A Blossom of Flames

Valentina stood outside an elegant townhouse in one of Bridgewater's better neighborhoods. The Violet Delights was very different from the usual brothels in the city – there were no glaring lanterns, no drunken men standing around outside the door or lurking in the shadows. Instead, the three-story building made of solid brick exuded a refined, discreet elegance. Well-crafted Essence patterns shimmered in the high windows, carefully woven defensive patterns that Valentina looked at with professional interest.

"Very tasteful," Vyxara commented approvingly. "And the Essence patterns are neatly woven. Someone who knows their craft was at work here."

A discreetly dressed doorman opened the heavy oak door for her. She was greeted by pleasantly warm light in the entrance area and expensive carpets cushioned her steps. A young woman in a simple but perfectly cut dress made of violet silk led her through an elegantly decorated corridor. Valentina saw subtle signs of wealth everywhere – small works of art in wall niches, fresh flowers in precious vases, softly glowing Essence lamps in ornate holders.

The young woman led them into a small salon and bowed gracefully. "Madame Dolorosa will be with you shortly. In the meantime, may I bring you something to drink?"

"Wine, please. Red, if possible."

While she waited, Valentina let her gaze wander around the room. Everything here exuded subdued luxury – the heavy velvet curtains in a deep burgundy red, the artistic tapestries with lusty scenes, the comfortable armchairs upholstered in the finest brocade. No cheap pomp, but cultivated elegance.

The door opened almost silently and Madame Dolorosa entered, looking just as impressive as she had during her performance in Dusktown. Her unnatural violet eyes glowed in the light of the Essence lamps, her raven-black hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders. She wore a tight-fitting dress of dark purple silk that emphasized her tall, slender figure.

"Valentina," she greeted her with a warm smile. "I had hoped that you would visit us one day." She sat down opposite her, her movements mesmerizingly graceful. "I assume you would like to know more about our... offer?"

"Yes." Valentina took a sip of the excellent wine the young woman had brought. "Especially about the practical details."

"Of course." Madame Dolorosa picked up one of the ornate necklaces. "But first, perhaps you should experience for yourself how our artifacts work. Would you like to try it out?"

She held the necklace out to Valentina. The delicate piece of jewelry was a masterpiece of craftsmanship – the finest silver, artfully decorated with several compartments in which violet stones pulsated. Valentina could make out a golden strand of hair in one of the compartments.

"Oh yes," Vyxara purred enthusiastically. "This is going to be interesting."

Valentina took the necklace with slightly trembling fingers. It was surprisingly light and warm from the incorporated Essence patterns. She carefully placed it around her neck.

"Concentrate on the pattern in the largest stone," Madame Dolorosa instructed her. "Yes, just like that. And now weave a simple activation pattern – you'll feel when it's right."

Valentina followed the instructions. Nothing happened for a moment – then suddenly a warm tingling sensation ran through her. She gasped in surprise.

"See for yourself." Madame Dolorosa pointed to the large mirror on the wall.

Valentina rose hesitantly and stood in front of her reflection. The sight took her breath away. A complete stranger gazed back at her – slim, with a cascade of golden curls and bright blue eyes. The face was classically beautiful, with high cheekbones and full lips.

Fascinated, she watched as her reflection perfectly imitated her every move. She turned her head, raised a hand – the illusion was flawless. Even as she stroked her own skin, she saw the strange, slender fingers in the mirror.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Madame Dolorosa had stepped up next to her. "Unfortunately, the illusion is only visual, not tactile – that's why we need reasonably shapely and slim women so that the illusion doesn't fade."

"It's... incredible." Valentina could hardly take her eyes off her transformed self. "How is that possible?"

"The artifacts combine Lieht and Schate Essence in a very special way. I can't reveal the details, of course." Madame Dolorosa smiled mysteriously. "But I can see you have a good feel for how to use them. That is important."

Valentina released the artifact again and watched as her golden-curled reflection returned to her usual appearance. "I see nothing has changed in the quality of your artifacts since your demonstration in Dusktown."

"Indeed." Madame Dolorosa took her seat again and refilled her wine glasses. "But I assume you didn't just come to admire our artifacts. Have you thought about the offer?"

"Yes." Valentina clutched her wine glass. "But I still have a few... questions."

"Of course you have." Madame Dolorosa's smile became softer, more maternal. "You would be foolish not to have them. Ask whatever you want to know."

"The customers..." Valentina hesitated. "How do you choose them?"

"Ah, you're worried about your safety. Understandable." Madame Dolorosa leaned back in her chair. "As I told you in Dusktown – we are extremely selective. The price alone limits the circle considerably. But beyond that, we check every potential customer carefully. No drunks, no thugs, no... overly perverted." She made an elegant gesture with her hand. "Only men of standing and education who understand that mutual discretion is essential."

