Shadowing Bright (An Obscure Magic, #15), page 2
“Gotcha. It just seems like you have a lot more income than it appears on the surface.”
“Oh, that. Well, yeah. Not getting attention is what I want for three hundred and sixty-four days of the year. Today is the exception.”
“I see. I feel bad that I didn’t get you a present.”
Vaia pulled onto the offramp to take them to the faire. “You did. You came with me. This doesn’t happen often.”
“People don’t agree?”
“People don’t show up. I don’t cultivate a lot of what would be considered friends.”
“I see. Why not?”
“I don’t particularly like people.” She chuckled, indicated, and turned toward the Night Faire. “You are different. Nylora is different, though she no longer needs the corsets to conceal her belly. She’s sending Isocar over to me to get her some corsets for therapeutic purposes.”
“How does that work?”
“A proper fit feels like a hug. It helps you get used to contact if it has been a while. Nylora is a tremendous hugger. Very tactile. She wants some help for her sister.” She parked in the employee lot in a reserved spot.
“Why are we parking here?”
“Because this isn’t a casual trip around the faire, at least not to start. It can be afterward, but right now, I need to do my thing so that I can reset for the next year.”
“So, which side of your family?”
“Oh. My bio father’s. My mom didn’t know his name. It was one of those moonlight seductions, and then he was gone, and she was left with memories and me. So, she got married and had other kids, and I got pushed to the sacrificial line the moment another mage family raised their heads.”
“So, your husband is a mage?”
“He’s like me, half mage, half something else.” Vaia handed over a wristband with black-and-gold stripes. “This gets you anywhere and a twenty percent discount at the vendors.”
“Nice. Very nice. I have had my eye on one of the bags here.”
“Okay. Let me get this out of the way, and we can go shop.”
This was walking directly to the dance stage, where a surprising number of people had gathered to watch. Amy flipped the edges of her cloak over her shoulders and crossed her arms as she settled in to watch.
The announcer stated that it was for everyone who had a birthday that week.
Vaia removed her cloak and stood, dressed in shimmering, liquid darkness with blood-red glyphs under the beadwork. She stepped out and got cheers, and then she pulled the spike that held her hair up, and a cascade of black swung around her. And then, the musicians started up, and she began to dance to the beat.
The energy that the crowd gave up was in an astonishing array of colours. Blue, gold, black, grey, silver, white, and some red and orange. There were signs that a psychic vampire was going to be working, and the watchers of dozens of races gave up a little bit of themselves gladly.
Vaia shivered, shimmied, and bounced joyfully to the music for fifteen minutes, and then she bowed. The crowd sighed sadly, and she looked to the musicians. They nodded, and she started one more dance that involved a veil made of the night sky as she swayed and pulled the night across and around her. It was heavily seductive, but Amy applauded wildly. Vaia was a very skilled dancer.
This time, when it was over, she bowed, blew kisses toward the audience, and slipped on her cloak again, walking over to Amy. “So, you wanted to shop?”
“That was spectacular. You don’t stay for the tips?”
“Nope. They go to the musicians. I got my meal—oof!” A small woman collided with her.
“Vaia! You were spectacular, as always. Are you staying for a while?”
“Hey, Freddy. Yeah, we are heading to Simon’s booth and the leather worker and anywhere else that takes our fancy.”
“We? Oh, hey. The frost giant. Nice outfit!” Freddy grinned.
“Thanks. It’s super comfy and easy to move in.”
Freddy smirked. “Well, Simon has more questions about your selections. Go to our booth first.”
Vaia snorted softly. “Of course.”
Amy smiled. “You two know each other?”
Freddy nodded. “Of course. We are both familiars.”
Amy blinked. “Right. Of course you are.”
“Well, now that we have all creepily said of course, we should be on our way. The thrall is wearing off, and I need to be out of their sight before it is complete.” Vaia looked at the crowd, who were ignoring the next performer and staring their way.
