In the quiet of the late night, as others slumbered, Meloni and Jodi meet each other in a sitting room. Settling in, Jodi casually tossed a modest ring to Meloni.
With a smile, Meloni slid it onto her finger, wincing as she sensed her magic being drawn into it. The ring granted her the ability to converse directly with Jodi, free from distractions.
"Jojo, was it truly that terrible?" Meloni inquired, her tone tinged with bewilderment.
"Not necessarily bad," Jodi started, pondering, "but what I observed was unsettling. He seemed indifferent to human life, finding satisfaction in its demise."
"Frankly, that doesn't align with fae magic. Fae magic thrives on positive emotions like my boundless energy and Nate's love and charm," Meloni explained.
Jodi's expression soured at the revelation. "I was hoping for an obscure form of fae magic; my alternative theory is far from pleasant."
"I'm curious about your alternative theory, but I may have a guess," Meloni remarked.
Jodi sighed, "If it's not fae magic, then the unsettling possibility is that he's not part human, and the other half is something more bloodthirsty."
Nodding, Meloni added, "I've always found it peculiar for a half-fae to be abandoned. Despite their longevity, the fae often face fertility issues, making even half-breeds generally accepted."
They both sat together in thoughtful silence for a moment. "He also looks much too human, even I look more fae than him, and I'm a few generations off," Meloni remarked, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and contemplation.
Jodi responded with a thoughtful nod, "Well, his fae lineage is rather special to begin with."
"That boy will have nothing but problems in his future," Jodi added.
Meloni then happily throw the ring off her finger letting out a happy sound as her magic returned to filling her entire body. "I hate it when you make me wear that thing" she pouted.
A small smile graced Jodi's face. "How else am I supposed to have a serious conversation with you?"
"Point taken, but I do gotta ask, are you training that boy for yourself? Because if I wasn't a married woman, I'd be all over that," Meloni teased.
Jodi coughed out, "What the hell!" She smacked Meloni on the head. "He's a child."
Meloni began to giggle loudly after seeing Jodi's stern expression. "He's a fae and should stop aging in a year or two anyway."
"I am a human, an older human at that. I'll be an old lady, and he will look the same. I mean, you're old enough to be my..." Jodi couldn't finish that statement because Meloni jumped on her.
"You better not finish that statement," she said with a wronged expression. "And it's not as if there aren't ways to prolong your life. You just need to start training again and advance to the celestial stage."
Jodi frowned a bit before looking off into the distance. "I paused my training because a fate priestess told me that I would be needed at the academy."
Jumping onto her feet with her usual energetic peppiness, Meloni declared, "I'm fairly sure that once Nate leaves, you won't be needed anymore."
"You're likely right. I do plan to continue my training, and if that boy tries to use his charm on me, I will definitely make things hard on him," Jodi said with a wicked smile.
Meloni jumped forward and locked Jodi in a strong hug. "You deserve someone in your life, you know, my dear disciple."
Jodi made an attempt to pry Meloni off but to no avail.
"Oh, what would Nate think if I told him how cute you were as a child, always clinging to me?" Meloni said in a whimsical tone.
"If you do that, I'll spill the secrets of your true age to him," Jodi retorted, her gaze piercing Meloni like daggers.
Meloni giggled, "Oh, Jojo, that's just cruel. But if you spill the beans to Edward, I might consider ending you."
A deadly glint replaced Meloni's usual cheerful demeanor, sending a shiver down Jodi's spine. "I'm not foolish enough to provoke the Energetic Bloodshade Illusionist," Jodi admitted, bowing her head in mock submission.
Meloni chuckled, "Ah, it's been a while since I've heard that name."
The two continued their conversation, with Meloni playfully teasing Jodi about imparting her student with bedroom knowledge.