Morgane sashayed through, with her steps heavy and impervious. She did not stop to focus her gaze on ornate sculptures along the column. She just marched as though she owned the pce. Which, in lieu of what Ruby heard, might as well be partly true.Who the heck marches uninvited into another man's wedding, standing on all moral high grounds for taking a younger wife, while she had a wife of her own? Only Morgane Spenard a.k.a Mom.

  Granted, Mom never mentioned being married again, but still, Ruby could not help but wonder. Mom, who so loved funting her decadence and ego, would not have sat silently with a trophy wife. No. Mom never did those. Her actions were always calcuted, and her inactivity carried the meaning of a conspiracy behind. Probably this Orith girl is really young, like nineteen and a rich heiress that Mom seduced for her benefits.

  Fifteen seconds ter, Ruby found herself whisked inside a private elevator. Mom held her arm firmly, securing her within her grip. Her legs shook, struggling against each step. A difficult task since she followed Morgane's pace. Alone with Mom, her stomach somersaulted as the elevator slowly did its upward thing.

  "So, this is like an architecture office, is it?" Ruby spoke first, struggling to fill the void created by silence. She failed miserably. Not sure where she should focus her gaze, her hands found purchase along the straps of her new handbag.

  "Orith is an architect, the finest, but darling, this is more than an architecture firm. She doesn't deal with remodelling your dad's kitchen door." Something about the way she said the st part seemed like a scathing insult. "Her projects are mostly city pnning and development."

  "You are married to this rich, really incredibly powerful CEO, then." Ruby tried hard to occupy herself. She toyed her fingers along its edges. Her attention momentarily diverted; she distracted herself, preventing nervousness bubbling beneath the surface.

  Mom wore her coat imperfectly taut, creaseless. It was inviting, offering bare expanse where her neck met her shoulders. They flowed sinuously along her shoulder bdes. Morgane straightened them further. She never paused. Never hesitated. Each button fell neatly, securing each area to restoring the perfect veil. That was peak perfection in her form.

  Then the perfection, that was Mom, leaned closer, tugging Ruby to her. Her thumb ran along her lips. Ruby's heart rose. Not because of the elevator.

  "Your lips are chapped, darling." Mom applied pressure against her lower lips, then she dragged it slowly, almost tortuously slow, upwards, making her aware of their fullness. "There is a small spell to make them moist and wet. Want me to show you?"

  "No, thanks. I know how to run my tongue over my lips."

  Still, Mom continued to apply the gentle pressure along her chin, rubbing gently while brushing along her cheeks. Morgane's smile seemed perfectly matched to Ruby's lips. If she didn't know better, Ruby could have easily believed that Mom cared. She can py the house. She can act motherly.

  And she can stop Ruby's heart, all simultaneously.

  Then, Mom's lips met hers. They lingered. For the full ten seconds where Mom nuzzled and nudged till their noses greeted one another. It took her best efforts -- everything she possessed -- willpower, resolve and self-control, all summed together -- to keep herself from dissolving into a messy gooey puddle.

  Mom broke the kiss. She retreated but her fingers traced their paths, curling them along her earlobes.

  "There." Mom fshed her winning smile. "I gave you some of my lip gloss. Look, I know what you are probably thinking, but this is a perfectly non-sexual kiss. Just a Mom peppering her daughter with tiny, light pecks."

  "You kissed me. Like full lips on lips for like ten seconds."

  "So you were counting." The grin Mom bore was cheekier and teasing. "Your lips are now glossy. So I would accept your gratitude. 'Thank you, mom.' Yes, and you are welcome, darling."

  "Mom, can we please stay focused? You kissed me."

  Mom nodded. "Yup, I totally kissed you. My lips did linger longer than necessary." Then she chortled, releasing audible heaves. "But don't read too much. I didn't have my chapstick with me now, and I know for certain that your handbag does not have one either. So this was a perfectly simple solution."

  "Anyway, why do you want me to look my best while meeting your wife?"