Amy grew to her giant form and stood between Vaia and the crowd. The joyful relief on Vaia’s features was sweet. Together, they headed over to the jeweller’s booth, where a stand-in booth wench was.
“Hey, Simon.” Vaia’s voice was soft, but the blacksmith paused and turned to grin at her.
“Vaia. Happy birthday. This year, the faire decided I would give you your present.” He moved to his bench and pulled out a piece of folded leather. “Here you go.”
Vaia smiled. “Thank you. It is much appreciated.”
She took the leather and untied the strips holding it together. She opened the folded leather and saw the swags of black chain, with accent drops of ruby or garnet. Vaia smiled slowly. “It’s lovely.”
“Put it on, please. I had to guess at the drape.”
She sighed and took off her cloak before letting Simon attach the catch at the back of her neck.
Amy blinked. “That’s gorgeous. It’s perfect. It goes where it needs to and stops where it doesn’t.” Swags and whirls of chain were riding at the top of Vaia’s breasts, and her skin was stark white against the black metal. The drops of dark red looked like blood and added to what Amy was beginning to understand about her new friend. Vaia might be a master textile mage, but she was also a psychic vampire.
Chapter Two
When they left the Night Faire, Amy had her arms loaded with purchases. A few of the booths had given her a fifty percent discount instead of the twenty because Vaia never used hers. A deal was a deal.
“Thanks so much for taking me out tonight. This was so much fun.”
Vaia grinned and headed into the warehouse area of the city, where the food truck had its permanent setting. She weakly said, “Oh, great, the agents are on break. Three cars?”
Amy was looking around, and she started to blush. “Oh. They’re here.”
“And you are dressed super fancy. So, this is the day to be seen.”
“And I did get to run around the faire without getting manhandled. I think a bit of that was you?”
Vaia grinned. “Me? I didn’t do anything.”
“You are glowing with rainbows on shadows.”
“Yeah, I ate well tonight.” She put the car in park, turned off the engine, and they got out. Her cloak still covered everything. “Now it’s time to remind my body that I don’t just eat energy.”
“Oh, so this is a pattern for you.” They walked toward the food truck with Vaia sounding like a shiver.
“Yeah. This beats pancakes in the middle of the night.”
“If only they would serve me the spicy stuff.”
“Ah, I can fix that for you. Tell me what you want.”
Hopeful, Amy rattled off the list, and Vaia looked at her in surprise. “Wow. Okay. I guess you really don’t get to order for yourself.”
“I have always wanted to know what that part of the menu tasted like.”
“Fine, but you are carrying it.”
“Done.” Amy laughed.
They got in line and slowly moved up until they were standing in front of the counter server.
In high goblin, Vaia spoke rapidly, and when the woman asked with a query, Vaia made a confirming grunt, and the woman grinned. “Take a seat. We will bring it out.”
Vaia snickered. “Come on. Let’s see if any of the agents are done troughing.”
Amy watched Vaia glide toward the picnic tables. Emmers got up and waved, offering space at his table with a gesture.
Vaia looked at her. “You wish to be seated with him?”
“Yes, please.”
Vaia’s glide moved her toward the bench, and Amy saw the widening eyes in the dark elf, the Dullahan, and the bear shifter.
“Amy, you look spectacular.” Neekil’s smile took in her new leathers.
“Thank you. You look legal.”
Neekil grinned. “It’s what I was going for. The pants help.”
Amy snorted and took her seat. Vaia sat across from her with that sighing shiver that her clothing made.
Emmers smiled. “You ladies aren’t eating?”
Vaia said softly, “Not until there is something before us. We have ordered the menu. They are bringing it out.”
Emmers blinked. “The menu?”
“The menu.” Vaia chuckled. The sound was low and wicked with fun overtones.
Amy saw the other teams perk up and turn toward the sound. Some of the other diners looked as well.
Amy had to ask, “What are they hearing that I am not hearing?”
