"You sold me." Ruby accused while standing in her bck high-neck frock. The pastel shirt worn beneath only accentuated the burning anger in her face.

  "Darling, if I recall, you pyed the game. Not me." Mom maintained her pride. "Remember, you lost fair." Then her eyes carried her amusement as she raked Ruby from head to toe. She relished in the way the white stockings and garter belts complimented the rest of her attire for the date.

  "Excuse me. Then I did not agree to being her pything for a night." Ruby stamped her feet in frustration. Every word carried suppressed anger. She may have dived into a magical fog and fought a transformed creature, but Mom was made of different things.

  Morgane shrugged. Her fingers carefully pced against Ruby's shoulders, adjusting them straight. She dusted them, making sure Ruby's clothes looked impeccable. "The terms are clear. How would you deny?" Her touch never budged. They remained resolute. So firm, yet so gentle.

  "I won't because those aren't the terms I agreed to." Ruby felt her pulses escate since Mom's touches burned. They marked her.

  Mom adjusted Ruby's colr. Her deft fingers straightened each fold. Then, she rested her palm, cing through Ruby's scalp, weaving between her locks till they reached Ruby's nape. "Darling, I can't deny your charm. You certainly can't deny mine." Then her fingers threaded further. "Besides, you don't have a choice."

  Then Mom gave one sharp tug.

  Ruby stumbled on unsteady footing. "Mom, please. That's unfair."

  Morgane moved forward, holding Ruby's chin. "My darling daughter, all paths are fair." Her eyeshes fluttered slowly, increasing the intensity. Her features bore finality. "Some may merely be longer than others."

  "Is my dignity worth the night?" Ruby clenched her fists, trembling against Mom's touches. "You can't force me."

  Mom remained, resolute and unyielding. The ever-present smile never faded. "I can force you because you agreed. Not on Raisa's terms. But you nevertheless agreed. Yesterday, with Orith as a witness, you agreed that you owe me a favour."

  True, Mom did force that oath out of her. Granted then, Ruby was preoccupied with Dad and wanted Mom gone, but still, she did willingly give those words.

  "In case you didn't realise. On your own accord, you made a deal with a witch with another witch as a witness."

  Shadows suddenly grew longer. They crawled up. Eerie prickly sensations razed up her flesh, making Ruby feel alien in her own skin. Her nerves tensed while she stood rooted. The marrow within her bones stirred. And each sound rang clearer, till they sharpened her senses. Her breath hitched along her galloping pulse. She can feel Mom's touch scalding through her skin. It burned deeper.

  Then Mom leaned forward. Her touches bzed further.

  Sapped of all strength, Ruby crumbled to the floor, but Mom's hands held her with an unrelenting grip.

  "Now, darling, I appreciate your emotions." Morgane spoke. "But remember, one can't escape certain things." She helped Ruby, grasping her shoulders while easing her.

  Ruby sat clutching Mom's dress while her surroundings trembled. The darkness crept, rising higher till it encompassed everything. Her grip tightened since Mom held her tighter. Then she felt Mom's chest rise against her cheeks. Ruby stayed safely nestled within Mom's touch.

  "A lesson of importance, darling. From mother to daughter. Keep it engraved in your mind forever." Mom cooed through gentle strokes. "My darling daughter, never make a willing deal with a magical being. And if you found yourself giving one, force the other party to call in the favour quick. An uncalled favour is a noose tightening around your neck."

  Morgane ambled ahead, completely undaunted by her stilettos thumping. Ruby trailed behind. She preferred to stay inside, but Mom's words were a command. The stockings she wore lent her warmth against the chill wind that issued suddenly.

  "Why should we meet her outside?" Ruby asked. Her knees wobbled with each step that drove her closer to the gates. "I mean, if she is picking me up, should she not drive all the way in? Like a basic courtesy?"

  "That's because she is a High Priestess in her own right." Mom's hands kept guiding her, rather forcefully.

