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

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Ever since we stepped into the building of Notte Pharmaceuticals on the previous day, it was obvious that Aldus was proud of me. He held his chin high and told everyone present that I am his daughter. He ensured that I am included in conversations, and would ask for my opinion often.

I couldn't believe how much that simple thing called approval boosted my confidence.

I remember that I was good in my studies, maintaining excellent grades due to my motivation to leave my parents after graduation. I wondered how things would be different if instead of using me, my parents encouraged me, if they believed in me, if they cared for me… Now that is a what-if scenario I will never get my answer to.

The last meeting on my second day at Notte Pharmaceuticals in London ended and Aldus asked everyone to stay for a few minutes in order to clarify presentations that will be delivered during the event on the next day. A hundred employees and their family members (or dates) will be present, and Aldus wanted everything to be perfect.

"Pardon me for asking…", Director Blackwater's voice startled me. His round face was too close, invading my personal space. "Are you taken?"

I didn't get it. What kind of a question was that?

"Excuse me?", I needed clarification.

Director Blackwater nodded and explained, "Engaged, in a relationship. You see…" He licked his lips nervously. "My son is about your age, and I would like to introduce you, if you don't mind."

I stared blankly at the man for a moment until I realized that he was matchmaking me. Really? He was one of the lecherous men from the previous day, and now he was setting me up with his son?

I glanced at Aldus whose twinkling eyes told me he was enjoying my predicament and he had no intention of interfering. Was this another test? Probably. Other than showing my knowledge related to Notte Pharmaceuticals, I needed to demonstrate I can handle myself in various situations.

I am Seraphina Mezzanotte, and I will not show weakness!

I turned to the eager Director Blackwater. "No. I am not taken."

"Splendid!", he exclaimed with glee and several other executives smiled knowingly. I had a feeling that the upcoming dinner party will be… interesting.

On our way back to the villa in the posh neighborhood of Knightsbridge…

"You did very well.", Aldus praised me. "Executives looked at you with respect, and that is because of your efforts."

I smiled. "It is because you taught me well."

He smirked smugly. "I will take it. You met most of the important people in our branch in London so… what do you think?"

"It was an interesting experience. Novel. But if this is something that should be done daily, I would wither away in the conference room."

Aldus laughed. "Exactly my point! That is why I let them handle most of the work, and I show up occasionally, mostly to remind them of my existence. I have a few of my people watching the executives from the shadows, to ensure they don't abuse their positions and that company stays on track…"

When we reached the villa, Aldus reminded me, "Serina, for the dinner event tomorrow, I don't have any expectations from you other than you should have fun. It's a party and you can assume that other than the two of us, everyone else is human. I suspect that most of the people you met will bring their sons, daughters, and cousins with the hope to establish a favorable relationship with you. If anyone acts out of line, feel free to put them in place. Don't forget, you are the princess, and they should bow to you or earn your respect."

I smiled at his words, and my hug caught him by surprise.

"Thank you, father. Your support means a lot."

Aldus patted my back stiffly. He was still not used to hugs.

I couldn't give him more than hugs and gratitude at this time, but I hoped that I can do something for him. Soon.

I had trouble sleeping that night. I was excited that I will be roaming the streets of London on my own.

When I told Aldus what I plan to do, he didn't show interest in joining me.

We discussed strategies more than once, and he probably finds it boring to walk around aimlessly for hours. What for me is confirming my memories (and finding Duke), for him would be a waste of time. I can't blame him.

The next day, breakfast…

"Do you know where you will be going?", Aldus asked while sipping his custom-blended English Breakfast tea.

"I have a general area in mind, and I want to drive by my old home, but I didn't decide where I will stop. It will depend on the mood and the situation. To be honest, I am nervous to go on my own."

"What makes you nervous?"

Many things. Everything. "What if someone recognizes me?"

"Did you really think I will let you go without protection?"

I was not sure what Aldus had on his mind other than, "Are you coming with me?"

"No. I will be one phone call away, and you will have Marius with you. He will act as your chauffeur and security for today. Marius will drop you off whenever you want and follow you from the distance. Even if you don't see him, he will be aware of your location. Unless there is trouble, he will not approach you. If you need him, you can call him; he has a good hearing and will reach you within seconds."

For a moment, I thought about how Aldus is controlling, but then I faced the reality that I'm new at this immortality thing. Also, as Aldus's daughter, there will be people who might want to harm me in order to get to him… and then there is the mystery of who killed Sanya Bogdan. To claim that I am confident to do this on my own would be a lie. I need protection and Aldus is only watching over me.

I understood that Marius is not human. "What is he?"

"He is my familiar."

"A familiar.", I repeated.

I remembered reading how sometimes witches call demons to serve them, and they are called familiars. In another book, familiars were magical pets.

In both cases, it's a lifelong commitment for the familiar and there needs to be a mutual agreement for the contract to take effect.

"Do you have a contract with him or something?"

"I used my venom to turn him into a vampire.", Aldus responded. My questioning gaze told him that I need more information. "He is what people call a human turned into a vampire. When we are nearby, I can sense his location, and he can sense mine. Also, I can kill him if I want, and if I die so will he."

It reminded me of the slave-master bond that Krob and Aldus have.

"How many familiars do you have?"

Aldus paused for a moment. "I never counted. Fifty. Maybe more."

I imagined fifty Krob-like creatures waiting for Aldus to issue commands. "Do you have annual meetings of your familiars so that they can mingle and exchange experiences?"

Aldus shook his head, but his half-smile told me he was not upset by my cheeky question. "It is in your benefit that others don't know who is your familiar because familiars are creatures that will never betray you. You should think of having a few."

"How can I have a familiar? I don't have venom or a spell or… anything of such sort."

"You don't need those. Think of it as getting a faithful employee, but the salary is something they need and only you can provide. There is no such thing as eternal friends or enemies; only eternal benefits."

I thought about his words and I realized that I had nothing to offer. But it doesn't mean that it will always stay at that. "I will put that as my goal for alchemy. Maybe I come up with something unique that only I can provide, and someone needs."

Aldus approved. "Whatever you create, it should not be a one-time thing. By making them dependent on you, you will assure loyalty."

I guess the 'I can kill him at any time' and 'If I die, he dies also' are good enough reasons to ensure loyalty. But I am not that type of person. Or am I?

I decided to leave those heavy thoughts for later. The breakfast was over, and it was my time to head out!

Marius is a tall, slender man of few words. He has neatly trimmed dark brown hair that is short on the sides and a bit longer on the top, but what stood out for me are his black eyes that made me shrink under his gaze. That man is dangerous.

He greeted me and Aldus politely and during our two-minute interaction in front of the villa, Marius's expression was completely devoid of emotions. The chilly aura around him was a sign that the man killed many.

'I need to get a grip…', I reminded myself. 'Marius will keep me safe.'

I didn't trust Marius. I just met him. But I trust Aldus and he arranged for Marius to follow me, so I knew that everything will be fine.

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