Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Chapter 198

The first days of the new year were especially cold, yet it didn’t touch the warm, lazy comfort in the cottage.

Dulce hadn’t quite expected Kath’tan to spend so long in the Hells, yet he was even more surprised when the Demon returned because he had returned momentarily just to feed him. The Fiend wasn’t wearing his permanent scowl, and it reminded Dulce of the time they spent together in the Hells.

"There is a war brewing, I’m growing my strength." He briefly explained his extended stay.

"There’s no reason to return just for my sake then," Dulce said with concern, "I’ll make sure to feed fortnightly as usual."

Although the atmosphere between the two factions was even more tense than usual, the war might not begin for years, each side waiting for the other to make the first move.

Kath’tan’s progress was swift, and soon there would be nothing left to learn from Grand Duke Yamra. He would soon return to Dulce’s side again.

He pretended not to hear the Vampire’s words, because even if he still had to remain in Ashford for longer, he would return fortnightly without fail.

Dulce couldn’t remember if Kath’tan had agreed to his suggestions and by the time he woke up, the Demon was long gone.

He was so distracted by the thoughts of war that he forgot he was supposed to pay a visit to the witch Moira until Asael strode into his room.

"Are you ready to leave for Fairwyn?" The Shadow Demon asked quietly, ignoring Ruoxi who dogged his steps.

"I’ll come along this time," The Incubus invited himself.

Dulce didn’t try to dissuade him, long accustomed to the Demons insisting on accompanying him even when there was little need to. "You should return to the cottage afterwards and then come for me at sunset." He suggested helpfully, even though he knew they would likely ignore his words and wait for him outside Magic Alley regardless.

There was a blizzard blowing when they arrived at Fairwyn, the streets were deserted, businesses closed.

In the midst of the whipping snow, three figures stood calmly, like it were no different from a summer day.

"There are no taverns open and everyone in the alley should have sought shelter. Why don’t you both come with me to Miss Moira’s shop this time?" He invited.

Eustace, Miss Moira’s father should be willing to turn a blind eye to their presence, just this once.

Although Dulce was just as unaffected by the weather, Asael warped them directly to the witch’s shop without another word.

Moira was wrapped in furs in her shop, she carried a large box of empty potion bottles, moving it around.

"Dulce!" She said with a smile, excitement and apprehension warring in her eyes as she took in his Demons. "The storm is so terrible I didn’t think you would make it." She said from behind the box which obscured half of her face.

Dulce immediately stepped forward to help her with the heavy item. "There is no storm in Dewmire..." He explained.

It had snowed all night but the weather was clear today, with gray skies and pristine snow, it was as unwelcoming as could be.

"It must be pleasant to go anywhere in a heartbeat," Moira sighed longingly.

A teleportation spell required so many ingredients, and even then it still put a lot of strain on a low-level mage like her. She had been hard at work for weeks, yet she hadn’t managed to redo the teleportation spell in her workroom.

"Thank you," She appreciated Dulce’s help in moving the weighty supplies. "Why don’t we get started..."

Not expecting Dulce, she had planned to do some chores around the shop. But it was nothing that couldn’t wait, not to mention, with the terrible weather, customers weren’t exactly trooping in.

Eustace silently stepped out of an unassuming corner as he often did, the hunched-over, old wizard no longer had animosity brewing in his eyes. He felt grudging gratitude for the rescue of his daughter so he was more inclined to treat the Demons hospitably.

But there was a limit... "Don’t take them with you." He pointed at Moira with his stick, his tone scolding.

The strange Vampire had the disposition of water, clear and harmless, but the dangerous creatures he surrounded himself with were anything but.

The illusion that hid their living quarters within the shop was a powerful spell, one that would lose its efficiency if anyone and everyone were generously let through.

"Why not?" Ruoxi asked with a smile - which naturally meant that the Incubus was upset. "We’ll listen and not make any trouble."

Eustace huffed but remained dogged, "You have him to yourself most of the time. A few hours apart won’t kill you." He turned around to leave. "You’re welcome to remain in the shop," He was gracious enough to add.

There was no worry about them potentially destroying the shop, he had seen firsthand how wealthy the pleasant little Vampire was, he would definitely repay whatever damage they caused.

"You can still return to the cottage," Dulce turned to them, worried. "It’s a more comfortable wait than the shop."

"Alright," Asael agreed, his voice quiet. Without waiting for Ruoxi’s input, he turned around to leave, warping away in the next moment.

"I’ll wait," Ruoxi said with a charming smile, glancing at the witch. "You don’t mind if I look around the shop, do you?"

Moira hesitated for a moment but that was only to contemplate whether there was any need to caution the Demon about the items in her shop. But she had also seen him snap metal with his hands and decimate a powerful Vampire mage without much effort.

So she returned his smile, taking Dulce’s wrist. "No I don’t! You can look around as much as you like."

"Wait-" Dulce’s confused mumble was interrupted by Moira pulling him along. They went deeper into the shop, rounding a corner and going out of sight.

Ruoxi immediately turned to the shelf closest to him, curiosity brimming in his eyes as he approached it, reaching for a bottle which held a swirling green liquid.