Thea

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It’s been a week since Klaus and I left Abion. I was unconscious, so all my knowledge about that day is the merit of my new friend. He told me about what happened in every detail, without concealing a single detail, and also shocking me with one revelation after another.

My seventeenth year of life was full of discoveries about mythical creatures. I knew about magicians and witches, but I didn’t know that I could be a witch myself. It was like a bolt from the blue and still little believed in it. I was impressed to learn that my Jen was a witch who managed to hide in the palace so successfully. I wonder how she is there alone now?

But the big revelation and shock for me was the essence of King Abion. I’m still going over in my head that day when I was trying to find similarities between Raphael and the image from the book about magical creatures. His bloody eyes never let me rest, it was so strange to have such an eye color. Later, from Adeline, Jen’s sister, who sheltered us, I learned that all vampires can change the color of their eyes. That’s how they manage to hide their identity. But what made Raphael be so open in his appearance? Why is his eye color always the same?

What a fool I was to be alone with him, because he could have taken my life infinitely many times already. And given the power of vampire hypnosis, I doubt he didn’t try to drink my blood.

A memory flashed through my mind of him giving me a healing potion that turned out to be nothing but his own blood. But it’s worth noting that it really saved my life. He helped me out more than once, didn’t let me die. Therefore, the discovery that Raphael was a vampire passed with easy acceptance, without excessive anxiety and fear over his nature. I just couldn’t understand why he never confessed to me. Although maybe it should be reformulated differently - why was I so blind not to notice?

It’s only been seven days, and just like that ill-fated day, I was emotionally devastated. Deep down, I forgave him for his silence, but I didn’t forgive the deception. His game with me took too long, involving me in his networks, forcing me to fall in love, while for him it was all frivolous.

Thanks to Adeline, I try to distract myself day by day so as not to completely close myself in. I’m learning to move on.

By the way, Adeline turned out to be an amazing girl. I won’t lie if I say that he and Jenine are like twins emotionally. Adeline is younger than her sister and this so clearly affects her character. She is flighty, emotional, hyperactive and very funny. And also kind and sensitive. I thought of Jen with sadness. I missed having her around. I hope she’s all right.

- Fuuh, I’m soooo exhausted. - the red-haired girl muttered, jumping on the soft sofa in the living room.

The house in which the three of us now lived was very small. In addition to the living room, kitchen and bathroom there were only two rooms. So now I lived with Adeline in one room, and Klaus took the other, although he resisted to the last and declared that he could sleep on the sofa in the living room.

- And you don’t look like it, you’re still as energetic. - I said with a smile. – You live alone, work and support yourself. I’ve never lived like this, so I find it amazing.

- Oh, come on. - she waved it off, laughing playfully. - The work is not dusty, although you have to stand on your feet all day. But it actually brings me a great income. Thanks to Grandma for the transferred skills in potions. Otherwise I wouldn’t be so popular at the fair.

- Yes, her merit cannot be understated. - I nodded. - By the way, you said you’d introduce me to the coven, but I’m a little worried. You know, probably a lot of people are looking for me now, won’t it be dangerous?

- Oh, don’t worry, I’ve already thought of everything. We will create a new identity for you. But you have to do something with your hair, it stands out very much. But I have something for this case, too. - She jumped up and grabbed her bag, pulling out a green bottle. - I brewed this potion today, while there were no customers in the shop. All you have to do is wash their hair.

- But won’t my hair turn green? - I asked, embarrassed, which made her laugh.

- Hey! What’s wrong with green? Very original. - Adeline teased. – Don’t worry, the hair will become just red, like mine. After all, I plan to introduce you as my second cousin, sooo far away. Well, in general, so that no one has ever seen or heard of you until this day.

- Well, that’s something. Still, green is probably too eye-catching. - I laughed.

Adeline told me that it was better to keep my unfolding abilities a secret from the coven. More precisely, what I can do with my bare hands. She was very caring and helped me create my own wand, which I built myself out of wood and burned on fire created from a spell.

