20 Office hours: eight to five (2)
The ray of optimism that had appeared in Vera's heart disappeared as soon as she met with Sara. The latter was wearing a formal suit of beautiful blue colour.
When it came to clothes, Vera couldn't beat Sara. She knew how to get dressed well, even though sometimes it was ridiculous. They were going on a mission, not a fashion show. What was the purpose of her pretty clothes?
«What do we do?» Vera inquired.
«Our experts have been following the energy from Paris, and it seems it's coming back.»
«So what?»
«We shall meet the creature and hear what she has to say.»
«Darkness is coming.»
«Okay, but not just that. I did some research, you know? Gamayun can tell us about our future. Aren't you curious, Vera? Don't you want to know whether you'll get married?»
«It's not whether but when,» she corrected it. «I mean, not for me. But you're being impolite saying it like that. I could say the same for you too. Will you ever get married, Sara?»
«Probably not,» she replied. «Is there a man in this world who can support me, give me something I can't get on my own? I don't think so.»
«Ah, yeah... Forgot about that. You're too good for common mortals.»
«But I'm curious. What if such a person exists? I want to know!»
«And you're asking me to hunt after a sacred bird just to hear about your future love life? What does the world care? Just live on, and you'll find out whether you'll get married.»
«I have a list of questions for her.»
«Go ask her,» Vera said. «What do you need me for?»
«You speak the ancient language better than me. I don't want her to be angry because of my accent or something.»
«Oh, you little witch! You're actually afraid of the consequences, so you send me forward. But there's nothing to worry about. Gamayun is benevolent. She either talks to you, or she ignores your existence. She won't go as far as to hurt you.»
«I'm not afraid of being hurt. Rather, it would be a pity if she chose not to answer. With you, she has already talked. You're a safe bet, Vera.»
«Where do we go, then?»
«Gamayun turned on her way and is now over Spain. She might come here if we're lucky enough. If not, we'll get ready and quickly reach whatever place she will fly over. She will be on the sea soon, and then she might fly over Rome. If we're lucky, a little more to the North.»
«You need to stay in a high place if you want to meet her. She won't come back down if she doesn't have a reason to,» Vera explained.
Even though she hated the whole situation, her old self took control. Solving cases had grown into her. She liked being some kind of detective, after all. Even if she mostly got no advantage from it.
«There are cathedrals or other high towers in every city around here. We just need to be on time,» Sara considered. «But, to make it work, I can't let you go back home. If I need another hour to wake you up like this morning, we'll definitely miss Gamayun. We'll stay here.»
«Whatever.» Not that her opinion was relevant.
«While we're at it, let's talk a bit,» Sara chuckled.
«No, thanks.»
«But you can't choose. Don't you remember, Vera? You do what I tell you to do.»
«Talking isn't included in what you can order me, Sara. I'm still a human being.»
«Let's talk about the man you met in Paris!»
«Again?»
«He's special, isn't he? You're still carrying his energy. Oh, wait, you said you didn't use him to perform any magic. So, why is his energy surrounding you like... like a cocoon?»
«I don't know. He had much of a presence. It happens with charismatic people...»
«But he's not just charismatic. Would that be enough to attract you? I don't think so... But... Was he handsome?»
Vera nodded, feeling awkward. That man was more than handsome, but she didn't want to actively add information for that witch's entertainment.
«Was it worth it? Who knows what Ethan would say?»
«Ethan? What does Ethan have to do with this?»
«Don't you know?»
«No.»
«Nothing,» Sara sighed. «He's on probation right now. He lost your traces during a mission and let you go instead of searching for you. His purpose was to keep you under control. He's being used as an example. I won't make the same mistake and let you out of my sight for a single second! He's paying the price for everyone, now.»
«The mission was over. And Ethan isn't my guardian but a partner. He was there to complete a mission, not look after me,» Vera protested.
Why was Ethan involved in all of this? If they wanted to pick on her, she couldn't fight them. But Ethan was innocent!
She had just turned her back on him and left, yet he was on probation because of her bad character.
«You are not one of the agents, Vera. You are a dark witch. The agency has to keep you under control... That's their purpose, among all else. How can we be sure you didn't corrupt that poor man and took his soul in exchange?»
«I can't do that.»
«Still, it's dangerous. Also, you have done it before. You let some creatures escape in the past. Don't think I wouldn't notice. Like that time, with that nymph. You showed her the way to return to the river. You let her escape.»
«The agency can't keep a river nymph at the headquarters. That would be suicidal.»
«It's not on you to decide.»
«Oh, don't tell me,» she sighed.
She had been with that woman for a few minutes only, but she already was at her limit.
On one hand, everything Sara would say was to get on her nerves. On the other hand, she hated hearing about Ethan's punishment. He had done nothing wrong!
But she should have expected it. They would have used anything to keep her under control. Attacking the people close to her was just the first thing that came to mind.
Also, she didn't have many friends. Ethan wasn't even one of them. He was just a person she hated less than others in the agency.
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