AnnouncementRumour has it that a very jaded writer haunts the following spots. Feel free to drop. And don't forget to bring fresh ideas. bsky

  Discord

  "Now what happens?" Ruby asked, wrapped in the comforting bnket provided by a paramedic.

  "You know, some industrial pollutants, poisonous gases leaked from illegal fracking operations, causing hallucinations." Mom rubbed Ruby's back in small, soothing circles. "That would be the official story. As for him." She raked her eyes over Logan being loaded on a stretcher. "A kid got his nose broken on a football field... happens all the time."

  Morgane's arms never released Ruby, tightening evermore. She can only sink her chin upon Ruby's crown, a very protective gesture.

  "Darling, you did good. All things considered." Mom never praised, at least not without a hook behind. "I wish he took after his father. Too bad, he took after his other parent."

  "Mom, that thing I fought..." Ruby stammered. Her palms suddenly became cmmy. "Is it not all because of the fog?"

  "No, darling. Chaos magic can alter probability. The fog merely allowed them to reveal their true nature." Morgane held Ruby tighter. "But since you handled yourself rather spectacurly, I wonder if you can be convinced for more advanced training. Would you, darling?"

  Then she pressed her lips against Ruby's crown. Ruby can only melt within Morgane's touch. All warmth seeped through, reaching within. She can feel Mom's hands holding her tight.

  "Mom...you are pying games. I can't refuse you."

  Her fingertips raked through Ruby's scalp, gently massaging. Her touch may have rexed, all firmness abated. But her voice contained a steely lilt. "Now, darling, it's your choice. There are plenty of benefits. My training. Mother's tutege. Of course, since you are uninitiated, I may decide your path, but darling, I am always generous."

  Then her fingers traveled lower, till they brushed against Ruby's cheeks. She can only rest her gaze upon Mom.

  Morgane leaned closer, lips grazing Ruby's cheek. "So much trouble." Then she whispered through her smiles. "I may make it worth your while."

  Then Morgane brought Ruby's hands closer. Her fingers pyed through each knuckle, till they found their mark, hooking along Ruby's pinky. "All you need is to agree, darling. A simple yes can make everything easier."

  Morgane gave it a gentle tug. That sent shivers along Ruby's spine. Her voice, encouraging, lilting and den with tease, rose further. "The faster you accept, darling, the more beneficial I may prove."

  Ruby can feel Morgane's touch trail upon her hip.

  "Darling, when you feel inclined, don't hesitate."

  Suddenly, those words carried more. Those touches slithered. When she caught Mom's gaze, she could only find smirks. Mom's touches seared through. When she attempted avoidance, Mom only chuckled. It had all the teasing edge of Morgane Spenard because Mom could wear many teasing smiles. She can drop coy looks. But she can also torment.

  "Now, if you don't mind me borrowing your daughter." Kelly casually looped her arms through Ruby's and effortlessly extracted her from Mom. "Help me with loading the stroller, will you? Liam is already scared, and Sarah... she is usually a little darling."

  "Sure." Ruby gave a weak smile.

  As Kelly continued leading her, her palm traced patterns along Ruby's shoulders. Ruby continued pushing the stroller with the baby, while the boy ran ahead. Then she leaned closer. The strokes became stronger. And confident.

  Kelly remained quiet, however. That proved troublesome since her strokes traced along Ruby's arms. And continued raising higher, till they stopped on the exposed naked skin of her neck.

  "Honey, if I may ask, I am given to the understanding that until a while ago you used to be a boy." Kelly watched Ruby through squinted eyelids and met eyebrows that wiggled.

  Ruby can only try... but somehow, Mom can always manage to encroach upon her consciousness. Those sensations lingered. Her lips refused parting. When she finally relented, they could only sputter. "Yeah."

  Kelly's fingers found their mark. She pressed against Ruby's chin. With it, she tilted Ruby's gaze towards her. Kelly's breath ghosted against Ruby's lips. A single flick may lock their lips together. Even through her hazy consciousness, she can only hear her sharp exhale. It danced along her lips.