According to her, the coven supports every witch, trains and mentors. So it was kind of a school for witches and that was exactly what I needed. After all, I was still in disbelief that I still have a magical beginning. Although I could hardly believe that I was a witch, because all my relatives were hereditary magicians. But in the current situation, the less others know about me, the more profitable and safer it is for me.

With the help of artfully prepared potions, I was also able to change my eye color from blue to green, as well as slightly change my appearance, making it less refined and more simple, down-to-earth. However, there was a downside – potions had to be drunk every day, otherwise their effect would come to naught.

- You’re still the same cutie, although now you look more like me. I like. - Adeline praised. – By the way, isn’t this handsome guy sleeping too long?

It turned out that Klaus was still that dormouse, in any spare moment he slept without hind legs. Therefore, when I remembered his oath of allegiance, I started laughing, because this is the most sleepy guard in the world and in case of danger, most likely he will sleep just as soundly.

I just shrugged my shoulders at Adeline’s question, and she happily ran to wake him up. I immediately noticed that Klaus had attracted her attention. Although he was too callous to notice her increased attention. Therefore, I could only be on the sidelines and not interfere with things happening the way fate intended, if it had a place to be here.

I wonder how my fate will turn out in the end? Will I ever have a family, a loving husband and children?

- Here you go again. Yes, how much is possible? - Adeline’s loud indignation came from above.

She went downstairs, carrying a blanket in her hands, which she pulled off the sleeping Klaus. Her nose wrinkled and her face expressed displeasure.

- He kicked me out of the room again. - she pursed her lips. – And what if he’s not dressed? What didn’t I see there?

After all, in addition to her good features, there is also some impudence and lack of shame. But in a compartment with a cute face, she looked insanely funny every time she sulked and was indignant.

- God, have a conscience already. It’s not right for a girl to break into a man’s room. And don’t say that this is your room a priori – it doesn’t matter in this situation. - Klaus shouted, who seemed to have woken up in a bad mood.

- Do you mind if I leave you and go for a walk for a while? - I asked while the two were bickering with each other.

- Wait, I’ll get ready now. - Klaus interjected.

- No, no, I would like to walk alone. I need to clear my head. - I waved it off. - I look different now, so I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.

He curled his lips in displeasure, but nodded. Although it looked like he was just trying to escape from the abundant attention of the young witch. She is really very assertive, it’s amazing how she still hasn’t found a fish on her hook.

The town of Lourdes could rather be called a large village. He was far from civilization and life here was quiet and peaceful. It was located in the kingdom of Easthev. And although there were rulers here, everyone knew that they were only nominally, because the current king was in the tenacious hands of the supreme witch. But that was until relatively recent events, because the local ruler died at a ball that was organized by my stepmother. And now the throne remains empty until a new ruler has been elected. But this did not prevent people from continuing to live on without knowing troubles and sorrows. Everything went on as usual.

Not far from the place where we now live, there is a fair where the Adelin potion shop is located. Therefore, after listening to her stories, I decided to take a walk there, at the same time I will look around the neighborhood.

Today was a weekday, it was already evening and there weren’t many people, but some shops were still working. One of these was with street food. I wasn’t allowed to go to the markets before, so I’m excited about this idea now. I approached one of their open shops and a mixture of all kinds of smells immediately hit my nose, which caused my stomach to rumble. It smelled divine.

A couple of days ago, I asked Adeline to sell my jewelry to have some cash, but she was categorical and just gave me pocket money. It was awkward, but I accepted them, promising to get a job and return everything to a penny.

Therefore, now, having a certain amount of money, I bought 3 skewers with chicken and omuk. I wasn’t going to spend any more, planning to live with restraint until I got a job, but just the sight of a garland of dried persimmons shook my confidence and I spent a little more.

The omuk just melted in my mouth, leaving a pleasant fishy aftertaste and I was happy just to go and enjoy such mundane moments. Now I really felt freedom, I felt a thirst for life. And although the pain has not passed yet, I just took it for granted, as a certain stage of my life that will definitely pass, it just needs to be endured.

After walking a lot, I felt tired in my legs and decided to sit down on a bench in the company of dried persimmons. Yes, this is definitely the best company for tonight. Delicious.

- May I sit next to you? – asked the man who came from nowhere.