Author's note:

Enjoy the new chapter :)

Taming a Huntress

Chapter XXXVI

Revelations

Savra sat on a long wooden table in the center of the infirmary. She had her blouse pulled down to her shoulders with her back completely exposed to the healer, Zahid. She flinched every time she felt him prodding the skin of her back. It was in no way near the pain it was a few weeks ago when she first returned to Masyaf, but that wasn't saying it was completely better either.

"It may never truly heal," Zahid said after he started applying some slave that felt unnaturally cool against her back. "You will always feel discomfort. The wound was too large."

Her stomach twisted at the thought of never being healed, at the thought of having to deal with the pain for the rest of her life. She had hoped after he had seared her wound shut that it would be the end of it. Her back would heal and she'd have an ugly scar. But after coming to the healer for regular visits during the last three weeks, it showed it wouldn't be so simple.

She was stiff most days and had to wear loose tunics because anything else irritated her back. Zahid said it could take months for improvement and there was no knowing how big the improvement would be or if there even would be any at all.

Savra sighed and slid off of the table when Zahid finished. He helped her pull the tunic back on before turning and busing himself with cleaning up the medicines he had out for her.

"Come back for the tea leaves tomorrow. They should be ready by then," the healer spoke with his back to her. He talked of the tea that numbed her pain, but also clouded her mind. She didn't like it but there wasn't much of a choice. Malik also drank the tea but hers was brewed stronger and she could already taste the bitterness at just the thought of it.

She said her goodbye to Zahid who just waved her off without bothering to look her way. She made her way out of the infirmary and up the stairs to head for the dormitories hall to go to her room.

She glanced at the stone wall opposite of her to the foggy arched window room and watched as the rain slid down in rivulets. She was supposed to go down into the city. To see Ru'yah, Haydar's wife. But if it was raining she wouldn't be able to and would be confined to the castle.

It had been so odd when she finally saw the other woman for the first time since she had escaped Masyaf. She was greeted with a bright smile and a round belly. While when she had first heard the news of Haydar's coming child she'd been upset, but after everything that had happened to her, she felt it wasn't worth the energy. If anything she was indifferent, but perhaps that would change when the child came.

Ru'yah was nice enough and she could see that her brother was happy. And that was okay to her. She didn't put much thought into anything lately. Most of her days were spent resting or visiting the healer. She couldn't shake the exhaustion. After hiding for so long and being on the run, adjusting to everyday life again took some getting used to. And it wasn't just everyday life, but a new life.

There was no more home in Jerusalem. It was gone and would probably be reclaimed by someone else who wished to farm. There was nothing there for her. And there was also no reason to go North anymore. Al Mualim was dead, killed by his favorite pupil. The tension in the castle over the incident was still thick and Savra knew there were a few men who despised Altair because of it.

And Altair. He mostly kept to the library, back hunched over the table filled with scrolls and maps and a golden metal sphere that he seemed to obsess over. It was a treasure of some importance and that's all she really knew about it. She didn't bother to ask much because he didn't bother to tell much. He was changing. She didn't know if it was because of his new role as Mentor or something else, but he seemed different to her. Distracted, but also less smug and less aloof.

Perhaps it was how he always was. Their situation was simply different. It was calm and there was no 'doom' hanging over either of their heads anymore. He was busy with keeping the order in check, and she was busy healing.

She didn't think she'd get used to being back in the castle but with Altair as Mentor things were run with a much more lighter hand and the atmosphere was much more comfortable than of the stiffing grasp Al Mualim had created. She was free to roam where ever she wanted in the castle or city but she lately she preferred being down in the city in Ru'yah's small home than the castle. She was not blind the suspicions whispers and side eyes she got from the order members.

Everyone knew she had killed her mother, Sasha. And most everyone thought she killed their fallen brother, Zaim. It was made worse because Altair had killed Al Mualim and some men decided to think it was for Savra. She only returned to Masyaf once he was dead after all. It was too easy to link the two. She tried to ignore it but found it was just easier to avoid it all by sticking to her room and staying down in the city.