  "Darling, you don't have to call her stepmom or anything, if that is what concerns you." Mom looked pensive. Her fingers dusted imaginary lint off her shoulders. "Call her Orith. Or Or if she allows you. All you need to know is, I stand by my words. I cannot handle women during their bitchy days. Living with another woman meant, sooner or ter, our bitchy days coincide. Can't have that."

  "Still, you married her?"

  "Marriage might be a tad different way of putting things. We are married, but we have our own arrangements. She has her own pce. I have my own. We don't meet or do other things. Our marriage, ... think of it like a legal partnership that benefit both the parties. That is what it is."

  "Like tax benefits?"

  "Among other things." Mom pursed her lips tight in a fwless dispy of her unwillingness to expin what other things meant.

  Any further intrusive questions were cut short as the elevator came to a standstill. The doors slid open.

  Morgane stood outside, her arms linked together. Her heels clicked imperiously against the marble-tiled floor. She dragged Ruby along. Each click sounded through the cavernous chamber, completely empty, save only one intern girl.

  The girl greeted Mom enthusiastically. "Mrs. Spenard, can you please wait? I will inform your wife."

  Mom instead marched forward, towards the farthest end. "It's okay. Or knows I am coming."

  Mom continued dragging Ruby through the immacutely decorated chamber, filled with ornate sculptures, art instaltions, beautiful light fittings, one solid-walled oak desk, packed neatly between two leather lounges, shelves, and intermixed dispy cabinets filled with antiquities. Everything seemed arranged perfectly. Each item, they presented, complemented their surroundings.

  The only person inside wore a pristine white suit jacket with wide, rich purple shawl colrs that accented the slimness of her neck. Her heels clinked against the stone floor, loud, resonating through the chamber. Her fingers made a rhythmic noise as she typed on her keyboard, face filled with intense concentration.

  Everything she conjured about Orith shattered at that moment.

  Orith shared common traits with Mom. Both can wear their age marvelously. Where Morgane can strike fear, intimidate and invoke anger, Orith exuded a sense of fair arbitration. Both carried their allure, but with different extremes. They can stand one beside the other. Their features can make heads turn. One can present a perplexing mixture, while others can draw mysteries.

  Orith smiled, lips broadening along cheeks, widening them till they formed a full beam. Her gait changed, much lighter; the intense concentration devoted to her screen dissolved. She strutted towards them. Her heels clinked against the stone floor, loud, resonating through the chamber.

  "Morgane." Orith threw her hands around, readying for an embrace.

  Ruby snorted, disguising them behind a fake cough. Morgane. Orith threw that name like an expensive gift.

  "Or, tell me. How much did you miss me?" Mom shifted herself gracefully. She extended her arms, stepping forward.

  "Only when I am not drunk." Or's feet rushed forward. They met half-way, only stopping till they touched each other's bodies. Their fingers curled along each others wrists. Or rested her chin along Morgane's cheeks. "And Morgane, it's quarter past four in the evening. I haven't started drinking."

  "That's new. Or, are you avoiding me?" Mom pyfully rubbed her palms against Orith's shoulders. Her fingertips were skillfully adept. They roamed along Orith's bespoke suit, but their warmth seemed to penetrate deeper.

  Orith chuckled. "Morgane, no matter how I try, you know, you could always look into my eyes and read when I lie."

  "True." Mom grinned, her lips spreading wide in an impressive dispy of pearly white teeth. "This rule only applies when I can hear your heartbeats."

  "Come." Orith ushered them inside her office, leading them towards one of the inviting leather lounges.

  Orith office possessed rich golden wall paper. She gestured towards three-seater leather sofa, one facing perpendicur. She pced herself elegantly along the edge. "Please, make yourself comfortable." Then she sat comfortably on the other lounge, away from them but closer to Mom.

  Orith elegantly crossed her legs, one leg jutted forward, their toes tucked perfectly within the expensive leather shoes. Their soles flexed, tapping soundlessly on the pristine floor. Her gaze locked only with Mom's, and in that she radiated unmatched warmth.

  "This is my daughter Ruby." Mom extended her touch toward Orith's extended wrists. Her fingers gave her encouraging squeezes.

