Food for thought

Gabriela headed to the kitchen to check if everything was okay. So far the service has been perfect. If it stayed like this until the end, she would use this company in the future. The previous one they used had made a mistake at the previous gathering. One of the waitresses had allowed herself to use her mother's bedroom to meet one of the guests. Normally, she wouldn't have stopped working with them just because of that, but her uncle had insisted. Of course, the guest in question was also removed from the list.

Now, as she watched the service staff work, she had time to recover from her reaction to Sebastian Vero. So he was very rich if the blonde could be trusted. They had had an affair, or at least she wanted them to. Of course, that wouldn't stop him from leaving with her, but she doubted it. She had felt something much more than a simple attraction though, She was downright shocked by the reaction he had managed to get out of her in just a few minutes. Either it was due to the long dry spell she had fallen into, or this was someone who could be a part of her future.

While standing next to him could she feel his hidden power? His aura was strong and pure. Although as far as she could tell his work was aggressive and assertive, it had not affected his energy. He seemed to be honest and straightforward about the rules, which she liked very much. A wizard without respect for the rules would not survive long. Maintaining strength was directly related to many exercises and rules. And when he touched her. God! - she thought and placed a palm on her chest, where her heart skipped a beat. It was as if the air had exploded. It was obvious that something was coming, and she wondered if it was not related to him. She couldn't wait to play with fire.

She moistened her lips slightly and looked for her lipstick. It would be nice to stop by the restroom for a little refreshment. She was on her way there when she heard a clinking of glasses. Her uncle was about to make his regular speech. She had to join him. She left the kitchen and went into the hall.

Her uncle stood in the middle, in his favourite spot under the chandelier, telling a joke. His favourite way to open a celebration, despite the lack of any humour on his short list of merits.

- Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to our little get-together - there was some polite laugh - we're going to do something different tonight. We are celebrating fifty years since my birth and I think I will tell you a very interesting story from my childhood. When I was little, my grandmother used to tell scary stories about ghosts, demons, goblins, and giants. And I grew up with these stories that taught me courage, courage, humility, and understanding - Well, that was a bit of a stretch Gabriela thought, but then again this was his party. She could be a little generous. Her attention went back to her uncle - But of all the stories, one always stood out from the rest. I've only heard it three times, after extremely violent storms like the one preparing to rage outside, and I think it's good for getting the blood pumping.

- Come on, old man - called out someone who had already clearly treated himself generously with the variety of beverages provided.

- Yes, let me think - There was a pause for a dramatic effect. He knew how to please a crowd she thought - Once upon a time, there were two wizards. They grew up together under the supervision of their teacher and mentor - a very strong and wise mage. They did everything together, were mutual friends, and developed their powers together. But very soon everything changed when their old teacher died. Then misunderstandings arose and not long after that, the two went their separate ways. One wizard chose the path of cultivation, science, prosperity, and power. The second wished to live in the forest, simply and peacefully, surrounded by nature. As the years passed, they both became grown men, each with their legacy. But envy and malice broke out between the two, and a fight was inevitable. The two fought, as legend has it, at sunset in a meadow close to the old cabin in the woods they grew up in. The Scholar Wizard was very strong and all bets were in his favor. But the hermit was cunning, and during the battle, he cast a spell that would lock the opponent in his spellbook forever - He finished with a dramatic pause, obviously waiting for a response from the crowd.

- What happened next? - asked someone from the crowd.

- No one knows because they both disappeared without a trace. Some say they are locked between the worlds in eternal battle. Others say they died of their wounds. But what draws attention is the fact that over the centuries there have been rumours of a book of spells that gave power to its owner, and on the back had an illustration of two mages locked in eternal battle. This book brought wealth, success, and power to its owner. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to inform you that according to my latest research, this book has been discovered and will soon be out in the open for all of us to see. Then, - he began and paused drawing the attention even more to himself - we'll all know how much of the story was true and what it covered up. Cheers to knowledge and progress, he said with a raised glass. There was cheering and curious buzzing all around. Leave it to her uncle to rally a crowd, she thought.

Gabriela stood calmly off to the side and reflected as her uncle received congratulations. It was the trump card for his special night. He always had something to throw at the curious and the greedy. If this book existed, it would be worth a lot of money in certain circles. Even though her uncle worked for the Council, that didn't mean he didn't run side deals just for his gain. What's more, he often discovered artefacts and information precisely on these side projects.

But she didn't feel at ease all evening. Why had the story irritated her so much? It was an old family legend, but any serious reader could find it in the libraries. The versions differed enough that even if they had something important in them, one couldn't tell which part to use and which to ignore. For her, it was a representation of the constant struggle between good and evil.

In most illustrations, one wizard was carrying white robes, and the other was dark, trying to depict them as good and evil. But that was so subjective. Why would the white colour represent good and black evil? Maybe it was reversed. And most likely it was all grey. In her mind, the most logical was that everything had good and bad parts. That meant that nothing and no one was ever all good and all evil. Gray and its shades were the most realistic.

She rubbed her neck and continued to analyze the situation she was currently in. The evening itself was organized a long time ago. This means that he hardly had an accurate idea of the surprise he was about to present.