  "Look at you." Her breath traveled along Ruby's ear, tingling, teasing and bringing forth tremors. "Sorry, I had to ask. Call it curiosity. Looking at you, this close, it is all very difficult to believe."

  "Thank you... I guess." Ruby said with uncertainty if the compliment was genuine or backhanded.

  That may sound modest, since Mom insisted on Kelly's cooperation. And Ruby can only parrot, since Mom may cim otherwise.

  Then Kelly drew her fingers along Ruby's brows. She can feel them travel, descending upon her cheek, till she can feel them cradle against her jaw. With them, Kelly brought her gaze closer. She smiled. Her lips, lined pink, wore softly, dug, dimpling her cheeks. Her pale blue eyes held depths, giving her mature features softness. Her voice flowed through, curling along Ruby's consciousness, deeply den within her intoxicating tones.

  "To me, you appear exquisite. Believe me, honey." Kelly stepped closer, entering her personal space. Her touches became gentle, and her movements, nguid.

  "So did you say you have a girl my age?" Ruby deflected while she continued pushing the stroller.

  "Ah yes, Zoey." Kelly trailed her hands against Ruby's side, and tched onto it. To any casual onlooker, they could easily pass for another mother with her teenage daughter and her toddler sister on a walk. Ruby had to accept. Kelly did carry that warm, soothing gesture effortlessly.

  "Are you feeling isoted without any peer support?" Kelly's fingers dug out a bde of grass that struck in her coat. "Honey, I am afraid you won't find Zoey very cooperative. She is seventeen and, I am afraid, is in her discovering herself phase. A few weeks back, she wanted to be an influencer doing product reviews, and now she wanted to be a streamer. Though, Why would anyone want to watch another person py a game? This is all beyond me." Then she tossed her head back, to give one look at the soccer field and the audience seats. "I don't understand. Doesn't make any sense."

  "Maybe it's best, we can talk about it ter." Ruby may never meet Zoey, since her pns are rgely influenced by Mom's. And becoming a part of her cover circle, meant she may not have the privilege of socializing outside.

  Kelly id her palms upon Ruby's knuckles. They were soft. "You are lonely, honey." Her words carried truth. They caressed through her consciousness, till they skirted along Ruby's nerves. "I can make you comfortable. You can always rest against me. Anytime."

  And they arrived. Liam kicked dirt near a non-descriptive silver minivan, that was indistinguishable from the multiple other parent-preferred minivans.

  Kelly held her baby in her arms, while Ruby shoved the stroller into the minivan. When Ruby turned her gaze back, Liam had already cimed the passenger seat, and the little Sarah was all safely nestled in the baby seat.

  "Honey, a moment." Kelly drew closer. She seemed undeterred. She neared further till their toes touched. Then, her hands brought Ruby close. "I am sorry about that mayhem."

  "That was you?" Despite her self-control, Ruby found her accusation spilling.

  "Chaos witch and all." Kelly traced along Ruby's arms, caressing each knuckle, till her fingertips found purchase on her palms. "My powers can alter probability, in both good and bad ways. Usually, in my presence, it is like that annoying shoece you keep tripping about, no matter how many knots you bind, or finding the best parking spot regardless of how crowded the mall is. But in the presence of other powerful beings of magic, it rather tilts to extreme ends. The more the magical-aligned beings gathered, the more disruptive or miraculous, my magic can get."

  "You endangered everyone." Ruby could never forget seeing Ethan convulsing or Logan with blood pouring through his nose while he y unconscious.

  Kelly only tilted her chin, ciming Ruby's gaze. "Not me exactly. Remember, my powers on their own are pretty me."

  That brought the memories from the couple of minutes. The fog settled when she grasped Kelly's hands. The immediate feel of a prickling sensation when she took Kelly's hands was too vivid to ignore.

  "In my defence, and your Mom's too, neither of us expected that outcome." Kelly stared at her. Her palm continued tracing along Ruby's palms, till they became rather interlocked. "Perhaps, none of us guessed that the twins would have affinity as well."