  That tore Orith's gaze from Mom and settled on Ruby. She leaned forward, rexed and unbothered, with impeccable gestures that never cked confidence. The dark green hues within her iris sparkled. "Orith Sohrensdottir." She spoke, her voice rich, strong and penetrating.

  Ruby gulped. She swallowed saliva along her parched throat.

  Or fshed her, her award-winning smile. It reached all corners, warming her cheeks, deepening them. "You can call me Or, Ruby."

  Her name, delivered perfectly through those lips, each sylble tasted sweetly against Ruby's ears. If Mom can affect her thoughts, filling her emotions, while edging them along impossible ledges, Orith overwhelmed Ruby's senses with her infallible grace. Something about the way she called her name made Ruby draw courage. She can imagine herself racing through winding passages within cavernous irs, battle worn, torn, her clothing tattered, falling face first and her will crumbling. But when she heard Orith speak her name, she could draw strength.

  That vision sted barely moments.

  Mom snapped her fingers, startling her. "Ruby, introduce yourself. Don't make Or feel uncomfortable."

  Ruby matched Or with a confident smile. "Hi. I am Ruby. Ruby Gand." She caught her mother's insinuating gres, deciphering all its implications. Mom probably thought she might embarrass her, especially since Or seemed very important to whatever Mom had in mind.

  "Ruby Gand." Or repeated with her mouth, halting all other sounds. She can deliver her words perfectly. Each sylble dripped nguidly, rich and sublime, filling Ruby's thoughts. Her tongue danced enticingly, resonating against the air when she called her name. "I can't believe I am meeting this cute, adorable, and agreeable version of your Mom."

  That notion made Ruby winced in discomfort, but only for a brief instant before Or's deep green focus fixed her. Her gaze filled, studying her intently. It left Ruby wondering whether she accidentally forgot her clothing. Then, her gaze fluttered sideways to Mom.

  "Gand, is it? You know Morgane, under normal circumstances, I would have asked to step outside with me. Discuss things in private, but I guess, with Ruby here, it really is true. is it?"

  "I am starting my own Coven, Or." Mom shifted in her seat. Her fingers absentmindedly adjusted her shirt colr. "There is nothing wrong with striking it out on my own."

  Or shook her head, disappointed. Her lips slightly pursed, a mirthless smile spread wide. "Morgane, this Coven business you are spinning... has nothing to do with why you are bringing your daughter Ruby. Please assure me that."

  "I am here. Am I not? Before you. A witch without a Coven. You understand. Don't you, Or? A witch with her daughter, alone at your doorsteps. Would you turn me down, Or?"

  Or narrowed her brows. She shut her eyes tightly, letting silence reign within the chamber. Then she threw herself against her seat. Her arm rested along her forehead. Her lips parted, releasing breath, slow, controlled and short. They only stopped when Or opened her gaze. "Your move."

  "In two nights time, I am founding the Coven. Or, I need you." Mom stared steadily. She focused entirely upon Orith. For two full minutes, they both sat silently, exchanging heated gazes. It felt like their souls fought silently, one seeking purchase while the other held fast. Memories were dug, cherished and tossed out.

  Then Morgane offered her empty palms.

  Or stretched hers forward, pcing them within. Her fingers grazed, exploring familiar surfaces. The tingling sensation danced upon her palms, soft and delicate. Her thumbs curled, encircling all four fingertips.

  "Morgane, you know I can't say no to you. For all that we shared, had and dreamed, you have been a constant in my life. But, you need to come clean." Or wiped her fingers along Mom's cheeks, dusting along seemingly luminescent surface. "Everytime in your company, you made us feel as though the sky was within our grasp. Then, I was left picking up broken pieces of an illusion when you leave. Morgane, it can only ever work between us when you come clean. Look deep into my eyes... pierce my soul. Can you sense me lying?"

  Ruby remained silent. Or seemed perceptive, even astute. Her hands moved expressively over Mom's face, stressing her points, subtle undertones within words. Or can convey them easily.

  Ruby imagined herself submitting willingly, lovingly against her boundless confidence. Or can fill her thoughts, while her conscience remained contentedly surrendered to the openness.

