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

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The more I thought about cryptic writings hidden within the first edition of etudes, instruction in piano playing by Carl Czerny, the more I was convinced that this was related to me.

I was eager to head home and show the book to Aldus so that we can analyze it together, but there was something else I needed to deal with before leaving London.

The doorbell rang and I went to answer.

"Hi Mona, come in…"

She bobbed her head excitedly while observing the interior with her eyes open wide like a child in a candy store. "A penthouse apartment in Westminster neighborhood. You know how to live!"

I laughed at her silly expression. "Would you like a tour?"

"Absolutely!", Mona exclaimed. "The building is nice from the outside, and I imagined that interior will be luxurious based on the marble entry and security downstairs, but this... this is just... wow. Can you see the London's Eye from here?"

I wiggled my eyebrows. "Big Ben as well."

Mona's red lips formed a big 'O'. "Do you have a balcony to enjoy those treats?"

"I have better…", I said mysteriously and pointed up. "A rooftop terrace."

Mona sucked in a sharp breath. "Can I live here with you?"

I rolled my eyes at her dramatic expressions. She reminded me of those Venezuelan soap operas that are filled with exaggerated shocked staring and dramatic music.

"Why are you acting like you don't have money?"

Mona grimaced. "A place like this can't be bought with only money. You need to know the right people."

"Well, I can connect you with people if you want. Just tell me the area you are interested in, and I can make it happen."

Actually, Aldus found me this apartment, so I have no idea how much effort it took to acquire it. But I paid for it with my own money, and I was confident that he will introduce me to the right people if Mona wants to get an exclusive place for herself.

I got this apartment because I knew that I will be coming to London, and I wanted to be downtown without staying in a hotel. Aldus's villa is great, but it's secluded and lonely when Aldus is not there. By staying here I'm reducing my commute time and the view is mind-blowing.

The underground garage offers tenants-only entry, and security will block any unwanted visitors while Aldus secured my place against creatures who might want to intrude.

What's the point of a lot of money if you don't enjoy it? Those were Aldus's words because so far I kept all my earnings on a savings account.

Aldus advised me to make several investments and to buy places I would call my own. But other than buying this apartment, I didn't get far as I need to learn about stocks and bonds and precious metals before I put my money in it. Ah, I still have ways to go, but luckily… time is not a problem.

Mona requested to see the rooftop terrace first.

"Oh, my God!", Mona screamed while running from one corner of the terrace to another and taking in the views. "All this is yours?"

I nodded and gestured at the elevated roof that lined one side of my terrace. "On the other side of this roof are other terraces, but this part here is mine only."

"Can your neighbors hop the roof and come here?"

"It's quite high and steep.", I pointed out the facts. "If they want to risk slipping and falling down, then yes. But they have their terrace, why would they come here?"

Mona bobbed her head while thinking about my words. "I guess you are right. For someone who paid millions to live here, they will not risk their lives easily. And if you catch them, you can sue them for trespassing. Can you throw a barbeque party here?"

I burst into giggles at her question. She is in one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in London, and thinking about a barbeque party. That doesn't fit in the whole mood of posh tea parties with bite-sized pastries and imported tea that are difficult to pronounce, but this is Mona... a simple girl who speaks her mind.

Actually, I saw Mona when she is serious when she turns into a serious businesswoman and her cheerfulness with goofy behavior is telling me that she is relaxed with me. I like that.

"I guess we could throw any kind of party here...", I responded.

"Considering the fortune you paid for this place, there better be no restrictions", Mona said thoughtfully. "Show me the rest!"

After the tour of my four-bedroom apartment and a lot of 'Oh' and 'Ah' reactions from Mona, we settled in the living room with a glass of wine each.

Mona looked at me with sparkles in her eyes.

"OK. So this is it…", she said excitedly. "You will finally tell me the secret behind your flawless skin and how I can achieve it."

We spoke about this on several occasions, and every time I would reveal more about the concept of the familiar.

I believe that Mona is ready and willing, but this is the moment when she finds out the whole truth. Well, not exactly the whole truth as Aldus warned me to give her some bits and watch her, and once I ensure that she is aware of the risks and follows the rules, then I can tell her more.

I was nervous. If Mona bails out, it will create an awkward atmosphere, but we need to cross this line, the only question was when.

I encouraged myself that it will be OK. After all, I'm offering her immortality, why would she refuse?

"Yes. I need you to understand a few points before we proceed.", I said while picking my words carefully. "If you agree to this, there will be no going back."

Mona pressed her lips into a line. "Do you need to be so dramatic?"

"I am trying to get you to understand the severity of your situation. Some things can't be unseen or unlearned, and those things are not for everyone."

Mona blinked. "Didn't we discuss that you have a formula that can improve my body and appearance? Isn't that some health tonic or a cream?"

I knew that Mona didn't understand what I'm offering, but I can't talk about immortality openly before she is part of it, so I was doing my best with hints.

"This is more than just a tonic or a cream.", I said. "Your body will change and then… it will stop changing. People will notice that they are aging, and you are not."

"A super medicine from Notte Pharmaceuticals!", Mona exclaimed.

"I need you to calm down and think about this clearly.", I warned her. "If you are not confident, we will not proceed."

Mona tilted her head. "You said that there is something I can use and not age. Do you really think that I have doubts about it? Are you kidding me? Even if it's some prototype and risks are involved, I would go through it. You have no idea how much I'm suffering to look like this. I'm not blessed with perfect skin like you are."

"But what if it's not a perfect skin, but something else?", I asked.

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