he just feign ignorance?

Subconsciously, I don’t want to admit to his negligent side, but like? What in the world am I supposed to do with this shit on a daily basis? My eyes welled up at the sting of her slaps. Why can’t you just kill her, you chicken- I tried to control my putrid thoughts, but it was hard. I felt my core tense, as if ready to make a rebuttal.

After she rammed her fist into my stomach one more time, I was about to lose it when I heard a few people murmuring down the corridor. I let a shred of relief trickle into my face. I knew exactly who it was that was reaching us.

“Compose yourself,” Madame Thelowar hissed, as I turned away to fix my “inconvenient” state.

“Love, over here!” I heard her giddy voice and nearly choked with disgust.

I heard the two lovebirds kiss affectionately before exchanging loving words of affection that I wish I could delete from ever entering my ears. I try to make it seem as if I didn’t hear him close to the room, naturally resuming my cleaning duties.

“You, where is Nadia?,” Master Thelowar asked, looking at the extra rags.

In fear, Jienna halted and shook her head. My ears perked up. He was looking for me? I grabbed my pail after noticing the shadow that crossed Madame Thelowar’s face for a moment before she plastered a fake smile on her face.

Her tone turned sour at the mention of my name. “Why do you need that girl?”

“The matter regarding the upcoming social event is what I wanted to discuss,” he told his wife as he sought me out.

While she pretended to look for me, Madame Thelowar’s dark eyes cut at me. Get over here, you slut. What are you doing over there looking at me like that? That’s exactly what her eyes told me, word for word, I kid you not. I huffed as I made my way towards them. I limped a little to look pitiful, satisfied seeing Madame Thelowar’s widening eyes.

“Ah, there you are! I was looking for you,” Master Thelowar smiled, as I stooped to a respectful bow in front of him.

He noticed the limp and glanced at his wife out of the corner of his eye. He knows. I know he knows. And he doesn’t care. I ignore the annoying twinge in my chest. Well, whatever… it’s not even that big of a deal… I think.

In the middle of an exchange with his wife, I picked up my rags, continuing the pitiful facade… just to spite Madame Thelowar. How did this man even marry someone like her? I looked at her, seeing the stars in her eyes and all that. I grimaced. Even a crazy witch like her can be like that. Well, yes, she has the visuals, but her personality was so dry. Especially considering the weight of the Thelowar name. I’d think he’d do better.

The empire once considered the Thelowar name forgotten until Master Thelowar restored its honour. As a renowned scholar, his collection of groundbreaking research speaks volumes about him. Despite his rather foreign mannerisms, he is an absolute gem to this empire. 

His most notable feature would be the wisdom behind his eyes. It added to his gentle yet intelligent look. Though a few wrinkles crept their way onto his face, it just added to his appeal. Observing his frivolous outfit today, I held back a smile. Quite the fashion sense for a geezer, if you ask me.

“Ah, love, make sure the outfits are perfectly tailored, hm?”

“Yes, dear, they will be ready soon,” Madame Thelowar glanced at me before moving on.

Master Thelowar and I have actually become pretty good friends. The only reason he admitted me into this mansion was because of the “potential” I have. Though I refused to be anything more than a servant, he still allowed me to stay and shared with me his many brilliant discoveries. 

I couldn’t help but raise my head in pride at the opportunity; many would jump at the chance to be his student or even work with him. Fortunately for me, I’m his only student… meaning, I don’t have to deal with his kids.

The only problem is that I can’t control my mana in this god-forsaken mansion. Haha, if I accidentally get caught, it’s straight to the authorities. I shivered at the thought.

That violet gaze still gave me goosebumps. I blink away the disgusting image that just passed through my mind, snapping back to reality as Master Thelowar waves his hand in my face.

“Earth to Nadia, you there?” He smiles as I blink. 

“Sorry about that.” I bow my head in apology. With a wave of his hand, he changes the subject. 

“Let me cut to the chase. You know what’s going to happen at the upcoming gathering. Come by my study after you finish your work to pick up your duties,” he instructed me, and I nodded in obedience.

“Yes, Master,” I bow and he nods before leaving.

Damnn. What an entertaining week this will be. I smile to myself before falling headfirst down the flight of stairs.