  "I came to you because of my daughter." Mom shifted herself closer, csping their fingers together. Something ignited between Mom and Orith. Morgane curled Orith's fingers, dragging them gently down. Mom kissed her knuckles, making sure they parted slowly, fully dispying their curvature.

  The resulting sigh that came was Or was oh-so-tantalising that Ruby had to clench her legs tight to control the shiver razing up her spine.

  "Or. You know I can't offer you flowers, diamonds, love poems, sweet promises." Mom took her time releasing her grasp on Or's knuckles. "All I can offer is my vulnerability. I come before you with all of myself exposed because a mother can't otherwise. I came to you because my daughter is uninitiated. Defenceless. Such a tender and susceptible little thing. I come to you because a mother can't trust anyone."

  Or may feel emotions deeper than Mom. She might be extremely perceptive. Perhaps her willpower can withstand Morgane's torrential storm, but Mom can affect hearts, bending them to her will. All done achieved through words, gestures, and mere expressions. Those were Mom's powerful arsenal.

  With an exasperated sigh, Or stood and walked over to the nearest cabinet. She poured herself a drink without extending the hospitality to Mom. She drowned the golden ochre liquid in one quick gulp.

  "Is that what you came to me for, Morgane? To charm me, talk sweet nothing. To get you out of whatever you dig yourself deeper and deeper into." Or released all tensions along her shoulders. She managed to meet Mom's stare effortlessly.

  Mom walked to stand beside. She curled her lips, gently easing them open. "Tell me, Or, can you sense any untruths within my next words?"

  "Your honesty can leave me speechless, Morgane." Then she sighed. "And you know you have left me speechless. Many times. But not with your honesty."

  "Do you really think I would do that to my child?"

  "Enough with the lies, Morgane." Or held her stare, unfaltering. "You can never tell when I am telling the truth, Morgane. Because you never could. All you can do is tell when someone is lying because you lie better than anyone else."

  Even if Or said those words, Ruby knew them to be true. They were Mom's own words. Her acknowledgement in private. Just the very morning.

  Mom can bind hearts, controlling them. Or may defy her, resist her influence. Their fight can seem evenly matched, Yet, Morgane eventually eclipsed, overwhelming Or.

  That sense Or projected earlier, it melted. It lost focus, splintered, when it met Ruby. That green gaze stayed on Ruby for a bit longer. They roamed her face, seeking something familiar. Ruby could feel it within her soul.

  Orith may care. She can sincerely express. Perhaps she can hold genuine affection, unlike Mom. In her company, Or's hands can express rich meanings. And Ruby wanted it.

  Mom may incite something deliberately in her, and yank it out with a firm grasp, but with Or, it was more akin to removing the lid and receiving whatever that overflowed.

  Or's stare remained fixed on Ruby's lips. Lips that until a few minutes ago were dry and chapped and now bore Mom's lip gloss.

  That was all Mom.

  Again.

  Even her tiny light pecks, as she called them, were carefully orchestrated. All for her benefit. Ruby wanted to scream; scream louder to Or. Tell her to not fall for Mom's ploy. Not to focus on those lips that bore a striking resembnce to Mom, and carried the same glossiness and colour and smell as Mom.

  Ruby said nothing because she really wanted Or. Compared to Mom, Or felt honest. She may seem reserved, professional, and perhaps imperious in a business setting, but that hard-worn facade fell in private. A certain softness showed through her exterior, permeating gently, unravelling bit-by-bit.

  Ruby really wanted her to teach her magic, naturally.

  Or can mesmerise Ruby. Ruby will welcome it.

  "Irrespective of whatever happened between us, I cannot toss a sweet, innocent version of you away." Or's gaze remained on Ruby's lips, waiting to catch them smile. "I will take her under my wing."

  "Does it mean you will join my Coven?" Mom ran her hand through the shoulder-length and sharply cut ptinum blonde hair of Or. She pushed it behind those shoulders. Whatever Mom did, it snatched Or's attention back to her, and Mom did it effortlessly. "Will you join me? Or?"

  "You never had to ask, Morgane. Regardless of what you try to achieve, I would follow you."

  Mom rested her hands along Orith's nape. "Say you are willing. Tell me you will stand beside me."