On the other hand, each of his acquisitions was interesting in its own right, and he would hardly need new artefacts to impress his guests. But something in his very demeanour, his way of communicating, or even his very air bothered her. As soon as she came to the house, she was skillfully avoided. She was getting warning signals to stay away from him, and his gaze was going through ranges she couldn't read. And all evening she couldn't shake the feeling that the gallery book had something to do with it. She rubbed her neck again and sighed.

Maybe she was imagining it. Or not. Either way, there was no point in her sitting in the corner and sighing. She decided to let her mind rest and come back to his senses later. Maybe if she could talk to her uncle, things would fall into place.

- Interesting story - she heard in his ear and jumped as if stung.

- Yes, indeed, my uncle sometimes has his quirks - she answered, trying not to show how much his presence affected her.

- He knows how to fire up an audience - he insisted, sensing that something else was going on, but he couldn't decide what. He had noticed the looks that Boris Mago had given his niece while she was not looking and was startled by the conflicting malice and obsession shown there.

- Well, at least it wasn't one of those boring speeches that are usually thrown at such parties - she said, trying to avoid the topic.

- Yes – he looked at her and saw the worry she was trying to hide – very interesting indeed...

- Excuse me for a moment, I have to look at the cake - she said worriedly and headed to the kitchen. He stared after her. What exactly was going on here? She was hiding something. Was there any information about the theft? And maybe she was involved right up to her beautiful neck. Well, he would go around and watch until he got an answer. Because he knew no, he was convinced he was in the right place. A book, the same as the one stolen happens to be in his possession? Boris Mago had something to do with the theft and he was going to prove it.

Just before she entered the kitchen, Gabriela caught movement upstairs. What was that? They looked like shadows playing on the walls, but menace hung in the air. She cautiously approached the stairs when her uncle appeared on the landing.

- Are you looking for me? - he asked and straightened his bow tie.

- Yes, I thought I saw something - she answered and tried to look behind him. But everything was calm, and the sense of threat had disappeared.

- It must be the cat - he tried to calm her down and put his arm around her to stir her away.

- No, I didn't think it was the cat - she began, but she decided to use the opportunity to talk to him as he finally was available. She needed to make sense of her anxiety and nightmares of the past weeks, and it seemed that she could find some answers - What's going on uncle? What was with the story and the book? It sounded familiar to the book I told you about. Don't tell me you bought it.

- My darling - said Boris and laughed - you have nothing to worry about. Everything is wonderful – and patted his pocket for his cigarettes.

- So it is not the same one? - The suspicion grew as he was ignoring her. It was a tactic all to know to her in her communications with him.

- Well, I would not have known after all, would I? - He said dismissively - It's not like I have seen the one you told me about. It is just a book I was able to acquire by chance.

-Are you sure? - Gabriela asked suspiciously.

- Of course. If there was something, I would tell you right away, wouldn't I? - answered her playfully and patted her cheek.

- Would you? - she asked incredulously, noticing his well-hidden irritation and impatience.

- Enough of that - her uncle diverted the topic - We have guests to attend to. You better get on with what you have to do, girl - he answered her in a daze. It was getting harder and harder for him to control himself around her. Maybe he shouldn't have invited her tonight, but he wanted her to witness his success – It's time to do something worthwhile after neglecting what you're best at. And when the time comes, you'll regret not taking advantage of your gifts.

She was stunned for a moment. He never talked to her like that. Yes, he was sometimes dismissive and sexist but she contributed it to his generation. But never openly aggressive like that.

- What's going on, you have to tell me – Gabriela reached out to touch his arm, but he was faster and pulled away.

- You didn't touch me - Boris whispered to her - You have no right to rummage through my thoughts. Haven't you been taught not to use your powers against your family? - he angrily whispered to her - It's time to return to the mortals you love so much. Enjoy them while you can - he told her and got lost in the crowd.

Gabriela sat frozen. She knew he was rude and irritable, but she had never guessed the feelings he had for her. However, when he needed something he always turned to her. She had never encountered such rage and hatred, and now directed at her, it had paralyzed her. What was going on in that house? There was something that her uncle was hiding, and quite well since her aunt - the best medium in the world, didn't understand what, it was strong. What was she supposed to do - she asked herself and looked up the flight of stairs - maybe she should have gone up there and found out what was going on anyway. Or wait a while and consult with the family about what to do? Why was he so rude? Despite his character, he had never acted like this. There was something else interfering here and she wasn't happy. She had to find out what it was and help. And what was this talk about her not using her gift? She did use it every day in her work to help people.

Something was very wrong, she thought, but now was not the time with all these people in the house. If they had a problem, she had to deal with it herself. Tonight she could stay until all the guests left and talk to her uncle. But it didn't feel like the right time. Tomorrow morning seemed more reasonable. Morning is always wiser than the evening, the saying went. Hesitating, she didn't feel Sebastian standing next to her.

- You have an interesting relationship with your uncle - he said, studying her face to find out if this was new to her.

