Luna never understood why Casel always called her that and she never cared to ask.

  Slowly making her way inside the spacious and extravagant room, Luna pushed the hooded figure to the back of her mind for the time being. She had to put on her most professional face.

  Casel’s office exuded a quiet sophistication, with dark wood tones dominating the space, offset by gleaming silver accents that added a touch of modern elegance. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, their polished surfaces filled with ancient tomes and leather-bound volumes that hinted at a wealth of knowledge and history. The furniture was sparse but deliberate, each piece carefully placed to maintain an air of order and purpose.

  To the left, a massive ashwood table sprawled across a significant portion of the room, its surface a chaotic yet fascinating mess of open books, maps, and scattered papers. On the right side of the room, a cozy resting area provided a surprising contrast to the room’s formal atmosphere. A plush red loveseat stood at its center, accompanied by an intricately carved coffee table and two matching chairs, their dark frames elegantly curved and upholstered in soft fabric.

  But what truly commanded attention upon entering the room was the grand desk at the back. Crafted from rich, polished wood, it was a masterpiece of carpentry, every edge and curve perfectly shaped to reflect power and refinement. Behind it, Casel sat with an air of effortless authority, his sharp gaze fixed solely on her.

  She could see he hadn't been alone, as usual. Vastalla and Tark were making their way out just as she made her way in.

  Tark, the elegantly dressed, gray skinned orc gave her a slight smile that reflected on his kind bluish eyes as he passed by her side. He had always been quite polite, so she had no negative feelings towards him.

  It was Vastalla that always threw her the nastiest of glances. She was tall and muscular. Her pale olive skin, dark hair, and arrogant brown eyes made her look beautifully intimidating. Though Luna also thought some of that essence had to do with her vampiric charm.

  Hearing the door close behind her, Luna walked straight up to Casel’s desk. She pulled out four vials of sun resistance potions from her pocket and placed them right on top of the table.

  In a hurry she had left her basket back at Moira’s, but it didn't matter since she carried the deliveries separately.

  Not even as she placed the vials on his desk did Casel stop looking at her with his piercing blue eyes and stoic face.

  He was elegantly dressed in a black suit. His pale, short blonde hair neatly combed back from his handsome face. Even in the dimly lit underground place, his pearly white skin shined complementing each of his features.

  Luna looked back into his eyes, she never faltered or stared away, It was something they always did as if testing one another.

  He was even more beautifully intimidating than Vastalla.

  Finally after a couple of heartbeats, Casel broke eye contact as he looked at the potions in his desk.

  “You brought four. Is it because you knew you’d be late?” he questioned in a serious tone, leaning into his chair and looking back at her.

  His voice was deep and melodious yet it revealed no emotion.

  Luna had met Casel six years ago, he was the real owner of her cottage by the woods. After she’d remembered her childhood home and moved back, Casel had shown up. They had a quick pathetic fight which he obviously won but instead of throwing her out he'd asked to make a deal, like the one he had with her mother.

  Her mother had made a deal with him after coming to the human realm. She could live with her family in the cabin, but in return, she’d have to make three sun resistance potions each month.

  To remain in her home, Luna made the same deal with Casel. Each sun resistance potion had two uses that lasted for twenty four hours.

  For vampires this was a luxury since the only way to get potions such as this, was to get them from a Restoration Mage, and everyone knew those were really scarce, especially amongst the Mages that remained in the human realm.

  Clearing her throat, Luna thought for a second before she decided to speak. He didn't seem to be in a bad mood. Not that she’d ever seen him in any mood other than serious.

  “Actually I brought an extra because I need some information.” she exclaimed confidently.

  Casel seemed interested in her words but remained quiet for a second.

  Luna never asked him for information. Their relationship had remained professional from the beginning and their deal was transactional. She could live in his property as long as she created the potions he needed.

  “What information do you need?” he asked, taking the vials into his hands and storing them in one of the desk’s many drawers.

  Luna proceeded to speak, arming herself with determination. “Some guards have been snooping farther from the city and I noticed they have something on them that nullifies magic.'' She paused for the slightest second as his eyes went up to meet hers again. “Do you know what it is that they carry?”

