"Wake my, my sweet, sweet, sleepy witchling."

  That dreamlike whisper woke Ruby. Her eyelids nguidly opened. The world took its shape. A ray crept through cy drapes. Then it parted, filling her vision. Soft light soon repced shadows.

  The blur faded. Only the soft comfort of Raisa remained. Ruby cuddled herself further beneath silken sheets, catching their texture along her naked form. She pushed further into Raisa's softness. They adorned her, slipping through her smooth skin, giving comfort with her warmth.

  When Raisa draped her arm and pulled closer, Ruby could only mewl. "Just a bit longer."

  In Riasa's arm, even her nudity came out very natural. No trepidation. No apprehension. Her nakedness was the most natural thing for Raisa's palm to hold.

  Raisa crooned, embracing Ruby with her arms. "Oh... What excitement you possessed st night, little witchling!!" Her palm settled, encircling Ruby's hip, finding the familiarity of the earlier night along its curves.

  "Thank you." Ruby murmured through her drunken stupor. "It was amazing."

  Ruby settled along Raisa’s frame, unfazed by her thigh digging in her partner's groin.

  In turn, Raisa's legs y draped along Ruby's thighs, unbothered through their nakedness. Then her fingertip settled along Ruby's heart shaped bottom. It travelled through her smooth curves till it rested against her wetness. "These I enjoyed tasting."

  "Hey Raisa, umm...." Ruby halted. Reluctance held her words, but their carnal tryst of the previous night unshackled any such restraint. "So like do I... We... always get multiple climaxes?"

  "Not always. So don't go expecting it. But not uncommon either." Raisa rose, cradling Ruby's naked body in her arms. Then she guided Ruby's finger along her rump. "It might depend on you. And the circumstance. Let your desires guide you. Don't suppress them. A bit distraction, they may pique."

  Ruby wondered, bewildered, while her fingers touched. Her pads found dewiness where they settled along her cleft. “I feel different. Like less feminine.”

  Raisa coaxed Ruby's finger further. She took them in her caring hold. "Oh, little witchling. One climax may feel intense, two may unravel you, three may transform you. There are rituals designed precisely based on female sexuality. One you would soon learn."

  Ruby resisted, tugging Raisa back to the inviting bed. The gap in age seemed to bear minor concern suddenly. Especially when Raisa was such an interesting and meticulous lover.

  "Come witchling." Raisa reverted. "Today is your big day. You will be formally as one of us. So as adorable as you are, and a demanding lover, if I may add, I cannot monopolise this cuteness."

  "But if I could stay a little while on my own accord?" Saying that loud felt exhirating. Even liberating.

  The night changed her. In more than one way. Raisa changed her. She was hardly comparable to the girl who got into a luxury limousine with a domineering stranger because Mom commanded it. She could only stare at the new revetion with her strength to voice her own demands.

  So many nagging questions stirred within Ruby. They demanded answers. The frustrating part... they seemed undiscoverable. All her belief structures shifted.

  "No little witchling. I would love that. But no." Raisa's tone was warm and soft, but that did not lessen the impact of rejection. Then she kissed her forehead. The act was meant to calm Ruby, but it did not. "I am sorry, sweet witchling. You need to get ready. Morgane expects you."

  Ruby stared daggers. Her annoyance boiled within. "So you are just sending me? Just like that?"

  Raisa held Ruby's chin. "I love your feistiness." Her tone dipped. "Learn to take no for an answer, witchling."

  Those words flipped everything. It shattered her confidence. Ruby whined. Her posture slouched. "So, are you telling me you were stringing me all along?"

  "My Aspect forces me into a witch dually portrayed. Sometimes I devour children and at times, make a deal with the hero." Raisa turned her back to Ruby and took a thick morning robe. Her flippant attitude resounded with the way she tossed it over her shoulders. When her hand grabbed her cane, they tapped the ground mirthless. "They are things you learn while wandering the forest alone in a hut with chicken legs. Powerful as I am, there is wisdom in not forging a war path against Morrigan."

  Ruby struggled in the bed, where Raisa's warmth still remained.

  "So, my little witchling, hear my words carefully. Now stop sulking, pretty yourself. Get cleaned. Make yourself presentable." Then she paused by the door. "My time with you came with an expiry date. I wish I could provide you with a safe haven. But I can't."

  Morgane Spenard would forbid it. Those unspoken words rang true.

  "May I ask you one question?" Ruby realised Raisa's choice. She respected her decision. Ruby waited for a brief second. For a brief breath. She held herself till she caught Raisa's gaze meeting her. "Will we ever meet again?"