Savra rounded the corner and made for her room down the torch-lit hallway. As she reached her door another opened at the end and she glanced up to see Altair step out, looking tired and stressed. He stuck to his old room even though he had access to the Grand Master's room upstairs. Why, she didn't know. It was much bigger than the small rooms they had and more accommodating. He stopped when he noticed her by her door and his eyes seemed to brighten a little from the weary look they had.

Altair walked over and Savra's hand dropped from the doorknob as she waited to see what he wanted. He glanced at her shoulder and she could see his nostrils flare as he sniffed the air.

"You've been to the healer again?" he asked, stopping in front of her and crossed his arms over his chest. She knew he asked because he could smell the strong herbal scent of the salve from her back. She nodded. "What has he said today then?"

Savra bit her cheek and frowned. "He says it isn't healing the way he thinks it should, that it may never really heal."

Altair 'hmphed' and looked over her. "He is a pessimistic healer and always has been. There is always a chance he could be wrong."

Savra only sighed and rubbed her arm. "I only hope he will be."

He bumped her chin softly with his knuckles, startling her. "Perhaps he will."

Savra grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers, smiling slyly. "And if he's right, will you still look at me the same when I'm an invalid?"

Altair smirked and tightened his fingers around hers, pulling her a little closer. "Savra, I've always looked at you like an invalid so there would be no difference."

Savra drew back with narrowed eyes and opened her mouth to make known her offense but before she could his mouth slanted over hers. She gasped in surprise but Altair gently tugged her closer, making sure to clasp his other hand around her side and not her back. She allowed his rough lips to move over her softer ones for a while before he pulled away and looked at her with his golden eyes.

But Savra leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his torso. He rested his chin on her head and held her by the hips, unable to hug her back without causing her pain. He would leave and go to the Library. It's where he always was and she didn't like being in there. The memories it brought soured the place to her. She mostly stayed on the bottom floor and grabbed a book to take outside. Seeing him on the second level standing behind the table of scrolls sometimes made her eye twitch.

He had not been so aloof with her since she came back. She had at first thought he would be, especially after their last conversation in Jerusalem. She thought he wouldn't really want her anymore. But he had snuck in a kiss or two over the weeks she'd been back. And she let him because she could not stop caring about him even if she wanted to. She couldn't turn off the fluttering she felt when he looked at her.

It was not as desperate or intense as it was when they were back in Jerusalem. And she understood why. Each time they saw each other then could have been the last time, and now he saw her most days even if it was just in passing. But even now he was careful with her. He kept his distance when there were others around. The whispers would only get worse if they saw him showing her special attentions, especially when the tension in the castle was still so unsure.

"Are you going down into the city?" he asked, voice rumbling through her and bringing her out of her thoughts.

"It rains. Zahid said it could cause infection," Savra replied. "I was going to go stare at the fire in my room, and then sleep and dream of staring at the fire. Then when I wake up and it's still raining, I'll probably be here staring at the fire."

He smiled at her sarcasm and pulled back to look at her silver eyes. "A trading caravan has arrived down in the village and Malik plans to go buy supplies for his maps. Perhaps if you ask him he will see if there is any paints for you to have."

Savra stepped back and put her hands on her hips, annoyed. "Um no. The other day he said that just because I can paint and draw doesn't mean that I should and that there is a reason women artists don't become as renown as men."

Altair smirked at the Dai's words and chuckled lowly. "He only says that because you've angered him with your art."

Savra lifted her chin arrogantly. "That's his problem. Many others have found my art to be spectacular."

"You mean just Jal and Nafi."

Savra waved a hand. "You would have liked it too if he didn't burn them before you saw."

Altair shook his head and stepped up to her, pressing a small kiss on her forehead before stepping away. "We will never know until you create something new. I must get back. Enjoy your fire gazing, Savra."

Savra frowned, not wanting him to leave so soon. "You could stay with me? Until I fall asleep. I still have some sweet cake that Ru'yah made inside if you want some."

He sighed tiredly and cupped her cheek. "If I stay, I will fall asleep as well. And there are things I need done before the day is over."

Savra sighed as well and nodded. Altair glanced at her and bumped her chin one more time before heading down the hall toward the library. Savra watched for a moment, then opened her door and slipped inside her room, forgetting the fire and carefully laying herself down in bed.