  Then Kelly kept her silence. A companionable one since her fingers tightened their hold. She could feel them weaving over each knuckle.

  Ruby closed her fingers, enveloping Kelly's palm within. "So if your magic is unpredictable, why would anyone want a chaos witch? Shouldn't you be like locked out in a null-magic zone?"

  "But honey, we are witches. That kind of thinking belongs to the wizards." Kelly answered, while her fingers still wiggled around Ruby's palm. "Wizards, inquisitors, Padins, all one-dimensional thinkers. Nasty people. But, witches think beyond good and evil. Everything has a pce in the world, even the most disruptive of magics has its use. Covens of witches specialising in potions always have chaos witch while they brew new potions."

  "Why?"

  "Ever heard of the tale of a coven brewing a potion for heart infection and accidentally found a brew for erectile dysfunction." Kelly smirked, conveying more than knowledge. "One of my witches was involved. I can assure you. There are areas where chaos magic is an incentive. Covens who deal with Tarot and soothsaying, have a chaos witch traditionally because chaos means amplification."

  "Then, what is Mom's pn involving you?"

  Kelly chuckled. "I may know. She seeks help regarding your little issue." Then she brought her gaze along Ruby's features, towards her lips. "That may come easy since I provide excellent incentive."

  "I don't get it." Ruby found the grasp in her palms suddenly tighten as Kelly leaned closer.

  "Are you regretting it, honey?" Ursu kept her voice soft. Ruby can hear her lilt through the murmurs. "I mean, not the whole becoming a girl thing, obviously you are taking it all well, surprisingly. You are, after all, well adapted and all. But I mean the other." Kelly continued leaning closer.

  "Regretting? Regretting what?" Ruby can only find support against Ursu's arms since her weight wobbled.

  "Becoming her daughter." Kelly was now close. Close enough for their bodies to press. "Morgane is not exactly the mothering type. That can prove burdensome since she is not known for a nurturing nature." Then her voice dipped lower. Her warm breath can only cascade through. "I may provide great counterbance since I can focus solely on you. Trust me, I am good with providing maternal guidance if you find yourself cking in that aspect. Call me, will you?"

  Ruby can feel it all. The motherly touches. The concerned gazes. When she could not beat it, she agreed. Ruby leaned in for a parting hug because Kelly felt like everything she promised.

  Kelly only smiled through her affectionate hug. Then, she held Ruby a bit longer. Her touch lingered in pces that said she knew exactly where to touch Ruby.

  Kelly walked toward her minivan but turned towards Ruby before she got in. Her eyeshes batted at Ruby. "Honey, I assure you, any time you reach out to me, it can lead us closer. You will eventually find me rather receptive."

  When Mom stopped her car next, Ruby found herself in the middle of an almost sleepy district. Not that life came to a standstill at this part. Actually, the contrary was very true. Their lives came alive at night, and they moved with a nguid lethargy during the day. The neon-lit, fabulous part was where the fancy and the cool kids went to de-stress. Hardly, the kind of pce Ruby frequented, or was invited to. With Mom's involvement being her first tumble, that made it an embarrassing fact.

  Mom held Ruby's hand as she ushered her past the brilliant signs of "The Elysian."

  "Mom, this is an exclusive club."

  "I am surprised you know of it, darling." Mom wore her proud smile, which can easily change since it could morph either direction. "Been here before?"

  "Only saw it, passing." Ruby remembered hearing of its reputation. A scandalous one.

  When Morgane saw Ruby's pink cheeks, she chuckled. "Darling, you should hear all sorts of interesting tales. And let me assure you, they are all real."

  Then, Mom increased her pace. And, Ruby can only follow, since Mom didn't release her grip. She skirted the corners and only stopped before a side entrance. Mom snapped her fingers with a calcuted pause, and in a specific order, triggering invisible sigils meant only for her eyes.

