The day had been a whirlwind. Word of mouth had begun to spread once more - all I had to do was get one client from one of the local corporations to try my potions and suddenly I was getting more and more from the same place. It was a decisive tactic and one could say I was clever enough to find such a niche. It was a combination of pure luck, good coffee, and my own exuberant personality. Not to mention always carrying around samples on me for such an event. Creating my potions, salves, and herbal moisturizers took an incredible amount of time and focus. Many of the processes could not be rushed so I was constantly working on refilling my stock, ordering more supplies, and escaping beneath the weak and waning moon to bespell them. Where night had once left me unnerved I had grown fast more comfortable beneath the watery light, my manipulation of shadows growing.

But for today I had other plans. Dareios had mentioned that night at the train station about taking me out and I couldn't lie and say it wasn't an offer I disregarded. In fact any moment I had to breath my mind was cast back to it, my imagination perhaps running far wilder than normal but it could be said I was somewhat of a romantic. Not that I would be telling anyone that.

The moment it hit eight p.m. I locked the door to my shop, flipping the sign and escaping to the back store room. Also my pseudo room for now. The store was getting busy, yes, but with the overhead my profits were not as substantial as hawking my wares on the street. I was working on it but for now renting a studio apartment was out of the question. It didn't matter though because I was content where I was. A sharp meow grabs my attention and I grin down at the white and black spotted cat, pressing my hand on his head obligingly before I grabbing my purse, my black peacoat, and heading out into the night.

My maroon peasant top was pressed snug against me as I button up my coat while walking, the night air causing my breath to frost, but I almost enjoyed the cold. It woke me up, enlivening me, and I chance a look down at my cell phone. A new message from the Coven leader in Scotland awaited me. When things get hard, you can turn to us. We will always have a spot open. The text makes me frown - not if, but when. I ignore it, shoving my phone back into my purse, and find myself a cab to take me to Hawethorne Village.

It looks the same as before. Nice, expensive, the kind of neighborhood with money eager to escape greased palms. Dareios' house is as I remembered although I suspect it is guarded much more closely than before. He was Mayor after all. I surreptitiously peek around into the shadows, fingers twitching into my coat as I wonder if I could move them, reveal what is hidden. But if he did have bodyguards any such nonsense might end up with me on the bad side so I ignore the impulse and tread up his steps to use the loud knocker on his door. Dareios knew to expect me soon but I had never designated a certain day, my time consumed by my business and his with his own duties, but I was itching for his company now. Besides, I liked surprises so it was time to see if he did too.