Chapter 4
The Hound and the Phoenix
Tessra settled comfortably into the spacious office that Dumbledore had graciously offered her. As she began her work, Dumbledore lingered for a moment, observing her with interest. With a subtle twist of one of her rings, she waved her hand in the air, conjuring what appeared to be a miniature waterfall.
"Elemental magic, Tessra? I must admit, I'm surprised to see the 27 involving themselves in what appears to be a relatively minor affair." Dumbledore mused, his gaze fixed on Tessra's actions. This wasn't his first encounter with the mysterious elemental magic the 27 Coven took pride in, but it never ceased to captivate his curiosity.
"Indeed, Albus. I was also taken aback at first. However, the MACUSA has deep ties to this tournament, and after receiving a letter from the young participant and a plea from the MACUSA president himself, I grew intrigued by their requests." Tessra explained.
"You see the girl's parents have significant connections. The MACUSA president is the girl's godfather and a close friend of Michelin Lincolns. He implored me to intervene, and I found myself drawn into the matter." She continued.
"So, you've decided to offer help. But tell me, is this member of yours truly related to Michelin Lincolns? I've known that family years ago, and I was under the impression that he had no siblings. As far as I recall, he is the only child. Furthermore, I don't recall ever hearing of you recruiting a Lincolns into the coven." Dumbledore remarked, his curiosity evident.
Tessra smiled knowingly.
"The Lincolns adopted this girl when she was five or six years old. I am only aware of her origins to the extent that she is. They claim she was born in England and found as a lost child in America. She herself discovered this when she was 14, thanks to a slip of the tongue from her adoptive grandmother. The Lincolns have been tight-lipped about her birth parents, giving her nothing but a presumably fake surname, Marks. She truly believes it to be her real name, but I have my doubts."
"Marks, you say? As in...Lyra Marks?" Dumbledore inquired, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Yes, Lyra Marks, my youngest member." Tessra confirmed with a hint of pride.
"So, this girl's aunt is Lyra Marks?" Dumbledore asked incredulously.
"That's correct."
"And she's coming here as her mentor?"
"That's the plan, once I can locate her. But you should know, Albus, I'm not at all surprised by this situation. Lyra has always had a tendency to be late for everything. It's practically become her trademark. I really need to have a serious conversation with her about punctuality." Tessra said, shaking her head in amusement.
"But Lyra Marks is...possibly the most accomplished mentor one could have. Her involvement will give this girl an unfair advantage. It threatens to disrupt the fairness of the competition." Dumbledore expressed his concern. He observed Tessra as she deftly twirled another of her rings, conjuring a luminescent frame of mossy rocks around the cascading waterfall.
"Those are not my rules, Albus. Mr. Bagman clearly stated that the mentor could be anyone. This girl is fortunate and astute enough to secure a mentor like Lyra, someone she trusts implicitly and believes would sacrifice everything for her. That level of trust can only come from family." Tessra explained thoughtfully.
From the shimmering waterfall emerged a silky voice, breaking the enchanting stillness of Tessra's office.
"Lady Jones?" The voice inquired.
"Erasmus? Any updates?" Tessra responded.
"I've been diligently tracking her across the continent, my lady. She has been spotted on multiple occasions. Her latest sighting was in the deep south, where she had to address an unfortunate incident involving an Inferius attack on a village. I've tracked her exact location. Would you like me to proceed with retrieving her?" The man's face now appeared clearly in the cascading water. Though the years had aged him, Albus recognized him from their past encounter.
"Yes, Erasmus, that's of utmost importance. Please instruct her to rearrange her schedule and make her way directly to Hogwarts. I'll be waiting. And Erasmus, emphasize the urgency of the matter."
"But, Lady Jones, you're well aware of her temperament. She's likely to resist my efforts, not to mention her unconventional mode of travel."
"I understand, Erasmus. I'll manage her when she arrives. Lyra won't decline your request, not when it comes from me; she's not stupid. Both you and I are aware of that. We have a mere two days to work with."
"You're more lenient with her than the others, Tessra. If this were anyone else, you'd..."
"That will be all, Erasmus." Tessra interjected firmly. With her command, the waterfall and the surrounding rocks dissipated into thin air.
Albus stood there, silently eavesdropping on the conversation. Tessra now turned her gaze toward him, expecting him to say something.
"Is something bothering you?" She asked, noticing Dumbledore's contemplative expression.