  Finishing her question, Casel turned to look at a big painting on the wall to the right. It was one of the many magical objects Casel possessed in his office. The beautiful painting was mesmerizing as it depicted the scene of a garden view that moved and lived just as if you were looking out of a window. Even the time of day changed accordingly.

  Since Luna had first encountered vampires, she’d always felt pity for them. They have to live in darkness since the sun burns them to ashes. And they also have to withstand the thirst of blood that draws them to kill. It also didn't help that most vampires had not chosen the immoral and unnatural life. Another would have to change them.

  “You need to be more careful from now on Luna.” Casel spoke, bringing her back from the enchanting scenery. He obviously knew about her previous accident and the fact that he used her name meant his advice was serious.

  There was nothing that evaded his eye.

  “They wear amulets, infused with the nullifying effect.” He exclaimed, surprising her.

  Sincerely she wasn't expecting an honest answer. Luna knew little about Casel’s dealings and she tried to stay on the sidelines of whatever he did. It had not crossed her mind that he had no reason to keep information from her, she had just been too insecure to ask.

  Even as his Restoration Mage, he had never placed her in any sort of dangerous situation and that said a lot taking into account his conflict with the Decidit. They probably knew about his connection to someone with the abilities to create sun resistance potions and he hadn't given her away.

  Luna didn't know why she hadn't thought about it before and in a way it made her feel more comfortable.

  Amulets were the best way to carry magic infused gems since they could be easily hidden with clothes unlike other types of jewelry.

  Standing from his desk Casel grabbed his coat that nicely hung at the back of his chair. He steadily walked towards her rounding the massive wooden desk.

  Standing just in front of her, Luna could assess his physique better. He was a bit taller then Theo and for someone who spent most of their time in an opulent inn he was extremely well built.

  Luna looked up to stare into his deep blue eyes. She needed to ask for protection. But the word stayed at the back of her throat.

  “Don't worry Fiore. You just have to keep doing your job as you have been.” he exclaimed in a deep husky voice. Then he started to guide her out of the office, hovering a hand by her lower back.

  He never touched her and always maintained a respectful distance. For some strange reason, Luna always felt as though they were locked in an unspoken competition. In a way, he was her superior, but she was determined to prove her strength and earn his respect, still in the end she always faltered.

  Opening the door for Luna, Casel motioned her to Grod who obediently waited outside.

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  He always remained by the room's entrance ready to escort her back once their business had concluded. Filled with mixed feelings, Luna followed Grod down the hall and up the stairs. She had gotten great information regarding the guard situation but she’d choked when asking for protection.

  It was his stupid aura and presence, if he’d stayed on his side of the table this wouldn't have happened.

  Hearing the door begin to unlock, Luna decided to concentrate on her night ahead. She still had some time to experiment with gem infusion since it wasn't too late.

  Exiting the Operose Maison, Luna decided to make her way back through the western gate and have a walk by the river before heading home. She swiftly made her way through the back alley rounding the opulent building and leaving the commercial street behind.

  With only the last rays of sunlight visible in the sky, all the street torchlights had started to be lit. It was a beautiful view walking on uncrowded small streets until she got to the docks.

  Many bars lined the street that gave way to the western gate. It was there that many merchants and fishermen spent the night drinking and celebrating the day of hard labor.

  Due to the time, the gate wasn't too crowded as Luna made her way diverging to the path that led to the fields and not to the docks.

  She could get a clear image of several boats tied up reflecting on the water. The Taiga river was the biggest in all the empire and that's what made Ortega so special. Controlling a route that led to the sea means connections with different cities and access to resources.

  Luna never thought much about leaving Ortega, this was her home and yet outside there was a huge world full of wonders.

  Walking down the path she noticed Sofia and Theo just a couple of meters away by the river. It seemed as if Sofia was throwing some stones and playing around.

  Luna hesitated for some time before approaching but, Sofia’s rash still concerned her.

