Author's note: I've added a link to a picture of Mortuus on my profile page, check it out if you're interested :)

Amer paced in circles in his poor excuse for a room, which had only the necessities: a bed, bathroom and a mirror for teleportation spells. He removed his hood and ran his hands nervously through his short, brown hair.

I don't have to tell him yet. Not until he asks.

And that moment wasn't too close, he hoped. Mortuus Montgomery wasn't the one to take bad news well.

A sudden purple flash startled him nearly off-balance. Speaking of the devil… Privacy didn't seem to be included in his vocabulary.

"Mort—! " Not the first name, idiot! "Mr. Montgomery. What grants me this honour?"

Mortuus swept dust of his shirt and gave him a pointed look. "I believe that you know exactly why I am here." He walked towards Amer, stopping to look at himself on the mirror. Self-righteous grin spread across his face. If there were only one thing Mortuus was known of, it would have been self-importance. "How did your mission go?"

Oh crap.

"About that…" Amer began hesitantly, being rather surprised that the words even left his mouth. "It didn't go exactly like it was planned."

Mortuus's gaze shot from the mirror to the soldier. "What?" His eyes held clear, burning fury; it was obvious that he wouldn't have had to ask. Amer had worked for him long enough to know one thing for sure: his fury was something to be afraid of. At least in Amer's position.

Gather yourself, for Dragon's sake. "A spy told that the curse activated… But she's still alive."

Mortuus stomped loudly towards Amer, staring deep into his eyes. "How is that possible?!"

Amer held her hands up defensively. "I don't know, sir! Either she noticed it or she's immune or..!"

Mortuus took a dagger, his preferred weapon, off his belt and held it in front of Amer's horrified face. He ran his bony finger along its side. "There's something no one's immune to." He placed the dagger on the younger man's shaking hand and smacked his thin lips. "I've had enough. Kill her by yourself."

Faragonda excused herself soon after breakfast. She had asked Griselda to call in the staff few hours later. Well, leaving out the Winx. This thing shouldn't concern them. Not yet at least.

Sunlight peeked from the windows and dust danced in its beams. It made the hollow corridor calm and peaceful. Only if there wasn't a pressuring anticipation floating in the air.

There was something more behind these attacks. Something bigger, something planned. Faragonda sensed it. It was as clear as the tension in her students. Those attacks weren't just muggings. She wouldn't have been surprised if they were somehow connected with the events that had… Spiced her week up a bit.

But there was no proof. At least not yet, but hopefully there soon was. She couldn't keep everyone locked in Alfea for too long. It would cause too much disapproval.

Still deep in thought, she stepped into her office and closed the door with a sigh. She all but sauntered to her chair and hesitantly sat down. She took a deep breath and her eyes widened a bit. She sniffed the air again and there it was. Her proof.

"Finally," she said in a low and pleased tone. "I've been waiting for you."