"Having Lyra Marks come to Hogwarts is something I hadn't anticipated, Tessra." Dumbledore replied, his thoughts drifting.
"You needn't worry about her. I will ensure she behaves appropriately." Tessra assured him.
"Don't take me for a fool, Tessra. I'm well aware of what she is capable of, and I understand the influence the 27 Coven wields. I don't want this to pose a danger to..."
"A danger to whom? If you're concerned about young Mr. Potter, let me put your mind at ease. The 27 has an interest in his unfortunate situation, but we're not here to disrupt his life. Besides, you should be grateful for the support you're about to receive, especially after the recent Quidditch World Cup debacle. I couldn't help but notice the lack of security. I fail to understand what the Minister Of Magic hopes to achieve by rejecting the MACUSA President's offer for additional safety."
"I thought the 27 Coven steered clear of political entanglements." Dumbledore chuckled. Tessra rolled her eyes.
"Political showmanship may be one thing...but abject stupidity for the sake of vanity is another!" Huffed Tessra.
"I couldn't care less about what's happening in this country or this tournament, but there's an American life in jeopardy here, seeking assistance. I am bound by my duty and vows to protect and aid her, whatever the consequences. If it means I have to summon Lyra Marks here and have her waste a year's worth of her potential, so be it. But, remember this Albus, Lyra Marks may be one of my most skilled members, but she poses no threat to you or your precious 'Dark Lord repellent'. At least, not unless I say so." Tessra replied, her tone sharp yet confident.
"Still, I have my reservations." Dumbledore admitted.
"She is a brilliant witch, Albus. Your reservations surprise me. Are you concerned she might replace you here in England? I've heard rumors, that the Daily Prophet refers to her as the American Dumbledore." Tessra playfully jested. Albus chuckled at her remark, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood.
"I have no doubt that she is more capable than I ever was. That name hardly does her justice. I've heard nothing but exceptional things about her. However, despite her impressive résumé, the information I've just heard suggests she may be quite volatile. The other mentors may not welcome her as warmly as she may hope. This is not America, Tessra; people here do not fully comprehend the true power of the 27 Coven. They may view her as a threat. Her fame might have served her well there, but here...she may not receive a warm reception."
Tessra laughed heartily.
"I'm not concerned about that at all. Lyra's popularity in America wasn't something she sought. In fact, she does her best to avoid the media spotlight. The newspapers have been obsessed with her for a long time...being the youngest to accepted in the Coven, can do that to you. But while she can be arrogant at times, partly due to the attention and occasionally to irk senior members, she's far from foolish, Albus. Trust me, she knows how to hold her own. She's experienced her fair share of failures and darkness in life. She's not as wild and extraordinary as they portray her to be. If anything, she's quite shrewd. She doesn't need anyone to look out for her...she's capable enough to do so." Tessra explained, amused by Albus's concern for her member.
Her concern was valid. Most members of the 27 Coven members let their popularity go to their heads, and when they faced failure, they struggled with the backlash. Tessra knew that Lyra, despite her arrogance, had endured her share of media scrutiny and public opinion, both positive and negative.
"Barty Crouch won't be pleased." Albus remarked.
"Barty Crouch has allowed a 14-year-old to participate in the tournament. He doesn't get a say in how AIMS chooses to protect its champion." Tessra replied confidently.
"I hope you're right, Tessra."
"You needn't worry about the bureaucratic hurdles, Albus. Ms. Lincolns, in her innocence and desperation, has managed to handle that for us by writing to her godfather. If I know Lyra, and I'd like to think I do, having had the opportunity to see her grow into the woman she is, you'll find her quite smitten with your presence, as you are to be with hers." Tessra said, smiling knowingly.
She believed that this assurance would convince him to give Lyra a chance. After all, that woman had won over an entire continent with her charm and wit. Although, Tessra understood his reservations well; he was not a naturally trusting individual, despite his facade.
"She can be quite charming when she want to be, just like you are." Tessra remarked with a knowing look. Dumbledore chuckled and graciously bowed.
"I hope you'll honor us with your presence at dinner, my lady." He requested, bowing again. Tessra considered the invitation and nodded politely. Dumbledore then took his leave.
