The Dance of Fire and Wine

Ch-1 Závior's mansion

❄️

.... PIE ....

"Hmmm, how could I shake her off my tail?"

I thought, my mind racing.

Then, suddenly, something clicked.

It wasn't a gentle "ting!"
like a bell, but a insistent long beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

It's not like a light bolt had struck in the cartoon's head I always watched when I was a kid.

"Ugh... my ears..."

I groaned, pressing my hand against my temples.

The answer was right there, staring me in the face.

I was going to annoy this spy lady so thoroughly that she'd be begging for a break from me.

We'd be separated, and I'd be free.

"Hey,"

I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"I heard spies are, uh, not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed."

I smirked, turning my head to look over my shoulder.

"Oh please, the only stupid spy here is you."

she retorted, rolling her eyes.

I was instantly, and utterly, offended.

How dare she?!

"You still think I'm a spy?"

I asked, my voice tight with anger.

I glared at her, my hatred growing with every second.

I hated her now, and I was eager to ruin whatever plans she had. I'd be her villain, her enemy, her antagonist.

I'd sabotage her, I'd bully her, I'd make her life a living hell!

"Yeah. What else were you doing in here if you're not?"

she said, her voice dripping with skepticism.

Ugh, I wasn't a spy, but I had to keep my true identity hidden from her.

She was scary, and I wasn't sure what she'd do if she knew the truth.

  My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a cold sweat breaking out on my forehead.

I needed to think fast.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

Freaking out wouldn't solve anything.

I needed a new approach, something more subtle, more cunning.

"Are you... really a woman?"

I asked, trying to play it dumb.