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A patch of grass occupied the space under some fruit trees. Seemingly unconcerned about grass-stains, Zophia sat into the shade and waved for me to join her.
"This is my favourite place in the residence," Zophia said. "Few people come here, and they don't usually stick around too long. They pick what they need and go."
I gave a half smile and tried not to inhale too deeply. The herbs warred with each other, vying to overwhelm my senses. Even the fruit trees made my skin tingle and my stomach growl.
"It's nice." I blocked out the trickle of power which threatened to become a flood. If Zophia noticed, she gave no sign.
I crossed my legs and began to eat. "Thank Hades this is milder than what Calista and Dex like," I remarked. Warm chicken with cold vegetables wrapped in a thin bread was plain but tasty.
Zophia nodded around her food. She took a moment to swallow before she replied. "Calista isn't happy unless her mouth is burning. The rest of us prefer to leave the heat to the sun. Sometimes I think she forgets other people don't have the same preference as she does. And other times…"
"Yes?" I prompted.
Zophia made a face. "The rest of the time I think she knows, but she likes to have a laugh."
I snorted. "I'm not sure if I should take that as an insult. Most witches would."
"No sense of humour?" Zophia guessed.
"Not much of one, and what many do find funny is usually at the expense of someone else." I sighed. "Sometimes I wondered where in Hades I came from." I hesitated before adding, "I still do, to be honest." I wanted to tell her about the shifter bit of me, but I didn't. Not yet. Sooner or later I would have to. Maybe then I could get some answers about who or what I really was.
Zophia chuckled. "I think that's people, paranormal or otherwise. You stayed for the whole meal, didn't you?" she asked. "I've seen women leave in tears. If Calista doesn't like someone, she'll tell them about it. At length. She must like you."
"Me?" I frowned. I suspected she did, but I had no idea why. I guessed she shared the same open philosophy about witches as Dex did. "I'm nothing special."
Zophia shrugged. "That's a matter of opinion." She paused. "We're a long way from the Witches' Council, or any other paranormal factions, but even here, there are those who might choose to infiltrate the Vault. To—undermine Dex. If I was him, or Calista, I would be very careful who I trust. I would surround myself with only the strongest and most loyal. Calista is a good judge of character. If she approves of you, then she must see something in you." She gave me a look under her lashes.
I shifted uncomfortably on the grass. "Um." Heat crept up my cheeks. "I suppose so." I wanted to believe it. I was an outcast for so long I wasn't sure I would ever be anything else. I wanted to belong. Who didn't? But I suspected it wouldn't be that simple.
Zophia laughed softly. "Believe me. If she didn't like you, you'd know. I could say the same about myself. In fact, I would."
"Me too," I said softly. I have never been good at hiding my dislike for people, especially when they deserved it. "So, your father deals with the Council?" I asked to change the subject.
"He did." Zophia's smile faded and she let out a soft sigh, her generous lips parted slightly. "He was killed several years ago. My mother had her own business, making and selling clothing. Without him to distribute her wares, she struggled. She brought me here to petition Dex to help her."
Her eyes glazed like she was thinking back to those days. "Calista saw her work and convinced Dex to invest in her."
I frowned. "She swapped you for their help?"
Zophia snorted. "Hardly. I oversee the Vault's arm of her thriving little empire. Calista lets me stay here in return for the best new designs."
"You're not one of Dex's women?" I asked without thinking.
"Oh Hades, no." Zophia laughed. "The Sanctuary really is just that. It's not about housing women for his pleasure. Oh, most of the women dally with him because having a child and marriage offers stability they couldn't achieve otherwise, but they come and go as they please, andwithwho they please. Dex would never force any woman to do anything they didn't want to."
I nodded. I couldn't imagine him trying. Not with physical force anyway. "But you've never . . . I'm sorry, it's none of my business."
Zophia placed her food on her plate and put a hand on mine. "I don't mind. I'm open about most things. It's refreshing to meet someone else who feels the same way." She gave my hand a squeeze before she drew back. "I prefer women to men. I've never been with a man and I probably never will."
"Oh." They did explain the vibe I got from her.
"Is that a problem?" For the first time, Zophia's expression was guarded.
"No, " I replied firmly. "Not even a little bit."
"Really?"
"I swear to Hades." I put my food down and placed the tips of two fingers of each hand against my forehead. In witch society, the gesture meant my words were sincere. I'd be held accountable by Hades himself if they weren't. I wouldn't use it lightly.