Not a single student from either of the schools opted to skip dinner that night. The news of the arrival of Tessra Jones, the renowned leader of the 27 Coven, had spread like wildfire, and every student wanted a firsthand view of the woman seated next to Professor Dumbledore, engaged in deep discussion. They occasionally exchanged lighthearted nods and laughter, further fueling the excitement in the entire hall. Students speculated whether they might witness some remarkable magic from her.
Most students had already squeezed every ounce of information possible out of their AIMS counterparts regarding the 27 Coven. They listened in fascination as their new friends recounted their fifth-year visit to the Coven House, an experience that sounded incredibly amazing. They had also learned about the criteria for becoming a member of the 27 Coven.
Any movement from Tessra Jones drew instant attention, but she appeared unfazed by the multitude of eyes fixed upon her.
As dinner neared its end, Mr. Crouch struck up a conversation with Tessra, inquiring about her progress. Her response seemed laden with a sharp retort, causing him to sit back in his chair and remain silent for the remainder of the meal.
Tessra's abrupt departure did not go unnoticed in the hall. Many heads turned to witness her brisk exit. Some bold souls, including Sarah, who sought more information about Tessra's promise, Fred and George Weasley, who simply craved the spectacle of powerful magic, a few skeptical students who hadn't entirely bought their AIMS counterparts' stories, and a handful of AIMS students curious for the sake of it, decided to follow her.
They found her standing alone in a deserted corridor, where she twisted her ring to conjure a waterfall seemingly out of thin air. They gathered behind her, their eyes glued to the stream, which had magically transformed into a portal-like screen where she communicated with a mysterious man on the other side.
"Erasmus?"
"My Lady...I am at the location...but I'm not sure if this is the right time to discuss this." Erasmus began, glancing behind him.
Tessra frowned but prompted him to continue.
"She just helped save lives in Georgia...after a long day of battling Inferi. It was a hostage situation, and she managed to rescue two children. However, the man who controlled the Inferi jumped out of a window to his death. He happened to be the father of these children, seeking revenge on their mother who had married their neighbor and taken the kids with her." Erasmus explained, keeping a close watch on the scene behind him.
Through the portal, Tessra could see Lyra speaking to her team nearby. She enlarged the waterfall to observe the unfolding scene more closely.
"Have you spoken to her?" Tessra inquired.
"Not yet, ma'am."
Tessra noticed the burn marks on Lyra's hands, evidence of her reckless use of fire magic to battle the Inferi. She knew that if Lyra continued down this path, she'd find herself in significant trouble. However, what happened next melted away Tessra's irritation.
A little girl, presumably one of the rescued children, approached the towering witch with auburn hair. She tugged at the auror's scorched robes to get her attention, likely to express her gratitude. The child held up a charred teddy bear and said something to Lyra. The tall woman knelt down, speaking gently to the small child while showing her own burnt hands, similar to those of the bear. She tore a piece of her robe and used it as a makeshift bandage for the teddy bear, as if to reassure the child and convey that she was now a brave leader as well. The child's heartwarming smile met the captain's charming one as she embraced the child, allowing her tiny arms to encircle her.
"Good job, Erasmus. Call me when you're finished." Tessra instructed.
"Yes, my lady."
Tessra nodded and then dissipated the large flowing waterfall into thin air. She proceeded to walk back to the office she had initially come from, leaving all the students and a few staff members who had come to disperse the students in awe of her magical prowess.
Several hours passed as Erasmus waited for the aurors to conclude their celebration in a local village tavern. He hoped to catch Lyra alone, but it seemed they were all enjoying their well-deserved respite after facing Inferi. The villagers, despite their strong aversion to MACUSA, had ensured the aurors were well taken care of for the night, grateful for their heroic deeds.
Erasmus waited in the shadows, his formidable beast, a grim named Night, growling menacingly at anyone who ventured too close. Night's fearsome presence alone was enough to make people hastily retreat, avoiding eye contact with the unnerving pair. Erasmus himself wasn't the most welcoming figure; his rugged appearance matched his equally formidable skills. Among the members of the 27 Coven, Erasmus was one of six with the power to master an element – water. Tessra highly valued his abilities, particularly his exceptional tracking skills, a talent bolstered by his loyal beast. Tessra leaned heavily on Erasmus, especially in emergencies like the current one. Most members of the 27 regarded Erasmus with a mixture of fear and respect. They displayed courtesy to his face, but behind his back, they dubbed him unflattering nicknames like the 'Hound' or 'Death Dog.' Erasmus paid little heed to their opinions, but he wasn't pleased with their choice of names. He recognized that Night's presence wasn't the sole reason for these nicknames. An aura of death seemed to accompany Erasmus wherever he went, a curse he had acquired after a particularly harrowing mission involving the coven and MACUSA. If ever Erasmus appeared on the scene, one death inevitably followed, as it had today when the criminal chose to end his own life. Erasmus was relieved that the victims had been spared.
