Page 3 of Shadowing Bright
“Yeah.I don’t want to say his name, but his performing name isThe Mage of Shadows.”
Amy blinked.“You are joking.”
“I am not.”
“How long have you been bound to him?”
“Since I was eighteen, so fifteen years.He needed me as a spillway for the first five years, but then he stabilized.I haven’t felt a pull since.”She grinned.“So, I think it’s time to cut some ties, but first, I am going to do my normal routine.I don’t actually need you for it, but it would be nice not to be alone for once.”
Amy paused.“I thought you had a huge family.”
“I do, but my parents sold the use of my body and magic.It makes for a difficult time at the family gatherings, so I don’t go.”She sighed.“The same thing happened to one of my aunts, so they figured it was a good way to replenish the family coffers.”
“Wait, so they sold you?”
“Yup.Contracted to another wealthy mage family.A sturdy familiar for him, and a payday for my parents.”
“Wow.It was legal?”
“Oh, sure.Mage guild regulations allow for such alliances, as long as there is a legal tie, so I have to divorce him as well.That will take longer, but his manager has power of attorney, so it should be ratified in a few months.”
“But, your last name is Depford.”
“Oh, it’s an omission.Technically, it is Depford-Maximus, but that is a little awkward, and since my family doesn’t acknowledge me regardless, and I don’t want to be invited to the social stuff from his family, I keep it simple.”
Amy looked at her and hugged her.
“It’s the damp-kitten vibe thing, isn’t it?”
Amy laughed.“Something like that.I just want to take care of you.”
“Weird adaptation that I have.I try not to use it, but my situation does bring it to the fore.”
“Spillover.”
“Yup.I need an outlet just as much as he does, but I can get it anytime people perceive me in a public action.I let it bleed off a little.”
“So, what day do you want to use me for scary-dog privilege?”
“Thursday?”
“Is that your birthday?”
“No.Birthday is Wednesday.”
“Then, we will do it on Wednesday.How long do you have to perform at the faire?”
“Fifteen minutes.”
“So, food truck after?”
“Yes.But we start with the go-karts.I love going to the go karts, then we change into faire garb, and then I make an ass of myself.”
“For the good of the people.”
Vaia giggled.“For the good of the people.”
“Do folks ever record it?”