  "Of course. Little witchling. Of course." Then, his voice turned all serious. "Make yourself pretty. If I am not wrong and I am never wrong, Orith will be here for you."

  Ruby sauntered down. Not exactly lethargic, rather deliberate, swaying her hips seductively. Though her feistiness remained untouched. It radiated through her poise. Only the sound of her soles clicking along the marble floors reverberated.

  Orith stood mute. She held her arms crossed, leaning against a marbled column.

  For the better part, Orith donned a bck dress. The skirt draped, hugging her curves till it reached below her knees. Her confidential and easing smile was still there. And when she took steps, it lent further regal beauty. She gave graceful, articute movements when she approached.

  With her inviting lips, she gifted Ruby one reassuring kiss. On the cheeks, of course.

  Then, she tilted Ruby's face, this way and that way. The smile she beamed was all-knowingly mischievous. "You seem to glow."

  Orith presented her palm, offering it towards Ruby. Then her smile softened further, evoking the familiar warmth. No judgements. No neg.

  Ruby found only sheer acceptance there.

  "And judging by the walk way, I would say Raisa was rather generous." Or's fingers settled on Ruby's back. They drifted till they reached the small of her back. Her voice was a deep whisper. Both consoling and pyful. "Raisa is a very attentive lover."

  Ruby flicked her hair, gathering them while they tumbled through her shoulder. She rolled her shoulders, swaying her hips flirtatiously. "A dy never answers."

  "Only to a gentleman. I assure you. I am not."

  Then Ruby found herself hoisted by Or, in a bridal carry.

  "I think you are exhausted. To let you walk is not a good idea." Or walked with unwavering steps as though Ruby weighed a bouquet of blossoms in her strength.

  The walk through the foyer was soothing. Even affectionate as Or's eyes were only on Ruby. Still, her steps never faltered. Ruby flitted her gaze, absorbing Or's alluring visage. A stunning witch carried her easily, while another just explored her body with devotion. Despite how things ended with Raisa, Or's presence eroded the apprehension from moments ago. Ruby remained silent, just absorbing the serenity in Or's arms.

  That, however, ended when they reached the Lexus waiting outside. Or opened its doors, loading Ruby inside. Soon, Or followed, her presence letting Ruby nestle against her body as she pulled closer.

  They drove along roads till they exited city limits. Within minutes, they drove along an isoted stretch, where rolling hills gave ways for cement building. Or's posture leaned against the soft leather seat, offering unwavering strength.

  "You are troubled. Something happened."

  How did Or even knew?

  Or shifted through traffic to pull aside. She lifted Ruby's chin till their gazes met. Her touch glowed with kindness.

  "Sweetie, do you want to talk about it?" Or's grip contained unassuming warmth.

  Ruby wrestled through her feelings.

  On one side, Ruby gained knowledge. Mom can love. Her passion shone through her past lover. Her nature may seem possessive, authoritarian, infuriating, conceited, power hungry, unpredictable, and a lot more. But she can also show care. Yet, somehow, Or loves Mom. So much. With unconditional love. Despite knowing all her fws.

  It also brought forth confusing questions. Should she ask, she feared the raw, unapologetic truth presented.

  "Why don't I take you for a brunch? Something light? Hot chocote and waffles?"

  Suddenly, hot chocotes and waffles seemed like a brilliant idea, because Or suggested it.

  "Yes. That would be nice."

  Within minutes, Or ushered Ruby through another posh cafe. They sat within fashionable tables along full windows. Soothing ambience lulled her senses. A cup of worthy, steaming, brown hot chocote soothed Ruby.

  And yes, waffles tasted wonderful.

  The view through the windows funted, presenting many cutesy shops lining along cement streets. During their meanderings, Ruby stumbled upon an ice cream shop. Inside, it presented a delightful scene. Couples lining, waiting patiently, their csped hands revealing their affections.

  That gave Ruby thoughts.

  Ruby viewed them through hooded lids. Oblivious, they appeared, since their intertwined fingers lent much intimacy. Or that Or was close enough for her to indulge in the same. "Will you expin something if I ask?"

  Or remained silent. Her attention, though, carried obvious patience.

  "This may sound awkward." Ruby formuted her thoughts.

  Or ughed, affectionately pinching Ruby's cheeks. "I am sure I may handle your question."

  Ruby restrained herself through much effort to grab Or's hands. Then, Or, by dint of her own volition, took Ruby's palms.

