Dark in the Dollhouse Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Blood Mantra

Read chapter 7 of Dark in the Dollhouse by Haspberry on NovelPedia.

A wind blew past the majestic garden. A firmness that blazed like the sun enveloped the world. All was silent in the wait for a new spring. The wilting flower trembled uncontrollably. She was afraid, and yet, she was unnoticed. Citen burst out laughing as he sunk into his sofa. “Hahaha!!! I like those eyes of yours; so full of conviction. Determination about doing something is never a bad thing, but you must be always aware to what end your foot is leading you. I reckon you’ve already figured a lot out by yourself, so I won’t ask for any second guesses. However, before we give you the Grimoire for Blood Mantra, there is a Bestowed Artistry which you must have.” Citen smiled and looked at Evander. “You don’t have any objections do you?” Evander glanced at Citen and then at Yuliana. Seeing the might behind her blazing eyes, he was appalled for a moment. He quickly regained his composure and chuckled, “Sure, I don’t mind. It’s her choice and your Grimoire. I don’t see how I’m involved in this transaction.” “Transaction? But I don’t have anything to pay you...” Yuliana trailed off. Citen clicked his tongue and replied, “You don’t need to pay me squat. I’m doing this because I think it’ll lead to interesting developments. Did you forget my Artistry? The future says that it’s worthwhile for me to give you this.” Yuliana’s interest was piqued. “Umm, what exactly is your Artistry if you don’t mind telling me? I want to know what a Series Artistry can be like before I make the choice,” she made up an excuse. Citen, who seemed to have caught on, replied, “Oh? Quite a cheeky one aren’t you? Well, I definitely don’t mind telling. Buckle up cause my Series Artistry can be a real doozy.” “Ahem!” Evander coughed into his fist “Although it’s a bit hypocritical after what I just said, I think we should leave the discussion of Cee’s Artistry for a later date. Since you’re here Cee, you probably have the stuff I ordered. If so, I’d like to get this over with as quick as possible. If you don’t mind Ms. Yuli?” Yuliana was a bit disappointed. She really wanted to know what his Artistry was like. She held back and nodded. “Alright then,” she replied. Evander breathed a sigh of relief. Citen clicked his tongue. “What a bummer. I wanted to brag for a bit. As a Stage 3 myself, I boast quite the arsenal of unorthodox abilities.” Yuliana was both surprised and impressed. It took her a lot to not let her jaw drop. She asked, “Y-you are a Stage 3 Artisan?” Citen nodded. “Yeah. What? Surprised? Yeah no need to tell me I know I’m amazing.” “Yeah yeah, look at that,” Evander pointed to the ceiling. Yuliana and Citen looked to the ceiling. “Your ego,” Evander said. Citen furrowed his brows and gazed at the ceiling with his palm on his forehead. “Huh? How did it get there. I thought I left it on the moon,” he jumped and did a motion of grabbing at the air. Yuliana laughed. “You’re pretty funny Mr. Citen.” “I know,” Citen thumped his chest with a smirk across his face “So, let’s get down to your situation shall we? As I said before, there’s a necessary Artistry you should have before we give you a Series. It’s called Guardian’s Veil and it distorts the information which can be harmful to your ichor. It’s very important. If you take in the information of a higher Act than yours without properly Assimilating the prior one, you’ll Collapse easily. Guardian’s Veil prevents your ichor from prematurely taking it in. It also distorts information from other Artistries so you won’t Collapse from contradicting information.” “Wow, that’s sounds very useful,” Yuliana said. “It is. Most Artisans prior to Stage 2 have slots for four Bestowed Artistries, but are only able to use three as one is more often than not occupied by Guardian’s Veil. It’s a common Artistry amongst Artisans and basically almost everyone has it. Except Evan for some reason.” “I don’t need it. My Series allows me a different method.” Yuliana was about to ask something when Evander clapped his hands and s