A few weeks later found Savra down in the city sitting at the small table in Ru'yah's hovel. Ru'yah sat opposite of her sewing a blanket for the baby. It was coming along well and was quite beautiful but that was expected of the seamstress. She was going off on a long tirade about Savra's brother Haydar and how he wasn't paying enough attention to her or helping enough around the house. Savra knew sometimes women become more easily agitated when with child, especially toward the end. She found it all amusing and she knew it was the very reason Haydar stuck toward the castle more often lately.

Luckily Ru'yah was nothing but kind and friendly toward Savra. She remembered their first meeting and how the other girl had wanted more female friends after being so new to the city. It didn't matter much at the time to Savra but now she found it to be nice.

Ru'yah was teaching Savra to sew. Savra already knew the basics from when she was younger, having already been taught by her mother. But her brother's wife took it a step further and went about teaching her the different stitch techniques and how they produced different outcomes. Savra just went along with it because there was not much else to do with her time. So while Ru'yah sewed a blanket, Savra tried to sew a little cap for the baby.

"I told Haydar yesterday that this home will not be enough for us. Myself, my father, Haydar and now the baby. And you as well, if you ever choose to leave the castle," Ru'yah spoke, not looking up from her work. Savra glanced at her questioningly. "We need more space and a family just left the city a while ago. They lived in a villa further up the city, near the ravine. It's much larger than this and closer to the castle which I'm sure Haydar would like. And room to grow when more children come. It makes sense don't you think?"

Savra raised a brow. "You haven't even had this baby and you are already thinking about another, or even multiples?"

Ru'yah grinned at Savra but became more serious after a moment. "It was always just my father and I. It's been… lonely, and I'm sure a sibling would have been nice to grow up with, especially when my father was away. Especially now, if something happens to me there is no one else to care for him." She paused in her work and stared down at the blanket. Savra waited for her to continue but her eyes widened when Ru'yah burst into a fit of sobs clenching the unfinished blanket to her chest.

"Who's going to watch over him when I'm dead!" Ru'yah screamed through her tears.

Savra bit her lip at the episode in front of her, becoming increasingly uncomfortable. How the girl went from calm and collected to this mess scared her.

"W-well Haydar would r-right?" Savra spoke hesitantly. "It's his duty after marrying you."

Ru'yah's eyes shot up to Savra's and the girl gave Sarva the darkest look she'd ever seen on her face. Her voice was so low and deadly Savra didn't know whether to laugh or run. "Your brother can't even come down to eat the lunch I spend time making for him. Why the hell would he be capable of watching my blind, aging father! He's useless!"

Savra held back her snicker and just nodded placatingly. "I can't argue with you there."

Ru'yah immediately calmed after that and went back to her sewing as if she didn't just explode in a fit of rage and tears. "I'll tell Haydar about the villa tonight." She sighed and stood up, pressing her hands against her lower back and groaned. "I can't wait for baby to be out. Look, he kicks."

Savra glanced up and saw the movement on Ru'yahs round belly, even through the dress. Ru'yah was looking as well and smiled, curving a hand under her stomach. "Come feel."

Savra hesitated but the other girl just walked over and grabbed her hand and placed it on her stomach. Savra jumped when she felt a something small bump her through the dress and she stared at her hand.

She started laughing when it happened again. "That is so strange."

"Have you never been around someone pregnant before?" Ru'yah asked, surprised.

"I have on the vineyard. But the women would stop working before they got this fat," Savra said without thinking, then shot a look up at the other girl in fear. "I mean—"

Ru'yah just grinned and shook her head. "It was strange at first, but now I look forward to when he moves. He keeps me company when I need it. It's quite special I think. You will know the feeling when Altair puts a child in you."

Savra's heart skipped and she pulled her hand away from the other girl in surprise. That wasn't something she expected to hear ever and her words escaped her. She wanted to argue with the girl out of reflex but Ru'yah seemed not to notice Savra's expression of shock and kept talking.

"But of course you will have it better than me raising the baby in a castle, all the room in the world and then some. You could raise a city of children up there, unlike this horse stall," Ru'yah said, bitterness in her voice. "And Altair would surely pay more attention to you than Haydar does with me. I've seen how he looks at you." The other girl sighed wistfully, still oblivious to the growing look of discomfort on Savra's face.