Consulting his watch, he sighed, deeming it sufficient time for the woman to settle in. She had undoubtedly endured a long day. However, Erasmus was not a messenger by trade. While he hunted on Tessra's orders, he longed to return to his routine of tomb raiding as a curse breaker.
Erasmus entered the tavern, instantly silencing the boisterous crowd with his arrival. Eyes followed his progress as he scanned the room. Failing to find the person he sought, he left as abruptly as he had entered. How could she have disappeared without his notice? As far as he could tell, there was no other exit. Unless she had disapparated, an unlikely prospect given her unexpected departure.
However, Night seemed to have a different agenda. The grim began sniffing the ground, and Erasmus reluctantly followed his companion, who led him back to the crime scene. Approaching the eerie two-story building in the middle of a desolate field, Erasmus spotted her silhouette. She sat there, sipping from a bottle of fire whiskey likely taken from the tavern. In her other hand, she held a lit cigarette, although the scent suggested it was far from a standard cigarette. Her phoenix lay silently asleep, draped over her crossed legs.
"I was wondering what you're doing here, Hound?" She inquired, her back still turned to him. She took another swig from the half-empty bottle.
"Don't call me that!" Erasmus retorted as he cautiously approached her. She didn't even acknowledge his presence.
The 27 Coven's members were a rather arrogant lot, given their exceptional skills. He had been guilty of it too, many times. But Erasmus had never been particularly fond of her. He had disapproved of Tessra's decision to subject a 17-year-old to the coven's initiation trials. However, Lyra Marks had been Tessra's prized discovery, and she had proven her worth to the skeptics.
"Why not...isn't that what they all call you?" She replied, still not facing him. She took a long drag from her joint.
"You're back to your old vices, I see...Tessra won't be pleased with the resurgence of your addictions!" Erasmus snapped.
Finally, she turned to him, sending him a searing glare. He couldn't help but smirk at her reaction. He then took the bottle from her hand and took a swig.
"Merlin's beard, Marks!" He exclaimed, nearly spitting out the liquid. She scoffed.
"When did you become so weak, Dog?" She remarked, reclaiming the bottle.
"It's like swallowing fire!" He grumbled.
"It's called Fire Whiskey for a reason!" She retorted, taking another sip.
"How has it not burned your insides yet?!"
"Why aren't you in the tavern with the others?" He inquired, drinking from the bottle he'd detached from his beast. Night sat silently between him and Lyra.
She didn't reply, merely gazing at the house and placing her hand on Night, who had fallen asleep with his head on her lap, next to her phoenix.
"I prefer being here with my thoughts." She finally answered.
"You did well today." He offered sagely.
She scoffed at his words.
"A man died today...a man who should have been sent to prison."
"Are you upset that it won't count toward your tally?" He asked sarcastically, a smirk playing on his lips.
She shot him another glare, her blue eyes flashing with anger. It was a look that Erasmus had seen all too often, the same look that had altered his perception of her, at least to some extent.
"You think so little of me?" She asked, pretending to be hurt by his words. She looked away, a small smirk forming on her lips.
"It's your actions that reflect poorly on you, Lyra..." He responded gently.
"My actions...? I saved those children today!" She snapped angrily.
"I meant..."
"I know what you meant! I know what you and the others think of me. That I have wings that stretch wider than the skies I'm meant to fly in!"
"You do. But..."
"But what..."
"But you refuse to let anyone clip them. That's what makes you so threatening. They don't despise you because of who you are or how proficiently you do your job, or even because your face is plastered in the Bugle on a weekly basis. They're not scared of you; they're jealous of you." Erasmus explained. She rolled her eyes.
"Don't expect me to apologize for doing my job!"
"No one expects that from the great Lyra Marks." He chuckled darkly. Lyra scoffed as she took another deep sip from the bottle.
"Why are you being so kind to me tonight, Dog?" She asked suspiciously.
