Liam leaned against the wall just beside Ariana's door, arms folded, his gaze distant, like he was watching thoughts float by in silence. The hallway stayed quiet, as four minutes passed.
The door opened again.
Ariana stepped out, now in a simple, modest outfit: a cream-colored shirt that hugged her form just enough, and navy blue leggings that complimented her eyes. Her hair was down now, soft and wavy, falling past her shoulders. On her shoulder sat Nyxie, her tiny form perched proudly, tail flicking lazily as if she'd claimed Ariana as her throne.
"You can come in," Ariana said, a touch of warmth in her voice.
Liam gave a nod and stepped inside, eyes briefly scanning the room. It smelled faintly of lavender and parchment—just like last time. Books were stacked with casual elegance, and a few crystals glowed softly near her desk.
Once inside, Ariana gently shut the door behind him. "Would you like anything? I-I don't really have much to offer, but still..." she said, motioning slightly toward a tray on her desk with a kettle and two mugs.
Liam shook his head. "I'm good."
Ariana smiled faintly, then walked over and sat on her bed, where Nyxie immediately hopped off her shoulder and curled up in her lap like a cat. Ariana stroked her absently before glancing up.
"So… what's the favor?"
Liam crossed the room, resting one hand on the back of a chair. "I need to talk to Mystica," he said plainly. "I might need to use that portal door again."
Ariana's expression brightened at the mention of Mystica. "Oh! That's perfect," she said, then hesitated, a touch of pink creeping back into her cheeks. "I was actually planning to go see her myself. If… if you don't mind, maybe we can go together?"
Her voice had a shy lilt, like she was trying not to sound clingy or overly eager. Her eyes flicked to him and back down quickly.
Liam gave a small shrug and nodded. "Sure. That works."
Ariana beamed, her smile like sunrise. She carefully scooped Nyxie off her lap and set her gently beside the bed. "Alright then."
She walked toward the far end of her room, stopping at the tall, narrow door with runic symbols etched along its frame. She whispered a few words, and the center of the door shimmered—blue mystic energy swirling like liquid stars.
As Liam approached, Ariana glanced back at the main door of her room.
"Just a precaution," she murmured, walking over and locking it, "in case anyone barges in while we're gone."
With that handled, she returned to the glowing portal. The two of them stood before it—shadows and starlight—and stepped through, vanishing into the swirling blue mist beyond.
Back in her lavish chamber, Mystica had just stepped out of a warm, scented bath, steam still curling around her. Her robe—more transparent veil than clothing—clung to her figure in ways that left little to the imagination, glittering faintly under the soft candlelight. She padded across the polished obsidian floor to her counter, grabbed a tall glass, and poured herself a generous swirl of crimson wine.
She lifted it slowly, savoring the aroma, then took a slow, indulgent sip. "Mmm… nothing kisses the soul quite like a fine red before I get to work my beautiful butt off," she murmured with a sultry grin.
Just as she tilted the glass for another sip, a familiar blue shimmer spilled across the room—the portal door.
Out stepped two figures from the swirling light: Liam, hands in his pockets, and Ariana, looking innocent as well.
Mystica paused, amused, lips curving as her eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Well, well," she purred. "What brings my favorite little lovebirds here uninvited? Don't tell me you planned to do your deed in my chamber. How daring of you, my diamond," she teased, swirling her wine as she smirked.
"W–What? No! We didn't plan anything like that!" Ariana stammered, hands flying up as her cheeks instantly flushed, bright as rose petals in full bloom.
Liam didn't even blink. Hands still buried in his pockets, he glanced away like he was used to this circus. Mystica, of course, noticed every flicker.
"Oh, take it easy, sweetheart," she said, lounging with elegance as she leaned against the edge of a chaise. "If you did decide to take that next step, I wouldn't mind you using this place. Just be sure I'm not around when you do." She winked.
"I said we're not doing anything!" Ariana squeaked, redder than ever.
"She's messing with you," Liam said with his usual deadpan, not even glancing at Ariana. 'It's wild how she still fumbles around Mystica after all this time… not my problem,' he thought.
"Good morning, Mystica."
"Morning, shadow," Mystica replied, reclining fully on her couch now, one leg draped over the other with practiced grace. "What brings you creeping through my portal this time?"
"I was hoping you could help me improve my dark magic during the break," Liam said plainly.
Mystica raised a brow, interest piqued. "Really now? I gave you that tome, didn't I? Don't tell me you lost it."
Liam gave her a look. "Didn't lose it. Just… need more than ink on paper."
"Hmm, how fascinating," Mystica said, swirling her wine with a smirk that practically oozed mockery. "So you're telling me all those sacred little scribbles from your ancestors are worthless now? How cruel of you, Liam."
"I never said that," Liam replied, tone flat. "I just want to learn from someone who actually uses dark magic. Actively."
Mystica tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "Well, you have that, sweetheart. That tome holds knowledge older than kingdoms. I get it—you want something more... personal, hands-on, perhaps a little dramatic—but honestly, there's nothing I could teach that book hasn't already whispered louder."
She took another slow sip. "Besides, you know my dark magic knowledge is limited. I dabble—gracefully, might I add—but compared to someone like you? I'm just an elegant imposter. Even if I am better than most Primordials at it, since they love wrapping themselves in their little rules and fears, I'm still no true master of shadows."
"So what? I'm better than you at dark magic now?" Liam asked, with a spark of sarcasm dancing just behind his voice.
"Pfft, please," Mystica laughed, reclining deeper into her chaise. "If you mean combat-wise, sure. But in depth, versatility, and cleverness? Not even close, darling."
"How convenient," Liam muttered. "Whatever. I don't care anymore. What about that thing you were working on last time?"
"Oh? You mean the demon corpse thingy?" Mystica said, eyes lighting up with wicked glee. "Still working on it. Had to summon an old friend to lend a hand—or a brain."
Ariana, who'd stayed quiet until now, blinked and leaned forward. "Wait—what demon corpse thingy?"
Mystica turned, a gleam in her eyes. "Ah, seems I forgot to mention that, angel."
With a snap of her fingers, her ethereal, barely-there robe shimmered out of existence, replaced instantly by a sleek black dress that hugged her form and ended just above her knees. Over it, she conjured a crisp white lab coat.
"It's better if I show you," she said with a wink. "Come, darlings—try to keep up."