  A few impatient seconds ter, Mom repeated her ritual again. The heavy reinforced door groaned its protests as it swung open. Then Mom whispered, teasingly. "Now to my favourite part."

  The two men who responded wore professional suits. Those garments covered all parts, concealing each rippling muscle. The bulging biceps, heaving and puffed chests, and wide shoulders were all Ruby needed to know. Their sheer size proved intimidating. Ruby was, in fact, surprised that they made professional suits in their size.

  Mom faced them, expecting. She didn't seem afraid. She waited, watching their reaction through her lethargically crafted half-lidded stare. A wicked smile crossed her lips. It drew wide when she saw them drop their guard.

  Then she smirked.

  "Alright boys, enough with the act. You are scaring my daughter." Mom said it with the same effort as one ordering a tte with soya milk because she was ctose intolerant.

  Their expression did not waver. Not even a flicker. They remained the same grumpy, non-engaging form as thought their parents thought of bulldogs when they did the dirty deed.

  Mom waved her hands, matter-of-factly. "Fine. We can all py hardball. I am here. So go inform Raisa, that Morgane has come."

  One bulldog guy pursed his lips. It drew thin, thinning them further. Then he rolled his shoulders. It brought him slightly higher, straightening his spine. He bared his teeth through tight jaws. When he spoke, his words carried derision. "She is sleeping."

  Then he sniffed, wiping his nose along his sleeve. His hairy fist balled, drawing tighter.

  Mom nodded, but her gaze did not falter. "Then I suggest you two bozos run and wake her. Isn't that why she keeps you both around?"

  Ruby waited while their stare-down persisted. Neither bulldog guy backed. Nor, Mom seemed afraid. Considering the fact that she deleted a man on general principles, just the previous day, Mom's attitude made sense. But those two humanoid bulldogs in suit looked like they dealt with this kind of threat as a daily annoyance.

  Then, Mom breathed evenly. She kept her voice soft, taunting. "Don't test my patience. Everyone wants something. Raisa needs her beauty sleep. I have needs, and there is a band of wailing banshee needing a new club as a performance avenue. So why don't you lead me? That would save two soon-to-be unemployed people employed."

  In her typical gait, Mom did not wait. Dragging Ruby by the arm, she sashayed past both the bamboozled men.

  Raisa's guards followed behind. Mom didn't pay them much heed, since her footsteps were directional and precise, like she knew her goal. She briskly moved past the narrow passage and through the opening corridors and climbed through a staircase, till she reached another part of the club not open even for the exclusive members.

  Mom barely flinched. She continued leading Ruby, through various doors, and halls. She entered a richly decorated hall of wanton decadence. All crystal chandeliers, and red velvet lounges with silver wares dispying cabinets and fine paintings along the walls to complement the atmosphere.

  "Not many would barge into my own home and demand that I present myself." The woman slowly walked from the farthest end of the chamber, tapping her cane. "That is a quest for the foolish and the brave, and you, Morgane, are both."

  As the woman sauntered closer, Ruby realised from her walk -- the manner in which power reverberated from the tap of her boots -- the cane she carried was symbolical in nature. She covered a few more steps. With each step, Ruby's skin prickled. She could sense the untapped power gathering, condensing along her strides.

  "I would ask why you disturbed me, but there could be only one reason." Raisa's cane tapped against the floor, announcing her progress. "You willing, Morgane?"

  Up close, the cane Raisa carried revealed its purpose. Not a means of support. Or mythical symbolism. That ornate piece of ebony wood with a silver-engraved handle punctuated everything about her power.

  Raisa leaned forward, supporting her weight against her cane. Thick strands of grey woven through her tightly held bun glistened. Even they served to accentuate her natural sharpness. She wore it proudly. And the tiny crows feet, along the corner of her unwavering gcial eyes, gave her mature features softness but barely did anything to conceal the allure. Nor did they hide the potent demand from her gaze when she raked her gaze through Ruby.

  Raisa wore a bck gown, gathered tightly, still flowing. But, they failed to hide her firm limbs and taut muscles, which were drawn rigid. When she stood erect, her aura cascaded.

