All Nathalie wanted was to be alone but how did she almost forget Ashtra was also on her side throughout the time.

    After putting on the dress, she went back to the mirror and grabbed a few of her cosmetics to choose for today.

    ''I''m glad I was able to get so many handfuls of these products, even if it was less than two days…''

    With Daisy''s help, she was able to procure what she needed; she brought so many things with her until her leather pouch filled to the brim.

    While applying moisturizer and then primer on her face, she couldn''t help but think about the time she returned to the world for the second time around.

    The first thing she had to do was contact Daisy; after finding out that one of the reinforcements Jonathan sought was her during that incident, she asked if how she was doing and where the rest of her family resided.

    ''Why have I known it so late? Was I that clueless back then?''

    Even for a brief moment, Nathalie learned that her best friend was a top special forces intelligence officer working for a private company, one of the best nationwide. Meanwhile, Jonathan was also the same but weapon specialist sergeant.

    "Here I thought you knew them well…"

    Nathalie stopped dabbing the beauty blender on her cheeks with the foundation cream she used soon as Ashtra interrupted her train of thoughts. ''Excuse me?''

    "You''re excused."

    ''Ugh! Seriously…'' She then went back to do her thing.

    "I suppose it was how it was for you then."

    After which, she grabbed her eyeshadow palette and went for a purple and tad smokey eye.

    "What are you trying to say?"

    "How grand of you to call someone so endearing as a so-called best friend without knowing—"

    ''Hold up! Pause...'' Nathalie raised her eyebrows. ''It''s not about getting to know more about her but it wouldn''t be fair for me to ask when I have so many secrets I would rather keep to myself.''

    Everyone had a secret they''d prefer to hide for as long as they could and she knew that feeling well. It would be so hypocritical of her, perhaps someone asked in return.

    Moreover, it''s none of her business.

    "So you trust her that much regardless?"

    ''That''s right.''  She then looked for her purple mascara, dipping into it a couple of times before placing it on her natural, long lashes. ''Not that I wasn''t entirely clueless of what she''s capable of— we have so many opposites, and while it was suspicious I got to meet Jonathan through her at first, I still believe her.''

    Daisy''s fashion taste turned out simple yet elegant in a way. Nathalie wanted to be elaborate and high-fashion.

    Nathalie was nowhere near physically adept as her best friend was far beyond it— who knew whose better between her and Jonathan. Although she loved arts and crafts.

    She was intelligent, but her best friend was filled with wisdom.

    "That woman sure is agile and cunning; I must say, her espionage is remarkable, aren''t you afraid of getting betrayed?"

    ''Well, now that you mentioned it…'' After finishing, she placed them down and looked at the reflection, a slight twitch came from the corners of her nude lips. ''Probably back then, but not anymore.''

    For sure, Nathalie had known about Daisy''s habits and preferences; they were also part of theater club in college days: both act and dance, but the former can''t sing unlike the latter.

    Though it might only be the tip of the iceberg, and she would''ve steered clear if she had known who she was from the beginning; but as their friendship grew, her worries became trivial and believed her gut instinct.

    What her decision made, paid off at long last.

    For she was right all along.

    Daisy even had Jonathan to help me whenever I needed help— talking about dedication and sacrifice, Nathalie was forever grateful.

    After what happened and then cursed, she needed to take responsibility, and all the more now.

    "Such confidence."

    ''Unlike you, who lived a life full of schemes and trickery. I''d rather have you in a contract, and rightfully so, now that I have you on the leash.''

    "Rude woman."

    ''I take that as a compliment.'' She then squinted her eyes for an eyeliner.

    "Well, at least it''s the Goddess—"

    ''Seriously, stop calling me that.''

    "Isn''t it true? You knew everyone''s secret names. I''m not surprised you hold them hostage, now that they''re in your care, whether they like it or not.''

    She was speechless; while it was handy, she thought about the disaster that might happen if someone abused it.

    It was a good thing she was the only one.

    Nathalie then smeared her red matte lipstick on her grinning lips.

    ''Oh, yes I look good.'' Her eyes blinked fast, smacking her lips. ''Shoot! I forgot to add more eyeliner and some highlights on my cheekbones.''

    Ashtra didn''t bother responding, not like she cared either way.

    Nathalie stood up, then looked around the room; in the middle of wondering where she would go, he then popped out of the blue.

    From the necklace gleamed into a flashing light, then formed a human silhouette in front of her.

    Ashtra was in his usual azure robe, long and flared; made of refined and high-quality silk, and several scales by the belt and on his mantle. His blue ombre hair cascaded to his hips with a small yet regal headgear perched atop.

    Crossing her arms, she probed, ''What now?''

    "You''re 5 minutes late; let''s go." He then gestured his head near the hallowed wooden window.

    ''Had you not interrupted me I would''ve finished— Who told you we''re going there?''

    Peering down was at a height that only a crazy person would do and Nathalie left with two steps away from it but she already gawked at the sight.

    She breathed, "Oh, no. I''m not jumping there."

    "Who said you would?" He then reached out his hand. "I shall lend you my powers; like the last time. It would be hard for you to keep up from now on because you can''t use the grimoire."

    "We can walk; the door''s over there."

    "No, this is the best way."

    ''You''ve gone really mad…'' She took steps away from him. After which, she turned around, to the doorway. ''I can prowl through there myself—''

    Ashtra grabbed her hips, hoisted midair as they flew out of the window.