  Ruby sat, wordlessly.

  Or captured Mom's fingers within her grasp. She tugged Mom closer. Their noses grazed against each others. Their breathing synchronised. Their gazes stared unwaveringly.

  Or's eyelids fluttered shut, they glided gently, enveloping them within shadows. "Yes, Morgane. I am willing."

  The statement ignited deeply within Ruby. Her chest thudded. It rose quickly, rising high, building pressure against her lungs. At that moment, despite her age, Orith appeared younger, because Mom's presence dominated the space.

  Or nodded slightly, while Mom gave her victory grin.

  "Ruby is uninitiated. With two nights to prepare, I have a lot on my hands." Mom finally relented. "Can I ask your participation with Ruby's initiation rite?"

  Granted Ruby knew not what a witch's initiation rite looked. However, she can easily infer it may contain humiliating, awkward moments, probably details with her embarrassing parts. Still, the presence of Or made all those awkwardnesses evaporate like fresh spring dew under the dawn's rays. Or can bring warmth. Even beneath all business attire, she shone through. Or can radiate the sun.

  Her expressions conveyed profound intensity, but not in the Mom kind of way. Morgane Spenard could waltz into a room and demand submission, but Orith carried enough grace to peacefully arbitrate conflicts. She could nudge warring factions into an amicable solution. Her incandescent presence can be equally mesmerising, and Ruby found her difficult.

  Or managed her gre at Ruby. There was uncertainty within her gaze. Like Mom asked something impossible of her again.

  "You want me to lead her initiation rites?" Or confirmed, seemingly surrounded by an ashen cloud of trepidation. "Why me?"

  "She will feel safe." Mom answered, all knowing smiles and gcial calmness. "I will feel safe if you were to do it."

  Ruby can sense mirth within Mom's voice. It all conveyed her amusement. That unnerved her, which possibly expined why Orith gulped nervously.

  "Just take her with you." Mom continued. "I am not asking you to do the initiation ceremony today. My daughter still cks basic awareness of her own body. Prepare her today. I have an errand to run. How about I reserve a table for us? I will text you. Does that sound good?"

  Or offered Morgane, her empty palms.

  Mom pulled Orith closer, stretching her arms till they closed each other's gaps. They touched one against one, breathing evenly. Mom rested her cheek along Or's. Her lips neared her ears.

  Mom whispered softly, knowing well that Ruby can hear them, barely audible and still loud enough. "Evening, You still got a couple of hours with her. You can decide. Bring Ruby to our date."

  Ruby swallowed a nervous gulp, finding her throat all dry. While her heartbeat raced at the thought of whom Mom served her to.

  Morgane lowered her palms, seeking hold on Or's fingers. She squeezed them further, slowly kneading them, till they appeared exquisitely intimate to Ruby. "Say yes. Come tonight with my daughter."

  "If she is to be my ward, then I assure you, Ruby will be well instructed in our ways."

  Then, Mom turned to Ruby, all bright, sparkling smiles and incessant, motherly affection. She chose words, each sylble exquisitely designed, composed to her grand tune. "Ruby darling, since you can't handle girls on a personal level, you will probably avoid them, eventually. But darling, everyone wants connection. True connection can only happen through uninhibited moments, when we are utterly ourselves, unashamed. Completely ourselves, like warts, hair, body fluids, bits, bobs, grimy nooks, unkempt folds. Nothing hidden. And Or will be your teacher today."

  Mom gave Ruby a quick peck, luckily on the cheek. Ruby could not have handled anything else in Or's presence. The suggestive smile found its way back to Mom's lips. Her whispers were husky, like dark passion-filled honey dripping. "When I say, uninhibited, I trust you will hold nothing. And learn it all."

  In the silence from Mom's leaving, Ruby sat still, and squirmed under Or's attentive gaze. She kneaded imaginary dough with her fingers. Mom can throw words. She can even sound sweet, melodious, soft, hushed. They may even carry a teasing edge. But Or's silence revealed gestures that seemed more accepting than Mom's actual words.

  Orith took her mobile and called, without bothering to switch from headphones. "Hey, it's me."