Erasmus gritted his teeth when she used that term. She was the only one who called him those derogatory names to his face, which both baffled and angered him. He despised people doing it behind his back, but she seemed to treat it as if it were insignificant. He knew she did it to get a reaction from him. In fact, she said and did many things to provoke most people. However, Erasmus wasn't sure whether to appreciate her clumsy attempt at what she likely deemed as a consolation towards him for being humiliated by the other, or to chastise her for failing to meet the ideal standards of a 27 Coven member. Despite being nearly 20 years younger than him, she had achieved far more than he had. Yet, that didn't give her the right to behave as the insufferable person she was. Erasmus understood that her demeanor was a protective shield; she didn't trust anyone, and from what he had heard, her past had scarred her deeply, contributing to her current persona.
"I'm here to brief you about a mission from Lady Jones." He replied.
"What mission?" She inquired, suddenly keenly interested.
"I...can't divulge the details. I was instructed to inform you that you must redirect your focus for the year to a lengthy and demanding task. Your presence is required at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by tomorrow morning. Don't be late!" He conveyed before standing. His companion detangled himself from Lyra and gazed up at Erasmus, wagging his tail.
"Wait...what do you mean, Hogwarts?...That's a school...in..."
But before she could press him further, he vanished along with his grim, dissipating into mist carried away by the wind.
Lyra stared at the spot where he had been.
"Burst, wake up!" She urged her phoenix, rousing it from its slumber. The bird blinked at her, snapping its beak in protest at being disturbed. Lyra glanced at her apologetically. Together, they made their way back to the village, the phoenix gliding beside its master.
Tessra strode into the grand hall, having departed from dinner early the previous night and now nursing a growing appetite. She took a seat next to Dumbledore, who regarded her with a pained expression. Puzzled by his demeanor, she arched a polished eyebrow in his direction.
"Barty Crouch has been informed about Ms. Lincoln's mentor, and it seems the entire staff has discovered it as well..." He informed her.
"He was caught in a rather angry outburst directed at Mr. Bagman yesterday after learning about it. He believes…AIMS is bending the rules in their favor, employing unnecessary force. It appears he's written to the Minister of Magic in London about it." Dumbledore continued, and Tessra couldn't help but scoff.
"And he believes that the Minister of Magic can do something about it? My, I thought he appeared intelligent." Tessra commented dryly.
"It has been two days, Tessra…he's surely going to—"
"Dumbledore! Lady Jones!" Mr. Crouch greeted them urgently, striding towards them with an official envelope in hand. He looked as though he had come to discuss something of grave importance. He handed the envelope to Tessra for her to read.
"I apologize, Lady Jones, but it has been two days, and you have failed to provide a mentor for the AIMS champion. I have an official letter from the Ministry stating—"
"The day is not over, Mr. Crouch!" Tessra retorted firmly.
"Come now, Lady Jones, let's not beat around the bush! You and I both know…someone like her is not going to show up!" Mr. Crouch asserted.
"Someone like her, Mr. Crouch? Whatever do you mean?" Spat Tessra as him daring him to go on.
"Why would she? She has better things to do." Snapped Mr. Crouch in response.
"Mr. Crouch, kindly leave my members and their tasks to me. I am not the one attempting to undermine America's chances of winning this tournament. Just imagine if I were to write a similar letter to MACUSA's president!" Tessra snapped calmly.
"As you pointed out earlier, MACUSA has a rather efficient warlock to defend our honor. I assure you he will not shy away from this." She added with a touch of menace. Tessra held a strong distaste for bullies, particularly small, weak individuals who thought they could challenge her.
As Tessra rose from her seat, Dumbledore, concerned about a potential altercation unfolding before the entire assembly of students and staff, stood beside her. He could feel the potent magic emanating from Tessra.
However, before Tessra could utter a word, a wave of awe swept through the student population, capturing their attention. The three turned to see the source of the commotion.
A phoenix had gracefully soared into the grand hall, its brilliant scarlet and gold feathers shimmering in the October sunlight streaming through the enchanted ceiling. The majestic bird glided high above the hall, surveying the surroundings with its piercing dark eyes.
"She's magnificent!" Dumbledore whispered in wonder, his eyes fixed on the phoenix as it flew over the hall, its melodic calls resonating through the chamber.
Tessra noticed Burst, and a smile of relief graced her face. Seeing the phoenix ebbed her rising anger and brought a sense of reassurance to her heart. Erasmus had succeeded in his mission!