  Getting closer it was easier to hear their laughter and joy. It amazed Luna that even in difficult times they still enjoyed each other's company and lived happily.

  Theo was the first to notice her coming down the dirt path beside the river. And noticing her father's shift in attention made Sofia turn to look in the same direction as he had.

  With excitement and surprise, Sofia sprinted towards Luna with arms wide open. “Luna!” she exclaimed enthusiastically, wrapping her arms around Luna's hips. The little girl was dressed in a light green dress and flowers adorned her messy hair.

  Luna smiled at the child and hugged her back carefully assessing her rash. It looked even worse. This worried her since she’d told Theo to use the cream. Stopping the train of thought in her head she reconsidered. Theo obviously used the cream, it just wasn't working.

  “Hey Sofia. How have you been?” Luna asked, hiding her concern from the little girl.

  “I'm great, Papa took me out today and we had a lot of fun.” she said letting go of Luna’s hips and grabbing her hand.

  Sofia led Luna to Theo energetically. He looked at Luna with a slight smile on his face. It was not the same as his usual smile so Luna assumed he’d noticed her checking Sofia’s rash.

  Finally Theo spoke, breaking the silence after her arrival. “We should get going since it's getting late.”

  Not letting go of Luna, Sofia grabbed her father’s hand at his announcement and hurriedly proceeded to guide both of them on the path to their cozy cottage.

  Sofia seemed energetic despite the clear signs of her deterioration. It made Luna somewhat anxious to find something that could help. What she’d given Theo and Sofia before, was enough to cure any type of superficial rash. But it seemed as though what Sofia had went deeper than just something on her skin.

  Feeling a slight tug on her hand Luna looked down at the wide eyed child.

  “Luna, you are not listening, I was telling you everything about our day.” Sofia complained while pouting.

  Luna gave her half a smile and looked up at Theo. He was laughing at their behavior. Yet encouraged his daughter to try again.

  “Sofi, Luna must be tired. But try again, I'm sure you have her full attention now.” he said, squeezing his daughter’s hand lightly and giving Luna a cheeky smirk. She hadn't seen that expression on him before and it made her happy that he was still enjoying himself despite her earlier assessment of his daughter.

  Sofia cleared her throat dramatically and looked at Luna. “We went to the market and got delicious pastries. Also we saw the boats by the dock as we ate them and then Papa collected these flowers for me.” she said pointing to her head.

  Luna smiled at Sofia as she listened to all the things they’d accomplished during their day. The atmosphere was peaceful as they walked through the path between the fields of healthy crops that made up the rural area of Ortega.

  Many of the houses were lit up from the inside as smoke came out from their chimneys. The fields kept getting darker and darker as the sun finally disappeared just as they’d arrived at their home.

  Opening the door, Theo let them in and they all proceeded to leave their shoes at the entrance. Getting comfortable on the sofa, Sofia kept enthusiastically narrating the wonderful things she’d seen and how much she’d enjoyed it.

  It seemed as if they hadn't gone out for some time. While they spoke Theo prepared dinner listening in on their conversation and interjecting every now and then.

  It didn’t take long for dinner to wind down, and soon Sofia was fast asleep on Luna's lap. The child’s exhaustion was palpable, her tiny body curled up with a gentle, contented sigh. While Theo busied himself with the dishes, Luna took the opportunity to examine Sofia’s rash. As she worked, her thoughts drifted to her mother.

  Luna couldn’t help but wonder if her mother had ever felt this same suffocating helplessness when she couldn’t heal her father. The thought lingered, heavy and unrelenting. If only her mother had completed the research, perhaps they could have found a way to help those with terminal conditions who needed something beyond what conventional methods could offer.

  Theo finished up his task and approached Luna with a soft smile. He gently lifted Sofia from the sofa, carrying her to her room. He tucked her in with great care, brushing a tender kiss on her forehead before quietly leaving the door ajar.

  The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, a fragile silence stretching between them. Both had so much to say, yet neither seemed willing to be the first to shatter the quiet. Finally, Theo drew a deep breath and sat down across from Luna, the chair creaking faintly under his weight.