  Ruby can only acquiesce since all options ran dry. She can feel Mom's fingers against her spine, threading through each bone, making sure Ruby remained standing erect. Then, her hold tightened. Ruby trembled.

  "She cannot enter another Coven's domain, especially if it belongs to another powerful witch like your mother." Mom looked resplendent, decked beautifully, since her bare shoulders were exposed, accentuating her body. The surreal chillness seemed to have negligible effect on Mom.

  Further thoughts and ideas of resistance dissipated when a sleek bck limousine pulled outside their gates. The sudden, streamlined movement came to a halt. That heralded Raisa's arrival. The car skirted along until it stopped beside them. Then the door opened, revealing a lush and vish interior.

  First came the tapping on her cane. Raisa appeared serene. She maintained her elegance while she stepped forward, and fixed Ruby beneath her intense gaze.

  When Ruby didn't move, Morgane csped her shoulders, dragging her forward.

  That meant Mom expected her cooperation.

  Approaching Raisa, the grip loosened. Mom seemed content. "Raisa cannot hurt you, darling. She is expected to return you safe." Mom uttered because Ruby stood transfixed. "Now smile because you have beautiful lips." Morgane raised her fingers along Ruby's arm, increasing their intensity till they trailed towards Ruby's neck. "Since I am generous, you may spend a few extra hours at her pce." Then she traced her fingers to Ruby's chin and took it firmly within her grip. "Have fun, my darling daughter."

  Ruby could only snivel since Mom patted her ass.

  "Remember, since you lost fairly, you are obliged." Mom whispered, leaning close. Her breaths grazed against Ruby's cheeks. "Raisa can't hurt you. Your mother forbids it." Then Mom continued smirking. "But I would consider appealing to Raisa's mercy. She may prove lenient."

  Then Mom pecked her forehead, trailing kisses along her temple, reaching toward her cheek. Her kisses drifted further, lingered closer to her lips, but never sought them.

  When Ruby returned her gaze, Mom wore her magnanimous smile. It held mischief. Her features exuded graciousness, concealing a deep and cunning mind. And when her fingers reached Ruby's shoulder, she gave one final pat.

  That gesture signaled finality.

  Raisa's gaze was intense. A pang of fear gripped Ruby. Her body jittered. She can feel her palms tremble while her vision blurred. With an unsteady gait, she marched closer, never turning her gaze until she grasped Raisa's offered arms.

  Raisa pulled Ruby within her embrace. With one touch, Ruby sensed her strength. Her fingers pulled her closer. They gripped harder, binding her. Then Raisa raised one diamond-ring-encased finger to relinquish Ruby's features. Her fingers trailed upwards, till they weaved through her hair. They ghosted through her features, sending prickling shivers.

  Yet, for all the undisguised attempts, Raisa did not leer, nor rub against her. She only held Ruby gently, allowing her to step inside the limousine on her own accord.

  Still, Ruby can feel it. Her fingers. They were like cws. They never retreated.

  Raisa's touch remained lingering, even when Ruby settled inside the Limousine. Then Raisa raised her cane and tapped the roof, signaling the chauffeur to drive.

  Alone, and trapped inside the back seat of a long limousine, Ruby clenched her thighs together, feeling Raisa's looming presence.

  When Ruby finally found her courage, she looked up. "Hi!"

  Raisa shifted closer and faced Ruby. The sheer force emanating within her deep blue gaze proved hypnotic. They could easily sear and leave their mark when Raisa smiled baring her teeth.

  With one definitive tap of her cane, Raisa whispered. "You can rex, witchling" She reached beside and poured two flutes of champagne. "You might want to get comfortable and acquainted since it's a long ride to my estate."

  Raisa thrust a flute of champagne in Ruby's direction. When only inaction was Ruby's response, Raise raised her tone. "Girl, if you want, I could turn and return you back to your mother."

  That threat dragged Ruby from her self-erected flimsy barrier of resistance. She considered the witch before her. This may bring her closer, both literally and figuratively.

