After our return, I was asked to follow Joan to the study. Abigail wore an expression as if she wanted to protest. I gave her a smile and proceeded to follow Joan into the house. What could that bastard want now?

I became a bit mindful after discovering that the Duke could read my mind. So no touching and avoid any physical contact at all cost. I didn’t want him to know what my plan was. I don’t want to mend with Alexandra and if we can avoid this we should try. However, if separating isn’t a possibility then it must be done.

Joan knocked on the door before announcing that I was there to see him. Elias sat at his desk looking out the window. I was immediately annoyed at his posture, as if he were posing for a men's catalogue. He turned my way and smiled, stating that he was happy to see me. I didn’t respond because I really didn’t have anything to say and if I did it wouldn’t be lady-like. I could imagine all the vulgarities I could throw his way but that would disappoint Jeffrey. After all, Jeffrey has been assigned as my etiquette teacher and I’m sure Elias would give him an earful.

A disappointed Elias pushed a journal and monocle in front of me. I opened the book to find the name Florentine.

“What is this?” I asked as I skimmed through the pages.

“It’s Florentine’s journal and magical monocle.” Elias beamed as he shifted in his seat. “He wanted Alexandra to have these things but I thought that you would find these to be more useful.”

“Oh.” I said as I stopped on a page that described my Earth in the Milky Way galaxy. Florentine’s journal described other earth-like planets in different galaxies . It appears that Florentine was studying the multiverse according to his writings.

“Florentine’s journal will prove to be useful in finding other fragment pieces but we need a lead and right now we have none.” Elias sat back in his chair. “Have you had any dreams lately?”

“Not anything that would show me another me.” I said. I’m not certain that I want to find another me anyway.

Elias stood up and made his way around the desk. He stood to the side of me and leaned in. I was confused by his actions and didn’t quite comprehend until I thought of all my other interactions with ex-boyfriends. Before he could dive in for a kiss I removed myself. I wasn’t going to pretend for his happiness and I didn’t need to maintain his to survive. After all, I was kidnapped and brought here. I was going to give him hell for my sake and for Alexandra. Besides, I didn’t want him all up in my thoughts because I feared he would discover my plan.

He frowned and asked why I dodged his kiss and I responded as cool as a cucumber reciting what was thought to me by the Birds, “Stranger danger.”

“But I am not a stranger.” He appeared to be hurt.

“I don’t remember you. And you were the one that said you won me over before so just do it again.” I knew I would regret that later on.

“Okay, I will woo my wife.” He smiled like a mischievous child.

“That should be fun.” I say this sarcastically but he doesn’t catch on.

Before leaving the room Elias informs me that Florentine’s soul is tied to the monocle at his request. He then continues to demonstrate how to activate the monocle by placing it on his eye. A ghostly figure appears like the Genie from that old animated film about a broke guy, his monkey, and a flying carpet.

“My dear Alexandra,” says Florentine as he flies around me. “Or should I say a new inhabitant?” Florentine looks into my eyes noticing that they are brown.

“I’m the girl from the Milky Way galaxy,” I say, gesturing for a handshake.

He touches my hand and is surprised to find that he can do so. I am the personification of death so it would be possible.

“What is my name?” He asked while hovered in front of me.

“I am Victoria Bird,” I smiled. “I look forward to working with you.”

“Do you have any magical abilities of your own? They are often tied to the individual soul.”

I think this over and while being here I came to the conclusion that smell is the only ability I can identify and now touching ghost. I report that I can smell emotions and other things but the only person this doesn’t work on is Elias.

“Is that so?” Florentine turns to Elias. “That could be useful. By other things what do you mean?” Florentine turned his attention back to me.

“I can smell a lie, trouble, and blood from far away.” I was a bit proud.

“Yes, quite useful indeed. Before I died we were investigating the illegal  trade of magical stones and those who wished to unlock the powers of the large Ra stones.”

“Now that my Divine has returned I don’t see a purpose in helping these humans.” Elias was annoyed. “Once she has a dream about the next fragment we’ll be leaving.”

I didn’t like the idea of that. Leaving could mean that I won’t be able to separate from this body or Alexandra. What if the next place doesn’t have magic or the resources to separate us! I couldn’t allow it and my patience was already thin.

“We should stay and help.” I said. “Can’t we just speak to the god that rules here?”

“Gods don’t meddle in the affairs of their creations.” Elias was cold.

“Florentine, I’ll help as much as I can.” I grab him by the hands.

“Thank you.” He said. “There has been something that is bothering me. Where is my dear Alexandra?”

“She’s in storage.” I patted Florentine’s hand.

“So you haven’t mended with her?” He asked as he removed his hands from my grasp.

“No and I don’t know how to do that, but I can lock her up. Since then I haven’t had the urge to strip the Duke down.”

Elias was baffled by this recent discovery. I could read his expression well enough to understand that he was finally realizing how hard he would have to work in winning my affections.

“So she still does not know that I am dead?” Florentine appeared a bit shaken. Me being my asshole self patted Florentine on the back and gave him an elated nope as a response.

My dear Florentine, you just don’t know how useful your are going to be.