Well maybe Theo didn't notice.

  Luna had been thinking about Ezekiel's words for the past few days while recovering her body and regaining her magic. It had been hard, as she wasn't one to meditate in nature, but this was precisely what could help to improve her current condition.

  The greenhouse at the back of the house became the perfect spot for Luna to recover. It had been one of her mother’s favorite places, meticulously designed to house various plants for experimentation. The small enclosure spared Luna's mother from making frequent trips into the forest for materials, reserving such excursions for special occasions. Despite its small size, the greenhouse was packed with plants, hanging from the ceiling and arranged on the ground. Only a narrow gravel pathway allowed movement amidst the foliage.

  Surrounded by the lush greenery of the greenhouse, Luna found herself immersed in a rich source of pure magic. In the delicate process of stabilizing her own magic, she understood the significance of absorbing the pure essence of magic found in nature. As she absorbed this energy, she also released some, nurturing the plants in the greenhouse and enhancing their magical potential. This fundamental principle was instilled in her by her mother during her early years of learning magic. The profound bond between a mage and nature was a cornerstone of her mother's teachings, emphasizing the interconnectedness and symbiosis between magic and the natural world.

  Restoration Mages held a deep affinity for plants, particularly those they nurtured in their homes. Plants and herbs were essential ingredients in their craft, as they relied on them to create potent potions. While Restoration Mages possessed inherent magical healing abilities, they recognized the enhanced efficacy of natural remedies. By leveraging their magic to amplify the innate healing properties of plants, they achieved remarkable results. Also, their mastery extended beyond mere healing; Restoration Mages could manipulate plant growth and movement, utilizing this skill to their advantage when it was needed.

  Letting out a long sight Luna opened her eyes to find several plant golems around her. It was one of the first things she'd learned at a young age. By mixing some Creation and Restoration magic, plants could develop a more humanoid shape and mind that tethered them to the caster. They didn't do much, unless massive amounts of magic were being transferred to them. Mostly they tended to the greenhouse and brought or moved things around. Still, that was really useful.

  At the moment Luna had three plant golems, it was the most her magic could handle with the training she had at the moment.

  Fern was the eldest of Luna's creations. A sturdy creature, whose form mirrored the resilience of the towering oak standing sentinel at the heart of the garden. Standing one meter tall, Fern resided primarily in the greenhouse. With great devotion, it tended to the needs of its leafy brethren, nurturing them with tender care and guiding their growth with a gentle touch.

  The second golem she created was Succulent. Standing at 30 centimeters tall, its compact form and fleshy leaves made it well-suited for the task of aiding Luna in her potion-making endeavors. With nimble movements, Succulent darted among the rows of herbs and flowers, fetching ingredients here and there.

  And then there was Venus, born from a Venus flytrap. With her vibrant green leaves and delicate tendrils, they carried an air of mystery standing at only 20 centimeters tall with two reddish heads. Despite their carnivorous habits, there was a grace to their movements as they roamed the greenhouse. Venus would typically keep Luna company, assist with tasks, and help with cleaning. Being Luna's latest creation, they were the most independent of all her golems.

  She looked at all of them with great resolve. “Do you think the human knows about my magic?” she asked absentmindedly.

  Both Fern and Succulent shook their small heads with their leaves moving from side to side. Venus on the other hand nodded their multiple heads in union. It wasn't the best idea to get help from her plants in this matter but still it helped to speak with someone. Ezekiel hadn't been back for sometime; she knew how hard he had it back home.

  Standing up Luna dusted her white almost translucent camisole dress and walked towards the house with Venus on toe. “Please draw me a bath V.” she commanded, entering the cabin through the back door that connected the greenhouse to the main cabin.

  Heading to the kitchen, Luna couldn't shake off thoughts of Ezekiel. It was evident he had his hands full with the succession matters looming back in the Magic Realm. When Luna first met Ezekiel, he had taken it upon himself to impart all he knew about the Magic Realm to her. It seemed like his subtle way of trying to convince her to join him there.

  Every family in the Magic Realm consisted of a main house and lower houses. The head of the main house represented the entire family in the council that ruled the realm. The main house was also in charge of teaching everyone in the family to hone their abilities as well as any member of the Magic Realm who’s affinity aligned to that specific household. Ezekiel came from the main house of Dimension magic, he was one of the most likely candidates to inherit the position of future head. But right before they met, a new potential successor arose from one of the lower houses because of his outstanding leadership skills. That was the most important thing when it came down to picking a successor.