  "I don't drink." Ruby's voice quivered while her features tightened. She found herself slightly flushed, since Raisa can stare really hard.

  The smile Raisa beamed at Ruby remained unchanged. She brought her flute near Ruby's lips.

  "Drink." Raisa urged, through smiles.

  When Ruby declined further, Raisa gripped her wrist, drawing her closer. "It's Dom Perignon 1979 vintage. They are limited edition."

  Raisa pinched Ruby's chin, forcing her mouth open. "Don't worry. I am kind. I won't make you choke." She eased her grip. Her fingers traced against Ruby's lips, while her thumbs traveled along Ruby's jaws.

  Ruby could always demand that Raisa order her chauffeur to turn. But then, that meant meeting Mom. Raisa, with her sharp gray streaks held in a tight updo and with pearl neckces accentuating her necklines, might look like a high-society mother attending her child's graduation party, but her actions were more predatory. Yet, she wielded power, even over Mom.

  Morgane Spenard never begged. She took. A fact, Ruby witnessed very personally. Still, Raisa forced Mom to barter, and yield the price. By all means, Mom hated being cornered into a fair deal, and Raisa was powerful to force Mom.

  Ruby accepted the flute. She would require all her strength ter. She sipped her gss. The chilled, effervescent liquid eased her nerves, as she slowly felt them finally settling. However, Ruby kept her silence as Raisa continued observing her.

  "Drink it slowly." Raisa warned. Her gaze bore deeply. "There is plenty more." Then she watched while Ruby sipped. Raisa shifted and sat, barely inches apart. "You can rest your arm against mine. You will find me comfortable."

  When Ruby decided her silence might offend her hostess, she spoke. "Will you allow me my dignity?"

  Raisa snickered, emitting cold mirth. "No, I won't. You can ask, though." Her fingers tightened. They stroked along Ruby's knees, tightening through their heat, forcing them apart. "Though you can act shy. Your feigned modesty may provide great allure."

  Ruby stiffened.

  Raisa trailed her digits against her stocking covered knee.

  Ruby uttered. "What can I call you?"

  Raisa maintained her calm features, stroking further along Ruby's thighs. "Little witchling, You may call me Madam, since I possess you for the night." Then her finger tightened. Her nails raked through Ruby's knees, forcing them apart. "But we may skip all formality to reach an intimate depth."

  Ruby sat upright since Raisa's strokes veered dangerously close. Her scent, a very potent mix of ripe berries and pleasant wild flowers, filled Ruby's nostrils. The taste lingered against her tongue. It was powerful. Overwhelming. Inescapable.

  Raisa unbuttoned her cufflinks, rolling them neatly to reveal her strong forearms. Then she eased against her seat, affording Ruby gnces. She still remained perched inches apart.

  With her cane as a lever, Raisa raised Ruby's chin. The power in that move tore Ruby's essence from her soul. Her breathing raced while shivers rattled through her body. She could feel the rush wash over her spine. Her nipples, suddenly demanded attention.

  "Come, get comfortable." Raisa gestured to her p. She beckoned Ruby closer. Those open arms seemed welcoming; her looks very expectant. "A beautiful girl, you are. A gift only your mother can give. It complements my taste." Raisa caught Ruby. Her grip never rexed. They never pulled or drew her closer.

  Ruby can sense the ethereal pull since they encompassed everything. Fingers tightened, cing through Ruby's skin till each nerve tingled.

  Raisa eased her grip. "Sit on my p, since I can help you unwind." Her digits moved slowly, grabbing Ruby's palm, edging closer till her palms wrapped securely. "Your nervousness betrays you. But I may help. Only if you allow."

  Ruby sat hesitantly on Raisa's p. Her rump rested against Raisa's thighs, while her legs dangled uselessly. Her chest heaved, creating palpitations. Ruby can feel all her defences wilting because she submitted.

  Raisa's fingers raked through Ruby's cheek, tapping her chin, releasing her, leaving their mark. Then they travelled along Ruby's neck, slowly drawing her closer, never releasing their tightening grasp.