  "Raisa, since you don't entertain guests, I can only assume you are amenable." Mom taunted, never stepping behind. "Since I may require your services, can we set aside pretense?"

  "Permission. Morgane. It is called permission." Raisa blue eyes, so gcial calm and deep, held Ruby fixed.

  Mom stalked forward. Every step, precise, measured and daring Raisa. "You know. I know. Let's now infte each other's ego. I have a coven to form."

  "Then pce your request." Raisa's lips parted slightly, exposing her teeth at Ruby. That gesture carried many meanings.

  "Raisa, I request the use of hallowed grounds and the ceremonial pool tomorrow night."

  "So it has come. We may proceed." Raisa ambled closer. She gripped Ruby's cheek, the grip strong and tight. Then, she sighed, a very elusive and demanding sound. "I don't make the rules, Morgane. I only enforce them."

  Ruby can only meet Raisa's gaze, since her palms remained firmly pced against her cheeks. Her shes barely fluttered while her forehead drew close. Her breath caressed against Ruby's features, urging attention, while her features drew sharper.

  Raisa didn't move. But her words held purpose. They cut through Ruby's consciousness. "Morgane, let us gamble. Let the game decide if your request is worthy. If they are, then you get the hallowed grounds and the ceremonial pools of the night of tomorrow, if not, then you know the price." Her eyes, clear blue on a pale skin, stayed on Ruby, making clear what she wanted.

  Raisa led the way, towards an imposing table, and sat on one side. She tapped her cane twice. That was the cue.

  Mom took the other chair on the opposite side, sitting cross-legged and straight-backed. Her weight fell on the backrest as though it belonged there, so unassuming and undaunted.

  From beneath the folds of her gown, Raise produced a set of dice. "Poker dice. Simple and efficient."

  "My daughter will represent me." Mom casually waved her palm.

  "Sure?"

  "It is her freedom she is pying for."

  "Then, your daughter may join." Raisa gave Ruby her smile, a bit teasing since her expression changed ever-so-slightly.

  Mom, nonchantly, leaned forward, patting Ruby's ass. "Go ahead, darling."

  When Ruby reluctantly stepped forward, Raisa straightened her posture, rolling her shoulders, giving her arms free. Her elbows flexed while she raised her palm. Ruby can only watch her fingers slowly unclench. She can feel Raisa's deep blue gaze studying her movements.

  Ruby swallowed as Raisa's hands continued unclenching, slowly, revealing, till she finally drope her palm against her p. A very inviting and bold gesture.

  A ft thump followed. And when Ruby watched Raisa, she only found smirks dancing along her lips.

  Raisa tossed five dice in Ruby's direction. "The rules are as follows: We each have our own set. You get to throw dice, hold rolls in between, and we take turns. After three turns, the winner is decided. I am a gracious host. So the Guest goes first."

  Raisa patted her p, signalling Ruby closer. Then, she wiggled a finger, coaxing her nearer. "Your dice. Please sit." Then Raisa smiled, helping Ruby settle.

  Ruby can feel all the heat rush towards her cheeks. The uncomfortable fluttering feelings swirled, and she approached closer. Her cheeks can only glow further since Raisa remained leaning on her seat, smelling sweet. It made Ruby conscious since her skin prickled while shivers shot through.

  Raisa held Ruby's chin, slowly guiding her gaze towards hers. Her touch seared, branding through Ruby's features. "It is your first time, I presume."

  "Yeah."

  A smirk lined Raisa's lips. "Sweet, and inexperienced." She snickered, tracing along Ruby's shoulder, traveling lower till her fingertips trailed along Ruby's neck. "Your inexperience may come useful."

  Then, she took Ruby's palm in her, pressed them to grasp the dice. "It's cute that you hesitate, I like that in a girl." she grabbed Ruby's wrists, guiding them through each motion. Her cane tapped while her digits cwed tighter. Then Raisa's hands traveled further, reaching toward Ruby's shoulders. "For your first roll, you may hold all five. So start tossing."

