Ice Princess

17

"Did you enjoy the musical?" Doom asked Melinoe.

"I did, I've never seen it before. Even when reading the book, I always felt that the Phantom was a tragic person. If he had kindness sooner in his life, he wouldn't have done what he did. He wouldn't have obsessed over a woman who was never his to begin with."

"Like you said, some small acts of kindness mean so much to someone, that when it is taken away, they will do anything to get it back. Or to never let it go. Tomorrow, I will be traveling back to my country. I would rather enjoy you joining me."

"Unfortunately, I do have matters to tend to on the project in order to have it ready for you in the new year." He guided her to the door of her building. She reached for the door, before she could pull it open, he put a stray lock behind her ear. Face down turned, he kissed her forehead. He quickly whispered something she couldn't quite make out, it was too quick and low for her to hear or understand. It was strange to her. Still, she was thankful the ordeal was over. When she entered the apartment, Melinoe expected to be greeted by her cat, but her heart fell as she remembered. Undressing and showering, the place on her forehead tingled where Doom had kissed her. She was sure it was all in her head. It was late, she was physically and emotionally spent. Tomorrow before meeting with Dr. Strange, she would donate all of Everest's things to the local shelter. Melinoe didn't know if she'd ever be ready to have another pet, but getting one immediately was out of the question.

_________

Cat items donated, she parked her car and made her way over to the address she was given. The building was very unassuming, nice but not what she would expect a wizard would live in. Raising her hand to knock on the door, the door opened. Being unlocked was one thing in New York City but it automatically opening for her, was odd. The space looked bigger on the inside, than the outside. Much, much bigger. Looking around, she wan't exactly sure what to do next. It would seem rude to walk around someone's home without their permission, but standing there doing nothing didn't feel right either. The area of her forehead still tingled. Her curiosity got the better of her and she walked the foyer. Gently, she knocked on each of the doors, pushing them open and looking inside each of the four rooms. Although each of the rooms held oddities, she ended up deciding on the library to have a sit and wait. A fire was going nicely in the fireplace, walking over to the two chairs in front, she saw there was a tea service for two set out. The teapot felt like it was just poured, the dishes not yet used. Still, she hate to be interrupting something and no one was here.

Walking the room, she took into account the books on shelves with such curious names. All were beautifully bound. Melinoe probably could spend weeks in here pouring over the tombs. And the other objects there were just as strange. When she approached items, some would wglle and move. There must be a subway below here, she thought, that or a fleet of semis were going down the street. Another noise caught her attention and a man with a cape was floating down to her.

"You must be doctor...". Melinoe began.

"Strange."

"Yes, this all seems so. Melinoe Witt." She held out her hand to shake. "This is not what I expected when Bruce told me to visit you. Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing. Just something I noticed. Please sit. The house usually doesn't let people in."

"The house letting people in?" She sipped the tea as he explained at length.

"Do you have any markings since birth that are unusual?"

"Besides a few freckles? No."

"Ever practice any magic or incantations. Played with oujia boards, tarot cards?