The moonlight shone brightly upon the tree branches. Nestled at the roots where people of various ages and sizes going from one place to the next.   It was busy even at night.

This is the Edge of Nexus, home to the Fae and many other types as well. This was my home, the only one I had since I came to this planet. I love it here.

A couple of drunks was fighting in the streets. There were hungry eyes in the alleyway. Some guy with horns had his arms around a couple of girls. Another person was handing over something, probably drugs, in exchange for money.

Nexus was a place where a person would have a good time before travelling somewhere else. The Edge was where Fae, more than most, go if they want somewhere to hide or to start over. So there were a lot of scumbags in the mix. So it was best to have some strength, or something else would come out to bite you.

I stopped as she spotted a female Elven in a suit waiting at the corner.  She was leaning against the wall watching a group of women talking up some guys. Her green eyes brightened when she finally spotted me. “Kera, my child.” Despite how she looks, her voice was grandmotherly in tone. Her arms were wide for a hug.

“Vally.” My tone was flat, but my eyes were light as a stepped into the older woman’s embrace. I only tensed up a little before I melted into her chest. Then there were people like Vally, one of the nicest, most generous people I ever met. And the closest thing I had to a mentor.

 She was also an enforcer for a brothel.

A muffled sound came from my jacket, and I had to give it some room, as a mini Renee look alike, except she had a little bit of pink in her hair flew from my pocket. “Ah, thank the Goddess.” Huffed out the small fairy. “I almost died.” She breathed heavily.

“Nee, you said that you were too cold,” I stated. I always thought of Nee’s personality as a less retrained version of Renee.

Nee glared at me with her hands on her tiny hips. “You dumbass, you almost crushed me.”

I looked at her, confused. “But you’re not really alive. Even if I did? wouldn’t return to Renee anyways.”

I could see the steam coming out of her head. “That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t hurt.” The fairy turned her back, crossing her arms. “See if I would help you ever again.”

I instantly went pale. “No, never that. I’m sorry, really sorry.” I begged. I need Nee.

Vally laughed was deep. “You two have always been a riot.” She called out. “Girls, we have a guest.”

I instinctively backed up as a gangle of women came stampeding toward me. “Ah, it’s Kera.” “So cute, do you want a cookie?” “Look at those eyes, that hair so beautiful.” “Ah, why’s Vally the only one allowed to hug her, so jealous.”

It varies from species to species, but Fae matures at the same rate as humans until we reach 21. Then our age significantly slows. Around this time, they also test for Mana potential. This was called the Blossoming, the first stage of adulthood. The second stage was called Control. A Fae needed to show enough control to work independently, which would take a couple of decades.

In any case, most of these women were close to a hundred years old. And Vally twice that. I am only twenty-eight years old. No wonder they still treat me like a child.

Nee stood between the women and me. “Back up, Ladies, nothing to see here.” Puffing up her chest.

The women stopped for a second before they cried out. “Nee!” And stormed right at the little fairy with their hands out.

Nee cried out, “Wait!” But it was already too late.

Vally leaned toward me. “Shouldn’t you help her?” Like she wasn’t the one who caused this mess in the first place.

My eyes moved to Vally and gave her a ‘are you crazy’ look. “No!” I was too scared even to try.

Vally placed her hand on my shoulder, pushing me to the door. “Come inside, and wait until they calmed down.”

I followed Vally inside, leaving Nee to her fate.

***

Once I settled down, with a cookie in my hand, munching away. Suddenly a ruffed up, looking  Nee came flying in. “You traitor, you left me!”

“Cookie?” I offered.

“Thank you very much.” She took it, and her small body landing on my shoulder.“You’re not forgiven, though.”

“I thought you liked boobs,” I stated.

Nee’s blush said it all. “That neither here nor there.” Hitting me on the side of the head with her small little hands.

Now she was embarrassed.  Wasn’t I just telling the truth? I don’t really get social interactions.

Vally came in and sat across from me. “Hi, sorry for leaving you like that. A patron was getting too rough.”

“No problem, work comes first,” I said, in a matter-of-fact manner.

“Listen, not when it comes to you,” Vally insisted.

Oh, was it about that? “Are you still feeling guilty? You shouldn’t be. You’re a Green Elven; I am a Royal. It was statistically impossible for you to contain my Mana. Besides, I didn’t understand why you tried anyways. I’m an Exile. You would lose your place here. “A Mentor’s purpose wasn’t just to teach, but they also need to contain their Apprentence’s Mana so that they won’t lose control. Vally wasn’t strong enough. If not a Royal, only a Dark Elven was up to the task.

“To Exile someone who hasn’t reach Control yet is just deplorable.” There was disgust in Vally’s voice.

I merely shrugged. “It doesn’t really change anything.”

Vally sighed. “No, but I can at least help. By the way, I found a book about Mana control techniques that you might find useful.” She brought out a book and placed it in front of me. With a glance, I could already tell that I haven’t read it so far. It took all my will-power not to snatch it up and read it right then and there. “Thank you. Nee?” asked.