  “I knew your mother,” he began softly, his voice carrying a surprising gentleness. “Before she passed.” He hesitated, his eyes searching hers as if gauging how much to reveal. “She was remarkable. A healer unlike any I’ve ever met. She helped my mother when her health began to fail.”

  Luna blinked, taken aback. She hadn’t expected this. Her thoughts had been on Sofia, and Theo’s sudden shift to her mother left her momentarily at a loss.

  “I... I didn’t know,” she managed, her voice quieter than she intended.

  Theo offered a faint, almost nostalgic smile. “My mother and I have always lived here. It was impossible not to notice when someone moved into the old cabin by the forest. It had been empty for years. Even after your mother started treating her and my mother’s symptoms improved, she always told me something.” He paused, his gaze drifting toward the floor. “That life is a cycle, and death is just another part of it.”

  Luna’s chest tightened. The weight of his words hung heavy in the room. She shifted her gaze to the window, where the darkness outside seemed to ripple with her unease. She hated talks of death. Even though she understood its inevitability, she couldn’t accept it—not fully.

  “I know Sofia is very ill,” Theo said, pulling her focus back to him. “She has been for some time. I’m grateful for what you’re doing, for trying to help. But...” He hesitated, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve had to brace myself for the possibility that she might not make it.”

  Luna snapped her gaze to his, disbelief flashing across her face. “How can you say that?” she asked, the words sharp but laced with sorrow. “How can you prepare for something like that?”

  Theo’s jaw tensed, his fingers clenching slightly on the arm of the chair. “You don’t prepare,” he admitted after a long moment. “Not really. But you accept it might happen. I’ve had to. It’s the only way to keep moving forward.”

  For a moment, Luna could only stare at him, her emotions surging to the surface. But she wouldn’t let despair take hold. Not now. “What about Sofia’s mother, did she pass from a similar condition?” she asked inquisitively.

  Luna needed to know if Sofia’s illness was something she inherited from her mother. Learning as much as she could, would help her figure out how to help the child.

  “Sofi’s mother did not pass away...one day she was just gone.” Theo said with a somber look in his eyes.

  Luna wasn't sure what to say to that. One thing was dealing with the loss of a loved one who died and another was dealing with someone who left. Nonetheless, she now knew that Sofia’s condition was not something she inherited but something she might have contracted.

  “I’m working through my mother’s research,” Luna said firmly, her green eyes glowing with determination. “I’ll find a way to help Sofia. Or at the very least, I’ll make sure her remaining time is comfortable.”

  Theo’s lips curved into a small, sad smile. He saw so much of her mother in her, the fierce resolve and unwillingness to give up. “Thank you,” he said, his voice a mix of gratitude and something deeper, something harder to name.

  Luna nodded, her expression softening. “I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. If you need anything... I’m here.”

  She rose from the sofa, moving toward the door to retrieve her boots. “It’s getting late,” she added, her voice lightening, though the tension in her shoulders remained. “I want to see if I can find anything tonight that might help Sofia.”

  Theo stood as well, following her to the entrance. He opened the door just as she straightened, the cold night wind sweeping into the room and tousling her dark hair. Without thinking, Theo reached out, gently tucking a stray strand behind her ear.

  The simple act caught Luna off guard, and for a moment, she froze. Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly turned her face away, offering a faint, awkward smile before stepping outside.

  “Goodnight, Luna,” Theo said softly, watching her retreat into the night.

  “Goodnight,” she replied without looking back, her pace quick as she made her way home.

  Theo stood in the doorway for a long time, staring after her, until she disappeared into the shadows.

  Luna wasn’t sure what she felt toward Theo—gratitude, maybe, or a strange pull she didn’t entirely understand. But what she did know was that her focus had to remain on helping Sofia and advancing her mother’s research. Her path was clear, even if her heart wasn’t.

  For now, she resolved to travel to the Magic Realm. From what Ezekiel had told her, the realm held artifacts and plants far beyond anything the human world could offer. Even if it meant convincing Ezekiel to take her there, she would find a way.

  It was time to stop being stubborn and start working smarter.

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