  Ezekiel said he’d been pushed to the side by his house who adopted this new potential successor. The new adoptive son would potentially occupy the role he'd been training for his entire life.

  Coming here and supporting her had been a rebellious act against his household and yet with time they had developed great appreciation for each other. It also didn't help that some of the people from the main houses mocked him for being replaced by a low born.

  Although a successor from a lower house wasn't unheard of, it was still quite uncommon.

  Luna knew how much he wanted her to come and join him in the Magic Realm but as long as she was working on her mother’s research she was going nowhere.

  Reflecting over everything, Luna pushed Ezekiel's problems to the back of her mind.

  Eventually he will show up again.

  At that moment, Luna had more immediate concerns weighing on her mind. She couldn't be certain whether Theo was aware of her magical capabilities. If he did know and disclosed this information to others, the looming threat of the Decidit could force her to relocate to the Magic Realm. However, the worst possible outcome would be if she had to abandon her mother's research.

  As Luna made her way toward the bathroom, a fleeting presence could be felt by the entrance of the cabin. It lasted for merely a second but it was enough for Luna to notice. With caution, she approached the door, half-expecting to find someone waiting on the other side. To her surprise, there was no one there, just a pristine white envelope affixed to the back of the door.

  Instinctively recognizing the sender, Luna retrieved the envelope and carefully tore it open, revealing a neatly written letter penned in dark ink on crisp white paper. The handwriting was elegant and meticulously crafted.

  I'll be waiting for your next delivery - C

  She hadn't expected the letter since it was uncommon for one to arrive before a delivery. Leaving it by the kitchen counter, Luna proceeded to head into the bathroom, setting the matter aside for the time being.

  Removing her clothes, Luna hung them on the hook at the back of the door and tested the water’s temperature with her hand. Infusing a bit of destruction magic, she warmed the water to the perfect temperature and submerged herself in the old porcelain tub. Though worn and discolored, its sturdy material made it durable and reliable.

  Beside her, Venus sat on the rim of the tub, delicately touching the water and gazing at their reflections. Luna glanced at the small creature and smiled. She cared deeply for her golems; they were like children to her. Yet, deep down, something prevented her from fully seeing them as family. They were magical creations, after all, without true consciousness.

  Even so, they provided her with some solace in the present. Perhaps, in the future, Luna could have the family she longed for—one she could protect as she hadn’t been able to when she was younger.

  Luna lathered herself with floral-scented supplies she’d made, finishing her wash as her thoughts grew heavy. Submerging herself into the warm water, she tried to push away the creeping sadness, focusing instead on the pressing matters at hand.

  After her bath, Luna prepared to see Theo. She braided her long black hair and dressed in a modest black corset dress, which looked less worn than her previous one. Standing before the bedroom mirror, she caught sight of her gaunt reflection. Her pale complexion and the dark shadows beneath her eyes revealed just how much the past days had taken their toll.

  Looking away from the mirror, Luna left the room, it was the best she could do with what she had. At the moment she wasn't capable of casting a minor illusion spell to make her appearance less sickly.

  Walking to the kitchen her thoughts were consumed by the night of her accident. The actions Theo had taken that night filled Luna with a sense of gratitude and curiosity. She was eager to thank him and perhaps gauge his knowledge of her magical abilities.

  In a corner of the kitchen counter, a basket was kept full of minor healing ointments and creams. Usually she’d sell them to an acquaintance in Ortega's market every month. The income from those sales wasnt to necessary as her greenhouse and the forest that surrounded the cabin provided Luna with everything she needed to survive. Nonetheless it was always good having spare gold to procure supplies in case of an emergency — Not everything could be found in nature so easily.

  Selecting a couple of basic healing creams, Luna couldn't help but recall that her deliveries were scheduled for the day after tomorrow. After her failed experiment and time in recovery, Luna's perception of time had gotten a bit messed up. Now that she'd counted the days, the letter she had received was beginning to make sense. With a quick assessment of the components in her kitchen’s shelf, Luna realized she was short on some crucial plants needed to create the most vital item for her deliveries — the one required by the letter’s correspondent.