The door behind her opened and in walked her brother. He glanced at them before shucking off his robes and tossing them in an empty chair by the stairs then kicked off his dusty boots to join them. Savra was looking at Ru'yah and could see the girl's anger start to boil at the sight of the mess he was making.

Haydar walked over and plopped down in the chair next to Ru'yah, looking around the kitchen. "No food, Ru? I came down because you are always mad I stay up there to eat."

Savra bit her lip to keep her grin at the breath Ru'yah was still holding in. Her brother was oblivious to his wife's demeanor. He glanced at Savra and narrowed his eyes at her mirthful expression. "What?"

Savra stood and gathered her things, deciding to bring the half sewn 'cap' with her so she could occupy herself in the castle. "I need to go see Zahid for some… tea or something," she rushed out before turning and heading for the door.

"Good bye, Savra," Ru'yah ground out while glaring daggers at Haydar. "I hope you come back tomorrow."

Haydar stared confused at Ru'yah after he heard her tone. "Why are you mad now, I just got here?"

Savra slipped out and closed the door just in time to block out the screaming that started not a second later.

Savra made her way through the castle gates and found herself in the front courtyard where a decent amount of men were still outside sparring. She didn't really need to go see Zahid, she could go another time. Day after day her back remained the same, only showing slight improvements. But she supposed it was better than no improvement at all. She was simply tired of how it restricted her moments. She'd not been out to ride Baroshe at all since she arrived, even though she couldn't if she wanted to. The brown stallion was doing healing of his own. Halim the horse tender managed to heal the arrow wound as best he could, and luckily Baroshe would not be lame. She looked forward to being able to ride out of the dusty city and head out into the fresh forest. She just didn't know when that would be.

As she entered the castle and made her way to the hallways someone smacked into her shoulder causing her to stumble and twist painfully to keep her balance.

Her eyes snapped to her offender and it was none other than Demus, the guard. Savra bit her cheek at the pain and glowered at him. Ever since her return he had an attitude with her. She knew why and she didn't care because all she had to do was avoid him but sometimes he went out of his way to agitate her. All she had to do was tell Altair and she knew he'd put a stop to it since he too had no patience for the guard and since he was now in a position of power his words held more weight. But she didn't because that's what they expected her to do.

The guard smirked at her pained expression and bent down to pick up the fallen cloth Savra had dropped, inspecting the little cap before snorting. "What is this? Are you finally learning to become a woman, Savra? I suppose sewing is a step in the right direction. But you still could use some work," he said as he looked her up and down, referring to her appearance.

Savra snatched the cap from his hand and sneered back, "When I get to the stage of feminine looks in my lessons, I'll be sure to ask you how you do it."

He clenched his jaw at the insult and opened his mouth to sneer back, but another cut him off. "Demus, you cannot just go and insult the looks of Savra. If you insult her you insult Altair, and he is our Mentor. Do you not remember?"

Savra saw Abbas approach them from another entryway. He came up to them and crossed his arms, looking her over. He had no taunting smirk or friendly smile. He was serious. "If you are going to insult her, insult her for what she's done. But be careful. If she is capable of murdering her own mother, even capable of murdering our very own Zaim, then who knows what she will do to you."

Savra ground her jaw at his words. She knew he was the reason there was tension in the castle. And she also knew he hated her. But he didn't show it the way Demus did or even how Zaim once did. He was always calm about it, and collected. And that bothered her more than anything else. It made her nervous around him.

She didn't bother denying their accusations about Zaim. Nothing she could say would change their minds. And it fit their agenda. To them she and Altair were murders, and she was under his protection.

Savra said nothing but continued to glare at Abbas who showed no sign of it affecting him. "Leave us, Demus," he spoke, not looking away from her. The guard scoffed but left after giving Savra one last dirty look.

"He does not despise you as you might think he does. He desires you, and for that reason he hates you, and Altair for that matter."

Savra turned her face from him and bit out, "I already know this."

She felt Abbas shift on his feet and looked over at him. He was giving her a calculating look and she fought the urge to fidget.

"I wonder what else you know. I wonder if he tells you the secrets he keeps from us. I wonder if he lets you use it, when he lets no one else but him touch it."