  Her touch scalded through Ruby's skin. Raisa can touch everywhere. Her palms can cim. They can conquer. The power, thrumming within her fingertips, sent jitters racing through Ruby's nerves.

  "How may I serve you?" Ruby can only hear herself whisper faintly since Raisa continued imposing. "You can request whatever you wish."

  Ruby found herself tangled within Raisa's fingers as they weaved through her hair. Odd shivers cascaded through her spine. They assaulted Ruby, sensitising each nerve while prickling through her flesh. Then her breathing hastened. Raisa traced her fingers against her pulse.

  "Then pretty witchling, may I ask you to allow me access?" Raisa spoke while her palm rested against Ruby's waist. She can feel the tingling warmth rising along her limbs, spiraling higher till they reached Ruby's chest. "Or I can command you." Her palms squeezed further. "Tell me, can I make you sing sweet moans?"

  Ruby can sense Raisa's pressure. She can feel her strength because Raisa drew her closer. "If I may, can I kiss you?"

  Then Ruby perceived Raisa's breaths nearing. They floated through Ruby's lips, heightening all sensations. They reached deeper.

  Raisa's palm found purchase on the naked skin of Ruby's thigh. The hem of her frock hiked up, and the part of her flesh not covered by her stocking now responded to Raisa's ministration.

  Ruby hissed through clenched teeth.

  Raisa brushed her lips against Ruby's earlobes. Those tender fleshes budged, receiving Raisa's love like they can never resist her assault.

  Ruby can only wait while Raisa explored her body.

  Then Raisa sighed. Wisps of her breath kissed through Ruby's cheeks, warming them. "Let me enjoy your luscious body. That is what I desire for this night." Then she tightened her grip. Her hold became absolute as Ruby felt Raisa's fingers grip her ass. "Can I explore your body till we reach my estate? I assure you, my p is as comfortable as any luxury seat."

  Raisa's words were a sizzling promise, as though she can command her body to obey.

  "You can." Ruby gasped since Raisa pinched her rump. Those deft fingers tightened. They aroused her. "Do whatever you please, since I am sold for your whims by my own Mother."

  Raisa leaned forward. Her canines bared, threatening through smiles like they could tear her flesh. They probably can.

  Then Raisa neared, gently brushing her lips against Ruby's neck. The throbbing pulse echoed through so potently that Raisa would have easily sensed it. "Then lie against my chest while I soothe you."

  Ruby felt Raisa's warm breath shing through her earlobes, and something more. A change. Sudden and unexpected entered Raisa's demeanour.

  "Little witchling, we are not padins or inquisitors, to take women against their will." Raisa asserted, forcing Ruby on her bosom. "We are witches. Remember that well. I... We... do not force anyone against their consent." Then Raisa cupped Ruby's chin, ensnaring her within her intense hold. "I can make tonight special. But only if you will it. And if your wish is not for anything to happen, then we go to a grand dinner and a tour of my private collections. Nothing else will happen."

  Her grips ceased while she waited. Raisa maintained her pose, but her features softened further, measuring Ruby through silence.

  Raisa considered Ruby. "Dinner, my beautiful witchling. Possibly followed by brandy served beside a roaring fire." Her smile formed gently.

  That tenderness changed Raisa. Now Raisa seemed temptingly more. Those hidden depths proved intoxicating.

  Ruby could only examine her heart. She felt conflicted since she may neither advance nor retreat. Her breathing raced. Ruby can feel Raisa's softness very poignantly now. It robbed her will. And she can feel her core pulsating. Each throb answered Raisa's seduction as though they can recognise her nguid allure.

  Raisa offered her a choice. She never forced. But Mom did. Took the favour owned like an envenomed dagger held against her neck. A favour that she was forced to give because Mom forced the circumstances. No one but Morgane Spenard could contrive a pn that involved the arrival of Dad at their date. Once again, Mom pyed her hand while seemingly offering her her own agency and autonomy.

