Keepers Of The Occult (NaNoWriMo 2024) Chapter 23: Chapter 20: Change Of Seasons

Read chapter 23 of Keepers Of The Occult (NaNoWriMo 2024) by Mercynarie on NovelPedia.

“Your request is denied.” Luca Watson clenched his jaw silently. It was a pity how dark the room was; he had no qualms about letting these dimwits see his displeasure. The twelve shadows remained motionless, although he could practically feel their scornful stare from the long table a few metres above him. “That wasn’t a request,” Luca clarified behind gritted teeth. “I am informing you that the House of Watson will be taking a short leave of absence. With the number of families holding House-ships nowadays, surely we can afford to take a break?” “This is not a matter of manpower, but that of your responsibilities,” a faceless voice said. “Your House has not earned your respite. In fact, you are at risk of losing your House-ship, given recent events. If we grant you your leave, what kind of message would we be sending to the other Houses?” Luca could feel his wife shifting uncomfortably beside him. If it were his past self, he would’ve gestured for her to keep her tone down and avoid any confrontation with their superiors. But now? He couldn’t give less of a damn. “Please be reasonable,” Ava argued. “We have worked tirelessly for years without complaint. Isn’t it about time—” “ Might I remind you that you have lost all your magic, woman?” a different female voice snapped this time, although it was still impossible to tell which shadow it belonged to. “Be grateful we still grant you an audience in front of the Union of Magus. You are no longer worthy to speak in our presence.” Anger shot up Luca’s spine. “With all due respect, you pricks are snobs,” he sneered. “Magic or not, she is a lady of the House of Watson. And more importantly, she is my wife . She gave up all her magic to save our son, and I will not see her disrespected like that!” “And in doing so, your imprudent wife also threatened your House status. We are aware of the trouble that befell your family for the past week. But know that we offer no sympathy for such foolish mistakes; you brought that upon yourselves. We also want to remind you that House-ship is only granted to couples who can both use magic. Ava Watson is as good as a powerless human now. If I were you, Mister Watson, I’d start looking for another Magus to marry.” “ You piece of— ” Luca felt a gentle hand hold him back. He glanced at Ava with furrowed eyebrows, who shook her head slightly. “Fine. If that’s how it will be, consider the House of Watson dissolved.” He plunged a glowing hand into his chest and gouged out a purple ball of light. “Take your stupid gift back. We quit.” “Fool!” There was a loud thud as someone slammed on the table. “You throw away our royal endowment over a mere magic-less woman?” “A Magus lives to serve. To sacrifice. To protect those in need,” Luca said defiantly. “The Union has done nothing of that sort for us. We’re perfectly happy living without your so-called ‘precious’ gifts.” Ava stepped forward as well. “As long as we’re free to live together as a family, we’re content. That’s all we need. So thanks, but no thanks.” “You will live to regret this decision.” Luca turned away, his wife in hand. “We make do with what we’ve got. That’s how we always roll.” He snapped his fingers and teleported out of the headquarters building, leaving the twelve shadows to simmer in the darkness. ~ ~ ~ Hazel stood by the escalator, kicking her feet idly as she enjoyed the cooling respite from the summer heat. Shopping malls were always a marvel to her; they seemed to remain at the same temperature regardless of what season it was. And so did its atmosphere. The cheery lighting, the generic scent of air fresheners, the polished floors… Only the broadcasted music and fashion displays changed from time to time. Nothing else needed to, anyway. Everything that shoppers wanted was already there. “Wow, Tomoko! You look great!” She pushed herself off the wall, walking towards the girl dressed in a frilly blouse and long track pants. It wasn’t exactly the best combination of clothes, but it served