Savra's brows furrowed and she looked at his eyes, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Abbas sneered and looked down his nose at her. "Don't play stupid." Savra only grew more confused and opened her mouth to say so when he cut her off. "The Apple, girl."

"Apple? What the hell are you talking about?"

He bent down to ground out in front of her face, "The Apple of Eden."

"From the Bible?" Savra said, and stared at the assassin blankly. Abbas straightened up, rubbing his chin as he took in her confused expression. "What about it?"

"So he hasn't told you then. I am surprised."

"Told me what?"

"Don't you ever wonder what that metal sphere is? The one he hoards and lets no one touch? Has he not told you?"

Savra thought about the metal object that Altair had come into possession of. And it was true he kept it with him most of the time and seemed very possessive of it. She hadn't really questioned it, thinking it was a symbol of his rank and that it was all for show.

She glanced at Abbas skeptically. "What about it? It's just a piece of metal. Why do you care?"

Abbas shook his head at her. "It is not just a piece of metal, girl. It is a relic, and a powerful one. And the one who possesses it gains its power."

Savra raised a brow. "A powerful relic?" she asked dubiously. "What kind of power then?"

"The kind that controls others. He can use the orb to fill himself with more power and drain others of theirs. He can control the minds of any he wishes. It is dangerous, and it is the reason he killed Al Mualim. But instead of destroying it, he has taken it for himself."

Savra was having a hard time believing anything the assassin was saying. He apparently was drawing delusions that supported his hate and jealousy of Altair and his rise to Mentor. She had never heard of such an object besides those in stories that had magic and those were not to be taken as truth.

Abbas took in her look and scoffed. "Don't believe me if you wish, but ask your Altair, and you will see."

Savra watched him leave, confused. It was the strangest and longest conversation she had ever had with him. She shook her head and made to go up to her room. But she changed her mind at the last minute and took a different route, one that led to the library.

The Library held bitter memories for Savra. It was always Al Mualim's sanctuary and if one was in the library, they were in the presence of him. It was large with high stone ceilings and cathedral type windows that filled it with warm light. The bottom level held rows of bookshelves and benches with small alcoves to read in. The second level had stone stairs leading up to it and it too held bookshelves but also a large table that overlooked the bottom floor and behind it, high windows that overlooked the castle gardens.

Savra made her way for the stairs, taking them slowly as she heard Altair speaking to another. When she arrived at the landing she found Malik standing next to the table, showing Altair some sheets of parchment that had diagrams of something she couldn't make out. Malik and Altair glanced up when she appeared, and Altair leaned back into his wide back chair at the sight of her. The Dai started rolling up the sheets and stuffed them in their carrying tubes.

"Hello, Savra," Malik greeted. The Dai was much more amiable than how he was back in Jerusalem. And Savra noticed that Altair and Malik had become quite close. She mentioned it a few times to Altair who seemed pleased that Malik chose to forgive him, but any mention to Malik about their new friendship made him defensive.

"Hello, Malik. I received your gift," she replied, glancing at the Dai as she made her way over toward the pigeon cage by the windows. Malik had sent her a parcel of paints and brushes, at Altair's request. Even though Savra thought the Dai wouldn't buy them, she figured since Altair was the one asking he wouldn't refuse. "Thank you."

Malik raised a brow and shifted the parchment tubes in his arm. "It's not as if I had a choice," he said, giving Altair a look.

Savra grinned and turned around, a white pigeon perched on her finger. "And yet here I am, thanking you anyway."

Malik rolled his eyes. "You're welcome I suppose. So you have started painting again?"

Savra ran a finger down the birds soft chest, making it coo. "Not yet, I still have to find-" she gave Malik a look over with a devious smile, "-inspiration."

Altair smirked and glanced at the Dai as understanding took over. Malik glared at her and scooped up the rest of the scrolls.

"Make sure to find your inspiration elsewhere," he spat, before giving Altair a tight nod and left down the stairs.

Altair shook his head at her antics and watched as she put the bird away in its cage again. "Why do you insist on tormenting him? He is one of the few who approve of you staying here."

Savra shrugged her shoulders with a smile as she made her way over toward the table. "Because it's so easy, why else?"

