Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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I enjoyed Sergio's reaction when I cast a sound barrier.

I knew that I should keep my abilities concealed and the fewer people know what I can do, the better, but Sergio's condescending gaze rubbed me the wrong way.

I hated that he looked down on me.

I hated that he saw me as Duke's liability.

I hated that he feared Aldus yet ignored me.

From now, Sergio will know I'm not weak and ignorant and he should show some respect.

He called me a runemaster. That's a first.

The truth is that the bracelet (which is embedded in the flesh of my left wrist) is a magical tool that is allowing me to channel energy and operate runes.

Normally, I would need to arrange symbols and activate them with the power of the bracelet. However, due to unknown reasons, I only need to think about the symbols and the bracelet does the rest. Aldus's theory is how this is possible because the bracelet is part of me, so my whole body became an energy-channeling medium for controlling runes, with a side-effect of my wrist glowing when used.

It sounds jazzy and powerful, but the truth is that books related to runes are written in ancient languages. They are cryptic and frustratingly vaguely descriptive, so there is a lot of trial and error involved.

I'm at the level where I can operate portals as well as protective and defensive arrays that Aldus created. Aldus explained them to me, so this part was easy.

Aldus also guided me in sensing and exposing invisible runes, and how to control the alchemic cauldron.

As for the arrays I figured out on my own by studying ancient records and experimenting, I can cast a soundproofing shield that is barely enough to encase two people, and I can create objects that attract each other, like homing beacons.

I would make more progress if I focused on working with runes, but I decided to leave that for later because my priority is to help my father and earn money, and the most money I'm earning from the alchemy. Everyone needs pills and potions (creatures and humans alike), while not many are aware of the runes and what they can do.

"Stop gaping at me, or Drago will think you are in love.", I said to Sergio teasingly.

Sergio snapped out of his daze.

"Right, right. Sorry, It was just unexpected.", he admitted before his expression turned serious. "I thought you said you care for him…", Sergio gestured with his eyes toward Duke. "Why are you bringing him trouble?"

I didn't get it. "Trouble?"

"The youngster you want us to employ.", Sergio explained. "So far, I'm keeping my young master safe by staying low-key, yet you are going to put him under the spotlight with a youngster that is related to Aldus."

I expected Sergio to be protective of Duke. Actually, I approve this part of him. Duke is in good hands and I only wished for Sergio to stop seeing me as a problem.

"Ash is not related to Aldus, and only a selected few know that he is related to me. I can assure you that he will not bring trouble and people will see him as a nobody."

Sergio eyed me suspiciously. "If he is a nobody, why did you come to speak to me in person?"

He is smart, I give him that. "Ash is a werewolf."

Sergio's eyes sprang open, forming nearly full circles. "You must be kidding! I had a hunch that he is not human and I expected to hear that the boy is a vampire. Why would you foster a werewolf?"

"Three of them, exactly. But only Ash is interested in working at Eclipse and learning about finances."

If possible, Sergio's eyes widened even more.

"You adopted three werewolves and your father is OK with that?"

I didn't want to talk about this, but refusing to respond might tick him off more. "My father was not exactly OK, but he lets me do what I want. He is providing inputs when I ask, and otherwise staying away."

Sergio shook his head in disapproval. "I can't believe that Aldus Mezzanotte is letting you do what you want. How can he stay away if they are with you, and you are with him?"

"They are not exactly with us. The teens are staying with another group of werewolves."

Sergio stiffened at my words. "They are with another pack? Which one?"

"It's not exactly a pack. It's a group of werewolves who refused to join any pack. Fynn is in charge, and he agreed to guide my three teens until they are old enough to make their decisions. They are with Fynn for the last three years. I'm not sure if you heard of him. Fynn was a general in the Bluemoon pack and he is a straightforward guy." I saw Sergio's expression changing. Is he going to pass out? "It seems you know him."

"Fynn is watching over your three fosterlings?", Sergio asked under his breath. When I nodded, he asked, "Who else is there?"

I wanted to tell him that he can ask Ash, but I saw desperation and longing in Sergio's expression, so I decided to answer.

"There are Otto, Bert, Tessa, Vito…", I paused. "Are you OK?"

Sergio blinked. "Yes, yes. So, what do you want me to do with the teen werewolf?"

"Ash.", I reminded him. "He is seventeen years old, eighteen in six months. Ash is smart and follows instructions well. Drago already has a plan on where Ash will stay and work. I want you to be there for Ash when he needs help that only a werewolf can provide. Feel free to punish him if he does wrong, but Ash promised to behave. He will need to let his wolf out occasionally, so when you go for a run with your wolf, I hope you can take him with you. Other than that, I hope that you can have a talk with Ash and give him tips on how to stay low and not attract other creatures or hunters, and… that's it."

I saw that Sergio is conflicted, so I made another offer, "If you do this, I will see if I can arrange a protective array around the apartment you guys live in."

Sergio's eyes flashed in approval. "I will do my best to acquire all the apartments on the fifth floor. Can you do it for the whole floor?"

I took his words as an agreement. "That can be arranged. Can I assume you agree to what I asked you to do?"

Sergio confirmed. "Protective arrays are a good deal. I would like to know what you can do."

It's not me, but Aldus. I will only follow what he tells me to because every array is different based on what's protected, location, size, and the ways to operate it. However, I wouldn't say that because it might deter Sergio who sees Aldus as a devil. "Tell me what protection you would like to have, and I will do my best to make it happen."

Sergio hummed in agreement, and I glanced toward Duke only to see him frowning at us.

"Can I remove the sound barrier?", I asked Sergio.

"Yes. I will look into getting apartments and setting up what's needed for the new intern. I will keep you posted and we will discuss details later."

I was happy to see that Sergio agreed and it seems that his attitude toward me softened as well. "Deal."

I deactivated the sound barrier and the noise from the restaurant assaulted my ears.

Sergio stared at my wrist again and I smiled smugly. This little show was worth it.

"Should I take this as, you came to an agreement?", Duke asked when he joined us at the table.

Sergio was back to stuffing his face with food, so I responded, "We are getting there."

I was proud of this small victory.

Next, I needed to convince Aldus to help me set up protective arrays, but that's a battle for another day.

I looked at Duke. "We should go back to the party."

Duke agreed. He gave me his hand to stand up, and as soon as I was on my feet, his arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close to him.

"I will see you later, Serge.", Duke said as we walked away.

Sergio waved goodbye without interrupting his meal. He was either very hungry or in a rush to finish so that he can go somewhere.

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