Chapter 65

ASH clenched his teeth as Amelana approached him, putting her arms around his, going on about how relieved she was he was all right. He headed up the steps and to her room.

"Oh, Ash, I am so relieved—"

"Where is your pendant, Journeyman?" Ash's voice was devoid of emotion.

Amelana's eyes went very wide, her hand going to her throat instinctively. "My pendant?"

"Your family crest pendant, yes," Ash pressed. "The one that no one of your breeding should be without." Raising his hand, he let the soot covered object fall, dangling from his hand.

Amelana stared, going deathly pale. "Wh-where did you find...?"

"Where do you think it was found?" He spat, dropping the thing to the table. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her close, glaring into her eyes. "Do you take me for that much of a fool?"

"I-I don't know what you are talking about! I-I had lost it during that commotion on the street when that Desanti woman killed that man in cold blood."

Ash glared at her before releasing her with a shove. "I tire of you, Journeyman. I tire of your clinging to the honor of my master's family name to cleave to me." His cold eyes were unwavering. "When we return, I will be formally dismissing you as my student." He turned to go towards the door.

"Master Ash!" the woman said running to catch him, almost taking his arm to hold him back, but freezing at the dark look he gave her. "Master Ash, please! You-you need me!"

"I need you?" He stared incredulously. "Do not make me laugh, Amelana. A courtesan would better serve me than you have. They are better tempered, much more discrete, and would have more promise as a mage than you ever will."

Amelana gaped in shock, and then scowled. "How dare you compare me to a-a courtesan!"

"You are right," Ash replied sharply. "Courtesans reflect their breeding better than you have. You have brought shame to the Avarian family name. The family of my master! And shame to our people, and I will be certain the Edai Tredecima knows it."

Outright terror filled Amelana's eyes. "You... you wouldn't!"

"You have given me no choice. You have dishonored the Magi Laws, and you have dishonored the ancient traditions. You will be lucky if the Avarians even acknowledge you when I am done with you." He walked to the door, pausing halfway through to turn back and look at her. "You will be less than lowborn, because I doubt even the lowest of the low would accept the likes of you." He slammed the door with finality.