  "You could tell? I mean that I have questions." Ruby sensed the sweetness from her waffles suddenly evaporate. "That is why you brought me here."

  "Sweetie, you had sex st night. I wager that was your first time."

  Ruby's cheeks burned a scalding crimson.

  Or continued. "I am sure a girl like you will have questions. A lot of questions. And I am promise to do the talk with you. So ask me whatever you wish."

  "This may sound strange, but Raisa..." Ruby plucked her courage. "I think she used me and tossed me out."

  "Do you think Raisa discarded you or do you feel that Raisa discarded you?"

  "I don't know. st night, I understood her. But she might have led me." Ruby straightened her shoulders. Her posture matched her defiance.

  "May I offer you my opinion?" Or lifted a tumbler from the table and twisted it in her palms. "The shadow cast by this tumbler might be a circle or even a rectangle, depending on the projected surface and the perception. We are witches. We collect binary experience while clutching hard the understanding that binary was never the nature of reality."

  "You are telling me Raisa has her reasons?" Ruby watched Or. The streaming sunlight filtered through tinted windows, drenching Or in a pleasant vibrancy.

  "Sweetie, think about it. Raisa is a High Priestess and leads her own Coven. You are soon to belong to another coven. Unless it is a formal request for sanctuary, doing so will encroach on Morgane's domain."

  That also gave Ruby pause. The previous night, Raisa's tenderness, she still carried it. No deception lingered between them. Her touches were tender, as was her passion.

  Ruby checked her cell phone. And scrolled through her messages. Only Dad sent one, wishing her good morning, with a picture of him and Selina and the wide blue ocean behind. Adjusting herself along the luxurious seat, she tapped a quick reply.

  Her attention was glued to the screen. She ignored Or watching her through amused gnce.

  "Would you like another hot chocote?"

  Then it hit Ruby. A sudden epiphany, like a deluge of realisations. She had a best night of her life. With Or buying her breakfast and chatting with Dad, her situation was not as bleak a future as she envisioned the previous evening. She could get used to it. Like on a regur basis.

  "Umm.... Or. I have another question." Ruby remained silent, clearly considering her choice of words. "If I may ask..."

  "Did Raisa use a strap-on or something? If this is about your bleeding on her bed, don't worry about it. Fairly normal."

  "No. No." Ruby pulled her hand from Or's grasp and hooked her dark mahogany locks behind her ears. "We haven't got... you know... she didn't. Not technically anything like that." Ruby fussed. Her nervous fidgeting barely kept her anxiety masked. "I feel different now."

  Then Or lent her consoling presence. "In what way, sweetie?"

  Ruby failed to keep her reddening cheeks hidden. Simply impossible where Or lurched so close. And those penetrating green orbs stayed fixed on her, as though she meant the whole world to her at the moment. It even felt awkward to broach the subject. Not when the images of a younger Or and Mom still fshed very vividly in her head.

  And yes, both younger Or and Morgane Spenard stark naked among themselves, fucking each other’s brains while pouring lustful kisses along each others exposed neck. That vivid memory kept haunting her. So much that it unhinged her.

  Then Ruby shifted carefully through her bance while Or never averted her gaze.

  The vulnerability manifested in her honeyed brown eyes. "I asked Raisa if we could cuddle in her bed for a while. Actually, I begged and insisted. Something changed in me. I never would have forced my thoughts into words before. Is it because of all those nice after-sex hormones flooding my brain?"

  "Partially yes. But there is more to sex. It is not just for reproduction or feel good and destress. Sex, when consensual and willing, can be emboldening because it allows you to exercise your autonomy on your body."

  That unravelled everything inside Ruby's notion. Not that she had much to go with for sex. Her prior knowledges were porn. Not that she could bme. Boys were expected to learn it that way. Almost on the same scale as watching a YouTube video to fix a motherboard or repair a plumping leak.

  Is this the kind of knowledge shared for girls? Granted, she cannot expect having this conversation but Mom. Not because Mom was a prude. On the contrary, that warmth that flowed from Or never belonged to Morgane Spenard. In the end, it mattered not. Or filled the role effortlessly.

  Autonomy over her own body. As Or put it, the concept felt strangely oxymoronic, given her unusual circumstance. And yet, very fulfilling. Being a girl wasn't so bad when she considered the moment.

