Page 46 of Florescentia

“Well,” I began, “you wanted to harvest. Let us begin.”

She shifted in her seat, her nail tracing the intricate crystal bottle.

Do I sense insecurity?

“Apologies, were you expecting something else?” I mocked.

She glared.

“I’m not interested in cheap food, my dear.” I clicked my tongue at her.

“It works fine for the rest.”

“I’m not like them, but you know this already.” I tipped my head at her. “This will benefit you more.”

“Perhaps I will retire for the night.” She began to stand.

I pulled a shadow from the floor to shove her back into the chair.

Her heart skipped. I felt it.

“Sit,” I said.

She didn’t argue.

“Physical vulnerability is too swift, undear, and the meal is fleeting. Emotional vulnerability is much more filling.” I settled into my lounge.

“The two aren’t mutually exclusive.” She uncorked the decanter. It seemed she had given up on keeping her mystique. “Sex can be more than physical.”

“You’re right. But as you said, that involves much more than your body”—I paused, watching her legs shift back under her robes—“unless you’ve gotten that attached in my short time here. Am I so endearing?”

“Absolutely not.” A blush filled her face. She took a sip from the crystal bottle. “Just get on with it.”

That’s what I thought.

“Let us start with an easy one.” I sat up a bit. “Tell me about your husband.”

I could see the anger flare in her eyes.

It was worth a try.

“Fine! New question.” I switched fast so she wouldn’t abandon the effort altogether. “How did you learn to do your rituals? To open doors to realms that are not your own?”

“Practice.”

“Don’t be short with me,” I chided.

“I just can. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Nobody can just do anything,” I laughed. “Go back to the first time.”

Her body language was guarded, closing up fast.

“Here.” I opened my hand in her direction. “I’ll drink if you answer. Let’s see how fast you can poison me with your elixir.”

A small pull at the corner of her mouth, perhaps a smile. She did hand me the bottle.

I held it to my lips, glancing over at her to wait for her answer.