Altair raised a brow but said nothing. Savra glanced over the table. It was how it usually was, piled with books of histories. Scrolls, sheets and ink littered the rest. He had been writing something before she had come up. He was always writing something lately. She had asked if it was a book. His reply was it was a journal of his life. He thought it would be helpful to keep record of what happened in Masyaf.

His hand came to clasp around her wrist and she watched as he brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the skin. "Are you in pain today?"

Savra sat on the arm of his chair. "Not as much," she replied.

"Then that is good. Zahid may be proven wrong yet."

Savra nodded. Altair pulled her down into his lap and rested his hand on her hip. He started kissing her neck and Savra pressed her face into his messy, dark hair, taking in the scent of him.

"Did you come up here to distract me," he rumbled into her skin, the heat of his breath making her skin tingle. "I thought you were at your brother's city home."

"I was," Savra's breath hitched when his teeth nipped at the soft skin under her ear. Her fingers buried themselves in his hair and he slipped his hand under her loose tunic, fingers ghosting over her ribs and the warmth making her press herself into him.

He was more bold with her now and she let it happen. She knew what he would come to want and she knew that if he pressed her for it, she would give in to him. And if she was honest with herself, it was something she wanted with him. Only him.

You will know the feeling when Altair puts a child in you.

Ru'yahs words came back to her and Savra felt the same feeling she had felt earlier. She had never thought about children of her own. Most girls her age already had one or a few. Haydar had once joked that she was already past her prime before Ru'yah had slapped his head. Children were never a thought to her. But neither was being infatuated with an Assassin either.

After her arrival things were changing. Things were settling down. Haydar put down roots. Altair had put down roots. Savra called the castle her home now. Her days were ridiculously normal compared to the way they were a few months ago. She spent her days sewing of all things.

She thought about the idea of a child. His child. With his dark hair and pure gold eyes. It was almost a soothing idea. A small being that was a piece of her and a piece of him. But she didn't know what he wanted or if she even wanted one. And it was pointless to think about it she supposed. She had gotten too caught up in the other girl's words.

"What's wrong?" Altair's voice brought her back to him and she realized she had been frozen in her thoughts.

Savra shook her head and cleared her mind. "Nothing, I was just thinking."

Altair scanned her face for answers. "About what?"

Savra chose to lie instead of reveal what she was thinking. It wasn't the time and she felt silly for even entertaining the idea now. Perhaps she was spending too much time with Ru'yah.

"Just about how crazy Ru'yah has been acting lately. She wants Haydar to buy her a new house."

Altair raised an amused brow. "It is no wonder he stays up here most of the time."

Savra smiled at the thought of her pathetic brother. "The closer she gets to having the baby, the more she hates him. I love it."

Altair smirked at her twisted humor. He glanced down at the cloth she was holding and plucked it from her hand, bringing it up to inspect it closer.

"What's this?"

"It's a cap. For the baby's head," Savra replied. She could tell he seemed skeptical about it. She didn't blame him. It looked like a flat square. But she didn't tell him she knew it was horrible. "Do you think I did okay?"

Altair glanced at her and took in her hopeful look. "Of course," he said, and Savra rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Maybe it'll look even better once it's done."

Savra stood and walked around the table, picking up a quill and inspecting it. "It is done, Altair. What are you saying?"

He seemed lost for words before he narrowed his eyes at her sly smile. "Don't start with your mind tricks, Savra." Savra grinned watched as he inspected the little cloth further. "It is small, are you sure it will fit the child?"

Savra shrugged. "Babies are pretty tiny when they are born, why wouldn't it?"

Altair hmphed and placed the cap on his desk. "I haven't been around a baby. How am I to know what fits and doesn't?"

Savra lifted her eyes to him and stared for a few moments. "I guess you wouldn't," she replied quietly.

He had already turned back to the papers in front of him and started cleaning up for the day, not catching the pensive look Savra had.

Her eyes followed his movements and widened a bit when he started moving the books off his desk and back to their place on the shelf. On the table sat the metal sphere, half covered by parchments. She moved closer to really look at it. She'd only seen it a few times because he mostly kept it in his robe pockets, but now it was out in the open and on the table.