  This perspective that Or delivered would have been impossible for Ruby to grasp a few days ago. Hardly a disputable fact. Sex was different for girls. But she never considered that it involved more than a mere gratification, or the psychological implication it entailed. This went beyond a mere orgasm, a thrashing of limbs and a flood of endorphins. That there could be a whole social aspect to what went beyond closed doors, was a knowledge Ruby would have never thought probable.

  Or cradled Ruby's cheeks in her palms, coaxing them closer. Her touch resonated through her sincerity.

  "Sex can become liberating when you explore it. When you use it. If used willingly, Iit allows you to affirm yourself. Nothing demeaning. Sometimes, it serves its purpose through pleasure. And sometimes, it may go beyond pleasure."

  Ruby opened her mouth, only to find herself sealed, wordless. That allowed her doubts to resurface. Those held hidden within her heart gushed forth, rendering her speechless. And certainly words wouldn't help. Not especially since she brought forth Morgane's image. Younger Morgane. And because it would lead them to uncomfortable discussion.

  "Is it possible that people become mean after sex?" Ruby shifted, grasping the armrest while choosing words as diplomatic as she could formute.

  "Only if it is a bad sex. And there is no such thing as a bad sex. Only a bad partner." After a pause, Or added. "Or an incompatible partner."

  The advice proved that Or brought a different perspective into her life. Dad did his role. Diligently and very meticulously, as any father could be. But undeniable was the fact that Dad had marked boundaries.

  Sexual advice from Dad amounted to, watch your wallet. Keep a condom and take a shower because deodorants are no substitute. In lieu of how Or expined, Dad was more akin to a single line of a thick informative manual. Not that Dad considered her a burden. He did try in his own ways, when he painstakingly expined how to pn a utility bill or how to make a liability cims on a tax decration form. And he expined that diligently over a period of a few weeks.

  But irrespective of the bond they shared, certain topics were taboo for Dad. With Or, her genuine care enveloped her through its sheer warmth. In her company, it didn’t feel awkward.

  Dad may offer her legitimacy. But Or offered her a key to her locked soul. Every time when Or called her sweetie, somehow her heart melted.

  Minutes slipped by when Ruby found herself ushered through a very private elevator. None bothered to stop or question her presence. Not when Or draped an arm so possessively over her, as she guided Ruby through the interiors.

  All paths seemed clear till they reached their destination.

  The elegance surrounding Orith’s conference room spoke volumes. While figures sporting corporate suits waited, Or thrived, dressed in her smart pencil skirt, flowing perfectly along her curves.

  Ruby seemed enthralled since Or took the attention the moment she stepped in. Soon, Ruby settled among expensive leather chairs.

  None disturbed the prevalent silence. Even Ruby's presence went unremarked. But that soon changed when Or guided her attention.

  Or fshed her comforting smile, which always shone brightly whenever Ruby sought her. “Sorry for the dey.” Her gaze swept in Ruby’s direction and lingered only for a brief and barely perceptible moment. “Family came first.”

  A particur young man, older perhaps by a decade but not more, gave Ruby his undivided attention. His gre intensified with each second. The tenacity he exerted within his stare held evident intent. Their gazes met. Though it may seem mild though, he practically demanded Ruby's attention. His sharpened gaze filled his visage. The fixed attention upon her didn't diminish. Through his livid intensity, Ruby remained unshaken. Then she dismissed him. Or filled her thoughts.

  Somewhere along the discussions, Or leaned closer. “That's Jochen Rosenkranz. He is our main associate from a legal firm that represents us. You can ignore him.” Or spoke soft words through gentle tones, clearly taking care that none heard her. “You may find the discussion boring, sweetie. Feel free to leave.”

  Or unched straight into discussions. More gibberish were tossed around. But since she spoke directly, her eloquence seemed sensuous. She continued her efforts. And remained focused till she enunciated her points properly. Then Or moved her presentation forward. She assumed a perfect bance. That stirred Ruby's fascination.

  Objections were raised. Hazards of pnning bypass ne close to residential areas were argued. The environmental impact, the effect on local bees and squirrel poputions, became prominent. As always, Or alleviated all concerns with her confident expnations.

  It dawned on Ruby, very poignantly, that when Mom said that Or dealt projects on a different scale, it wasn’t a mere exaggeration. Or, despite the cims of an architect, did not deal with remodelling houses like Ruby believed at first gnce. She specialised with city pnning and designs. And she did a conscientious job of it with a fir.

  Jochen didn't stop his gaze. No. That didn't diminish one bit. Not when it practically bored through her skin. A distinct power lurked within his presence.

