Page 44 of Shattered Magic

Arkus smiled. “Not that common.”

Asta blinked. “Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to...”

Zerul grinned. “Don’t worry about it. I am sure he would have told you all his secrets if you had simply asked.”

“Of course. Is there anything else?” She was back to business.

“Thank you, no.” Zerul nodded, and Asta walked away with that graceful sway of hers.

Hari watched her go and saw the others watching as well. “Right? How can anyone walk that way? It’s lovely. I have never managed to look half that good walking away.”

Zerul smiled. “It’s pretty close.”

Hari sighed and began to dig in. The food was amazing.

Plates emptied, and staff removed them. Asta reappeared and smiled. “So, everyone have room for dessert?”

Vega nodded. “Bring us the entire lineup twice and put it in the centre of the table.”

“Of course, Vega. A few minutes away. Hot coffee, tea, or cocktails for anyone?”

Hari ordered a coffee, and the others asked for a variety of beverages. Asta nodded and swayed away.

By the time the desserts had been demolished, Hari was limp and warm from her bones outward. “Is food drunk a thing?”

Vega smiled and nodded. “It is, and when Asta is on duty, it is pretty common. Any night she works, tips for regular servers and orders increase by about twenty percent. She makes people hungry.”

Arkus nodded. “I can see that. It is a good thing to have in the service industry.”

Vega nodded. “She’s one of the reasons that this place is packed night after night. We love her.”

“Does Eon come in?” Hari debated unzipping her dress to get comfortable.

Vega chortled. “Yes, but she pays full price.”

“Oh, we get a discount?”

“For the governor and his consort, of course.” Vega winked. “A small discount.”

Zerul nodded. “Worth every cent.”

The server brought the bill, and Vega took it before anyone else could grab it. “My treat. I have been worrying for the last few days. This is my apology.”

Hari shook her head. “No reason for apologies. What you can do is hand the bill to Zerul. He can deduct it. Oh, and get Asta here. She hasn’t told us the answer to the mystery.”

As if summoned, the graceful woman glided toward them. “So, are you all still curious?”

Zerul nodded. “Your energy signature is familiar.”

Asta smiled. “I am a moon rabbit. Normally, they are men, but I am obviously not.”

Hari blinked. “What’s a moon rabbit?”

Zerul spoke slowly, “A very powerful avatar of an immutable power.”

Asta nodded. “This area attracts that energy, and Zerul is in charge of us. Poor bastard.” Her wide eyes were sparkling.

Zerul inclined his head. “Allow me to acknowledge you, lady.”

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