- Excuse me? - Gabriela asked, still confused - the face that turned to him convinced him of her innocence. She was visibly hurt by what had happened but also displayed enviable composure and exasperation. It was clear that her uncle's behaviour was new to her and had shaken her considerably but also motivated her to intervene. He was fascinated to see how quickly she was able to regain her composure. How all the feelings of sadness, wonder, confusion, brooding, and determination flow into one another. Then she came to a cool resolve and turned to him, - Is there anything I could help you with?

- Just to enjoy that face for a longer time - replied Sebastian, not pretending he hadn't witnessed the altercation.

- As far as I know, there is no law against this - thinking about what this person had to do with the situation. Her instincts spoke volumes.

- I couldn't help but overhear the conversation you had with your uncle. Why didn't he want to touch you a while ago? - asked her interested. Gabriela was about to cut him out when her eyes went dark for a few seconds.

- Are you okay? - he asked, concerned for her wellbeing. Afraid she might feint he picked her up and dragged her to a nearby chair.

- Yes, I'm fine - she answered him, surprised by his actions. It was quite considerate of him to notice her indisposition.

- Are you okay? Are you not sick? - Sebastian asked, considering running out for a glass of water.

- Yes, thank you - Gabriela answered him and smiled slightly - just for a moment my head was spinning - and she laughed to herself. If he had known that his touch had caused a slight vision, he would probably have run two hundred miles an hour in the opposite direction.

- Are you sure? – he asked, lightly stroking her back.

- Yes, I am very grateful for your attention - she smiled.

- Are you better now? – his gaze stopped for a moment on her lips and they lingered there. So juicy, so tempting. How was he going to conduct his investigation when he was thinking about her every second? Maybe he should have focused harder on his task. He commanded himself to look away from her, but that wasn't a good choice either. The two bright orbs were absorbed into him and seemed to read his soul.

- Yes, it only happens in a few seconds - Gabriela began and took a deep breath. If it was going to be part of her future, there was no time for games. She was, to be honest from the start - Visions are not my strength, so when it happens to me I am not fully prepared.

- Visions? – he asked her confused. That was his luck. An amazing, sexy woman with intelligence, but a complete cuckoo. - Do you consider yourself a medium? - Gabriela laughed at his horrified expression.

- No, I'm not a medium - she said with a laugh, seeing how his shoulders relaxed - I'm a witch- she pointed at him.

- A witch? - he repeated as if trying the word - The kind that messes with cauldrons and whispers words over the fire? – decided that this was already too much. He broke physical contact between the two of them and stood up – With magic wands, flying broomsticks? And dancing naked in the moonlight - the last image was too vivid in his mind and it took him a few seconds to come back.

- No, none of the above - Gabriela told him calmly, crossing her wrists on her knees - I use my mind, nothing else. But I can do a little of the other things as well - she added with a smile. He was still standing looking at her.

-I don't believe in magic, Miss Mago - answered Sebastian annoyed. She decided she could make fun of him. Gabriela sighed. It seemed he had decided to take a defensive position instead of accepting what was before his eyes. Well, no one said that things would happen easily.

- Mr. Vero, I am a hereditary witch who deals in powerful magic. But I also don't like eating little children or locking princesses in towers.- She explained exasperatedly - I prefer to do art and live peacefully - She was getting annoyed. Anxiety, sleep deprivation, and sexual frustration could do that to a person - And if some stubborn man doesn't want to understand how sincere I am with him, he should sit down and seriously think about his life.

- This is total mumbo jumbo - he spat. He didn't understand why he was so angry. He frowned trying to understand his feelings of irritation and their source. In the end, he decided that it was her and her prank idea.

- Do you want a demonstration? - Gabriela asked, already irritated by his behaviour.

- And what are you going to do - the challenged her - you are going to make me a frog and then turn me into a prince with a kiss? - he laughed. He was already having fun. He should have attended such parties more often. Their visitors added variety to his daily life.

She was about to turn him into a donkey when she came to her senses. This was no way to start a relationship. Then again her visions were not always exact, so she could just take her time.

- Actually, why am I bothering with this? - she asked more to herself - I don't need to force things - more like mumbling but it was still heard by Sebastian - Go back to the party and I'll go back to my tasks - she stood up, dusting her clothes from invisible dust and started walking towards the kitchens.

- Wait, won't I get a demo? - he was teasing her now.

- You have a nice tie - Gabriela tossed over her shoulder, walking through the door to the kitchen.

He looked down to see that his stylish red silk tie had been replaced by a bright green one with jagged donkeys on it. He was startled for a moment and stared at the piece of cloth around his neck. She had worked for an illusionist and while they were talking, she had changed his tie. Although he couldn't remember her hands ever going anywhere near his neck. He shrugged and pocketed the tie. Some mysteries were not meant to be solved, he calmed himself down and headed for another drink before going home and going over the information he had on the Mago family.

Gabriela spent the next few hours in meaningless conversations that further lowered her mood.

She didn't notice the eyes watching her with a red glow under the cover of darkness until she left the house late at night. Fatigue had taken over her, and perhaps that was why her apartment's defences had failed.