It had taken her the better part of the night to finish up the potions. Tired and sleepy Luna bottled up the last of the concoctions just as the first rays of light started to illuminate the kitchen.

  The reason it had taken so long was because she’d added one additional serving to her delivery and that had required more magic. Maybe with a token of friendship she could bribe her collaborator into getting some temporary protection around her home. Also she could get more information about the guard-magic nullifying situation.

  Both Succulent and Venus had been of great help maintaining everything organized as she worked. They had been diligently supplying her with all the necessary components to get everything ready on time.

  After they'd finished Luna noticed that Succulent had disappeared yet Venus stayed by her side. This wasn't something uncommon. Venus had more energy than any of the other golems she’d made.

  “Venus thanks for everything, please wake me up in an hour.” Luna yawned, preparing to leave and get a couple hours of sleep.

  Before heading to her bedroom, Luna noticed Succulent out of the corner of her eye. The golem had curled up into a ball and fallen asleep next to the remaining ingredients scattered around the enchanting station. Luna chuckled softly to herself; no wonder she couldn't find Succulent earlier. With their colors blending seamlessly with the surroundings, especially around her work area, they were practically invisible. Remaining herbs, plants and minerals were left everywhere.

  Picking them up, Luna placed them on their bed by the kitchen’s window. Since they had human-like appearance and habits, Luna had created two makeshift beds by the kitchen window which doubled as their room. One of them for Succulent and one for Venus since Fern always stayed in the green house.

  Still, it wasn’t uncommon for Venus to sneak into her room to sleep by her side. Turning to the cute multi headed golem, Luna couldn’t resist bringing it with her.

  “Venus after you wake me, you can have the rest of the day to sleep.” She said in a calm voice, placing the cute humanoid plant on the bed as she proceeded to change into her pajamas.

  Venus’s múltiple heads nodded as they started to get comfortable in bed.

  Finally in her clean white camisole Luna was ready to get some well deserved sleep, she laid beside the adorable plant, getting cozy and ready for bed.

  Just for a couple of hours, then we’ll get the job done.

  ...

  That's what she got for trusting tired plants. She was late and had to run as her best helper laid in bed comfortably sleeping.

  Venus had forgotten to wake her up. Well not forgotten, they had fallen asleep as well.

  After a quick bath, Luna dressed hastily, grabbed the basket of products, and hurried down the path to Ortega. The sun's position suggested it was early noon, which brought her a sense of relief. However, her mind was still burdened by the thought of navigating the crowded market and the possibility of encountering guards on her way home.

  This was the precise time in which most workers got out from their respective jobs to get drinks after a hard day of labor. The market’s southern section, being the cheapest place to get alcohol, would be filled to the brim. The prospect of facing the bustling crowds and potential delays weighed heavily on Luna's mind, adding to her mental exhaustion.

  As Luna sprinted towards the city, she quickly realized her stamina couldn't keep up with the pace. Gasping for air after the run from her home to Theo and Sofia’s cottage, she knew she needed to conserve her energy. There was still time, and rushing wouldn't benefit her.

  With steady breaths, Luna slowed to a brisk walk. Sprinting might draw unnecessary attention from people in the surrounding fields, prompting them to offer assistance and further delay her. Opting for a more measured approach, Luna focused on maintaining a steady pace as she made her way towards Ortega.

  Passing the familiar cottage she noticed Theo and Sofia weren’t anywhere in sight. She assumed from her last visit that Theo would still be out in the field. Thoughts of Sofia's abnormal rash crept into her mind, sparking concern. Even though Luna was intrigued and wanted to knock on the door to see if everything was alright, she knew her anxiety was just getting ahead of her.

  Suppressing her curiosity, Luna hurried along the path that led to the city. If she wanted to visit, she would after finishing the deliveries.

  From their cottage to the city the wide plains of Ortega were filled with different homes and crops. The land seemed healthy and full of life.

  It was a nice change of scenery from the dark forest that surrounded her home. With the downing sun all the workers in the fields seemed to be collecting their things ready to get back home or to go out for drinks.

