Page 64 of House of Malice
October 4, 1950
Of course, Galliermo took Demitria with him to see Gill. He thought it would be a good opportunity for them to walk around the city while they were out there. All the date spots in Darly were so boring by now.
While Galliermo couldn’t afford to take Demitria to one of the many fancy restaurants in Avalon Hills with his scholarship pocket money, he could at least take her out for a nice cup of coffee and a pastry.
They had just left the small boutique coffee shop that served limited edition seasonal pastries made by a famous fae chef. Demitria carried her coffee and cinnamon snail in a brown bag in the same hand she held a cup of black coffee.
Her eyes were wide and full of curiosity as she looked around the streets and grand buildings, the witches streaming past them, and the carriages whizzing through the air above their heads. Galliermo had never visited the mortal realm, but he imagined it must be very different from Inathis.
He led them through a thin iron gate into a small park hidden between two tall buildings. It was an oasis in the middle of the bustling concrete jungle, with tall trees stretching high above their heads. Thick, lush branches were full of blooming flowers with all the colors of the rainbow, and they weaved together into a kind of makeshift roof that covered the entirety of the park.
“Oh, this is so quiet and peaceful,” Demitria said once they sat down on one of the benches hidden between the lush greenery. “I’m always amazed how nature in Inathis seems to thrive no matter where. And it’s just so beautiful. Back home, trees don’t feel this alive. It’s almost as if I can hear them talk to one another.”
Galliermo smiled, unable to stop looking at her. She was always beautiful, but when she was lost in thought, consumed by something she found fascinating, she was absolutely stunning.
“When we graduate, we’ll take a trip around Everburn State,” Galliermo said. Demitria looked at him, curious. “It has some of the most stunning and diverse nature in the whole of Inathis, from enchanted forests to canyons.”
Demitria’s eyebrows hiked up all the way to her hairline. “How’s that possible in one state? Is it magic?”
“It’s not witches’ magic, but rather the Gods,” Galliermo said. “We never interfere more than we must. It’s written in the First Law, that it is forbidden for witches to shape and form nature, as it’s not our place and it’s sacred.”
Demitria laughed. “I just don’t get it. How can you forbid touching nature, while murdering other witches is completely normal?”
Galliermo tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek. “It’s the irony of life, I suppose. Or maybe the environment. In the town I grew up in, witches weren’t the same as in Venefica. It’s a small place, so everyone is kind to each other, and everyone shares everything.”
“Why’d you leave then?” Demitria leaned her head against his shoulder. “It sounds like a nice place.”
There was no right answer to this question. Galliermo didn’t have a choice.
“That’s a story for another time,” he said and kissed her forehead. “Let’s get to Gill’s before they close.”
Demitria didn’t ask any more questions. That was one of the things Galliermo loved about her. She’d never push when he didn’t want her to push him. She could always understand him without words, as if she had a witches’ hunch about what he needed.
When they reached Gill’s, Galliermo squeezed Demitria’s hand. “Do not be frightened by Gill. They look intimidating, and they absolutely are dangerous. But only if you piss them off. So let me do the speaking and try to be careful with Gill’s crows.”
Demitria nodded. Galliermo couldn’t resist kissing her perfect lips, and then they both entered the shop.
Gill was at the till, speaking with three witches. One crow was perched on their shoulder, while the second one perched on one of the shelves on the wall.
While Galliermo and Demitria waited for Gill to finish doing business, they walked around the shop. Usually, Galliermo would attempt to steal a kiss or do something even more cheeky while hiding between tall shelves, but not at Gill’s.
A large glass display on one of the walls caught Galliermo’s attention, and he walked over there, Demitria right behind him. He didn’t let go of her hand, holding it tight in his grip.
“Oh, these are so pretty,” Demitria whispered, looking at the jewels displayed on satin cushions.
Galliermo’s attention lingered a bit longer on the beaming pearl necklace that was said to protect against harm. Demitria could use one of those. She’d be much more protected than she was right now, and it would allow Galliermo to not worry about a witch killing her on her way to lectures.
The doorbell rang, and Galliermo looked over his shoulder. The witches had left, and Gill stood behind the counter, staring at them.
Galliermo bowed his head. “Gill, good to see you.”
“We’ll see about that,” was all Gill said. Their eyes were dark and luminous, and Galliermo could never understand what went on in Gill’s head.
“I need to buy two ingredients for a spell,” Galliermo said. “Siren’s ash and a tear of a half witch.”
Gill’s gaze snapped to Demitria lingering next to Galliermo. He tensed, fighting the urge to shield her from Gill’s sight. To his surprise, Demitria only smiled at the witch in front of them.
“Hello, Gill. Nice to meet you,” she said, her voice sweet. “I’ve only heard good things about you.”
