Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

Yasmine approached them, her face a mixture of concern and hesitation. "Angelina," she called, her voice softer now. "What are we going to do about this? You heard what the others were saying. They don't trust Jaegar. They fear the flame."

Angelina's eyes softened slightly, though her resolve remained firm. "I know," she said quietly. "But it doesn't matter what they think. The flame chose Jaegar, and I will protect him, no matter what."

Yasmine hesitated, glancing at Jaegar. "But... what if they try something? What if they—"

Angelina's expression hardened again, and she placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let them try," she said. "I've given my life to the Spire. But if they think for a moment that I will let them harm my grandson, they are gravely mistaken. I will not lose him. Not again."

Jaegar, standing quietly beside them, felt a strange mix of emotions.

Yasmine, along with Angelina and Jaegar, made their way to the ground floor of the Spire, the wide hall filled with organized blocks where the staff moved about, attending to their daily tasks.

Despite the change in leadership with Oceana now the matriarch, the witches and apprentices who passed by still bowed deeply as Angelina entered.

Her reputation, built from decades of leadership and sacrifice, had earned her an unshakeable reverence among the Spire's ranks.

Jaegar, walking beside her, glanced around uncomfortably. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at him. The respect and admiration these people had for Angelina had not wavered, yet he felt as if his very presence had forced a rift between her and the Spire.

Sensing his unease, Angelina placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry," she said softly, her voice as steady and calm as ever.

Jaegar hesitated before speaking, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "But is it okay?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm the reason for all this. You've turned against the Spire... because of me."

Angelina stopped for a moment, her eyes softening as she regarded him. She could feel the turmoil within him—the confusion, the guilt, the uncertainty. "I haven't turned against the Spire," she reassured him. "My loyalty has always been to the Spire and its people. But my loyalty to family, runs just as deep. You are a part of me. Don't forget that."

Yasmine watched the two while walking along with them. She wanted to send them off before joining the council.

Jaegar wanted to say more, to express how much he appreciated her loyalty and yet how much he didn't want to be the reason she was at odds with the others. But before he could speak, Angelina asked, "Where have you been all this time?"

Jaegar started to answer, when he heard his name, called out by someone.

He turned and saw Satvi, the young girl he had met earlier, waving to him from across the hall.

She was sitting with a group of other girls, all of them apprentices, waiting for the trials to continue. The commotion from Jaegar's earlier encounter in the Spire had interrupted the proceedings, and now they were in limbo, waiting for further instructions.

Jaegar waved her over, and Satvi quickly approached. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

Satvi shrugged, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Just waiting," she said, glancing up at Angelina with a mixture of awe and nervousness. She had never seen the elder witch this close before, and the weight of her presence was almost overwhelming.

Seeing her steal glances at Angelina, he smiled and introduced her, "Master, she is Satvi."

Satvi bowed as she was in a daze. Seeing Angelina up close made her almost faint. She was feeling anxious and nervous at the same time.

Angelina, noticing Satvi's hesitation, smiled kindly and spoke to her. "You were preparing for the trials?" she asked.

Satvi nodded quickly, still a bit shocked that Angelina had spoken directly to her. "Yes, ma'am," she stammered.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Angelina's voice carried a gentle warmth as she addressed the young girl, "Well then, good luck," she said, her gaze softening.

Satvi nodded, her eyes wide with astonishment, She got to see the great witch Angelina and even talk with her.

As Angelina and Jaegar stepped away from the imposing walls of the Spire, they were enveloped in the embrace of twilight.

Yasmine stood a few paces behind, bidding them farewell with a wave; her expression was of concern. Satvi watched with her, the two of them framed against the ancient stones of the Spire.

Angelina pulled her hood over her head, the fabric casting a shadow over her face. The shadows danced around her, concealing her features as they made their way through the bustling streets of Amnohdet City.

The sounds of the city echoed around them—merchants calling out their wares, the laughter of children, and the faint melody of a bard strumming a lute. Yet, amidst the vibrant life, a sense of urgency clung to the air.

They soon arrived at a modest inn, a sanctuary nestled among the chaotic cityscape. Angelina still had her influence over the city, and she knew people. She secured a room for both for a while, to talk.

The innkeeper, a stout woman with a warm smile, welcomed them with a nod, leading them to a cozy room adorned with rustic wooden furnishings and soft, flickering candles that illuminated the walls with a golden glow.

Once inside, Jaegar turned to Angelina, his voice filled with concern. "Where is Aunt Diana?" The question had lingered in his mind, like a persistent whisper in the dark, begging for answers.

Angelina's expression softened, and she replied, "She is in her home, safe. Don't worry. I made sure no one could touch her again." A sigh of relief escaped Jaegar's lips, a weight lifting from his chest as he felt the tension within him ease.

For too long, the uncertainty of his aunt's fate had gnawed at him, like a relentless beast.