  Despite the urgency of the situation, Luna remained unworried. She still had the entire night and a full day ahead to venture out and gather the missing ingredients.

  Setting the thought aside, Luna walked to the entrance receiving her boots from Venus, they always seemed to know what she needed when she needed it. Sitting on a chair she laced the boots up and headed towards the door. “Keep everyone in check Venus, I'll be back soon.” She said while closing the door to the cabin.

  It was late noon and the sun had started to set creating a beautiful mirage of pinks, yellows, and blues — It was breathtaking. Luna had always considered her home to have one of the best views at sun down, especially since the sun set right behind the city of Ortega towards the mountains.

  It was hard not to remember her father in such moments. Together, they would spend hours sitting on the porch of the cabin looking at the sunset while he taught her how to read — It was what he enjoyed most.

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  A moment like this is beautiful and that's only because it doesn't last forever. That's what her father would always say and yet, she believed he could have enjoyed the beauty of life for a little longer. Pushing the melancholic feeling to the side, Luna found herself arriving at Theo’s cottage.

  After taking a long breath, Luna walked to the porch of the warm cottage and knocked on the door a couple of times. Instantly, she was greeted by Sofia, whose honey blonde hair had been messily tied atop her head. She sported a sweaty and dirty casual set of clothes, evidence of her playful ventures outside.

  "Hi Luna, did you come to play?" Sofia asked with childlike wonder.

  Luna's gaze instantly warmed at her words. "Not this time, Sofia. I came to bring you a thank-you gift for helping me out the other night," she responded warmly, gently removing a loose leaf from the girl's blond hair.

  Sofia's expression dimmed slightly as she spoke. "Oh, okay. Papa’s finishing up work, so come inside for now." With that, the little girl darted off, leaving Luna standing in the empty yet cozy living room.

  Taking a step into the cottage, the ambience felt lighter with the rays of setting sun illuminating the place. Everything was neatly organized, but still small hints of their lives adorned the shelves and cabins surrounding the place.

  Approaching the kitchen, Luna noticed an array of childish drawings lining a portion of the walls. They depicted scenes of their life as a family: working together, sleeping under the moonlight, and other simple joys. It instantly reminded her of the things she had experienced with her own parents and the drawings she had once made herself. However, those drawings now lived only in her memories. Despite searching through her mother's belongings upon returning home, she hadn't found any of her own childhood drawings.

  Hearing the back door click, Luna was drawn back to the present as she laid eyes upon Theo’s figure entering through the backdoor. He seemed surprised to find her there. But as always he adjusted his attitude and smiled politely.

  "We weren't expecting company," Theo exclaimed enthusiastically, his smile lighting up his face in a way that always made Luna feel a bit awkward.

  "I just came to bring you this," she said, pulling out the creams from one of the dress's pockets.

  Smiling warmly, he received the small jars and analyzed them. Luna's heart fluttered with a mixture of relief and nervousness as she awaited his response.

  "It's medicine for rashes, small cuts. Basic things," she explained nonchalantly, trying to downplay the significance of her gesture.

  Theo looked at her, his eyes filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you. It wasn’t necessary."

  Before Luna could respond, Sofia burst out from a small door at the back of the cottage. The sight of the cheerful child filled Luna with a sense of warmth and innocence, momentarily easing the tension she felt. The door looked improvised, blending seamlessly with the wall, and if Sofia hadn't emerged from it, Luna might never have noticed its existence.

  The little girl looked clean with damp hair and an oversized camisole that reached her ankles — she had clearly washed up after her long day.

  “I'm ready for my gift now.” Sofia exclaimed with much enthusiasm.

  Both Luna and Theo stared at her but as always it was he who made the first move towards his daughter. Kneeling in front of the little girl at eye level he showed Sofia the little jars of creams he held on his hands.

  “These are medicinal creams, very rare. They are like treasures so we should be very thankful.” he said smiling at his daughter.

  Sofia stared wide eyed at the creams on her father’s hands as she mouthed the word Treasure. Her small hands hovering right on top of the creams being careful not to touch them. After getting over the initial shock, with a quick and sudden movement Sofia turned to hug Luna, almost making them fall in the process.

  Luna's heart swelled with joy. For a Restoration Mage, there was no greater fulfillment than bringing happiness to others — it was a gift inherent in their blood's affinity.

