Thicker Than Water [18+]

Chapter 2: Priestess

Portabellos was a high-end Italian restaurant conveniently located on the Vegas Strip. They served housemade pasta, fresh vegetables, and enough food to make it feel like you were part of a real Italian family. While everything tasted like home, there was still a level of refinement when it came to the flavor. All guests were expected to meet that level of refinement by the way they behave and dress.

My bartending suit was not going to cut it.

I tended to dress formally for someone that was working with the possibility of spillage. It wasn't required of me to dress as if I held a CEO position, but it was appropriate for our luxury casino and my position as manager. Still, my suit wasn't going to be appropriate for the dinner, especially since I'd already worked many hours in it.

After ensuring that the night shift was set to handle their shift on their own, I left Cosmic Casino and headed home to freshen myself up. I didn't feel a need to buy anything new even if the stores on the strip were enticing. This made my commute home short and quick. I felt my body relax as I stepped into my own space, feeling much more comfortable being alone in my personalized environment.

Sunlight streamed through my floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the living room with a warmth that my houseplants loved. I first began my houseplant collection as soon as I arrived on Earth in this very apartment three years ago. I'd never seen such species of plants at that point, causing me to have a great interest in their hospitality effects. The comfort that they gave me warranted a tradition to buy a new houseplant every anniversary I had. Thus far, I had enough houseplants in my home that could be mistaken for a greenhouse. The ceiling was essentially completely covered with pathos vines.

I took a moment to lay on my latte-colored couch, unwinding after a long work day. The sound of bell chimes filled the air, indicating that I had a message from Sizuno. Groaning as I got back up, I headed over to the large crystal ball sitting on my bookshelf that was also becoming consumed by vines. My handprint unlocked an image of Sage Master Glacis, one of the all-powerful sages that checked in on the priestesses. The image began to move as I initiated the play.

Her voice was toneless and mature as she was beginning to show her age. I even noticed a few crow's feet lines that weren't present the last time I received a message from her. "Hema Azuris, a status report on Demon Borgrig."

I cleared my throat before answering. "Tracking and scheduled to hunt by ten o'clock tonight, Earth time."

"Reminder; Demon Borgrig is a strong, dangerous demon that harbors the sin of lust. Do not let this demon hit you with its magic. The effect it may have on your body could jeopardize your hunt." She sternly warned, always one to state the obvious as if I was still a trainee.

As much as it bothered me, I didn't protest how she treated me. I knew the reasons why she did. "Yes, Sage Master Glacis. I will take care to exterminate this demon swiftly and cautiously."

Her emotionless face that matched her tone morphed into a face of scorn. "Remember where your loyalties lie, Azuris. Every move you make should be for the good of Sizuno."

I suppressed an exasperated sigh and politely responded. "Yes, Sage Master Glacis. Hoci abras Sizuno ethera."

"Hoci Abras Sizuno ethera." She concluded before the crystal ball became clear once more.

Now, I let my deep sigh out. You would think that after fifty-three years of proving my devotion to Sizuno, the Sage Masters would finally trust me. Yet, they still held my prophecy against me in every conversation we had. They constantly reminded me how I should be completely devoted to the well-being of Sizuno. The worst part was that I could never speak up about it as it may cause them to become suspicious of me.