  “Excuse me. May I interrupt?” The power behind Jochen's voice dispyed tenacity. His cutting gre punctuated his inflexibility. “May I propose a different route? This current proposal passes through some sites of cultural heritage. We will never obtain the relevant permits.”

  Then, a woman of middle age in a tweed bzer suit supported his cim. Her demeanour and position in the conference room cimed her as someone from the Mayor’s office. “Mr. Rosenkranz presents valid points. And frankly, I find your original proposal rather daring. But eventually unfeasible in its current form.”

  Or smiled, artfully covering her annoyance. "I appreciate your expertise, Ms Langston."

  Ms Langston studied Orith carefully. She shifted in her seat and motioned Ruby to fetch water.

  When Or raised an arm preventing Ruby, Ms Langston arched a brow. She assessed Or and then Ruby through their intensity. “She is an intern, right?”

  Or retained her poise. Though she barely refrained herself, her emotions fshed through her rigid posture. Her piercing green eyes glinted, which eventually calmed. Still, her icy gre denoted displeasure. Then she contained herself. When she turned her attention on Ruby, her calm exterior remained unbroken. A host of all things protective and affectionate coalesced in her gaze.

  “She is my daughter.” Or pressed her lips with a definitive tightness, allowing no further argument.

  Being cimed by Or made Ruby giddy. It also warmed her heart. All sorts of surging feelings soared inside her. Or’s open acknowledgement carried promises. More than Ruby could ever fathom. That gave her warm fuzzies. Even pleasant goosebumps. She could not prevent from grinning stupidly through the moment.

  That, however, came to a crashing halt when Or reiterated. "Yes. My daughter."

  That only meant Or already defined the nature of their retionship.

  Ruby watched Or through her hazy, veiled gaze. Keen intensity adorned Orith's demeanour. They conveyed no further brokering possible. Or may give her all her affection, but not the sort she shared with Mom. That became evident.

  And it somehow signed Ruby's disappointment. A contradicting duality since with that acceptance, Or cemented both Ruby’s happiness and discontentment.

  When the meeting ended, and while Or accompanied Ms. Langston, Ruby found herself cornered alone by Jochen Rosenkranz.

  “Orith’s daughter, huh?” Jochen wore a tailored suit. Though his tie sported gold accents, it hung loosely, dangling wildly. He didn't bother arranging them properly. Even his vest seemed impeccable. But his wild mannerism offset his fashions. “I take it that you are Morgane’s. It matters not. Now that Orith acknowledged you, is there a father in question?”

  "And why are you interested?" Ruby blurted. That may appear rude. But his constant looming presence irritated her.

  “Because will has to be rewritten. Or cannot adopt you if the father in question disagrees.” His constant gaze met Ruby's, completely unflinching. It bothered him the least that he intruded on her personal space. Or how that gait made her slip into a defensive posture. “The legal implications of a marriage… Are you even aware?”

  Ruby closed her jaw, despite herself, through a difficult effort. She barely managed closing her mouth. Dad would never agree. Or and Mom might consolidate the efforts of a big team of wyers, but Dad will never give up when it involved her. Even if it was Or.

  “Such measures are unwanted.” Ruby tried sounding educated and assertive, but failed. “No need to add me in a will. You have no right to involve yourself in what happens in the life of three people.”

  “How much is the inheritance tax? Eight per cent? Seventeen per cent? Thirty per cent?” Jochen stated through unapologetic sternness. “Do you even possess a basic awareness of the world around you? Ever thought how things work?”

  “I am only eighteen.” Ruby stressed through her frustration. That did not garner her any sympathy.

  “Precisely. If anything were to happen, you will not be a ward of the state.” Then he continued through his unrelenting barrage. His brusque attitude bleed his chagrin. “And You are incapable of surviving on your own.”

  His attempt showed success since Ruby found herself hesitating. Her fidgeting betrayed her apprehension. His words were disturbing, despite being true. That grated Ruby more than she would like to acknowledge.

  “You mother might have set up a trust fund but those will not help you if you remain oblivious.”

  Mom did that? That stunned Ruby, making her prolong her silence. As far as Mom was concerned. She never existed before. Her attentions only turned towards her because she became a girl. But now she stared at an unpleasant revetion. She could try refuting it. She can ignore his brashness. But the truth was in his words. And a deeper truth to Mom’s action.

  Morgane Spenard was not in the habit of doing charity. It is guilt money. Guilt money provided to buy a conscience. The audacity she possessed through her conceitedness annoyed Ruby.

