The thick clouds parted to allow the sun to radiate through its sheets, providing the comfort of its warmth for the many inhabitants beneath them. The chime of the bell echoed through the entrance as Adrienne arrived at the doorstep of the chic cafe, adorned with pastel wisterias and oak lanterns on its ceiling. Its natural coloured furnishings complimented the marble structure, which had been cautiously decorated with an array of attractive pastel centrepieces at every table. She immediately spotted Varna waving at her with eagerness, seated by a window. Adrienne responded to her greeting with a kind smile, and made her way through the bustling tea room.

“My goodness Adrienne, how have you been?” Varna asked as she threw her arms around her, her ears slightly folded down as her tail swayed slowly. “I thought you went missing after all that time.”

Varna’s nose twitched, noting that she lacked the pleasant fragrance of lavender perfume she once carried. Rather, she had no scent, and her skin felt oddly cold considering the humidity. Adrienne also appeared as if she hadn’t aged a day from when she had last seen her, to her envy.

“There were urgent family matters, so my departure was abrupt, which I do apologise for, ma chère amie,” Adrienne explained, returning the warm gesture to Varna.

The waitress soon arrived with a floral tea set resting on her tray, gently placing their teacups in front of their respective seats in an elegant motion as she delicately poured tea into them. Adrienne noticed the familiar tea presented in front of her, intaking its aroma as she sat down. “Assam tea… so you recalled after all these years.”

“Of course I would,” Varna beamed, lightly blowing her tea before taking a sip. “Do you still involve yourself in magical affairs?” She had recalled that she mentioned her family’s history in their involvement in a variety of magical affairs ranging in matters that were trivial and heavily political, although she never questioned them in great detail.

Adrienne nodded and blinked slowly, as she raised her tea cup to her lips. “I very much am, as I always have been. It’s progressing delightfully well. I apologise for not keeping in touch, since it’s all rather confidential in nature.” She positioned the cup back down onto its saucer. “Say, how were you able to contact me after all this time, my dear?”

“Ah, I had an old friend pass the details on to me,” Varna stammered as she choked on her beverage, the question catching her more off guard than she anticipated. “I’m teaching the kid that you brought him. I’m surprised you didn’t ask Viktor instead, since he’s a much better candidate. Elais isn’t exactly a father-like figure.”

Adrienne leaned in closer with her chin resting on her hand as her other hand supported her elbow, beaming with her glittering golden-cat eyes. “You surely must’ve noticed that there’s something odd about the girl.”

Varna hummed in affirmation, stirring her tea gently as she gazed at it rippling with every gesture. “The protection ward, and the mystery behind her powers. The destructive nature of her powers don’t line up with her personality.”

The pink-haired researcher smiled at her with a hint of enthusiasm. “I’m keeping a close eye on the impacts of her powers. I believe it’s deeply linked to something I’m looking into,” she purred.

“The new dark magic,” Varna murmured under her breath. The savage incident that they had worked on together was a significant research project at the time, and to be made aware that she had prioritised her involvement elsewhere left a bad taste in her mouth.

Adrienne clapped lightly and made a triumphant sound of confirmation. “It’s a good thing you’re there to keep an eye on her progress for me as well, since we truly know so little about her magic.” She stirred in her seat as she interlocked her fingers. “The girl is a similar case to Elais. His immortality is a complicated issue, since as you know, he wasn’t born one.”

“Was it an experiment?” Varna inquired. The matter at hand only tickled her curiosity further. Although he was an immortal, he was also indestructible, which added another layer of complexity.

Adrienne returned a curious smile in response. “I believe his immortality is linked to her powers, and I wish to uncover the truth of both.”

“We could work with you with your research since we’re essentially all working together on it. Just like the old days,” Varna proposed.

Adrienne shook her head slowly. “The matters I’m working on are much larger than you could comprehend. I’d rather work on it alone to minimise any potential harm to others.” She stirred her teacup with the silver spoon that sat aside the saucer. “Were you still looking into the savage incident by any chance?”

Varna exhaled audibly. “I was, but I found no leads so I dropped the project,” she responded.
“I really don’t mind risking my life if it means seeking the truth-”

“Not for this one. When times are safer, we shall,” Adrienne interjected as she rose from her seat, proceeding to bow her head towards Varna as she bent her knees slightly whilst holding the ends of her dress. “It’s been lovely catching up to you. I’m afraid I will need to cut today short due to some urgent matters, but I’d love to chat again.” She left with a bounce in her step towards the greenery of the town, her tea still filled to the brim of her cup.