Vaia grinned and pushed her hood back. “You are immune to it. You have worn enough of my designs that my frequency doesn’t affect you anymore. And you are wearing one now, so you are good.”
Neekil leaned around. “Do you do wedding dresses?”
“Of course, when I want to. It is based on consultation. If I don’t like the bride... nope.”
The counter goblin came over with two trays and slid them in front of Amy. Amy grinned and clapped her hands. “Thank you.”
“Oh, I will be back.”
Vaia smiled and nodded.
Emmers stared. “What the actual hell?”
Amy was already eating, but Vaia said, “She hasn’t been able to order things properly before, so she’s trying out everything on the menu to determine what her taste is.”
Emmers went crimson.
“Easy, fuzzball. It just involves food. Giants have enormous appetites, and Amhoran is no different. Being unable to utilize it fully has been a point of stress for her. That one was not strictly about food.” Vaia chuckled.
Amy blushed but kept eating. Vaia’s food came with Amy’s third tray. Vaia ate calmly, and Emmers sighed as he had to get up. He touched Amy’s shoulder. “You look spectacular.”
Amy snorted. “You should see Vaia. She could stop traffic two towns away.”
Neekil raised his brows. “Seriously?”
Amy nodded. “Seriously. She moves like water over rapids.”
Vaia gave her a look with an arched brow.
Kairek checked his phone. “Aw, fuck. We missed it. The performance of the psychic vampire.”
Amy blinked. “It’s in your calendar?”
Neekil said, “Damn, I haven’t seen it in over five years. Ma’am, is your hair darker?”
“No. I just usually put a glitter spray in it.”
“Well, your dance still haunts my dreams.”
“Ah, that explains that particular dark tendril. It has been cut off recently, so congratulations on your new relationship.”
Neekil grinned. “Thank you. You kept me company in my prison, and I thank you for it.”
“My projection kept you company. My self was busy in my shop.”
“It still worked, and I am appreciative. There are several members of my people who would love to worship at your feet.”
“My feet are busy.” She paused. “And married.”
Neekil blinked. “Your husband encourages you to dance like that?”
“I am sure he neither knows nor cares. Aren’t you late for some kind of arrest?” Vaia flicked her hand toward him in dismissal.
He chuckled, and the other two joined him.
Amy was eating with focus when a hand set a cup down in front of her. A milkshake. She smiled. “Thanks, buddy.”
He sighed, kissed her temple, and left her alone.
Vaia was nibbling at a burrito. “Buddy?”
“Yes. If I can’t wear earrings or jewellery without him flipping his nut, he can’t claim to have more of a connection to me than we do. So, we are friends. No benefits.”
“The milkshake?”
“I said that it would be perfect to have with Dem-rah’s menu, but they don’t offer it, so he made one for me.”
“So, more courtship.”
Amy blushed and shrugged. “Probably. I put my foot down, and it can be a very big foot.”
“So, what do you think he’s doing about it?”
“Not my circus, not my bear.” Amy chuckled. She looked down and had done a tremendous job on the food. Her stomach was pleasantly warm. “So, what’s next?”
“I take you home, thank you again, and head home myself. It was a good night, it is now tomorrow, and I am going to send a quick message and then get you home.”
“Aw. We didn’t do anything for you.”
“I wasn’t alone. That was good enough.” She smiled, sent a message on her phone, and then exhaled. “Right. Now it starts.”
“What?”
“My divorce.” She smiled brightly. “Ready? You can keep your milkshake with you.”
“I never doubted it. Right. Let’s go.”
“First, feed the troll.”
The trash troll was in a container, and it grumbled and chortled happily as the packages of half-finished foods were stuffed into the flap. Amy grinned, and they headed back to the car. The wind kicked up and pulled at Vaia’s cloak, causing some whistles and growls from a batch of XIA at one of the tables. Vaia ignored them and walked to her car, opening the doors and tucking herself in.
Amy asked, “Doesn’t that bother you?”