  The other side went silent. Very attentive.

  "Cancel my schedule for the evening." Or beamed an inviting smile at Ruby, simple, raw and untainted by subtleties. "I have a family emergency."

  Or then grabbed her handbag, an expensive white leather case with actual gold totes and buttons. Her walk towards Ruby was confident and easy measuring. Nothing indicated any rush, her shoes tapped leisurely against the marble floor.

  Only when she stood close and straightened herself to full height did Ruby realise Orith loomed imperiously above her. Orith was tall in a way that invoked repose and inspired courage. Either way, she remained gentle. And her smile could ignite within Ruby's heart, brilliant effervescence that spread through her chest, brimming it to fullness. While Mom can draw deeply from inside her, Orith can deliver a fuzzy warmth in a way that it can only expand.

  Ruby kept her eyes down, for meeting those dazzling green eyes filled with vigour meant another test of willpower. Inside the confines of her new shoes, her toes wiggled in impossible ways, scribbling invisible circles.

  "Should I...Umm... call you, Or or stepmom?"

  "Look at you, trying to be a little sweet talker." Or tussled her dark mahogany curls, and her warm breath billowed over as she bent lower. "Or is fine. Okay?"

  The Or hooked a finger beneath Ruby's chin, forcing her face to lift. Tremendous power resided within her touch, like she can calm storms and fight the seas. Then her lips parted softly. Up close, they were red like fine Merlot and equally intoxicating.

  "You probably heard we are married. But I guess the best I can describe it is that we are married but never cohabitate or anything." Or continued speaking; each word carried wealth filled opulence. Her voice entered Ruby's ears, riding warm and sensuous rivers. "We married for taxes and other benefits. In my position, it helps ward off unwanted suitors. But I want you to know, there is another reason, that we married."

  "What?"

  Or stood, all magnificence and splendour. The serene smile gave her a regal appearance. More. Her smile brought all that Mom should have provided. "Morgane. She may present herself boldly, instilling fear. A lot can attest she can carry herself full of grandeur. But can you guess why Morgane needs me?"

  Ruby kept quiet, stretching the silence. There was comfort within the silence of Or's presence. Morgane Spenard sought from her obedience, unconditional and unquestioning, but Or challenged her and tried to stimute her intellectually by forcing her to reach her own conclusions. Or offered her to provide her own opinions, something Mom never allowed.

  "I...don't know." Ruby admitted, dropping her gaze.

  Or spoke words, which filtered through her ears, cascading sweetly against her brain. "It is simple. In business, one can run marathons, stride beyond competitors, surpass all challenges. But all victories leave scars. People may seek your destruction. Even when they fail, they can weaken you."

  That answer irked Ruby. Not because it sounded needlessly complicated. It annoyed her because there was additional information contained within. Something rubbed her wrong. Something inside didn't feel quite safe.

  Or gave her pause. Her expressions looked kinder, more nurturing with every moment.

  That second's insight brought crity, and Ruby guessed. "If I were to believe, something bad happened?"

  "Yes. A while ago. It was a wake-up call for us. We decided, should one of us ever be hospitalised, we needed some legal means to stay beside and work the spells. That legal arrangement became marriage."

  Ruby didn't believe it. Her jaw hung, mouth wide open and stunned. All she can manage next sounded childlike. "I can't imagine you married Mom because you may need medical benefits."

  Or lurched closer. That pulled Ruby's face nearer, like her nose to Or's neck proximity. The fragrance within her presence stirred within Ruby's nostrils. Or held her shoulders firmly, wrapping Ruby in a protective cocoon. "I can assure you. Everyone needs medical benefits. Even witches, vampires, zombies, transpeople and religious bigots."

  "How about I make a suggestion first, sweetie?" Her words flowed continuously. Each sylble sounded soft and unobtrusive, and they made Ruby's heart flutter. "You look like you haven't had anything for lunch."

  That was the problem with close proximity. Very, very close proximity. Like how they stood at the moment. Impossible to hide the hunger rumble of the tummy when Orith held her that close in her all-encompassing hug.

  "We can grab some coffee and some sandwich. My treat."