“Ah, fine.” With a roll of her golden eyes. She few down to the book and touched it with the palm of her hand. The book instantly disappeared with a sparkle of light, tucked away in a dimensional pocket. I just sighed. Even basic magic like that was beyond me.

Conforming my assumptions that control was a lot better than having a massive amount of Mana. Having such high Mana only brought me nothing but trouble.

“If you like, I could go over some of the exercises?” Vally enquired.

I was going to respond with an eager yes when Nee hit my head once again. “Geeze you and your Majic. Sorry, we have to decline. Kera came here because of a job.”

Vally’s back straightened. “Really, what kind?”

I slumped in my seat in disappointment. “Something about following some Royal Elven around. I thought some of your people might have seen them ?” I rather talk about magic, but work was work.

“Hmm,” Vally said thoughtfully. “Royal Elven you’re referring to  are male, I presume?” I nodded. “I might have heard something about that.”

“Did I hear about Royal Elven males?” A very familiar voice interrupted, a woman showed up, and I couldn’t help but tense up as the woman’s appearance shifted from one species to the next. Mixing and matching to suit her ideal appearance. “Ah, Kera is here. What a surprise.” It didn’t sound like a surprise at all.

Vally stood up abruptly straightened out her suit before bowing. “Mistress Isabell, I didn’t know you were coming today.”

Isabell dismissively waved her hand. “I merely came by on a whim. No need for formalities.” Although the way she was staring at me said otherwise. I couldn’t help but flinch as she brushed her hand against my cheek. “Ah, too bad, if only you weren’t an Exile, I would have gladly taken you in as one of my girls.”

 Brothels needed to have a licence to keep their doors open. So having an Exile would hurt their credibility. Story of my life.

I blurted out without thinking. “Although the healthcare is tempting, I don’t think I’m a good fit.”

There was a second of shocked silence that Isabell broke out in laughter. “Oh, my child, I guess you wouldn’t be.”

“What are you doing?” Nee whispered in my ear. “Don’t piss off the scary lady.”

I just shrugged. I couldn’t really take back what I said, but I get what Nee was trying to tell me. With my eyes, I could tell Isabell was dangerous. She was supposedly a Succubus; I said supposedly because I have never seen a Succubus that powerful before. Isabell could easily crush me with a finger. No, I mentally shook my head. She wouldn’t even need a finger.

Vally spun around. “I sorry for Kera’s imprudence, Mistress.”

I shivered as Isabell looked me over. Her gaze had a lot of weight. She must be thousands of years old. “No, she is young yet. I believe she can’t help it.” Isabell slowly smiled. “Besides, it’s refreshing.” She sat down with fluency. “So what did I hear about Royal Elven?”

“I was hired to see what they’re up to.” When Isabell just stared silently. “Um, Mistress.”

She smiled and nodded her head. “Good. Now, if I tell you, what would I get in return.”

Vally protested. “Mistress…”

Isabellheld a finger in silence.“Vally, you know the rules, as well as I. Nothing is for free..”

Vally bowed her head. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Now would a favour owed, service?” Isabell asked.

I hesitated for a second. A favour shouldn’t be given lightly. Especially not with a Demon. “If it’s something that’s within my power alone and only if I am willing to give it. With both my soul and body intact. And It won’t endanger the people I care about.”

Isabell clapped hands together in glee. “So throughout, I impressed for one so young.”

“I read a lot,” I replied, with a knot in my throat.

“Well, Read! I became even more interested in you.” She cradled her chin on her hands.

“Mistress. Please.” Vally had a pained look.

“Not like that,” Isabell rolled her eyes. “I was referring to the child’s potential.”

“Thank you?” I didn’t know if I should be happy or scared. I glanced at Isabell, watched as she licked her lips. I couldn’t help but shiver. Yes, definitely the latter.

“So a deal or not.” Holding out her hand.

“Yes,” I took it, but I wiped my hand as soon as Isabell let go.  There was only amusement on Isabell’s face.

“Good deal complete.” I dinging came out of nowhere. “Some of my girls spotted these young men at the new nightclub. The Howl, I believe it’s called.” Isabell replied, turning to Vally.

“The Shifter club that recently opened up in the Edge?” Vally inquired.

“Yes, precisely.”

“Okay, thanks for your help.” I got up to leave.

“Stop!” Vally shouted.

I stopped and turned to Vally, tilting my head in confusion.

“Do you know how to get into the club?” Vally asked.

“Umm. Can I just go through the front door?” I questioned.

Vally just slapped her forehead.

“I think there's a better question to ask,” Isabell said. She looked me over. “Is what is she going wear.”

I looked down to inspect my black pants, the t-shirt I just threw on, and my oversized green jacket.  I looked up in confusion. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing.”

The older women glanced at each other and laughed before coming towards me with a glint in their eyes.