“I need work experience if I plan to be a team leader of one of the guilds one day.”
“You have high dreams,” Noah affirmed.
“What about you? Do you enjoy teaching? Is it something you see yourself doing for a long time? Don’t you miss the lonely life of a rogue hunter?”
“I’m enjoying teaching, especially since I have a gorgeous assistant like you.”
Grace folded her arms on the table with a grin. “Really? Tell me more about that gorgeous assistant of yours.”
“Nothing much to say, really. I’m also enjoying having someone to spend my time with.” His smile faded for a few seconds before he added, “It’s nice to have a place to call home.”
“That’s great. I’m almost tempted to let you use the attic as your bedroom for as long as you want.”
“Oh, is that so?” He paused and leaned back in his chair. “I enjoy my corner. It would be a shame if I had to choose somewhere else to stay.”
Grace sighed. “I guess I need to find a new sanctuary in the mansion.”
“We can share the space. I don’t mind having you there from time to time.”
“I’m sure you want your privacy, and I need a place to keep my weapons and books.”
Noah clutched his drink tighter. “Do you regret saving me?”
“Of course not. I’m teasing you about the attic. I’m okay with letting you stay there.”
He averted his eyes to his glass.
Grace felt a pang in her stomach. “Do you regret being saved? Were you on a suicide mission when you followed the vampires into our territory?”
“I was on a revenge mission. One of the vampires I killed was the one who killed my parents.”
Grace nibbled on her thumb. “You were poisoned.”
“Yes. I would have died if you didn’t find me and take me in. I owe you my life. You and your grandfather gave me a new purpose.”
“The Dark Conclave also ordered my parents’ death,” she shared. “I was twelve. I was lucky to have survived. Not that I remember much about that night. Grandpa says I’ve repressed the memories.”
“It’s best like that. I hate remembering my parents’ death,” Noah said.
“I’m sorry. It must have been awful. How old were you?”
“Six. My Aunt Farah saved me.”
A lump formed in her throat. “How old are you now, Noah?”
“Forty.”
“It’s a long time to nurture revenge thoughts.”
“It’s over now. My parents have been avenged.”
“My father gave his life, so my mother could escape with me. She was mortally wounded but was able to survive long enough to reach a Security Force Station and tell them who they had to call to keep me safe.”
“You don’t need to share that with me if you don’t want to,” Noah assured. “It must be painful. We should talk about more pleasant things.”
“It’s okay. We need to know each other. We have something in common.”
“Being orphans and hybrids?” he asked with a sad grin.