It was a dark and dreary Tower, just like the outside.

Inside was a roundabout base, with flickering candles dangling along the sides of the walls. There weren't many them, just enough to get an idea of the domain. A steady drip-drip-drip of liquid originated somewhere from above, seemingly in tune with the hurricane going on outside. Its constant groans and shrieks reverberating even worse inside than when out there in the midst of it all.

Once her eyes adjusted to the lack of light, Ivey spotted a staircase starting from the side door of the frame to her left. The staircase was implanted into the wall, expanding out about five or six feet. It followed the walls up and around. Ivey couldn't tell when it ended since there was only darkness beyond.

"Welcome to the Society. It's been a while, visitors from the Shaman Clan," the soft robotic voice echoed throughout the Tower with no one in sight. "His Lordship is waiting for you at the top. Please enter using use the door to your right."

While soft and robotic, the voice was also very comforting. It reminded Ivey of the female voices on the transit buses announcing the next stop. If only she had something similar in her life to announce all the excitement ahead.

This would be the perfect setting for a Halloween party.

All around shadows danced, playing with the minds to create illusions that appeared far too real. Even with the lack of illumination, Ivey was certain their right led to a dead end. So, what door?

"The Society of Witches and Wizards are a bit like the Shaman Clan," Seymour turned towards his right and started walking. "Their technology seems more mature than ours, considering we tend to hold on to traditional customs and beliefs."

"They do seem more sophisticated. A talking robot? Imagine if we had that at the entrance of ours," Ivey responded in a throaty voice, following suit.

"This is the epic center of magic, so the energy here is unusually strong but also dangerous as well," Seymour reached a dead end before turning to face her. His eyes drifted away from Ivey for a split second before sailing back to focus solely on her face. "The barrier here is very potent. I don't expect—are you okay?"

"Am I okay?" Ivey repeated, confused.

Seymour reached out suddenly to touch the side of her cheek before he could stop himself. "Are you crying?"

"I--I...am I crying?" Her voice was low, hoarse as if she'd been doing just that. She brought her fingers up to touch the left side of her cheek, considering Seymour's fingers were still brushing the other.

It was wet. If Ivey licked her fingers, they would be salty.

Before Seymour could answer, she whirled away, answering her own question. "I am crying."

The last time she cried in front of someone, including her parents, was when she was eighteen and broken-hearted over her first crush dating someone else.

Ivey wiped the tears away on Seymour's cloak, frowning, and confused. "Why am I crying?"

"Lady Ivey—"

"Ivey," Ivey coughed to clear her throat and to interrupt him. "Seymour, just call me Ivey. I'm uncomfortable with the Lady in front of it."

Seymour didn't answer her. Only the howls of the wind from outside filled the atmosphere.

Seriously! After all we've been through together, why are you still so formal?

"Seymour," Ivey spoke up again, turning around to face him. Her eyes were red, her voice husky, but the tears had been wiped away. "I still don't understand everything... and Draco says I may or may not recover my memories. Until that happens, I can only focus on right now. So, there's something I want to ask you."

Seymour lowered his head as if paying respects to his King, or Queen, in this situation. "I will answer it as best as I can."

Ivey almost rolled her eyes. Again, with the formalities! At least he didn't address her as Lady Ivey this time. She'd always thought her type would be more carefree and welcoming, not old-fashioned and apprehensive like Seymour. She possibly couldn't be attracted to someone like him...could she?

"Since we were always together like this in the past, have we ever developed feelings for one another?"

Seymour's eyes widened slightly, surprised. It was the first real emotion he'd shown in a while. As quickly as it came, though, it disappeared. If she hadn't been examining him so closely, she would have missed it.

"You have always shown me nothing but kindness since saving me. My life is yours to do as you wish."

This time it was Ivey who was startled, not knowing what to make of his answer. While Seymour didn't quite answer her question, she felt his sincerity and honesty. Yet, he kept his head lowered, refusing to meet her gaze.

And there it was again.

The feeling of disappointment.

Ivey's heart squeezed once more inside her chest. This time, there was an emptiness she couldn't describe. There was also sarcasm regarding his response like she knew he was keeping something from her...but what?

Before she could dwell on it further, a loud ding much like an elevator door opening interrupted them.

The wall in front of them slid open, and a robotic voice announced itself...or them, "Presenting the Shaman Queen, Lady Ivey King, and her guard, Seymour Wolffe."

The voice from the other side was deep and low, and very amused. "Welcome. Please come in."

Ivey followed Seymour as they both stepped into the entrance.

It's Ivey Link. Ivey King no longer exists, and if she does, there are no memories of her inside here.

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