Three months and there was still no news from Xiao Tianyao. Senja's day was mostly split among reading a book in the library, visiting the hidden room to find clues about 'Senja's whereabouts or a visit to the Shadow Guards' training grounds to have chat with Yoda and Hu Feng.

As for her stepmother, Carye was busy with all her banquets and didn't bother her since the last time they had met or, it was all thanks to her grandfather for putting this welcomed distance between them.

In these three months, Senja hadn't met Rindy either. It wasn't that Senja was looking forward to meeting her, but there was this silly thought: perhaps Rindy is on a mission with Xiao Tianyao? They have both been gone for long enough…

Ah, silly as it may be, it didn't stop gnawing her heart away!

Yet, respite to the heart arrived one afternoon….

This afternoon saw Senja accidentally running into Rindy when she was returning from her visit to Yoda and Hu Feng at the Shadow Guards' training grounds.

As Senja sensed her gloominess, her mood brightened up. It looked like something bad had happened putting her in a sour mood. But on seeing that Senja had unintentionally ran into her, Rindy's lips curved up into a vicious smile.

"I think it is a fate that we meet here today." Rindy folded her arms arrogantly while blocking Senja's path.

Senja shot a brief glance at the sword hanging on Rindy's hip.

"Afraid that I will slice you into pieces?" Rindy taunted when she caught Senja's line of sight.

Yet, instead of chickening away like she used to in the past, Senja returned her a smirk and folded her arms, in a mock imitation of her mannerism.

An imperious Senja then raised her chin, "Your guts are not that big Young Miss."

"Well, I don't know what happened to you this past year you went missing, but it is my obligation to teach you again the way you used to be and how you should pay respect to me. After all, this is what grandfather wants."

Senja chortled at Rindy's words.

"Haven't you seen the disgust grandfather feels when someone who isn't part of his family calls him 'grandfather'? I wonder how you would still have a face to call him grandfather when he isn't even yours to begin with?" She said fiercely and added, "Shame on you!"

Rindy's eyes widened with rage, without a second thought she unsheathed her sword.

"I dare you to say it again!" She raised her sword threateningly.

"You want to cut me? Don't you know, a single word let alone a cut from you will infuriate grandfather?! He will throw you and your shameless mother onto the streets." Senja said calmly.

Even though she felt apprehensive to face Rindy and her sword head on, Senja convinced herself that she had trained for this. This was one confrontation that would happen sooner or later. There was no point is avoiding it.

"You won't have a chance to say anything about this!" Rindy gritted her teeth as she moved forward in an attempt to stab Senja's right shoulder.

Senja who could sense her intention dodged it swiftly. Her reflexes had always been fast even before she started training with Utara. And now, facing Rindy and her arrogance, everything was going just right for her. Her movements were well coordinated, plus she could detect Rindy's emotions which enabled her to gauge her next move beforehand.

Rindy was caught unawares. She hadn't expected Senja to be so agile and even evade her attack. Rindy had disbelief etched on her face.

The moment Rindy's sword missed her target, Senja dashed forward to close their distance as she grabbed Rindy's hand that was holding the sword. With a smooth motion she snatched it from her hand.

Now, that the sword was in Senja's possession, she cut Rindy's belt that held her outer robe in place and exposed her inner shirt.

"Senja!!!" Rindy screamed in horror while hugging herself. She couldn't believe that Senja was capable of snatching anything from her hand, let alone her sword!

"That's for talking brashly at me." Senja said coldly as she remembered the things Rindy had done to the other Senja.