  Raisa held her close. "Can I know your consent?" A promise lurked beneath her words. Her palm squeezed, resting against Ruby's knuckles, soothing them with soft motions.

  Denying Raisa should be easy. A single word. A no will suffice. Ruby could say that at the risk of denying her chance for a revenge. She could be fucking Mom -- figuratively, of course -- by fucking the one woman who got the best out of Mom in a fair deal.

  Ruby took Raisa's digits, parted her thighs wide, and guided them towards her aching clit. Then, when she twisted to kiss Raisa on the lips, she did so because it felt natural. And because she wanted to. Raisa felt real, and genuinely caring at that moment. And she did it because she felt like doing it. And she chose to do it.

  Notions of revenge became superficial.

  Raisa kissed her gently. She may be powerful, dangerously capable of standing beside Morgane Spenard, but she was also infinitely gentle with her approach.

  Raisa sucked Ruby's tongue.

  Ruby can feel her moistening clit responding eagerly to Raisa's touch. Her moans -- long-suffering sounds, ced between gasps -- filled the interior. They permeated through until they reached deeper, eliciting more muffled sounds. She felt Raisa's grip holding her ass.

  Ruby gripped Raisa's cheeks tight, since Raisa stroked her bia through the sheer and flimsy fabric of her thongs. Fingertips ran along their length, rubbing till they reached her treasured pearl. The fervent wetness heightened her nerves while her pleasure ascended.

  Raisa curled her fingers, unzipping Ruby's frock. The parting revealed her braless form, since Mom picked her outfit. That gesture bared her stiff nipples. Raisa broke the kiss. Her head lowered to one nipple.

  "Please..." Ruby whimpered. Her whines came long-drawn and pleading.

  Her tender flesh hardened. They responded easily to Raisa's tongue encircling her nub and fttening it, while fingers stroked along Ruby's folds. She can feel Raisa's digit soaked in her wetness oozing through the fabric.

  "Raisa..." Ruby heard her whimper over the sounds of Raisa's continued sucking. Her teeth grazed against Ruby's stiff bud while her fingers found purchase along Ruby's hips. "Raisa, please." Her gasps sped through each heartbeat, while her flesh tingled further because Raisa's palms held them tight.

  Then Raisa's hands traced, gently drawing Ruby's thongs aside. They traveled, leaving their mark. Their intensity seared deeper.

  Ruby found her seating slipping, made slick by her own sinful secretion. They soaked Raisa's thighs. Her folds almost unraveled, finding strength in Raisa's exploring fingers. The sensitive flesh ached more. Her seating became more unsteady. Only Raisa's hand on her hips and the ministrations of her lips on her nipples held her.

  "You are sweet, little witchling." Raisa spoke through broken breaths while Ruby's swollen clit leaked profusely. Her palms raised, rubbing her tender breasts, massaging them, holding them close, while she trailed kisses along Ruby's jugurs.

  Ruby's gasps hitched further when Raisa eased her through slow strokes. She can feel her desire course through her body. It was primal. Strong. Impossible to deny. Ruby could only moan when Raisa's nguid kisses dominated her neckline.

  Ruby slipped again. "Sorry..." But her words were silenced by Raisa's lips ciming her mouth.

  When Raisa squeezed her nipple, Ruby squealed in an urgent need to surrender. Each wave washing through her body commanded her will. And they crested refusing her thoughts.

  "Will you come, little witchling?" Raisa's question fuelled Ruby's fever. They awoke more desires. "Here. Let me adjust."

  Raisa adjusted her cane. With the silvery handle poised above, she shifted Ruby. Their faces close enough for their eyes to meet unguarded and their lips to lock tight.

  Even without instruction, Ruby knew what she must do. What was expected of her. What Raisa wanted her to do. Ruby inched closer with her legs widely parted. The silver handle still carried the warmth of Raisa. A curl of fire shot from her hooded pearl when the smooth surface met her clit.