  Yet, the happiness was short-lived as worry began to creep in. Observing Sofia's uncovered neck, Luna noticed an abnormal rash spreading down her shoulder. She tried to compose herself, making a mental note to ask Theo about it. The size and coloration of the rash indicated it was something uncommon, sparking concern in Luna's mind.

  “Well I came to deliver the creams, so I must be going back.” Luna said awkwardly as she tried to un-attach Sofia from her hip.

  The child wouldn't let go and grabbed on to her even harder. “Please don't go!” The little girl begged with a pouty face.

  It tore Luna apart but she had to put some distance between them. At the moment there was no indication that they knew anything about her magic. On the other hand, they had been incredibly kind to her with no apparent reason as to why. It was the later thought that made her more determined to keep a distance. If someone found out about her magic, she wouldn’t be the only one in trouble. The consequences for helping a Mage would have them both hanged and she couldn’t bear the thought of that.

  Noticing Luna’s convoluted demeanor, Theo approached Sofia and gently grabbed both her arms as he spoke in a calm voice. “Sofi. Luna has to go back, remember she was sick not long ago.”

  Stubbornly Sofia let go as her father pulled her to stand at his side. Still that didn’t deter the child’s playful personality. Pouting she turned to look up at Luna with purpose. “We’ll play next time, right?”

  Luna didn't want to make a promise she wouldn't keep. And she was going to try to stay away from the father-daughter duo. “Maybe.” She said with a gentle smile.

  Walking back to the entrance of the cottage, Luna felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had managed to address one of her pressing concerns: ensuring that Theo and Sofia remained unaware of her true nature as a Mage. With that weight off her shoulders, Luna now wanted to focus on the upcoming deliveries she had scheduled.

  There was still one crucial item missing for her next delivery, and the timing couldn't have been better to go and obtain it. Luna's mind raced with thoughts of the task ahead, her determination driving her forward as she prepared to embark on her quest through the forest.

  The plant she needed only bloomed at sundown, making it advantageous to go and retrieve it that same night. With the sun dipping below the horizon, Luna knew it was the perfect moment to venture into the forest. As Luna opened the door, a chill wind greeted her, signaling the onset of dusk. To her surprise, Theo approached silently, holding the door open for her.

  Hesitating for a moment before she stepped out, Luna turned to Theo, her expression a mix of concern and seriousness. “Sofia has a rash on her neck and shoulder.” She couldn't help herself as the words rolled from her mouth. “The creams will help with that.” Finishing her thought she left.

  It was better leaving without looking at him. She was tired of seeing his smile. It confused her as no stranger had smiled at her that way.

  Caught up in her thoughts she bumped into a wall of plated armor, two tall armed figures hovered over her — Guards.

  Their presence instantly made Luna back away as she placed her guard up. It was uncommon for them to be all the way out there since they never cared for problems in the rural area of Ortega. When they did patrol it was only on the closest homes to the city walls.

  Both of the men looked rather plain with their natural Ortega features—brown hair and eyes. They also wore the usual plated armor adorned with the Ortegan sigil, consisting of a bear on their chest plate. Javelins and shields rested upon their backs, indicating readiness for battle, yet their lack of helmets hinted at a certain casualness in their demeanor.

  “And what is a pretty little thing like yourself doing outside at this hour.” One of them said taking a step towards her.

  Luna took a defensive stance as she got ready to use some illusion magic to distract them just enough for her to leave. But she couldn’t. The magic was still in her body, she felt the calm pool sway yet it wouldn’t come out.

  As the guards drew nearer, Luna's anxiety spiked. She glanced around desperately, realizing she couldn’t use her magic, nor did she have any coins for bribery. Her only option was to fight hand-to-hand, relying on what little Ezekile had taught her.

  Suddenly, one of the guards grabbed her wrist, sending a surge of anger through Luna. Before she could react, another figure appeared behind her, pulling her close against a broad, reassuring chest, momentarily calming her nerves.

  Theo

  “I was waiting for you at home.” He said with a calm voice speaking to her.

  With an innocent smile, Theo turned his attention to the guards before them. "My wife must have gotten a little lost on her way," he explained smoothly while slipping a few silver coins into the hand that held Luna's wrist.

