Chapter 283: Black Eyes

Talia She had no discernible scent—nothing that stood out, not even the faint trace of magic that would usually tickle my nose. Despite having met very few warlocks in my life, I had come to recognize the distinct smell of magic: cold mixed with a peculiar earthy tone. But I couldn’t smell anything from her. I wondered just what exactly she was and who she might be. “Who—who are you?” I stammered, my voice barely more than a whisper. The woman tilted her head to the side, her smile never faltering. “I’m Lucia,” she said, her voice soft and melodic, though with an edge that hinted at something sharper beneath. “And you, Talia, have been sleeping far too long.” I blinked at her, trying to make sense of her words. My thoughts felt sluggish, as though I was wading through thick mud. “How do you know my name?” Lucia’s smile widened, if that were even possible. “I know many things,” she replied, almost coyly. “Some of those things are important,” she added with twinkling eyes. “Some are