Page 55 of Potion of Deception
Violette already got used to the weather in the Valley of Enchanted Stories for that short time she'd spent here. It varied from rain and fog to snow and frost. Today was an unlucky day for them as the clouded sky brought with it rain.
In a few minutes the drizzle altered into a torrential downpour, making Violette's boots get bogged down in the mud along an eroding path.
For their fortune on their way they found a small summerhouse. It was a tiny building with columns but the big conical roof was spacious enough to shelter the two of them from the deluge. It didn't really help with the cold though – Violette stood there soaked to the skin, shaking like the leaves on the wind. Dante was no less wet; his shirt stuck to the body and hair dribbled with water as he ran his hand through it.
The unceasing rain tugged at the fragile windows, a flimsy door was creaking with every lash of the wind.
The room was empty, probably intended for travelers like them. With shivering hands, Violette pulled out the magic wand and with a light movement their clothes and hair got dry again.
“That's much better,” she murmured. The gentle steam from the clothes embraced her in its arms, warm and comforting,and for a brief moment, it was the nicest feeling she’d had all day.
“The rain seems to last for a long time,” Dante stated, standing near the long window, his sight directed into the distance.
Violette looked over his shoulder, following with a sigh. She placed the box on the floor, sat nearby tucking her legs under herself and leaned with her head on the wall. They were stuck here not less than a few hours, it was hardly pleasant thought. Not for her, neither for him.
Dante’s gaze dropped to her. “If I leave you for a few minutes you won't run into trouble, will you?”
She glowered at him. “I'm stuck in a little cabin and it's raining outside. What can I do?”
“You're too nosy, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd find an adventure here.”
She wanted to grimace but instead she dramatically put her hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. “Don't even know how I will live these few languid moments without your wonderful company.” And then she dropped seriously, “Where are you going?”
“Want to see if there is someplace more pleasant to stay nearby.”
He turned to go but then bent over to her again.
“One thing I should have done much earlier,” he stated and pulled out the dagger from Violette’s belt.
Violette recoiled back in confusion.
“I think you don't want to be lured by vampires, right?” The exposed blade sparkled before her eyes as she slowly stood up.
“Lured?” Her brows twisted warily, palms clenched into fists.
“Well, I definitely don't need it,” he ignored her question. “The only one who I want you to listen to is me so you need a protection spell,” he said while dipping the dagger into his big finger.
Violette's eyes watched this process with caution.
“What are you doing?”
“I guess you don't know that vampire blood has some good sides, it can protect from curses. Don’t your books say anything about it?”
“I've never read such books,” she murmured.
The blood flowed down his finger in a thin stream. Then he raised his hand and nearly pressed a finger to her lips before Violette quickly shrunk back. A few red drops stained the wooden floor.
“What are you exactly doing?” Her voice came out as a mix of anger and confusion.
“Relax, Little Witch. It's just to protect you,” he said airily.
She scolded. “Is it necessary?”
“If you are scared it will turn you into a vampire – don't worry, it doesn’t work this way.”
“I know how people become vampires,” her mouth screwed in a frown. However, did she really know? She'd only known what was said in the legends, and even so, she wasn'treally interested in vampire heritage before.
“Then what are you scared of?” he let out with ease, almost unbothered.
