Miroslava of the Tempest

Eyes in the mist

UNKNOWN P.O.V.

Socialize and observe. That was my first task.

-Do not get attached- he told me- It may be easy to like this lot, but you are to remain objective. Remember our goal.-

I closed my eyes, trying to collect my strength. I had been following their every move for months, undetected. I had had no problem with this particular facet. I faded well in the shadows, it was my only talent. No one would be the wiser, no one would find a trace. I was careful, savvy. they didn't notice when I was at their homes, schools, workspaces. I was a shadow you would only notice from the corner of the eye and easily forgettable. I had years of practice. My family had overlooked my entire existence except when they needed me married for their benefit. My husband, as I learned after a while, prefered me blurred against the tapestries of a house that was never our home, my home.

I was married quite young, as my sister was, not long after my parents found out about my brother´s abominable acts. The relief I felt when they disowned him wilted fastly. Soon, they weighed between the health and happiness of their daughters and the value of their name and reputation. It was more of a shock for my sister. As the eldest, Lissa had always been coddled, bragged about. She was the perfect little lady since she was five years old. I, on the other hand, was shy, sly and quiet. I baulked from attention, I went about my activities with silent efficiency. My mother used to say I was a ghost, somewhat of an annoying pester. Even if I caused no trouble. While my sister was taught to glow and impress, I was taught to aid her and be grateful my gloomy existence was illuminated by her presence. I learned to be docile, grateful, selfless. Pathetic. I despised my existence.

Now, as I watch this lot, trapped in the CLA, I am grateful, as it is thanks to my family I have the dexterities to perform this task.

As C.D. and the girl went inside the wetroom I smiled silently to myself, to my gods and my lucky stars. It was my chance to surpass someone who shines like the sun. I crouched within my shadowy hiding place and waited for C.D. to emerge. A pang of guilt intertwined with my resolve. I had observed them for months. I knew more about each one of them than they would probably know about themselves. I had walked their paths and learned their triggers. That brief moment of clarity brought discomfort to my silent wait. I decided to ignore it as C.D. stepped out of the wetroom and placed himself on the floor, half a meter away from the entrance, his broad back on the wall, his warm silvery eyes closed. He looked exhausted. I kept on observing, for that was my mission.