Page 21 of Shattered Magic
Hari looked at her friend and hugged her. “I am sorry you went through that.”
“It’s done. He’s rejected me. It took me a while to come up with the plan, but I am delighted that it worked.” Livia grinned. “Tech for the win.” She paused. “Do I look weird?”
“You are you, just more sparkly.”
Livia beamed. “Thank you. That’s reassuring.”
Hari cocked her head. “You are going to need to change your makeup. You are a little more glowy now.”
Livia smiled. “Thanks. I knew I could.”
Zerul frowned. “You were bound to him?”
“Yeah. His pretty appearance was my energy filtered through his body.” Livia smiled. “It makes me glad I am sure as to my orientation. The ladies flocked to him, and I don’t want the same. They are cute and all, but I have seen enough ladies naked in my lifetime.”
Hari laughed.
Zerul cocked his head, and then understanding lit in his eyes. “You work at the strip club.”
“Upper management and accountant.”
“And... Anhara is the head chef.”
Livia’s eyes were sparkling. “Correct.”
“Any others?”
Hari chuckled. “One or two.”
Zerul cleared his throat. “It isn’t like me to ask this, but where were you all spawned?”
Livia snorted. “Ah, that. We have already had this conversation. The Norwell Gateway. I am guessing that is where you trotted into the human world.”
Zerul grinned. “I haven’t had hooves for years.”
Livia smiled at him. “Good for you.”
Hari paused. “Hooves?”
“It appears that your friend recognizes me or, at least, my kind.” He chuckled. “I was hoping to conceal it for a little longer.”
“I have not said what, and you mentioned the hooves.”
Zerul blinked. “Ah, just so. You are dangerous.”
“Truth surrounds me. That didn’t change.” Livia smiled.
Hari smiled. “So, what is he?”
“That is a very personal question. He will tell you, but your curiosity indicates interest, and he is enjoying that interest.”
Hari looked at Zerul. “Oh. Right. So, what is going to happen to Orvuul?”
Zerul shrugged. “He will be taken back to his forest, where he will wait for another bride or a power donor.”
Livia sighed. “What will happen to the ladies he brought?”
“The girls will be returned to their home communities.” He frowned. “I am not quite sure why he was here tonight anyway.”