  Ruby gulped hard. Like grabbing coffee sounds better than sitting alone while Mom plots murders.

  While Ruby hated coffee, she can actually feel warmth within Or's hug. Her hands fumbled through her handbag, and she felt like fool for leaving her mobile in her Mom's fmboyantly coloured rose-gold bentley.

  Or's eyelids fluttered as she gazed; eyes which held more green than summer meadows, fell on her fumbling. Her smile remained confident and accepting.

  "Come sweetie. Lets feed those angry goblins in your belly." Then Or tugged and Ruby was amazed at how easy it was to follow.

  Orith led Ruby through the streets till they came upon a coffee shop. Or used her name. Something about Sohrensdottir invited attentive service. Even though it sounded hard, it rolled easily along Or's tongue. Not because that's her name, but Or seemed fairly adept with rolling her tongue, while pressing all the lilts and sonants.

  Or took Ruby through opulent hallways, studded red leather, mahogany furniture, semi-circur gss tables, scattering mps all throughout.

  Then they entered cafe section, where indoor walls dripped leaves along archways, much different than drab cream colour walls she usually saw. It was surrounded solely by huge transparent panes, which provided an expansive view through the rustic pnk wooden floor. The dimmed ambience pyed soothing music. The noise canceltion provided a contrasting acoustic effect.

  Or never insisted. She only gestured to an empty table.

  When Ruby tried sitting opposite her, Or suggested otherwise.

  She watched Ruby swipe the back of her skirt as she sat down. Her expressions tethered to the delicate frame near her. Her wine-red lips, full and curved, pulled a very knowing smile meant only for Ruby. There was perfect crity within her heavily sensuous gaze, delivered fully through thinly veiled hints, leading Ruby to pick the delicately drawn conclusions.

  "Come." Or guided her towards sitting besides her closer. Sensing Ruby's trepidation, she reached further reinforcing her decision when she secured Ruby's fingers.

  Or snapped her free hand's fingers, and turned her verdant gaze at Ruby. "I have ordered something. Two coffees for us, and three Japeno cheddar bagels for you." Then, her lips arched in a bewitchingly apologetic manner. "I just thought, since until yesterday, you were...well, you know. Maybe you still had the taste buds of a boy. Japeno seemed very appropriate."

  "But I don't drink coffee." Ruby watched her motions carefully.

  Or's presence made her suddenly aware of her own gestures. The way Or sat, rexed and wholly open, she had a strong presence. When she spoke, her voice reverberated through the air, a perfect mix of gravitas, firmness, confidence and a mountain of congeniality. Everything seemed magnified. Or's tiniest gestures revealed worlds within worlds. She projected authority, wealth, sensuousness, intelligence, power, grace, beauty, all rolled together.

  "Sweetie, don't be a stranger. Come closer." Or beckoned.

  When she neared, Ruby could sense her scent. It carried the scent of petrichor and woodsmoke, yet distinctly provided an image of potent femininity.

  By then, their orders arrived. Delicately poised within two silver trays resided two steaming mugs, one on each, filled brown liquid cups, cutlery, napkins, and utensils. Alongside them, huge bck pte dispyed three bagels, packed with freshly grilled and loaded mounds of marvellous yellow cheese.

  Orith smiled her approval.

  Ruby chose Cheddar Japeno bagel, nearly drowning it along the cheese yer, licking those stray streaks along her thumb. When Ruby reached for the second bagel, Or halted her with a raised hand.

  She took Ruby's cheek in one palm, and turned her to face her scrutinizing gaze. Those viridian orbs twinkled with a light of their own in the shadows as they examined Ruby's lips. They lingered longer on her lips. Then Or took a folded napkin and wiped rebellious crumbs from the corner of her lips. The gesture bore all the elegance of Mom with none of the scorn.

  Within seconds, Ruby's pulse raced, threatening to colpse. Then the realisation came. Of Or still holding her cheek. Of her warm pulse beating into those hands. That made her face burn, a scalding crimson, while Ruby floundered without orientation.

  When Or spoke, she wrapped Ruby within her presence. "Something bothering you?" Her tone remained patient, even kind.

