Dagger

Dragana POV

I had so many questions. Solomon said that he had some business to take care of and I was now sitting in the garden, drinking tea and talking to Lord Cazima. “So, I guess, you are my chaperone for the day?”, I smiled at him. I did not know how old he was, but he did not look much older than me. His hearty laugh was like bells, higher than a normal male voice, but with a beautiful sound to it. “You are more than welcome, Dragana. It has been forever since I have seen you”, he said. “Seen me? You know me???? I do not…”.

More laughter followed. “Your mother used to bring you here when you were young. Just like you, she has always wanted to learn and expand her knowledge. And I see she has done a great job!”, he said reassuringly. I tried to search my memories, but I could not recall ever meeting him. “Are you sure? You are not mistaken? ”.. He nodded, sipping the hot aromatic tea. “I do not leave this place much. And yes, you used to come with your mom. I’d know you anywhere, Princess”, he said, his eyes watching me intently. There was something about him. I knew he was not a shifter or a witch, but I most certainly knew he was not a human.

As if he was reading my thoughts, the following words floored me “I am centuries old Dragana. And I am a eunuch. In fact, I am their steward”. I did not know what to think. I knew what eunuchs were, but they were humans. The barbaric practice of castrating male children and enslaving them into servitude was used in many human kingdoms in ancient times. Thankfully, that practice was erased from the modern world. “How?????” was all I managed to whisper, not knowing what to make of all this. “Solomon” he simply said. “My great grandfather castrated you???!!!”, I shrieked.

“

No, not me anyway. He saved me”, he said, still looking at me, his crystal eyes never leaving me. “What do you mean not me???” His answer implied that while Solomon may not have castrated him, that he castrated others. I did not know what to do with this information, as it squeezed the air in my lungs. “I am sorry, I am sorry”, I blubbered, not knowing what to do, where to look. “Don’t be. I would have died many centuries ago, an abused child, an orphan from war. And so would many others. He has created sanctuary for us, and many of us are alive to this day, simply thanks to him”, he stated, simply shrugging. He did not seem like anyone who got upset easily, his whole demeanor was that of an even-keel individual not disturbed by life. “When you have lived for as long as I have, you see many things. You learn many things, most importantly patience, and you learn to forgive. But one thing above everything - you learn to accept who you are”, his melodic voice continued in between sipping the tea. “Isn’t that why you are here? To accept who YOU are and to forgive?”



I did not know what to say. His words were wise, but something about him screamed danger and even though he was smiling, that smile never truly reached his eyes. There was a coldness and unease about him which made my skin crawl. “I wanted to learn about being a Tribrid, I do not understand it”, I said in a whisper, not looking at him. “You have obviously come to the right place, I will take you to the Inner Sanctum”, he said flatly. With that, he got up and I followed, mesmerized by the corridors and the flowers around us. Although I was not fully comfortable with him, I was grateful for him leading the way. This whole library definitely looked like a well-kept, beautiful flowery maze one could easily get lost in. Moving at brisk speed, we came to the stone arch, about 10 feet tall, made of white sandstone. A shimmering veil that looked like a door of some kind was shining the colors of the rainbow. I was mesmerized by its beauty and standing there admiring it, I did not notice the swift movement of Lord Cazima. He turned around, a serious look on his face, holding a large dagger in his hand, walking towards me now.



“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!”, I screamed. “Your blood – give me your hand”, he commanded me and I stood in shock, on the spot. “Dragana, your hand!!” I was looking around to see if I could see anyone, if I could ask for help. But alas, we were alone. “Your hand, Dragana”, he said, now looking at me impatiently. Shaking, I extended it out. He wielded a dagger and pricked my thumb. A small speck of fresh red liquid appeared on it, and I was dumbfounded. I saw him slice his own hand too, utterly confused. “Only magical blood opens the Inner Sanctum, otherwise you cannot pass. It is like a key”, he clarified,smiling back at me. I just stood there frozen, as now I remembered something. I have seen that dagger before.



In my mother’s throat, as she lay sprawled on the ground in the pool of blood, her lifeless eyes looking at me.