Sweet Midnight (1)

Tick... Tick... Ding!

The clock tower rang as the hour finger met with midnight. The sky and its darkness blanketed Astacrona, the imperial capital of Astallane Empire, as well as the rest of the cities within its darkest hour. It was almost serene at every corner if it weren't for the occasional passing of drunkards whether in group, a pair, or a solo rider.

However, like every other kingdom, there would always be one district where treachery was committed and sensuous delight was served after a watchful daylight. Night was evil's dearest friend and darkness was their mask. But, witching hour, it was sorcerers and demon's loveliest time as their power reached its peak.

A young lady dressed in a simple frilly nightgown, barefooted, with her rose-colored hair draped on her shoulders, perched quietly upon the ledge beneath the massive clock, where the bell was being hit by two mechanical rabbits. Despite the loud ringing, almost strident, from behind her, the young lady remained peaceful with her eyes closed.

Then, when the ringing finally came to an end, Kalliope slowly opened her eyes and instead of rose quartz, a pair of dazzling amethyst shone from beneath her eyelids. They were even more luminous under the crescent moon that clawed through the layer of clouds.

[How is it, My Lady? Can you see?]

The corner of her lips lifted when she witnessed a scene of a crowded pub somewhere in a hidden alley unfolded before her eyes as though she was seeing it herself.

She nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, crystal clear."

[This is less than two kilometers from where you are.]

"Good. Let's try widening the range," Kalliope said as she lazily swung her legs back and forth, letting the summer night breeze cooled her skin.

Although it was yet Fall or Winter, the air still felt chilly occasionally and especially so when Kalliope hung out past midnight. However, instead of feeling cold, it was rather refreshing for the young witch to be free from the constricted mansion and out in the open.

After dealing with many issues and having to quickly adapt to the foreign surroundings, it felt as though it had been a while since she came out, when in fact, it had only been but one day. Kalliope's mood was slowly turning for the better although her situation remained precarious.

At least, she had escaped the church's inspection with a legit reason. But, Kalliope wasn't that naive to believe that it was enough to dispel their suspicion. Her goal was only to buy more time while she thought of a way to retrieve her body, because once she succeeded, there would be nothing to worry about anymore. No one would be able to stand a chance against her.

But, for now, she needed to find some other way that didn't burn so much of her mana. And Argan had thought of something when he had roamed outside during her tea time with the duke. Besides gathering information, he recalled how he had utilized some innate skills that didn't cost mana in the past.

One of them was 'sight-sharing' which was what they were practicing right now to find out how long and far the connection could be made.

While Kalliope was enjoying herself with the view that Argan had shared through his vision, the demon's deep alluring voice echoed in her head once again. And Kalliope could faintly sense a hint of affection laced in his words, whether out of friendly worry or pure indulgence.

[Are you sure you're okay right there?]

"Yup. You worry too much, old man," Kalliope chuckled as she assured him. Argan groaned when he heard the way she addressed him.

[Your naming skill only gets worse by the day.]

"Tsk! 'Tis not. I merely think of a nickname that suits you in that particular situation. And now, you sound like my dad."

[Sigh. I'm just worried since the current you is extremely vulnerable.]

Kalliope let out an exasperated sigh as well while she rolled her eyes. Then, she said nonchalantly, "I can still cast a spell, Argan. And then faint for a day or a couple of hours."

[Yes, hastening your death too in the process. Oh wait, 'our' death. Thank you, My Lady.]

Kalliope could hear the arrogant demon scoffed in derision, throwing shades on her present condition. But, Kalliope wasn't offended since she too felt a headache when thinking of Alice's body.

[In any case, take care and wrap yourself with the shawl.]

Kalliope raised an eyebrow at this 'caring' demon before looking at the neglected knitted shawl lying beside her. She was about to speak when Argan's voice rang in her head once again.

[Don't catch a cold.]

It was fleeting, sounded almost inaudible, yet still caught her hearing. Tender yet wasn't soft enough to hide his lure. All of the sudden, Kalliope found it hard to breath as she felt a peculiar jolt coursed deep inside her chest.

Her beautiful brows furrowed as silence ensued above the clock tower. Then, slowly her hand reached out to grab the abandoned shawl and draped it around her cool body. A faint air of awkwardness shrouded her presence while her grip on the stone ledge tightened.

Had I ever received such a concern before?

It took only seconds for the warmth provided by the shawl to reach her pale cheeks, dying them a lovely shade of blush.

"I won't," she muttered softly.

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A few minutes passed since Kalliope had told Argan to move further. After that, aside from the small talk they had shared, there had been no exchange between the two people. Both savored the silence without knowing whether it was the serenity they fell in love with or something else. But, one thing was certain, the beige knitted shawl remained on her back and only wrapped her tighter in those passing second, while the temperature didn't seem so cold anymore. The warmth spread to the tip of her fingers and to the end of her bare toes.

With her eyes closed and the wind blowing through her hair, his name escaped from between her lips, "Argan."

[I'm here.]

Kalliope slowly opened her eyes again. His beautiful violet colored her eyes once more. A light curve tugged at the corner of her lips.

"What are you doing?" The young girl's sonorous giggle echoed in his head. And out there, two kilometers ahead, a smile blossomed upon the man's lips while several strands of silvery thread fell on his face, painting a hauntingly beautiful sight above a shopping store.

"Can you see?" He asked.

"Uh-huh. I can see the clock tower clearly."

Argan sat down on the roof and smiled. "Yeah. It's beautiful."

"It is," Kalliope agreed as she saw the slightly bright clock glistening under the midnight view through Argan's eyes. The moving hour hand and minutes as they ticked away, counting the time before the light robbed the darkness and left everything in plain sight.

But, it was never the hour that he paid attention to. Argan breathed a sigh as his eyes remained affixed on the fluttering pink dancing in his vision.

[Do you want to try further?]

"There's still time. Let's continue, just in case since we don't know how wide the magic tower is."

Unlike the academy, the magic tower wasn't a place that anyone could enter. Even if Kalliope used her brother as a reason to visit, they still wouldn't permit it. Hence, the duke didn't bother to send a request and Kalliope didn't probe further about it to avoid suspicion. Thus, this was the only way that Argan could think of to trespass the tower.

[Alright.]

Kalliope watched as the vision moved again. She smiled, finding his ability rather fascinating. However, it was at this moment, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She turned around in reflex and completely forgotten the fact that she was sitting on the ledge. In addition, her eyes were currently in the process of sight-sharing, rendering her blind to her own surroundings.

Her body immediately staggered and her hand slipped from the the stone ledge. But, instead of falling, she felt a tug on her wrist and her body plunged into a cold embrace.

She went blank for a second as the sight-sharing was disconnected. Her eyes returned to her original rose color and upon those lovely iris, a deep ruby orbs were reflected. Cold and intimidating yet beguiling at the same time.

His lips parted and a low raspy voice melted her ears, "Are you alright?"