Thanks to the reviewer that pointed out the typing error. It has been fixed, and you were right.
I didn't update all week because a lot of shit's been happening. I die a little inside, just thinking about it. Also.... this chapter's difficult. I haven't written it, as I type out this message. I've got two paragraphs so far. It's really not at all appealing to me.
Well... here goes nothing.


"Errm," I said once we were safely out of the room. Nadejda was still practically sprinting along the corridor at an incredible pace. She glanced over her shoulder at me and smiled.

"So nice to see you, Roza. I was wondering when we'd next meet. I have so much to tell you," she said, beaming. I glanced back towards Valik's office. "Oh -- don't worry about Tatiana. Most of what I said was just angry ramble."

"Which part wasn't?" I asked, slightly nervously. Nadejda ignored me if she'd heard. Instead she laughed lightly, and pushed open a door.

"In here, then. We've so much to tell you, Yelizaveta and I."

Half an hour later, I'd been filled in on a lot of the minor detail; random things that were happening around the house since my visit; how Yelizaveta was faring (I'd expected her to be there, though Nadejda had travelled alone to the Academy).

When it came to the main topic — the one we'd all been anticipating, and yet fearing at the same time — it was all a bit hesitant. I can't blame anyone, really. It was new, awkward to talk about. No one sits well with change.

"I need to do a few more readings," Nadejda told me slowly. "I have leads, but a lot of my questions need that extra piece of the puzzle... you... to answer them. It won't take too long, I suspect, but Valik and that wretched queen will both frown upon the whole thing, if either find out."

I started when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. Who else had been sitting in the room, this whole time? I wasn't sure how my guard had slipped so substantially, though I relaxed when I saw that it was only Anton. Then, remembering the queen's words, I tensed again.

"Why," I asked, "does that godforsaken bitch think we're dating?" Anton shrugged idly.

"She's mental. She thinks that because I like playing with fire, we must be involved. Is that such a major issue?"

Nadejda had regarded this exchange quite wearily. She muttered something to Anton, who annoyedly huffed, and strode out, slamming the door shut behind him, with what I could only assume was some immature, snide reply. The old woman rolled her eyes and then turned back to me.

"Anton... has everyone's best intentions at heart. He tries," she said. "You must be patient with him." When I didn't reply, she sighed. "Okay. These readings, Roza. They'll be little things, for the most part. Cards, mainly. I like working with my cards. I also want to do a couple of things... water readings, fire readings — the elements hide many desired answers, you know — and rune casting. I won't get into all the technical things, I don't think. Just.... bear with me."

So I did. I can't say how long I sat there watching her work. Hours, probably. It was strangely calming and unnerving at the same time. I carefully followed her workings, listening to the small revelations and breakthroughs she had, piecing them together in my mind.

It all seemed like irrelevant nonsense.

After a while, though, she stood up smiling.

"I think I've got what I came for," she told me as she embraced me lightly. "Thank you, Roza. I need a bit of time to piece this together, but I'm getting some of the answers I've been looking for, at long last."

She turned to the door.

"Oh, and Roza, one more thing. Yelizaveta tells me she found the madwoman. Arina. She says to tell you that you need to come and visit, and soon."


Well. That was a lame-assed chapter.

I'm not really expecting anyone to review, to be honest. But whatever. Each to their own ways.
I'll.... meh. If I update soon, then count it as a blessing. Just don't get your hopes up high.