Page 8 of Potion of Deception
A deep breathleft Violette's lungs as she pushed off the wall and went into the kitchen. The smell of flower tea enveloped her as she walked to the table where her father sat with a book. His glasses fell to the tip of his nose as his eyes were following the words on the page before he noticed her.
“Dad,” she started hesitantly, plucking up the courage and hiding all her worries deep under the guise of calm. She didn't want to lie, especially to her father, but she couldn't tell him she had put her trust in a stranger. If he knew that it was all for him he wouldn't be happy; especially since it was an unwise decision to begin with. “You know, there will be a potion fair in the south and Mr. Ahenum wants me to go there to gain some experience. There will be lessons, lectures, and exhibits. I think it is a great opportunity for me to grow as a potion maker.”
“Excellent!” her dad exclaimed, a sincere smile radiating on his face, which was so unusual these days.
Confusion clouded Violette’s features. “You think so?”
“Yes, of course! You’ll see new places, get to know new people and learn something. I think it's great, and you deserve some fun time for yourself,” he expressed vividly.
A warmth spilled through her chest.
“Oh, that's nice. I worried if you would be fine with that news. I don't want to leave you alone…” Her brows turned downward, eyes gleaming with remorse.
“Don't worry about me.” He waved. “I'll be fine and I feel much better now.”
It was true. Violette didn't remember the last time she saw him moving so easily around the house as this evening. The cure was working, and it made her feel a glimpse of relief. All of it was worth it.
“I'm happy you're feeling better,” she said with a meek smile on her face.
“Yes, so don't even think about me. I want you to go and have the best time,” he voiced and stood up to put his cup aside. “Want some tea?”
Violette nodded, her smile growing more confident as she finally started to recognize her father; he almost looked as he did before, and she couldn’t help but feel emboldened by it.
The last thing she had to do was write her boss, Mr. Ahenum, a letter with some made up story about why she will be away from work for some time; and get ready for the trip. Her gaze dropped to the tea cup her father had placed in front of her – a few lilac petals were floating on the surface as the corners of her eyes fell down.
Chapter 4
BINDING SPELL
It was dark and lonely on Sorcery Road. The moonlight dimly lit the tree where Violette stood. Usually she wasn't very scared, not of the darkness, not of the empty streets, but the whole idea of meeting someone at midnight was still making her doubt her decisions.
You did the right thing, Violette. It's for your father,her inner voice chimed.
She was wearing a dark purple dress with a tiered skirt adorned with black frills on the last layer. The underbust corset was tied with ribbons in a shade matching the ones on her wrists over the long sheer black puff sleeves and her tall black boots. Meanwhile, the seashell cups of her bodice were revealing a bit of cleavage, leaving her collarbone fully exposed. The amethyst on her neck was glimmering where her patterned cloak began, flowing down her back to her thighs.
Her fingers pitter-pattered on her wand, hidden under her cloak in its sheath. What did she have to fear? She was a skilled enough magical being to resist whatever danger might be lurking in the darkness, she should've just relaxed.
“Waiting for someone?” A male voice altered the air, his tone twisted in amusement.
A coldness pricked her neck and her head snapped in his direction as she swiftly unsheathed her wand.
Dante stood leaning against the tree with his arms crossed over his chest.
“I'm warning you, if you try to scare me, I'll introduce you to my magic wand,” her eyes flashed in the light of the street lantern.
“I advise you to save your magic for later. We’ll need it.”
Violette shoved the wand back in the sheath.
“Well, what now? Midnight, a full moon. Are you a witch in disguise, trying to make some ritual?” she let out sarcastically, her hands folded over her chest.
“I believe in the idea that the sooner you start, the sooner it'll be finished,” he said airily, stalking closer.
“Fine. So are we going to the cave?”
“I'm glad you have a good memory.”
“And how will we get there?” Violette looked around but didn't notice any transportation, but then something glistened in the golden light of the lantern as Dante took it out of his cloak. An old rusted locket with a broken hinged lid.
