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

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"Seraphina…", the harpy with a skimpy two-piece outfit called my name while scrutinizing me. "I am Lumiona."

I was glad that I got it right. She is the oracle.

"I need you to relax.", she said when she was one step away from me and I stiffened.

When people tell you to relax, it usually means something bad will happen.

I took two deep breaths and closed my eyes.

There was a chilly air current all around me and Lumiona hummed something unintelligibly.

It lasted no more than three seconds when the breeze dwindled and I heard Lumiona say, "The winds accept her."

"Is she an air mage?", Mivian asked while observing me curiously.

"It doesn't look like it.", Lumiona responded. "She is compatible with the wind element. This is the most I can tell for now."

Mivian looked at Aldus. "How is this possible?"

Aldus shrugged, indicating that he is not sure. "My daughter was always in tune with the air, but lately it's getting troublesome. I brought Serina here with the hope that you can teach her to control air, because the last time Serina got upset, she summoned a tornado.", Aldus lied with a straight face. But it was not wise to say that he revived me and during that process, he used the essence of a harpy that he bought on the black market.

Both Mivian and Lumiona frowned when Aldus said that I'm here so they can teach me to control air and I was sure that they will kick us out.

"We are not an academy.", Lumiona said grumpily.

"I know.", Aldus responded with a smile and looked at Mivian. "I hoped that you will do this because of our amiable relationship, and of course, I will make sure it's worthwhile for you…"

He pulled a fist-sized box from his pocket and removed the backpack he was carrying on his shoulder.

My eyes widened when I saw that he prepared some sort of payment for them.

I also had a backpack, but mine was filled with several changes of clothes, toiletries, and snacks. Somehow, I assumed that Aldus also carried clothes and food. How silly of me… he was only escorting me. Why would he pack those things?

Mivian's chin twitched, and she called, "Liatris!"

The guard-girl (aka Liatris) stepped forward and took the box from Aldus's hands.

The guard-girl glanced at Mivian and after she got a nod of approval, opened the box.

All three harpies stared as possessed at the sphere that I could describe as a glowing pearl. It was the biggest pearl I've seen in my life (movies included), and it pulsated in white and light-blue hues.

It seems that harpies are attracted to glowing things or maybe that orb has some other use I'm not familiar with, but I knew that it's priceless.

Again, I felt guilty that Aldus is facing unimaginable expenses because of me. He paid Vesper to teach me to control pheromones, I destroyed part of his house, and now this. These are only three things I'm aware of. Oh, and the investigations about my past and my parents definitely don't come for free.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Aldus is going above and beyond to cover for me. Will I ever be able to repay it?

Mivian was the first one to snap out of her trance. "What's in the bag?"

Aldus placed the bag on the ground and Lumiona closed the box with the glowing pearl before reaching to see what's in the bag. Even I craned my neck to see inside.

It was full of small travel-sized containers. Perfumes, cremes, lotions, and other beauty products. And the back compartment was full of small-sized chocolates.

I glanced at Aldus nervously. Is he really expecting them to take me in for a backpack full of beauty knick-knacks? After that massive glowing pearl, this offering was lacking.

But then I saw that Mivian's and Lumiona's eyes were sparkling at the sight in front of them. Liatris's lips were stretched into a dazed smile.

Other than glowing things, harpies like girly stuff also.

"If you teach her well, I will make sure it's worth your time.", Aldus said, snapping the three harpies out of their stupor.

Mivian glanced at me and then at Aldus. "Deal."

Lumiona was apprehensive, and she quickly added, "We will teach your daughter, but the results will depend on her."

Aldus glanced at me and I realized that this is the part where I need to decide if I will go with them or return with Aldus.

This was a choice he didn't need to give me. Aldus did so much for me, and it would be super-ungrateful of me if I chicken out at this point.

I gave him a small nod which he returned, indicating that he understood.

Aldus turned to Mivian. "While my daughter is staying with you, provide her with a place to rest and make sure she knows about any rules that she needs to follow. Serina doesn't need blood to sustain herself, but she is used to a routine of eating human food, three meals a day. She will decide when her training will end, and I expect that you will escort her to this point without delays. Serina will manage the rest of the way. If I don't hear from her in one month, I will come here, expecting to see Serina and hear about her progress."

Mivian hesitated for a few seconds before agreeing to Aldus's condition.

I released the breath I was holding. With this, they agreed to release me, and they were aware that Aldus will come for me if I'm not back in a month. One month. Sounds like a long time, yet it can pass in a flash.

He emphasized that I'm his daughter and he brought up blood as food, reminding them of my non-existent vampiric origins. He really thought of everything.

I turned to Aldus and gave him a hug. "Thank you, father. I will do my best."

"That's all I'm expecting from you.", Aldus responded while returning my hug awkwardly. "Take care, Serina, and remember what I told you. Come back when you are done with training."

"I will."

"Let's go.", Mivian said, and she led the way into the darkness that was dispelled partially by her glowing figure.

I walked after Mivian, and Lumiona was behind me carrying the offerings that Aldus gave them.

I saw Mivian walk through an invisible wall that rippled like the water surface behind her.

Before walking through the barrier, I glanced back, and I met Aldus's gaze. Liatris, the guard-girl, was two steps away from Aldus, also looking in my direction, her presence illuminated Aldus's figure.

I waved and Aldus nodded and then I turned away and stepped into the invisible wall with a heavy heart.

This was it. Me without Aldus for who knows how long and I hoped that we will reunite. Soon.

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