The next morning Sasha woke up to the faint sound of clicking and the smell of rotten vegetables. At the bedside table laid a parcel, as always. She opened it to find a charm.

“Greg?” There was no answer, but she heard him humming.

She slipped up from the bed, taking her blanket with her. Greg was sitting at the kitchen table, deep in thoughts.

“And what are all those formulas supposed to do?” she asked.

“Eh?” He looked up, smiling sheepishly. “You found the charm.”

He took it from her hand, attaching it to her necklace.

“This will let you feel when you are in danger.”

“Oh Greg,” Sasha smiled, “always so protective.”

“This is an art of magic. It is one of the most difficult charms to make, and I had to go all the way to the old masters to get the teaching.”

“And what are you up to now professor?” Sasha asked smiling. She craved the taking, Greg always gave her gifts. Gifts were close to a really good trade, but never really reached the full length.

“I´ve thought about it, and I think I can turn this orb into pure destruction. Can I have a look at it?”

Sasha felt a pang in her stomach, but she ignored it and pulled it out from within.

“What will be left of this when it is used?”

“Nothing if I get it right.” Greg looked at the orb, his fingers followed the black strokes inside the purple. “It is something disturbing with this orb. I can feel the energy of tears inside it, pouring like rain over dessert. I think I can mold it into an ocean.”

“If anyone can, it will be you.” She hesitated, trying to find the courage from within. “I have a gift for you too.”

Sasha took out the black book. She opened it up, letting her fingers stroke the veiled formula. Greg took on look at it and took a deep breath. Then he smiled and looked at her.

“I will need to fine-tune the formulas, and I am missing some rare ingredients, but this is even better than what I have first pictured. This would be a real masterpiece.”

“I have been harvesting for you”, Sasha said, letting the orb lay on the table as she brought forward some breakfast. “I have lies, punishment, and sleep to add to the curse if needed.”

There was a light of joy in Greg’s eyes and he pulled her close.

“This is magnificent. It will be the darkest of magic. I will sculpture something no one has ever seen before. Let it loose and it will kill from inside, erasing the soul in the process.”

“I don’t need his soul, I just need him dead”, Sasha said.

“Magic doesn’t work like that. It blends with the target and it needs a clear direction, Sasha. Are you firm in your belief?”

“What more do you need? I will help you, the sooner the better.”

“Sasha.”

“Yes”, she said. “I have been dreaming of this moment for years. I need this. How can I get there faster?”

“I need some time. I will have to figure out how to maximize these new ingredients. How did you get hold of them?”

“Long story”, Sasha said.

“Well, this is the time for long stories. The ingredients have to be perfect. I can´t trust anything to go wrong. I need this perfect.”

“Ok”, Sasha said. “I call the knights of Aliyah.”

Into the room, the ghosts of six knights appeared.

“Well, my child?”

“Not your services this time”, she said smiling towards the ghost. “But I am happy to see all of you. How is Aliyah doing?”

“She is thriving. I would say it is refreshing learning to know each other all over again.” He looked carefully at her. “I know what you are doing here. Sure you don’t need my services?”

“No. This is a decision I can’t make without my emotions, but thanks for the consideration.” She turned to the other brothers. “I will need lies, punishment, and sleep.” Sasha pointed towards Greg. “Please show my friend what you have.”

“Sweetheart, I can make a lie so trustworthy you will forget your personality. It’s granted by the gods.”

The ghost touched Greg’s hands, and he was shuddering.

“Thank you. This is probably more than I wanted to know, but thanks.”

“Do just remember I will let you come away with exactly anything, anywhere, but just once.”

The ghost looked at Greg and Sasha, pointing his finger towards the orb.

Sasha nodded. She had to be sure of this. They had not the luxury of mistakes. Another ghost stepped forward. He put his hands on the shoulders of Greg.

“I can grant you sleep, immediately sleep, wherever you are.”

The third ghost stepped forward. He didn’t touch Greg, he just looked at him, curiosity written on his face.

“Sasha, can you bring me the orb?” the ghost asked.

Sasha lifted the orb, holding it for the ghost to touch.

“I can make a punishment. But be careful, it will not be what you wish of, but it will always be fair.” He nodded and turned to Greg.

“Sure you don’t need the rest of us? We still think being grounded would be wise. This is not a decision to take lightly. And to erase all memories might be a good plan b?”

Sasha looked at Greg. He shook his head.

“I don’t know, but I will figure it out.” He put his hands over the orb, stroking its surface. “You trust me on this Sasha?”

“Yes”, Sasha said and handed the orb to him.

The deed was done.

Greg went to the stove, dropping the orb in the mess of the rotten boiling vegetables. Then he mumbled something and Sasha saw smoke fill the room. The smoke was drawn into Greg, as if he had inhaled it through his ears and breathed it out through the nose. The ghosts were blowing out invisible breaths over the cauldron. Greg nodded.

“I am going to be able to use the lies, and the punishment, but the sleep will most probably not be useful.” He took up the orb and bowed towards the knights of Aliyah.

“That is it then?” Sasha asked.

“No”, Greg answered. “That’s not all. I also need something beautiful turned dirty. I need a betrayal.”

Sasha took the orb from him and placed it back on the table. Her eyes were misty. This would hurt, but she had always known this would not come without sacrifices. She laid her hand on his chin and bend closer, whispering secrets in his ears not to be spilled.

She stepped back.

“You are a master of your profession Greg. You will appreciate the pureness of this.”

The look in his eyes was accusing, but he nodded.

“Yes, I can see it. Now, leave, please.”

“I will.” She wanted to hug him, but she did not. “I beg you, not to rush it.”

“I only do perfectly.”

“I know, but do not let anything slip. I will hate to have to revenge you.”

“Worry not.” Greg rose from his chair. “Give me a week.”