“Nope. It was one of them that caused the wind burst. I knew what was happening, and the audience tonight saw a lot more.”
They buckled up, and Amy was delivered back to her house. “Here you go. You have your garment bag? Did you want a hand to the door?”
“No, I will just get taller. Thank you, though.”
“No problem. Have a great night and a good day at work tomorrow.”
“You, too, Vaia. Happy birthday.”
Amy gathered her purchases and her garment bag from the back and walked to her house with her loot and new outfit. It had been an awesome night, but she felt guilt over Vaia’s lack of presents. Everyone needed presents.
* * * *
Vaia took her own garment bag and walked up the path to her house. She felt shadows gathering and calmly walked inside. She made another call. “Hey, Leo. Tell Matthias that I sent the documents today, and there seem to be five portals opening on my block. Could he send some of the agents with no lights or sirens?”
Leo said, “He says yes, and you need to get somewhere safe.”
“Do I have authorization for self-defence?”
Leo paused. “He said let it fly, but watch out for the agents.”
“The moment they try and breach the house.”
“Acceptable. He’s sending transport for those affected.”
Bullets sprayed through her house, and one caught her in the thigh and the other grazed her ribs. “They are using guns. Activating now.”
She reached out, found every cold and hostile mind, and filled it with the loss of a three-year-old girl who had just lost her ice cream cone. They fought her, but she consumed their cold purpose and gave them preschool.
She wrapped her thigh and cursed the loss of the costume. She couldn’t pry her blood out of anything. It was tenacious. On the plus side, she was able to get at her skin more easily. Her ribs were exposed anyway, so she wrapped them as well. She got her bag with her identification and limped outside.
“Hey. Emmers, right? Is there an ambulance on the way?”
“Yes. Wait. For you?”
“Yeah, shot in the thigh and ribs. Ribs are bleeding like crazy. I am guessing cursed bullets.”
Neekil walked toward her. “Who would be using cursed bullets on you?”
“My husband’s family. I filed for divorce this morning. It’s a huge disrespect from me to them. This was expected.”
Kairek looked around and said, “What happened to them?”
She smiled. “Psychic vampire. I took their cold aggression and gave them preschool battleground. Aren’t they cute?”
The mercenaries were wrestling over guns and eating the berries in the bushes. Her yard was filled with black-garbed preschoolers and a lot of heavy weaponry.
Neekil cleared his throat.
“Oh, don’t worry. Matthias is aware of me using my skills for self-defence only.” She swayed and then steadied. “Good thing I ate tonight, or this would have been fatal. You fellas can disarm them, but do it like you would with a child, or they are going to snap out of it.”
The word went out among the other agents, and they bent down and started disarming the mercenaries with playful banter. One of the guys had the bright idea to tell one of the mercenaries that he would get a piece of chocolate for every gun he brought them. That worked really well.
The ambulance pulled up, and Vaia started walking toward it. Well, limping. The medic walked toward her and urged her to sit on the ground.
“Can I just walk to the ambulance? These guys are all disarmed, but they might snap loose from my control. They are trained, after all. I don’t want to be here when they do.”
The medic paused. “Why? What will they do?”
“If they can’t destroy me, they will portal home. Either way, I don’t want to be here.”
“Oh, right.”
“Matthias is aware of what is needed. I am registered and in communication with his office. Can we go? Please?” She staggered to the side. “The bullet is moving.”
“Oh, shit. Right. Come on.”
She walked with the medic and got into the ambulance. They started on the way while the medic unwrapped her thigh. “I can’t see the wound.”
She turned her leg, and the puncture was exposed. She said, “Do you have a secure containment for cursed items?”
“Yeah.”
“Get it.”
He quickly got the item, and Vaia focused, moving the bullet back down her thigh and out of the hole it had entered by. “Catch it.”
It was grabbed with forceps and dropped into the vial that glowed blue as it alerted to the curse. Vaia slumped back on the gurney and breathed. “I need to go to Danforth General.”
