Author's note: this is from Aldus's point of view

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From the moment I understood that Serina's emotions are triggering her pheromones which are impacting creatures around her, I was aware that only one person can help: Vesper.

Vesper is a witch who relies on spells, and she has the qualities Serina needs. Vesper can sense other's emotions to the point of experiencing them herself, and she can control the energies of the person she touches.

The second one is dangerous, and I cringe every time I remember that Vesper used it on me. It's not an exaggeration to say that she is the reason why I learned to shut down my senses as a defense mechanism. Vesper is not the only creature I've met who uses manipulation of senses in order to control other's behavior, but Vesper was the first one to make me act out of character to the point of being embarrassed. I was completely under her control, like a puppet. To make things worse, other than forcing me to obey her commands, she also made me feel like I wanted to do it. I really want to forget that incident.

I still don't know why I didn't kill her on the spot at the moment I broke out of her control, but now I believe there was a reason, and that she might be useful. If Vesper agrees to feel the flow of Serina's energies, she can give Serina the necessary guidance.

I was reluctant to reach out to Vesper, knowing her vile nature and fearing what she will ask as payment for her services. No matter what she asks for, I know that it will be precious to me and that she will not reveal it until she understands how important her help is to me. Well, just the fact that I'm putting my old grievances aside and reaching out to her, will tell her that what I need is important and I hate it.

I really wished that someone else popped up in my mind, but others were out of the question. As much as I loathe the woman, she seemed like the best solution, unless I want to leave Serina to figure it out on her own.

A few days after the incident at the fair, I emailed Vesper, mentioning that I am facing a situation she might help me with, and Vesper responded that she is willing to see me, giving me a number to call in order to set up an appointment. We left it at that.

Like a child who is postponing the unpleasant things, I delayed calling Vesper.

Every time I sat at my desk I saw my notes on Serina's pheromone excretion and I was reminded that if she does not learn to control it, it will be the end of her. I could imagine that she accidentally attracts one creep (I'm thinking of you, Lazarus), and then her fear causes her to release more pheromones which will in return attract more creeps and it will be a never-ending cycle. Actually, it will end, together with Serina's life.

I didn't want to discuss these grim possibilities with Serina, so I made sure to keep her busy with classes. Luckily, I already reached out to tutors for etiquette and ballet in advance, so I only needed to find one for painting, but with my contacts, that was done in record time.

Days passed and Serina's bright smile told me that she forgot about the unpleasant incident from the fair.

Her progress with all three tutors was astonishing. If absorbing knowledge and learning skills is a superpower, Serina has it.

Serina asked me to visit my lab and Krob, and I refused her because her knowledge is still lacking. Going there would be a waste of time and she would just be in the way, and what is the point of visiting Krob? What surprised me was that Krob also asked about Serina. Trice. It made me wonder if they became friends or if something else is going on.

Unexpectedly, Lazarus called and asked to visit. That was unusual.

I demanded from Lazarus to disclose the reason behind this request, fearing that it's another incident with human victims and that I need to leave Serina on her own. It's not that I always keep my eyes on Serina, but knowing that she is around and safe gives me peace.

Lazarus said that his request to visit me is not related to any issue, but it's social.

"Do I need a reason to visit my good friend?"

I knew he was lying. We know each other for a long time, and we never meet without a reason. I never meet with anyone without a reason. And we are definitely not good friends.

I told him that I'm busy. Without him disclosing his motives to contact me, I had no intention to entertain him. Before I ended the call, Lazarus spoke with haste: "OK. That is fine. I understand totally. But... is it possible that you send me one towel that Seraphina used? If it's inconvenient, I can stop by and pick it up."

I hoped that my ears malfunctioned.

"What!?", I snapped at him.

Lazarus cleared his throat before responding: "The towel I got last time almost lost her scent, so if you can give…"

I ended the call because I didn't want to hear whatever he was about to say next. Lazarus is disgusting.

Is it possible that he is still obsessed with her?

That call reminded me of the pressing topic: Serina's pheromones.

I checked the time and saw that it's afternoon. Serina is usually in the garden, getting lost in the sunset and I decided to wait for her.

I mentioned my talk with Lazarus and just as I expected, Serina remembered her little problem as well, and I told her about Vesper. Serina was a good sport and accepted to see her.

She was visibly concerned about the payment and I must admit that it moved me. Considering that she does not know me for a long time and that we never discussed money or other resources, I assumed that she will not care about those details. If I could pick a daughter, I would pick Serina.

Later that evening, after a lot of mental pep-talk, I made a call.

"This is Aldus speaking. You said that you can see me for an issue…", I spoke in my official tone.

Vesper chuckled from the other side of the line. "When mighty Aldus calls because he has an issue, it must be important."

I closed my eyes and exhaled while reminding myself not to lose my temper. Vesper is only trying to negotiate a higher price, and I need her services. Serina needs her. "Let me know when it's convenient, and I will stop by. Are you still at the same place in Paris?"

Vesper clicked her tongue. "After such a long time, you only talk about business."

"I contacted you ten days ago. How is that a long time?"

"That was an email. It doesn't count.", she said stiffly.

I rolled my eyes. Does she think that I will fall for her friendly act? I had no idea what she was up to, but I was not willing to play. "We will talk more when I visit. How about that?"

"Sure.", she laughed. "If you can see me when is convenient for me, and you are even willing to come here, it's reeeaaaaly important!", she said with glee. "I will send you time and address."

My phone pinged with the notification a minute later, and with that, Serina and I were set to meet with Vesper in two days.

I told myself to calm down because if I show discomfort, Serina will sense it and that will make her uneasy in return. I am supposed to be her guardian, her father, and I can't show that some creatures can shake me up. I don't fear Vesper and her powers, but the lingering unpleasant feeling she left behind is impossible to shake off, even after three centuries.

I can only hope that this will not backfire and that Serina will not end up mentally scarred.

And I also hope that Vesper does not mention the incident when she managed to control me. Not in front of Serina, at least.

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