  Luna really appreciated the walk to the city. The wind and sun felt inviting and healing on her face as she paced her way down the path.

  Closing in on the city gate, the bright sun hid behind the towering walls of Ortega. It was impossible not to notice the amount of people moving to and from the city. It was loud and a bit chaotic as wagons moved stock and people traveled with family or friends.

  Guards were posted to either side of the massive entrance. Every gate to the city had a watchtower on top. Guards posted on the watchtower were in charge of closing and opening the city when it was needed yet most of the time, the gate stayed open.

  Ortega's southern gate primarily served farmers from the rural area, while the western gate led to the docks along the Taiga River, and the eastern gate connected to the road leading to Serna, the capital. Luna's journey from her home to the city had taken nearly an hour. She navigated through the bustling crowds, eager to avoid collisions as she headed toward her first destination.

  The city had wonderful infrastructure. But Luna assumed it was because Ortega was the last city built by the empire. Its layout reflected a clear division of social classes. The outer houses, closest to the protective wall, were modest two-story buildings housing various shops, residences, and inns. Moving inward, the middle area featured slightly better-looking homes and businesses. At the heart of the city stood the bustling market and revered temple. The northern side catered to the higher class, housing the duke's manor and opulent neighborhoods.

  The Emperor of Taragona assigned a duke to each of the cities within the empire. Their duty was to represent and rule over the people in the emperor’s name. Allying with the Decidit, they had shunned all magical creatures out of the cities for the past 600 years. Even though most humans lived blind to the situation, some magical beings still tried to coexist, adapting and surviving. Just like her.

  Navigating through the bustling streets toward the main market, Luna felt a surge of annoyance. The city was always draining, and she detested going there, especially since her magic was nullified. First she had to get to the market. It was there that she sold most of her products to Moira, a close acquaintance.

  She wouldn’t have called Moira a friend, since they only talked to each other once a month. However she’d known Moira since childhood, as her parents lived close to her nana’s before their business started to thrive and opened a shop in the city.

  Ortegas’s market, located at the center of the city occupied a significant portion of the main street that led to the temple. There you could find almost anything. Though it wasn't the capital, Ortega boasted considerable trade, particularly with Balliarde. Its strategic location near rivers, plains, mountains, and forests ensured a diverse array of goods available for sale.

  Making her way through the busy streets that led to the market, Luna started to pay close attention to passing guards. They were posted in small stands along the streets. There were too many patrols around the city, especially in the market area and the docks where robberies were common.

  She analyzed every guard that passed by her side, but couldn’t find a gem anywhere on their shiny gold plated armors. Not that she could identify its magic blocking property since the entire city was magic proof. And so were the gems.

  She could also try asking Moira, but then, that could get her into trouble.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  The magic blocking, gem infused situation added to her annoyance. It seemed as if there were no rest days for her lately. And on the other hand, she still had to get back to working on her mothers research.

  Esekiel’s comments had left her quite angry with him. She wasn't about to leave all her mother’s hard work behind. It was her legacy.

  Finally arriving at the main street the atmosphere changed. There were dozens of tents lining the way on both sides. People were everywhere. Selling things, buying things, walking around, drinking. It was quite chaotic and Luna hated it. She had gotten used to the silence and airy space by the forest.

  Swiftly making her way through the crowd, she was able to arrive at The Herbalist, Moira’s familie’s shop. It was a two story, corner building like most of the ones that lined that street. The corner location made it so the shop could have two access points. One at the front and one to the side. Since the shops around the area were always so densely packed, Luna made her way through the alley to the side door.

  Knocking twice she heard Moira’s familiar voice calling out.

  “Coming!” She screamed in her rough yet feminine voice.

  It seemed she was far from the back since Luna had to wait for a minute until the door clicked and opened.

  “I didn't know if you’d be making deliveries this month!” She exclaimed with a wide smile on her lips.

  Holding the door wide open, Luna made her way inside.

