Chapter 9

Aby sat upon his throne-like chair, carved from materials unknown yet blacker than anything known to man. His cheek resting on his fist with his right leg crossed over his left, he stared down at an amusing creature as she struggled to recite an incantation. “It's içnã not inçá” he corrected lazily “I know, I was just trying the different ways to pronounce it.” The girl snapped “I hope you're also envisioning the different ways to die while you're at it.” He replied with a smirk “Didn't you promise to protect me?” “Indeed. This great one can protect you from many things... unfortunately your own stupidity isn't one of them.” “I'm not stupid.” She snapped back “You're just a dumb little pet.” “I'm not dumb.” She almost screamed, her hands flying in protest “And I'm not your pet either.” she added in a small voice eliciting a chuckle from Aby who leaned forward a little. “Then what are you little witch?” He asked, leaning closer with a smirk on his lips. “I don't know, I'm just not your pet.” She pouted before carrying her grimoire and stomping away to sit in another corner. “It's içnã...” Aby said out loud, correcting her again “I know!” She yelled back before continuing to practice the incantation. ... About thirty minutes later she dashed back, her eyes bright and her excitement palpable. “Artur içnã meldùs filishã” A small flame flickered into existence above her palms. “See, I told you I could do it.” She declared triumphantly, a wide grin plastered on her face as she gazed at Aby complacently. Aby smiled, rose from his seat, and moved towards her till he was just a few steps away, he raised his right hand up high and... Boom. There was an explosion as a colossal or of flames roared into existence above his palm, scorching the air like a second sun. Its sudden appearance and intimidating aura made the little girl stumble backward and fall on her butt. “You can be complacent when you can do that without chanting.” he grinned, closingnhisnfist and extinguishing the flames. The little girl but her lip and looked away, but just before she could sulk, she felt a warm pat on her head followed by a hair ruffle. “But for your first successful trial, you did very well, and did so in record time. I'm proud of you Eluisan.” Aby said with a bright smile She turned bright red, brushed his hand away from her head and ran off, “Who needs your stupid pride?!” She shouted as she ran away and Aby burst into a loud laughter “~hahaha, I know you're happy, little witch. What should I call you now, hmm?, Future Witch of the House of Elui?” He said out loud, his voice echoing through the desolate mansion they currently inhabited. In a small side room, the girl sat on a futon, covering her face with her palms, “Stupid Abyssi...” She muttered under her breath before raising her face up to reveal a bright, radiant smile.