  Ruby tossed her dice. Five faces fshed. Two queens, an Ace, a Nine and a Ten.

  Raisa gave one smile. It felt incredibly powerful. "Now I may roll..." Then she raised her palm, snapping her fingers twice. In one swift motion, her dice rotated between her digits, till they whirled airborne. "Keep yours held, since I am allowed three rolls."

  Ruby kept the two queens.

  Raisa released the dice in her powerful grasp. They rolled upon the table, slowing finally. Raisa kept her expression unchanging. The smile she beamed at Ruby changed. "Now, I may roll twice, I may keep my holds, but I will not." Then, she tugged Ruby hard to fall on her p. "Such winnings are petty when I have a pretty thing like you on my p."

  Ruby could feel the sting razing her cheeks as she braced herself while perched against Raisa's strong thighs.

  "Raisa." Mom warned. "You have distracted my daughter enough."

  "You always have a pce to sit." Raisa ignored Mom, focusing her attention fully upon Ruby. "As long as I have a face." She gave one sharp squeeze, her free hand roamed over Ruby's waist before she set her free. "You may begin the real gamble."

  Ruby gathered her five dice and returned to the other side of the table. Her arms bnched with determination. The outcome was all in her hands. A simple cast of dice to end this feud between Mom and Raisa.

  She made the first cast.

  A pair of aces and a Ten, a Jack and a Queen stared at her. Ruby kept the aces, they seemed the optimal answer. She held three dice in her palms. "Your turn." Ruby announced.

  Raisa tossed her five dice. The danced upon the table till they halted. Three kings and two tens greeted her. Raisa arched her brows, widening her smile. "Your turn."

  Ruby's grip tightened. She still had a chance. Raisa's roll might be high, but not impossible to beat. In all probability, Raisa will hold her current throw. That would be the most prudent choice. Ruby calcuted her chances of success. In two tosses with three dice, victory can only be assured by two or more aces or a single Ace and another pair to make a draw.

  With a cautious gesture, she tossed her dice. Her gaze remained an intense mask of concentration. She stared intently till they settled. Two queens and a Nine stared at her.

  Now, she faced a dilemma. Either sacrifice the Ace pair or Queen pair and roll three dice again, hoping for a st win. Or toss the one lone die and hope for an Ace or a Queen to break even.

  Then, her breath held. It was time. Her gaze flickered between Mom and Raisa. Neither wore their real emotions on their faces.

  Improbable choices would win the day. Ruby felt it in her bones, soaking her essence.

  She gave one gnce toward Mom, sitting regal, poised, and remained unmoving as she perched against her chair. Then, her gaze flitted to Raisa.

  With a single silencing tap of her cane, Raisa announced. "I will pass the next throw, so make your choice and toss."

  The smirk that Ruby wore was one of conviction. Her fingers held resolute strength when she grabbed the two dice. A Queen and the Nine.

  "Interesting choice, your daughter makes, Morgane." Raisa mused openly, observing the way Ruby coiled each finger around the dice. "This is all yours. Certainly, not from her father."

  Ruby tossed the final cast. Two dice flew, striking the table, falling upon them, setting their course, till they came to a slow halt.

  Four aces and a queen stared back. An unlikely outcome and an underdog win, but one that Ruby could still embrace.

  She heard Raisa's chuckle. Mom still maintained her silence as though she knew something but wanted Ruby to experience it herself.

  Then the sharp taps of the cane against the floor followed. Each strike followed rhythmically while Raisa's features tightened.

  "Now, I have my one toss left." Raisa spoke. "I didn't hold. Only called a pass." Her smile was a toothy grin.

  She grabbed the two tens, and made her toss. Two more kings added to her suit. With that, her victory secured, Raisa stood up.

  "Morgane." The tone was meant to be civil, even polite, but it wasn't. "You know the price. Your most valuable thing for a night."

  "Fine." Mom uttered those words through clenched teeth. "Arrive at seven and collect Ruby."