  The guards assessed the bribe, exchanging glances before returning their gaze to Luna with a menacing glare. "Get going then," one of them grunted, nodding towards the path behind them.

  With haste, Theo guided Luna back to his cottage.

  She was still taken aback by the events that happened. Her magic had stopped working and she wondered if it had something to do regarding her previous burnout. But still that didn't make any sense as she had already used her magic when meditating and recuperating at home.

  "You can stay with us for the night. Guards have been patrolling the area constantly for the past few days," Theo's voice broke through her swirling thoughts, offering a semblance of reassurance.

  Arriving at the cottage, Theo held the door open for Luna, and she absentmindedly took her shoes off by the door before standing in the center of the living area, her mind still grappling with the sudden onset of magic failure.

  “You’re back!” Sofia exclaimed from the small dining table.

  The child's boundless energy seemed to contrast sharply with Luna's inner turmoil.

  Luna's thoughts were in disarray after the ordeal with her magic, leaving her in no mood to engage with people. Theo noticed her solemn expression and silently signaled Sofia to focus on her meal. Rolling her eyes the child resumed eating as her father walked the short distance to the kitchen to serve Luna a bowl of soup.

  From what Luna could gather they had been having dinner on the small two seating dining table by the window. Despite the warmth of the scene, her mind was troubled by the recent problem she’d had with her magic, and a sense of uncertainty began to creep on her. However, Theo's thoughtful gesture of serving her a steaming bowl of soup momentarily distracted her from her worries. With a small but genuine smile, Luna expressed her gratitude and settled into a spare chair Theo had pulled out for her.

  As they ate, Sofia animatedly recounted her day's adventures, but Luna found it hard to fully engage. Her mind kept drifting back to the mysterious glitch in her magic. Luna contemplated the possibility that her recent magic failure could be an after effect of the burnout. However, her lack of experience with burnouts left her uncertain. She had never felt one before and didn't fully understand how they worked.

  Returning to the present, Luna observed Theo and Sofia's playful banter as he began ushering her daughter to bed. While they tidied up the table, Luna remained seated, lost in her own thoughts. Seizing the opportunity, she once again attempted to access her magic.

  Once again, Luna found the magic within her pool to be calm and steady, much like before when she was next to the guards. With determination, she reached within herself and began casting a simple healing spell on the daisies in a vase adorning the window. To her relief, the spell was successful. As magic washed over them, the dull, faded color of the petals lit up, and their stems regained strength with newfound life.

  Why the hell is it working now?

  Sofia’s small steps drew Luna’s attention as she approached.

  “Good night Luna, I hope you feel better tomorrow.” She exclaimed between yawns.

  With a gentle smile, Luna reached out and patted the little girl’s head. “Goodnight, Sofia,” she said softly. Gleefully, the child turned toward her bedroom and skipped away, shutting the door behind her.

  Theo approached Luna just as Sofia left the room. “You can take my room; it’s the one you used the other night. I’ll sleep with Sofi,” he offered, pointing towards the small room.

  Luna hadn't noticed when he’d blown out the candles around the place, leaving only the one in the dining table lit. “Thanks,” she replied gratefully.

  At her response, Theo smiled and turned towards Sofia’s room ready for bed.

  Alone in the quiet of the room, Luna thought hard about the strange encounter with the guards. It didn't make sense to blame her magic's failure on her recent burnout, especially since it had functioned both before and after the encounter. But there was no denying that her magic had stopped working when they were around.

  Strangely, the effect her magic had near the guards was similar to the one she had when entering the nullifying barrier around Ortega. Luna pondered deeply about the connection and started wondering about the possibility of guards having their own nullifying barriers.

  It hadn't been something she had noticed before since meeting guards outside of Ortega’s magic blocking area was unusual. They mostly stayed within the city's perimeter.

  Suddenly the realization of the situation hit luna.

  As Theo had mentioned, there had been unusual patrols by guards in the area lately, which caught Luna's attention. These patrols seemed to have started after her recent burnout, which made her wonder if there was any connection. Additionally, Ezekiel had brought up her failed magical experiment, mentioning that a magical aura had spread across a two-kilometer radius from her house.

  Standing up from the chair in the dimly lit living area, with only the candle on the dining table casting a faint glow, Luna knew she had fucked up, big time.

  If the Decidit had gotten a trail of this…

  She was in big trouble.

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