Tessra extended her hand, inviting the phoenix to approach. The majestic bird swooped down toward her, its wing brushing against Tessra's hand before soaring away, with the hall's doors shutting behind it. Tessra's gaze remained fixed on the doors, expecting the owner of the phoenix to enter at any moment. Yet, minutes passed, and no one arrived.
"Lady Jones, perhaps it's time we considered alternative options..." Athena suggested with a tone of resignation from Tessra's left.
"Athena..." Tessra looked at her disappointedly.
"I don't have the patience everyone else seems to grace her, Lady Jones." Athena supplied dejectedly.
Tessra clenched her fists, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Thank you, Athena! Finally, someone with the sense to introduce logic into this discussion!" Mr. Crouch exclaimed triumphantly.
Tessra sighed, conceding that they might have a point. Lyra had clearly not taken Erasmus seriously and had disregarded a direct order. However, for some inexplicable reason, Tessra's instincts had told her to wait. Call it intuition, but her eyes remained locked onto the imposing doors of the grand hall.
"Lady Jones?" Mr. Crouch called impatiently, his frustration evident as he grappled to maintain control of the tournament.
The doors to the Great Hall suddenly swung open, and the phoenix returned. The crests on the AIMS students' uniforms changed, just as they had two days earlier.
Relief washed over Tessra's face as she briefly closed her eyes. Upon reopening them, she witnessed the entrance of a woman into the hall. Excited chatter erupted among the students, and staff members strained to catch a glimpse of one of the most renowned witches in the world. Her phoenix gracefully flew through the hall before landing beside Tessra, who remained fixed on the bird's master.
Lyra Marks, a striking figure of commanding presence, possessed an air of enigmatic authority as she entered the room. Her tall frame was accentuated by flowing auburn hair that cascaded in lustrous waves down her neck, while each step she took bore the precision and discipline of a seasoned military general. A pair of dark aviators framed her sharply angular face, obscuring much of her expression. In her hand, she held a white cloak adorned with intricate gold trimmings, the revered cloak of the 27 Coven, a symbol of her affiliation and power. She was dressed in a white vest, bearing the emblem of the 27 Coven embroidered in resplendent gold. Her white shirt, its sleeves casually rolled up to reveal glimpses of a tattoo that ran from her left breast to just above her left elbow. The shirt lay meticulously tucked into her dark trousers, which were neatly sheathed in a pair of sleek black leather boots. Her waist bore a black leather belt, housing a wand holster, completing her formidable and immaculate appearance.
Lyra's entrance sent a ripple of excitement through the hall, though she appeared impervious to the students' curious stares, respectful bows, and eager attempts to catch a fleeting glimpse of her. Disregarding the platform altogether, her focus remained unwavering as she fixed her attention upon the occupants of the teacher's table. A hushed expectancy swept through the room, and she came to a pause, her confident gaze locking with Tessra's, a silent acknowledgment that held the promise of significant events to come.
Removing her aviators, she locked her bright blue eyes onto Tessra with a defiant glare. Lyra Marks then got onto one knee and bowed her head in respect. Tessra walked over to her and placed her hand on the woman's shoulder. She then stood up and Tessra hugged her gently.
"Doesn't your dog have better things to do than track my scent?" Lyra snapped in Tessra's ears, her tone exasperated. Tessra pulled away from the woman.
She restrained a smile, not anticipating the immense relief she would feel upon seeing Lyra Marks. In fact, the emotion was so overwhelming that she was willing to overlook her taunt for now.
Tessra grasped Lyra's hand, raising it high into the air.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the mentor of the AIMS Tri-wizard champion and a distinguished member of the 27 Coven, Lyra Marks!" Tessra declared to the hall. The hall resounded with cheers as AIMS students clapped vigorously.
Lyra appeared somewhat affronted by the announcement but continued to sport a her customary smirk, as if she had anticipated it.
"What in the literal world are you playing at?" She muttered through clenched teeth, her smile belying a murderous undertone.
"Just keep wearing that stupid smirk of yours...you'll soon understand why." Tessra whispered in kind.
"You'd better hope this makes sense...I left three open missions for this nonsense..."
"Trust me, you'd regret it if you hadn't come." Tessra replied cryptically.
"I think I'm already regretting the opposite."
AN/- Hope you enjoyed it. Do leave a review :)