  "Go ahead, sweet witchling." Raisa's blue pupils twinkled as they held Ruby easily. She looked magnificent while her firm grip guided Ruby through careful strokes. "You know what to do. Your wetness can testify."

  Those words sang through Ruby's ears, increasing her frenzy. Her muscles quivered while her wanton secretions flowed freely.

  Ruby rubbed her cunt along the handle of the cane, feeling its curves dance between her folds. Each motion matched her rising heartbeat, while her hands held on to Raisa's shoulder, seeking purchase to not fail her bance. Then each time she rose, her soft, wet bia kissed against the smooth silver, leaving their trace. Her wetness marked Raisa's power.

  With fingers weaving through Ruby's locks, Raisa smiled. "Now, smear your love all over my cane. Give your orgasm, unfettered and freely, little witchling."

  Ruby squirmed when Raisa reached forward, tucking stray locks behind her ears. The deliberate move held purpose. Raisa traced her digit along Ruby's earlobes while gently keeping them arched.

  Then, she waited, allowing Ruby to rub her cunt against her cane. Their gazes locked.

  Ruby rose higher. Her moist lips met Raisa's. The silvery handle kissed her blood-engorged clit. Her immoral leaking coated the surface, dripping till it painted the shaft.

  Her nerves tingled when Raisa stroked her breasts. The sensation pooled within Ruby's nipples as Raisa raised her free palm, engulfing each bud within her grip. Ruby dug her nails through Raisa's nape while Raisa dragged Ruby closer. Her breath, rich and passionate, seared through Ruby's lips. They reached deeper.

  Then, Ruby felt her throbbing desire increase. All senses coalesced to her clit. It was intense. Each motion increased Ruby's fervour with her desires pulsating.

  "Ride harder, my little witchling. Release your desire." Then, Raisa capture her lips again. Their tongues ced. The gasps escated and the urges deepened. Raisa consumed her moans through her lips.

  Her ardent desires continued escating. Ruby felt the demanding purr of her clit. All other sensations ceased. Her skin can only feel each ridge along Raisa's silvery cane. Her olfactory lobes can only smell her arousal mingling with Raisa's smell. Her breasts can only feel Raisa's silken touches caressing them.

  Her hips cantered faster, allowing each ridge to slide along her folds. The smooth curve hugged her clit. The feeling blossomed till Ruby was reduced to a mewling, demanding mess. Everything inside her rose and fell, rose and fell. A weird interpy of ebb and flow as her body ached for the release.

  Only Raisa's tongue, mirroring their rising passion, twined through her lips. Then her fingers tightened in a gentle way, as though they could guide her motions through the onset of orgasms.

  Raisa leaned forward. "Do you wish my guiding touches, witchling?"

  Ruby could only nod since words abandoned her. Her hips gyrated further on their own. It felt unimaginable. Their intensity continued spreading from her clit washing them in an ever-surging tidal wave. Ruby moaned when each ridge teased her swollen clit. Her moans were promptly silenced by Raisa's kisses again.

  The intensity continued to climb. The burning sensation mounted. It struck her core, igniting everything inside. Her body became feverish. All sensations centred around her cunt. The pleasurable surge billowed from within. Ruby felt it rising, flowing through her veins, through her nerves, engulfing all thoughts.

  Then Ruby reached her climax. The sound she emitted filled the limousine, while her juices stained Raisa's cane.

  Each spasm robbed her strength. They left her soul dripping, riding each cresting wave. Her features glowed. She can feel her folds unravelling. Ruby can only pant while her whole body thrummed.

  With one final groan, she leaned against Raisa, completely exhausted.

  Raisa pnted kisses against her lips and along her neck, trailing them to her jawline. "Such sweet moans you make, little witchling." She traced through their softness, worshiping their fwlessness. "So adorable. Such a delicious release."

  "Sorry... about..." Ruby uttered, even as Raisa continued her soothing ministrations.

