Chapter 9: The Metamorphoses Returns

The oven timer went off. It was a single ‘ting’ that echoed throughout the mansion. Narcissus galloped down the stairs. He slipped on his oven mittens and took out the baking tray. He hummed merrily as he plonked the tray on the dining table. The light ‘shinks’ of the carving knife being sharpened was music to his ears. The knife sank into the pound of flesh and cut through it with ease. “A heart two sizes too small but fit for two servings,” he sang.

As Narcissus put on the finishing touches, he felt someone enter the mansion. Sure enough, the heavy ornate doors creaked open. He need not even turn his back to know who had arrived. “Long time no see, Siren. Just in time for dinner!”

“That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.” Siren’s voice resounded across the mansion – level as a windless calm and as clear as ice. “Narcissus, or should I say… N.”

Siren stood at the door, and Narcissus regarded her quietly. The dim light accentuated the ghostly glow around her half-lidded eyes. She ran her slender fingers down her cheek as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. The gesture brought his eyes to her porcelain skin and the ferocity of her delicate features. Her jet-black hair that reached her hips shimmered with every breath she took.

But to Narcissus, Siren would always be second in terms of beauty.

“I see you have made many changes to the Mirror Mansion,” Siren said after a moment. “No wonder there was so much noise back then.”

Narcissus’ golden eyes glinted with mischief. “How long has it been?” he asked playfully. “Ten years? Maybe eleven? What have you been up to?” 

“Listening to the respiration of the world.” Siren took her seat at the table. “I take it that Proteus is already with the Lord?”

“Obviously. But it took him a while to return,” Narcissus snarked. “Came crawling back, to be more specific.”

“What of the twins?”

“Dunno, I take it that they are still testing out their powers,” he replied, meeting her steely gaze. “Amber eyes really suit you.”

Siren let out a laugh. “Always looking at yourself.” 

“Was it that obvious?”

“I take it that you have found new playthings?” she asked. “I can hear them.”

“Nothing escapes your hearing. The floorboards are as thick as the Earth’s crust!” Narcissus let out a low whistle and pulled out a chair for Siren. “I got bored, so I figured that it would be nice to have some guests over. I was careful, of course.”

“Good.”

“It’s been a while since I properly enjoyed myself,” Narcissus drawled as he took his seat opposite Siren. “Adding a few more snivelling creatures to my collection won’t hurt.”

Narcissus caressed his face and crossed his legs. “It’s different when I do it with others. The screams are lullabies to my ears. My reflection in their petrified orbs… Ah...” He slipped a hand between his thighs and let out a lusty sigh.

“How deplorable,” Siren remarked. 

“You don’t get to criticise me.” Narcissus spat, wishing that he had laced the food with enough poison to shut down Siren’s desiccated brain.

“You’re right. That’s not why I came home,” Siren said. “Something interesting is happening outside these walls.”

“Oh?” Narcissus' curiosity piqued. If something aroused Siren’s interest, it had to be good. 

“But I have to confer with the Lord first.”

“Oh.” Narcissus’s shoulders drooped. “Fine, tell me about your travels first.”

“The world is recovering, trying to rise on shaky legs,” Siren said. “And yet another generation rises to change nations. However, it seems they haven’t learnt much.”

“As always, as always.” Narcissus took a bite of the food and sipped on wine. The rich flavours caressed his tongue gently. “I get that you are only here to seek an audience with the Lord to relay whatever news you have,” he continued. “But you’d have to wait. I haven’t heard from him in ages.”

“Fine by me,” Siren said. “Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to see the rot fester for a while more, would it?”

“It wouldn’t,” Narcissus replied. 

The two ate in silence. Siren only took one bite of the food and spent the rest of dinner savouring the wine. “Do you not enjoy the food?” Narcissus bristled slightly. 

“It is too rich for my liking,” Siren answered simply. “The wine is fantastic. You’ve a good eye for them.”

“I see. Would you care for a round of poker after this?” Narcissus ventured, accepting her critique. Certain meats tend to be richer than others.

“Sure.”

Narcissus had mastered the art of card shuffling. Overhand, riffle, Hindu; he cycled through the techniques and the cards flapped like a flock of doves taking off at once. “What is this interesting news that you were talking about?” he asked again. He hated that Siren was keeping something that he would learn of sooner or later. He could delve into her mind, but he did not see the need for such efforts.

“A new sorcerer has been chosen,” Siren revealed.

Narcissus looked up from his hand and blinked a few times. “So soon?” 

“There is this nervousness that I’m getting. I may be wrong, though,” Siren stated. “However, it will not affect what we have in store for them.”

“Or they will kill themselves first, and we can save our strength. After all, they did kill the Aberrant chosen fourteen years ago.” Narcissus tossed his hand on the table. The cards that made up a royal flush fluttered onto the table. It was a straight from a ten to an ace, and all five cards of the same suit – the suit of spades. “Humans never learn from their mistakes.”

“Spoken like a true human,” Siren remarked.

“Don’t you dare compare me to them, or I’ll kill you so many times that you’ll never be reborn.”

"Yes, yes... You're the infallible one."