I opened the door to the small shop and was greeted with the jingle of bells on top of the entryway.

The store was seemingly empty.

The shelves were filled with all sorts of magical items like crystals, crystal balls, ingredients, and other things.

Examining some items on the shelf, I picked up a beautiful, blue crystal ball that seemed to be teeming with mystical energy.

"Can I help you?"

A soft and lovely voice called out from the register counter. I instinctively turned around to find a beautiful woman with gorgeous dark colored skin. Her green eyes and lips were adorned with gold makeup which added a very regal feel to her aesthetic.

"Oh... I'm just looking around. May I ask for your name?" She was absolutely stunning.

"My name is Yala Genoth and this is my shop, the Golden Spell."

I've heard that name before. Genoth is the last name of the right hand advisor of the demon king.

A very powerful family that lineage spans almost as long as mine.

"Pleasure to meet you, Yala. I'm Venus Vastroth."

Her eyes widened slightly but went back to her usual expression. "Ah, well please look around.... Miss Vastroth."

She couldn't use my first name as it would sound as if she's disrespecting the demon king and I.

I walked around and looked at various other magical objects while still holding the crystal ball, "So.. How did you end up starting a store?"

"I was tired of being told what to do and how to do it. I ran out with enough money and bought a nice store."

I've heard rumors that the Genoth family's training is very strict and full of many rules. I don't blame her for wanting to run.

I know I've wanted to.

"Have you ever thought of expanding to the capital?"

Her laugh rang out throughout the store, "The capital? That's basically asking for problems. I'm fine here with my small shop, it sustains me. Plus the Duke has made lives for witches somewhat easier."

"How so?" The Duke does indeed seem kind hearted, but I wouldn't have expect this.

"You haven't been here long have you? The Duke implemented a law where magic users deserve a fair trial and shouldn't be killed under baseless accusations."

There have been multiple cases where a magic user has been murdered under false accusations with no proof and the killer got away with a small punishment.

I looked down at the crystal ball once more before deciding I wanted to purchase it. It would be wonderful for spying on the Duke without him knowing.

Walking up to the counter, I placed the crystal ball down and pulled out my coin purse.

"That will be 9 gold. I'm surprised you don't have a crystal ball already." She placed the ball into a padded box which kept it safe as I placed the gold on the counter.

"Never had the need for one-" A sudden chill ran down my spine and my blood ran cold.

Yala's face turned into an expression of worry.

She could feel it too.

"Is that...?" I asked hesitantly, not sure if what we were feeling was true.

"Yes.. Someone is using blood magic." Yala hastily ran to the door and turned the sign from open to close. "Are you coming with me?"

It was my first time sensing blood magic and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. Hell yeah, I'm coming.

"Count me in." We both walked out the door and followed the flow of magic to the back alley way.

Quietly hiding up against the wall, we watched around the corner as two men and a woman conversed.

One man was hidden behind a cloak and so was the woman, but the other man had a blank face.

It was as if he was in a trance and you could tell it was blood magic.

Blood magic can do horrible things. It can manipulate people, controlling their mind and making you question everyone around you.

The men and woman started to move again, further down the alley.

I stepped my foot out to begin follow them but was interrupted by a, "Hey! There you are!"

A very angry looking Andrik stormed up to me, "Do you have any idea what you've done? The Duke won't stand for this!"

"Shhh! You big dult!" I peered behind the corner again only to find no one there. "Who cares about punishment. We've seen something that confirms the Duke's suspicions of blood magic. We still don't know if it was my sister."

Andrik only then realized that Yala was standing there.

Then I suddenly realized that I was including Yala without even asking her. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Yala, I didn't even ask if you would testify as a second witness for me. Would you accompany me to the Duke's castle?"

Yala sighed, "How could I say no? But you owe me now."

Ah, I hate owing people things, "Fine, anything you want."

She smiled, slightly devilishly. "I'll hold you to that."