  His next words snatched her attention back on him.

  “Just because you managed to transition rather successfully, doesn't mean you are ready.” Jochen never stopped staring. The gre he gave exposed his intent. Then he threw words. Sharp ones. Pointed ones. And certainly unappreciated ones. “What? Of course, I know your past. We did the paperwork for Morgane.”

  Ruby stood shocked. She filled the pause with silence. A veil of misery fell upon her soul while she clenched and unclenched her palms. She really wished he would not call her former name. That dreaded word left her deeply unsettled, even if she grew up with that. And not because of any sandwich jokes.

  “Now if you will excuse me, I will fix an appointment with the Judge.”

  “A Judge?” Ruby repeated his words. Her confusion compounded through her stammering. Last thing she needed was to drag Dad into anything.

  “A judge who is sympathetic to your situation.” He continued. “For your name change. These process take a while but we are a fairly competent firm. That is why Orith hired us. I promise, we can fast track the process.”

  “But… What about the adoption? I want this retionship with my father.” Suddenly, Jochen Rosenkranz looked like the sum manifestation of all her fears. His presence loomed over her, menacingly and terrifying. Like he could snatch her from Dad and he would do it with the w by his side. Like he could wave a piece of paper and terminate Dad’s rights.

  “You do realise you are legally an adult right?” He said it with the same effort of punctuating his previous views. “Your consent matters.”

  When he left, Ruby felt inadequate to handle the world. She barely turned eighteen.

  Why does everyone expect her to fill a different set of shoes now?

  She already chafed against several expectations. She never needed Jochen's confirmation as her situation practically begged through stark realisations. But having them actually verified, came unexpected. And especially through someone else.

  From Or's conversations, she learnt many thoughts. Fascinating thoughts. Things she never considered. A whole different world formed, completely unknown, and not in a supernatural or magical sense. Even without those, she knew her world irrevocably changed as Ruby. Nor could she deny the fact that she knew very little about the world. She meant the normal waking world. Not the supernatural world where Mom reigned.

  “Sweetie, come.” Or was suddenly beside her. Her palm grasped her arm with implied authority. “I have invited Ms. Langston to lunch with us.”

  Soon, Or whisked her through private elevator. While she entertained Ms. Langston on their short walk, Ruby was fairly contented to walk in public holding Or. That was perfectly normal for a mother and daughter. Though part of her wanted more.

  The expensive restaurant they settled brought further sensations. Soothing cssical music filled her ears. The lights formed dimmed halos. Elegant waiters in fancy suit sauntered, attending to various tables. Then her attention caught sightings which screamed celebrities, obvious through their distinctive aura and fir.

  Or thrived among these people. When her poise took complete charge, it showed through her presence. She soon brokered through warm chats.

  “How old are you dear? Any pns for future?” Ms Langston included her within their conversation.

  That forced Ruby's attention. "Sorry?"

  Ms. Langston waited patiently. Then she repeated. “Is Orith grooming you to take the reins? I can’t imagine a girl of your age willingly sitting through such tedious meetings.”

  “Umm… Actually I would be pursuing Metallurgy and surface sciences. Starting semester soon.” A lie. She already made a choice. But telling Ms. Langston about her choice for a gap year felt awkward. And more importantly, it felt like she was letting Or down.

  When the food arrived, she willingly helped herself from Or’s pte because daughters are allowed to do that. Her lips sought the spoon within Or's grasp. It would seem forward otherwise. That earned her all sorts approval, since Or gave her loving gnces. And secretly enjoyed kissing Ruby's cheeks when none saw.

  Ms. Langston waved her hands, gaining their attention. "I will skip dessert. Thank you."

  Or lingered closer. Then, she scooped Ms. Langston dessert lightly. “Part your lips, sweetie.”

  That pleased Ruby. It made her squirm all fuzzy within her stomach. And certainly delicious.

  Ms. Langston didn't interrupt them, choosing instead to remain silent. Even her patient waiting became endearing.

  Eventually, she spoke. “You know Orith, I never expected you to be a doting mother. I must confess.”

  Or pulled Ruby close, easing her arm along Ruby's shoulder. “She means a lot to me than words can ever express.”

  Even though Ms. Langston took leave, Ruby continued being drenched in blush since Or meant it.

  Announcementdiv>

  Or took the centre-stage in this chapter. I would love to hear your opinions on that. Perhaps there are some of you who would prefer Morgane over Or. Do hit me with your ideas.I can be reached through the following. or a direct pm. bsky

  Discord

  17