  Moira was the same age as her. She was taller and better built, muscly even. Her beautiful skin had a light bronze glow that matched her messy curly hair. And her face, which was the most captivating, had the brightest set of green-brown eyes.

  “Sorry, I’m late. I stayed up all night finishing everything” Luna responded, placing the basket on a small side table. The only space left.

  The back of the store was used as storage so it was quite cramped with all sorts of herbs, tools and leftovers.

  Moira looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She was clearly going to scold her regarding her terrible sleeping habits.

  “You know, you should rest more. You’ll get old and ugly if you don’t sleep” she exclaimed, passing the contents of the basket onto a box and taking them to the front of the store.

  Moira had always been this way and unlike Ezekiel she had a softer way of showing how much she cared. Maybe it was due to the fact that Moira had been with her through the mourning of her parents and the death of her Nana. She understood. Still getting close to her in a time such as this when everything felt uncertain, with guards and Decidit’s possibly on her track, was not a good idea.

  Looking at a small mirror on the wall, Luna could see what Moira said about ‘getting ugly’. Her skin looked paler than usual and the dark circles under her eyes made her look haunted. She could pass for a beggar since her clothes were so old and tattered.

  Looking away from the mirror Luna started tapping her feet while she waited for Moira to return.

  After just a couple of minutes Moira came back with a pouch of coins and two Panoli, a classic Ortegan lunch. It was a fried doughy bread filled with meat and vegetables.

  “Here” she said, handing her the Panoli. “I'm sure that if you didn’t sleep, you probably haven’t eaten, and I’m not giving you this pouch until you do.”

  Finishing her sentence, Moira pulled out two high stools from under the table and sat on one gesturing Luna to sit on the other.

  Reluctantly Luna accepted the Panoli and sat on the chair while smiling at Moira. “If you people keep giving me food, I’m going to get used to it.” She said, taking a bite of the warm delicacy. Luna hadn’t noticed the slip of her tongue until she noticed Moira’s silence and raised her head to look at her.

  “People? Who else is giving you food Lu? She asked, eyes sparkling with mischievous thoughts.

  Luna kept silent, believing that not saying anything would discourage Moira from asking any further. The thing was, she had forgotten just how persistent Moira was.

  Feeling her intense gaze as she started to close in, Luna could feel her resolve faltering.

  “Fine. A father and her daughter helped me out the other day when I got sick. They live near my house. That’s all.” She exclaimed looking at Moira.

  Going back to her food the beautiful brunette suppressed a cheeky smile. “I didn’t know you liked them old.” Moira audibly whispered.

  Well, this has been more than enough Moira for a day.

  Luna quickly ate the rest of her Panoli and swiftly grabbed the coin pouch in the table next to Moira’s arm. Without a word she pocketed the pouch and turned to leave.

  Moira knew Luna well enough not to get offended by her actions. The short conversation they had was enough to leave a wide smile on her face as Luna left the store.

  Walking out into the alley, Luna felt the heat on her face and hoped Moira hadn't seen it. Theo wasn't old. He was older than her, but not like old old. She had also been struggling with the thought of liking him, since she felt it was something more like gratitude. Though she did find him attractive and he felt homely.

  Collecting her thoughts Luna went on to her next and final delivery. The important one. Instead of taking the main street that was crowded and full of loud drunk people, she decided to take a different road heading north.

  Walking down the street of Ortega, anyone could easily tell where the high-class neighborhood began. It was marked by a distinct shift in the atmosphere, divided by a long, well-paved road that cut through the city from east to west. The sidewalks were wider here, clean and lined with meticulously groomed hedges and flowering trees that added a touch of elegance. Fewer people walked the streets, but those who did exuded an air of sophistication, their polished shoes clicking against the smooth stone paths as they strolled between high-end boutiques and cafés.

