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

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~ Genoa, Italy ~

Beads of sweat appeared on my forehead as I focused on enhancing the turquoise alchemic flames under the cauldron while adding air currents in small bursts.

The alchemic flames Aldus creates are purple in color and he was surprised when he saw that mine are turquoise. He was investigating the reason behind this difference in color but he didn't find anything solid, so he dropped the topic. The important part is that they are working.

I like that they are different in color. It makes them more... mine.

Back to the present...

My left wrist was glowing in faint turquoise that matched the color of my flames, indicating that I'm using the bracelet that got embedded in my flesh more than two and a half years ago. The bracelet is enchanted, and it allows me to control arrays that are set with runes (if I know the required patterns).

I learned arrays for operating security barriers and portals on Aldus's properties, and manipulation of alchemic flames. Other than that, Aldus pointed me to a stack of old books in his lab, but unless I want to be a runemaster, doing further research is overkill.

Controlling the alchemic flames with runes drains my energy and after about two hours, my efficiency drops, and I need a break. Compared to that, controlling winds requires focus, but the energy consumption is minimal.

My current goal is to combine runes and winds and optimize the utilization of my energy and focus while performing alchemy.

Any saved energy can be used on manipulating the ingredients and I believe that one of the old manuscripts is talking about creating multiple pills from one set of ingredients. However, I can't test those methods if I'm short on energy.

Yup, I'm proficient in creating potions and creams, and I'm working with pills now. Aldus acknowledged my hard work by labeling me as a senior alchemist when I mastered fifty different alchemic recipes.

He always encouraged me to think outside of the box, and that's what I'm doing now.

In theory, by invoking the minimal alchemic flame I will reduce my energy consumption and I can fine-tune it with the help of the air currents. Unfortunately, the alchemic flames are extremely volatile and without runes, it's difficult to control them. The slightest miscalculation can cause…

'BOOOM!'

A thunderous explosion filled the room with dark smoke and the whole villa shook.

"Serina! Serina!", Aldus shouted as he entered the reinforced room in the basement before I had the time to think about the trouble I got myself in (again).

He waved wildly while trying to push the thick smoke out and see what's happening.

Cough… Cough… "Sorry, father…", I said while stumbling toward the door.

Aldus closed his eyes and shook his head. "I want you to stop with these reckless experiments." He looked at the cauldron that was on the floor and frowned. "You broke another one."

"Sorry, father…", I apologized again in a small voice before adding, "I was very close to succeeding."

"That's what you said the last time. Why don't you get ready for your trip? You are heading to London soon, right?"

I was nervous about this trip and that is why I decided to practice fine-tuning alchemic flames with winds. Anything is better than thinking about leaving the safety of this villa.

After my experience with harpies, other than occasionally visiting Zoe, Luca, and Ash, and attending several functions for Notte Pharmaceuticals, I'm living mostly a secluded life.

While at Lost Isles, I was busy learning about controlling air and escaping, but after I returned home and my emotions settled, I thought about my situation. I realized how close I was to being coerced to stay there and to make it appear like it was my idea.

Harpies are scheming and vile. They looked me in the eyes and smiled while plotting to drug me and push me into a cycle of addiction and sex only so that they can use my power.

They wanted to rob me of my free will. Unforgivable!

If not for Treva, I would end up stuck there, in eternal darkness, like a slave.

I often look at the stars and wonder how Treva is doing. Will she be able to visit me? I would love to confirm that she is fine. I hope that no one found out Treva helped me escape, and if they did, that she was not punished harshly.

I never told Aldus details of my last few days on Lost Isles, but he knows that the harpies were not eager to let me go and that a friendly harpy rebelled and helped me leave without saying goodbye.

Aldus didn't insist on details; he never poked his nose in my business even though he observed my lack of interest in leaving home since I returned from Greece.

I prefer staying home, close to my father, nestled in the security this place provides. I can't help it. So far, every creature I met without Aldus nearby, either wanted to keep me or to kidnap me and I'm seeing a pattern that is leaving me unsettled.

I'm not complaining about staying at home, as my days are full. I completed various courses with tutors and online; I focused on perfecting my abilities and learning about alchemy. I relax easily with a good book in the sunroom, or a paintbrush in my hands in the garden, and sometimes I play the piano.

Really, there is nothing I'm lacking here and if I want to chat, Krob is available and I talk with Calista often.

Calista is still traveling through Europe and loving every minute of it. Calista's parents are not demanding of her to return to Lemuria because they believe she with her older brother. Ah, ignorance is bliss.

Lazarus visits occasionally and every time he stays for a few days to give me company. We get along fine. I am glad he never mentioned the topic of our date, even though that is something silently lingering above us every time we are in the same room. Or maybe he forgot about it and I'm the only one feeling guilty about turning a blind eye to the possibility of romance.

Aldus let out a low grumble when the smoke settled and he was able to see that the explosion messed up with the ingredients and containers that were next to the cauldron I used.

"Will you join me in London?", I asked Aldus while trying to distract him from scolding me.

Aldus cocked an eyebrow. "I thought we talked about this. Did something change? I thought that you have your next few days planned out with Mona. Do you need me?"

"I always need you, father. What if something goes wrong?"

Aldus eyed me suspiciously, but the small smile on the corners of his lips told me he enjoyed my sweet words. He always does.

He probably guessed that I'm distracting him, but he let it pass. "You are more than capable to take care of yourself, Serina. You know that if anyone is keeping an eye on you, they will not approach you with me in the area. Go and deal with your business without worry because Marius will watch your back and he will step in if you are at disadvantage."

"Yes, father.", I responded obediently and headed to my room to shower, happy that he didn't nag about the damage I caused.

"And don't think I will not make you work for the stuff you destroyed!", I heard Aldus say after me and I smiled while speeding up my steps before he comes up with a bigger punishment.

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