Hmm… I like how the ‘music’ affects me when reusing these spells. It’s soft, subtle. An echo of a great feeling with hopefully less of a fall. Not that I’ll mind the next time I taste it in full.
Reverberating knocks from the door fray my nerves into shock.
Vincenza worriedly checks behind me, then adjusts the hair out of my face. “I’m your mistress, not your sexual partner. Remember.”
“I can… I’ll go see who’s out there.” I stand up, starting to feel the lightheadedness kick in.
I’m very lucky that the door was locked. Only that and the shut blinds saved Vincenza from the scandal of having shown me her affection.
Opening the door, I quickly have to dodge out of the way of a hug from my father.
“Give me a hug, you brat!” He bellows a hard laugh and gives me chase.
“Stop! Stop! I have to focus on the animation!” I run to hide behind tables and loose chairs.
He wears an oversized suit, the one he inherited from his father. Grey and boring and definitely a bit much to wear on a fishing trawler.
My mother wears a calm red suit, a bit faded. “Benetto, let your daughter rest. She’s been working all day.”
“But look at her! An actual necromancer! I couldn’t be more proud,” he says.
“Thanks, Dad.” It means something—not a lot, but something.
He appraises my dress. “You look so gaunt. You are eating no less than five well-sized courses tonight.”
“My servant is preparing me a milkshake. Mistress Vincenza’s is using hers to prepare pizza.”
Vincenza bows herhead slightly. “I’m glad to meet you again, Misses Cecilia de Alioni. I have not been introduced to the…”
My mother corrects, “it’s ‘miss.’ And this is her father, Benetto di Mazi.”
“My apologies.” Vincenza looks at me, eyes slightly uncomfortable. “Your shake has actually been waiting for you, Catarina.”
“Oh!” I run forth join next to her on the bar.
I guess I’m glad that it’s almonds all the way down. The slight hint of nuttiness gives it a nice air of something that exists.
“By the Ring, that’s an actual animation.” Mercurio wanders between me and Vincenza, leaning over the counter to gawk. He doesn’t know what he’s getting in between.
“Woah,” Vivian adds.
They both wear their typical drab outfits. No point in unaffordable suits for them.
Vincenza speaks up to praise, “Catarina has been a perfect apprentice. She’s adept at learning and has minimal problems with obedience.”
Our eyes meet for a moment on her last word. I play it close and wink at her.
“I’m happy to learn she’s doing well.” My father coughs. “I wanted to introduce myself to you, myself. Benetto di Mazi, as Cecilia said.”
“Great. Misses Vincenza Nasciowa wdowa.”
This is the first time I’ve heard herfullfull name.
“So… she has a patron?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah…” Mercurio grinds. “Who’s the lucky guy?”
“Hold on, Mercurio. I know that our girl here prefers other ladies,” my father reminds.