  The buildings in this part of the city stood taller and prouder, their facades adorned with intricate stonework and gilded accents that shimmered under the sunlight. Even the air seemed fresher here, carrying the faint aroma of expensive perfumes wafting from the well-dressed passersby. The people dressed in fine tailored clothes—sleek suits, flowing dresses, and shining accessories similar to something Ezekiel would wear. Everything about the neighborhood spoke of wealth and exclusivity, a stark contrast to the busier, less polished streets left behind. The only thing that clearly connected them together was the huge temple in the middle.

  People in the empire of Taragona worshiped Valencia, the almighty goddess, amongst other gods. Luna wasn't particularly religious and suspected this was another way the Decidit kept control over people.

  Crossing over to the fancy sector always made Luna feel insecure. Especially today with her worn out appearance. She always noticed the weird glances people gave her as she walked down the streets, but she did her best to ignore them and quickly headed to her destination.

  By the western side near the docks layed a luxurious commercial district and its main attraction is the Operose Maison, an opulent three story inn.

  The building’s facade was adorned with rows of tall windows, each framed by intricate silver filigree that caught the light and seemed to shimmer faintly, even in the dimmest glow. The structure itself was a striking blend of sharp contrasts, its exterior rendered in sophisticated shades of black and white that gave it a timeless elegance.

  Yet, for all its grandeur outside, the building’s true allure lay within. The interior was a dramatic departure from the monochrome facade, a symphony of deep crimson accents that exuded warmth and opulence. Rich red drapes cascaded from high ceilings, their plush folds catching the golden glow of chandeliers above. The sleek, polished surfaces of the black-and-white walls made the scarlet decor even more vibrant, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury that drew the eye.

  There was single noble around the empire that, when visiting Ortega, didn't stay in its most respected inn. Which doubled as a social hub for the higher class.

  Standing in front of the structure, Luna adjusted her attitude. Taking a deep breath she walked to the side of the alleyway besides the intimidating building. By the side many crates could be seen filling the way. As she traverest through the obstacles, she came upon a familiar red wooden door.

  Pulling out a silver medal with a moon and sun sigil engraved on to one side, Luna knocked on the door. Waiting for a minute she heard light footsteps approaching until they stopped right in front of the door. Roughly a small sliding door opened and a set of piercing brown eyes stared at her.

  She raised the small silver medallion, and the sliding door shut once again. After the click of five locks, the door creaked open, revealing Grod, the mean-faced orc who always guarded the back entrance.

  Cautiously, Luna stepped into the dim hallway to complete her deliveries. She waited patiently as the familiar orc conducted his usual inspection, a routine filled with nothing but disapproving glances. The cramped space, illuminated by only a few flickering candles, felt suffocating.

  After a slow, begrudging nod, Grod signaled her to follow. Ensuring she carried nothing suspicious, he led her to the spiral staircase at the corner of the room that descended to the lower level. Luna trailed behind, her steps echoing faintly as she mentally prepared herself for what lay ahead.

  Today she wasn't just delivering, she was also going to ask for information and a favor.

  The lower room was exactly like the waiting area. Nonetheless, in the central wall an opening was made covered by a pair of lavish red curtains where streaks of light made there way through. Following Grod, through the curtains, Luna caught sight of the familiar red and black interior that decorated the long hallway at the lower level of the Operose Maison.

  The path to the other side of the corridor was long and doors lined the way to either side. Every door frame was elegantly adorned with silver accents and on the walls beautiful paintings decorated the way.

  It was not until they’d arrived at the last door in the center of the hallway that Luna realized she was holding her breath.

  Hearing soft mumbles from within she could tell a heated discussion was taking place. All the rooms here were soundproof, so if she could hear the slightest bit of sound, it meant they were shouting inside the room.

  This notion made her anxious. Not only was she late, she was also coming to ask for a favor.

  Battling her thoughts, Luna had completely missed when Grod opened the door.

  A hooded figure swiftly passed by her side bringing her attention back to the present moment. Intrigue washed over Luna as she unconsciously turned to get a better look of the retreating figure, but the voice from within the room stopped her in her tracks.

  “You are late, Fiore.” called out the soft and tranquil voice of Casel Sauveterre, the owner of the Operose Maison.

  amazon.