  Her luscious lips nded along Ruby's temple. "I can assure you, my little witchling, you can smear as much as you want. It is all my pleasure." Her smile formed beautifully.

  "Okay." That one word fell easily while she nestled in Raisa's grip. Her fingers sought the comfort of Raisa's shoulders. "Thank you, I guess."

  Raisa pnted one kiss against her lips. She drew them closed, slow, unhurried, indulging their sensuality. "It pleases me greatly when you give yourself completely." Then she pulled Ruby, tightening her grasp till Ruby perched upon her thighs. "I should admit, I might miss you in the morning."

  When Ruby searched Raisa's features, her unyielding gaze returned her intentness. "I am sorry. Those are Mom's terms..."

  "Morgane forced you. Did she not?"

  "Yes."

  "Don't worry." Raisa spoke quietly, smoothing her fingers through Ruby's locks. Then she tapped her cane twice, indicating to her chauffeur. "Just rex. You would find my estate intriguing." Her voice carried assurances. "You will find your stay wonderful."

  Ruby endured her comfort. She didn't know much about Raisa. But Mom was wary, which meant Raisa did possess powerful abilities.

  Then Raisa caught her, drawing Ruby closer, settling her till she found herself leaning against Raisa's chest.

  Ruby gazed upward. She witnessed Raisa's blue pupils. They cked malice. There was also silent kindness. And strength. Raisa exuded raw confidence, powerful, neither aggressive nor arrogant. Her sharp iron gray hair only accentuated the image.

  "Just out of curiosity, did she force you because you swear to return a favour?" asked Raisa.

  "She tricked me into a situation. Forced me to ask her favour and held it against me."

  Raisa grimaced. "Is that what you think is the truth, little witchling?"

  That puzzled Ruby. "Yes. I am certain. Mom pnned it that way to make me obedient."

  Raisa only nodded. "We all make vows when we enter coven. But little witchling, do you know what makes the truth different for witches?" She cupped Ruby's cheeks, radiating soft warmth. "The truth is very binary for wizards. Even more so for padins and inquisitors and wardens. Not for witches. We are more close to mystics in this way. We see truths as a mere projection biased by our own experience."

  In that instant, Ruby accepted one fact. Raisa wore her honesty freely, donning it, coating herself completely. Her intentions echoed clearly.

  Then Raisa reached forward; slowly, one palm settled upon Ruby's shoulder. "To be a witch, little witchling, is not to fling magic and toss spells. We do not use magic. We work magic. To be a witch is to peer through the veil of perceptions and know the truth in its multiple facets. That is what separates us."

  Somewhere in that convoluted reasoning of Raisa resided a kernel of an important lesson. One that Raisa wanted Ruby to infer on her own. Almost akin to handing her a roadmap without a quest marker, and all Ruby had to do was explore on her own.

  "Think about it." Raisa's palms wandered over Ruby's knees, adjusting the hem of her frock to give her her modesty back. "A widowed queen with her young prince knocks on your door for an augury. You see a certain death in the prince's short life. Still, you warn the queen of an approaching threat to the prince's life and advice her to be vigint. Why?"

  It came as a hypothetical riddle, but the answer required careful consideration.

  "Because people cannot handle the absolute truth in their worst." Ruby provided. "Better to provide them a chance at control, even if it were an illusion. That would prevent them from falling into despair."

  The limousine gave one final hum before halting to silence.

  "Come, we have reached my estate." Raisa released Ruby from her hold. "Since the night is still young, little witchling, here is something for you to ponder while we explore together. Consider what you just said. We shall broach the subject again in the morning."

  Then, the door opened, and Ruby's face scalded red, a brilliant radiant crimson as she realised the chauffeur, a heavy-set woman with a neutral expression, stood outside.

  When Ruby stepped outside, she heard the chauffeur utter in a polite tone. "Enjoy the night, Miss. For the night is still young."

  Then the smirk she bore vanished without a trace, leaving Ruby drenched in blushes.

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