"She's good," Vyxara murmured approvingly. "She knows exactly what you need to hear."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"And the practical side?" asked Valentina. "How would it... happen?"

"Ah, the logistics." Madame Dolorosa stood up and approached the window. "See that street over there? The store with the blue sign?"

Valentina nodded. It was a dignified sewing store, as there were many in this neighborhood.

"It belongs to us. The buildings are connected by a concealed passageway. You enter the sewing store – completely harmless, no one will notice. You can even tell everyone that you work there. There's a door in the back room that leads here." She turned to Valentina. "Completely inconspicuous and absolutely safe."

"The payment..." Valentina began.

"It's princely, as I've already mentioned. But let's get specific." Madame Dolorosa named a sum that took Valentina's breath away. "Minimum. Per evening, mind you. We'll provide the Distilled Essence for the artifacts, of course."

"That would solve all your financial problems," Vyxara remarked gently. "And more than that."

"How often would I have to come?"

"Two or three evenings a week would be ideal. The pay increases with the number of customers." Madame Dolorosa made an elegant gesture with her hand.

"What about... the current situation?" Valentina chose her words carefully. "The Illuminator..."

"Don't worry about that." Madame Dolorosa's smile turned feline. "The Illumination won't give us any trouble." She probably didn't want to tell Valentina about the Illuminator being one of the regulars – which wasn't unwise of her, after all, as Valentina hadn't finally decided if she was going to work here yet.

She sat down again and leaned forward, her violet eyes focused intently on Valentina. "I understand your concerns, my dear. I really do. But let me assure you – we protect our employees. By any means necessary." She paused for a moment. "And of course you can stop at any time if you decide it's not for you."

"She's right," Vyxara said. "You're not risking anything by trying. But you could gain so much."

Valentina took a long sip of wine. The arguments were convincing, the advantages tempting. And yet...

"Can I think about it again?" she finally asked.

"Of course." Madame Dolorosa rose gracefully. "Take all the time you need. But remember – sometimes the first impulse is the right one."

~

It seemed to have gotten even colder as Valentina walked through the dark streets back to the university, but she hardly noticed, she was too lost in her thoughts.

"You felt it, didn't you?" asked Vyxara gently. "That little thrill when you saw yourself in the mirror. Being someone else, if only for a moment..."

"That's not the point," Valentina disagreed, but she couldn't deny that the demon was right. There had been something – an unexpected thrill when she had seen this beautiful stranger in her place in the mirror.

"But that's not all," purred Vyxara. "Think of the possibilities. The money, of course – more than enough for your studies, for Distilled Essence, for a comfortable life. But also the information..."

"The information?" Valentina turned into a narrow alley that served as a shortcut to the university.

"Oh yes. Men like to talk to the women they sleep with, as you well know. And who knows – we might even learn something useful about our esteemed Illuminator."

Valentina stopped and leaned against a damp house wall. "But what about the risk..."

"What risk then?" Vyxara's voice became practical. "The illusion artifacts are perfect. No one will ever know who you really are. The security measures are well thought out. And the customers aren't ruffians and bumpkins, but cultured men."

"Still..." Valentina wrapped her arms around herself. "Strange men, every night..."

"Not every night," Vyxara corrected gently. "Two or three nights a week."

A passing cart splashed slush onto the hem of Valentina's dress. She looked down at herself – the fabric was soaked and stained. Would she ever have enough money to stop worrying all the time?

"What about other possibilities?" she asked weakly. "I could... I don't know, tutoring?"

"For a few copper coins an hour?" Vyxara's voice sounded almost pitiful. "Be honest with yourself, Valentina. You need more than that. Much more."

Valentina continued on her way as the sleet drenched her hair. The demon was right – her options were limited. She didn't want to sell any more of Cosimo's gifts, and the legal ways of earning money would never be enough.

"And there's something else," Vyxara whispered seductively. "That little excitement you felt... that anticipation of something forbidden, something arousing..."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Valentina murmured, but she blushed.

"Oh yes, you do." Vyxara's voice became velvety. "You felt it – that mixture of nervousness and... desire. The power that lies in transformation. The freedom to be someone completely different."

Valentina remained silent. She couldn't deny that the demon was right. There had been something there – an unexpected attraction in the idea of transforming herself, playing roles, maybe discovering secrets.

When she reached the university campus, she had not yet made her decision. But she knew that she would return to Violet Delights. If only to experience this fantastic transformation once again.

"You'll make the right decision," Vyxara said gently. "You always do."