Duality

Chaos. The result of children of all ages clumped together with negligible supervision. The orphanage in the southwest borough was the only one in the entire city, hosting all kinds of strays—those who felt the harsh pavements of the city were not for them, those who found satisfaction in the little they were given instead of working for the gangs down south, and those who genuinely believed their parents did not deserve them.

Today, the orphanage scooped up a different kind of stray.

Gina stood amidst the chaotic conundrum, struggling to bring order. Her mind drifted, lost in thought. She admired the children's lives—reckless, yes, but filled with joy. A sensation. A need. The need to live in the moment, to revel in the small, intricate experiences that brought sensations like no other. But this was not Gina's world. Not for now, at least.

Two guards carefully watched her as she stood, seemingly oblivious to the whims of the world. But the moment a child tugged at her gown, she returned to the present.

Gina flashed a smile—one hidden by her veil, yet its warmth could be felt. She was surrounded by children, their frantic excitement growing as they eagerly reached for what she had brought this time.

She began handing out the wooden toys, calling each child by name. Some mumbled a quick "thank you" before dashing off to play, while others were too overjoyed to say anything at all.

She lingered for a while, speaking with the head of the orphanage, donating to the cause before finally taking her leave.

Inside her carriage, the cushions were soft and comforting—like lying on a lover's chest. The ride was rough as they exited the southwest borough, but once they reached the central borough and beyond, toward the western borough, the horses found a steady stride, cruising over polished cobblestone.

The rhythmic motion and the serenity of her surroundings caused her thoughts to scatter. She peered outside.

Order. It was existential to everything in this part of the city. Tall, brightly colored terraced houses lined the streets, each a perfect replica of the last—high front windows symmetrically placed on either side of the door, hipped roofs with a single central chimney, and large columns rising to small front porches, forming a formal entryway. The bright attire of the residents matched their flashy expressions as they strolled along, as if the world truly cared about who they were.

Gina watched as the houses slipped past, the scenery transitioning from wealth to heritage. Like most nobles, she was not particularly pleased with the monarchy's loose grip on the ambitious commoners—the so-called nouveau riche.

They sought to disrupt the balance of power, a scale that had remained still since the Sectarian War. And now, more than ever, they possessed what most low-ranking nobles lacked—money. Lots of it.

The carriage finally entered the northern borough. The streets here were winding and steep, though well-maintained. They curled up the cliffs, snaking around scattered houses. Unlike the boroughs before, the homes here were built from worn bricks, their muted tones blending into the landscape. They were vast, asymmetrical structures adorned with decorative woodwork, intricate gingerbread detailing, and complex roofs lined with gables and towers. These homes did not flaunt wealth—they carried legacy, a heritage only befitting their inhabitants.

Gina did not venture too far. The carriage stopped outside one of the few shops in the borough—the only bookshop, in fact.

A bell chimed as the door swung open, its soft jingle cutting through the silence of the dimly lit room.

"Thought you weren't coming today," the bookkeeper said, stepping out from behind the counter.

Gina bowed her head slightly as he approached, then performed a full bow when he was only a few steps away.

"Master," she greeted.

The bookkeeper tapped her shoulder in acknowledgment. "The guards?"

"They're asleep. I used the spell you taught me last time."

"Nice." He nodded approvingly. "I hope you've been practicing, because you're closing the shop."

Gina stood before her master, looking up at him expectantly. His piercing black eyes locked onto hers before realization dawned on his face.

"You're not using a wand," he said, a sadistic smile curling his lips. "You have to weave this one."

Gina stepped into the center of the room. She had chosen a simple long dress for moments like this. Taking measured breaths, she fell into a practiced rhythm. Two ethereal streaks of light-blue magic coiled around her hands. They wrapped around her wrists as she performed a series of precise hand gestures. The streaks intertwined the moment her palms met, as if in prayer.

Then, she broke the stance and slammed her hands against the concrete floor.

Small magic circles flickered to life throughout the shop, pulsing before coalescing into one large circle. It glowed gently, then dimmed completely.

Gina was trembling slightly, sweat lining her brow. But she was grinning foolishly. The high. The euphoric rush of magic coursing through her veins. It left a distinct taste on her tongue—not sweet, not bitter, but insipid. And she liked it.

The withdrawal was already setting in as she stepped toward the next room, where her master had disappeared.

The chamber was just as bleak as the front of the shop, lined with timeless antiques and rows of books that aged alongside their shelves. The scent of parchment was intoxicating to a seeker of knowledge like Gina. The books held a certain charm, but those hidden behind the wall they now stood before had an irresistible allure—for what they contained was invaluable.

Her master bit into his thumb, drawing a small bead of blood. Pressing his thumb against the dead center of the wall, he traced a runic symbol before stepping back. A red magic circle lit up. Mechanisms groaned from within the stone as the wall shuddered violently, splitting in half to reveal a hidden passage beyond.

"Remind me," he said, "what were we learning last week?"

"Mogh Ruith's guide to ritualistic magic," Gina answered.

"Ooh," he mused. "Then let's continue exploring his magnum opus."

The wall rumbled shut behind them, sealing them away from the outside world.