  It felt warm, comforting, all things that Morgane Spenard should have come bearing.

  They drew Ruby closer.

  And the closeness invoked all things that Mom was not supposed to provide.

  "When you accepted to take me as your ward, was it because, I resembled Mom? Did I invoke a very young memory of her? Is that why your gaze is always tethered to my lips?"

  Or lurched closer, drawing Ruby into her embrace. Her fingers rose to wipe Ruby's lips. No napkins this time. Just fingers on lips. This time, it wasn't genteel gestures. It wasn't reassuring words. It wasn't consoling stares.

  This time, Or's fingers brushed slowly along Ruby's lips, patient, constant, pulling Ruby's consciousness upon itself. Her touch remained firm, eliciting tingling sensations. "No. Morgane's lips are a delicate pink, always wet and with a yer of sheen. Your lips carry your name. Ruby red." Her fingers inched closer, gradually nudging her lips apart. "Morgane's lips, despite their colour are cmped with resolution, while yours are beautifully tremulous."

  While Ruby breathed raggedly, Or continued. "But can you answer me one question?" Or leaned closer, moistening her lips. She closed her eyelids shut, trapping viridian depths within shadows. Her tongue dipped, skimming nguidly, leaving trail along her lips. "If I gave you two choices, which one will you pick?"

  Then Or grasped her shoulder, massaging along its edge. Her touch grazed Ruby's nape. It invaded her awareness, eliciting shivers razing her spine. She cradled Ruby, drawing her against her bosom. "Will you choose your Mom's lips, soft, elegant, seemingly tender?" Then she paused, offering Ruby breathing space.

  Ruby exhaled hard.

  "Will you choose fullness, and carnal seduction, promise behind pursed lips?" Then she stood, pulling her fingers through Ruby's hair, lingering longer than necessary, sending involuntary shivers along her spine.

  "But she is my Mom." Ruby stammered, her breathing coming out in heavy heaves.

  Or leaned, hovering her breath over Ruby's ears, while her teeth teasingly grazed Ruby's earlobes. "Don't deny. Up this close, Morgane's lip gloss on your lips in unmistakable. If I were the specuting time, and I am, I would say, she kissed you in my private elevator."

  Ruby panted. The gap between her mouth hung slightly open. Her breathing hitched. That awful flush took hold of her cheeks, burning her insides. Ruby couldn't will it to stop. It only intensified, sending waves upon waves through her consciousness.

  Or ignored it all. "Look, if I were to start instructing you in our ways, we need to establish a baseline retionship. So I will ask you this. You have barely been a girl for a day, and You swiped the back of your skirt when you sat without any conscious effort. Why? How?"

  Her words provoked debate within Ruby. Involuntary shudders ripped through her senses. She tensed. "I used to model for my Stepmom. Selina. My other stepmom's bridal fitting."

  Or shifted herself along the seat, straightening her suit jacket. Still, her focus remained firm on Ruby. It rooted her toes, rendering her incapable of any fabrication.

  "And when I was young, I used to have sleepover at my Selina's, and I used to borrow her skirt."

  "Since you opened up, it is only fair that I reveal something about myself." Or rearranged her hair, letting it drape loosely behind, like a silver lion's mane. "I am not a witch. Not in the traditional sense. My kind is not easily invoked. Our arrival has always been glorified, but in modern days my ilk is not welcomed. I prefer to keep it that way."

  One brief second ter, Ruby felt safe.

  "If you feel better, then it is my power. I can soothe. That is why Morgane came to me. And I can bring courage, which you probably felt too." Orith picked stray crumbs, delicately one-by-one, meticulously collecting them, forming tiny hill upon napkin. She set her green gaze fully upon Ruby, boring deep, till Ruby's insides shuddered. "In ancient times when we used to descend upon battlefields, we invoked courage, and when we guided the souls of the valiantly sin we provided soothing."

  "You are an Angel."

  "I am surprised. Your first thought was an Angel. Although I shouldn't be." Her smile was mirth-filled and encouraging. "Finish your bagels, sweetie. Japeno and cheddar do not taste good when cold."

  ElenaV