It was indeed more than just a piece of metal as Abbas had corrected her. It held an odd shine, and it had carving on it. Runes. She pulled the parchment that covered some away, and stared at the sphere. And the more she stared at it the more she started to feel something…

She wondered if it was just her imagination. If it was just because of what Abbas had said with his ridiculous claims. But as it held her gaze, it pulled her to it. The carvings of the runes grew brighter and she started to hear—feel—a hum, right between her ears.

She felt lightheaded but at the same time, had the urge to touch the orb. To feel if it was as smooth as it looked. Her hand started moving on its own, and her fingers extended, just about reaching it. The tips of her fingers prickled the closer she got. She couldn't look away. She just wanted to hold it. Just one time. Just one touch—

She was ripped away and felt a huge sting in her back while her fingers were squeezed to the point where she could feel the bones rubbing. Her eyes snapped from their trance and landed on the one gripping her.

Altair tightened his fist around her fingers and the hand at her back pulled, making her eyes water at the pain.

His face was full of rage, all directed at her.

"Do you ever touch that," he spat with such venom Savra became fearful for a moment. He'd never made her fearful. He'd never spoken to her in that way.

He yanked her away from the table. Savra couldn't understand what was happening. He wasn't giving her a chance to even breathe. She felt her own anger bubble up and she ripped herself away from his grasp. Altair put himself between her and the table, blocking the Apple from her view.

"What the hell, Altair?!" she shouted, cradling her hand to her chest.

Altair clenched his jaw and the rage she first saw seemed to leave his eyes. But the irritation was still there.

"You are never to touch that object," he ground out. He looked so severe Savra could only narrow her eyes.

"Why?" Savra challenged.

"Don't ask why. Just don't," he warned. She couldn't understand how he had gone from being so affectionate with her to looking at her like she was an enemy.

"He can use the orb to fill himself with more power and drain others of theirs. He can control the minds of any he wishes. It is dangerous, and it is the reason he killed Al Mualim. But instead of destroying it, he has taken it for himself."

Savra's heart started beating faster as she realized maybe there was truth to Abba's claims. She searched his eyes for any answers and she saw his expression calm some and look a bit rueful, while hers only became more apprehensive. He saw the change in her and took a step forward, concern taking over.

Altair sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I—"

"Let me hold the Apple," she said suddenly.

Altair's eyes snapped to hers and instantly filled with suspicion. "How do you know to call it that?"

"Abbas told me of it," she replied.

Altair sneered at the name and closed the distance between them, gripping her arm. "What business do you have speaking to him?" he shook her arm, "Tell me!"

Savra yanked herself from him. "He says you killed Al Mualim so you can have the power of the Apple. Is that true?"

Altair's eyes flared. "Are you stupid? I killed him because he abused the power. Abbas spreads lies to lower the view of me among the Order. You already know this."

"Then why not tell me what that is?" Savra asked, gesturing to the orb behind his back.

Altair ground his jaw. "Because the less people who know about it, the better."

"Why not just destroy it if that's the case?"

Altair didn't answer her and Savra glared at his stand off expression. She wasn't mad that he kept it a secret. She was mad—furious—at how he had reacted to her.

"Whatever," she scoffed and turned away from him. He came to grab her hand but she ripped it from him and made for the stairs before pausing and turning back, walking up to him and shoving his chest hard.

Altair took a surprised step back and looked at her, taken aback.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again or you won't ever touch me again," Savra bit out and Altair managed to look rueful.

Savra moved away from him and stormed for the stairs.

"Savra," Altair called, regret lacing his voice.

She ignored him and made for the route toward her room.

While Abbas was right that there was more to the Orb than she originally thought, she wasn't convinced that all his claims were true. She couldn't picture Altair being that power hungry. Even though when she first met him, Haydar and even others had spoken of his arrogance and desire for reaching the highest rank. She knew him, and she knew he had been humbled by his demotion to the bottom. But would becoming Mentor would change him again? The incident in the Library and his reaction did something. It planted a seed of doubt in Savra.

And she wondered.

Author's Note: There it is! Thank you all for reading and do me a favor and leave your thoughts and feedback in the reviews! I would love to hear people's opinions on what's going on.

I do want to say that time in the story will pass quickly. Some chapters can contain months of plot. Before the story time was restricted by Altair's Assassination quests but now that that is over time will move differently.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapters and I look forward to hearing your thoughts :)

Sombrette