Private Finished Signing a Contract With the Devil

Zora let out a laugh when it dawned on her what Levina had meant.

"I have to admit that have been luckier than most women in my position. My grandfather being who he is helped curb that a bit."

"I didn't get as many... "I can "help" you out if you help me first with an itch I have" type offers. And those that did try, well, let's just say the threat of frostbite is rather convincing if someone doesn't take no for answer," she said with a grin as she placed her hand over a glass of water which immediately iced over to demonstrated what she meant.

"Stefan? He is great," Zora agreed, smiling when her boyfriend was mentioned. "And very talented. He's got a great future in music."

Zora arched a delicate eyebrow, pleasantly surprised by Levina's subtle, yet effective demonstration of what she was capable of doing.

"Very nice," she smiled appreciatively, impressed by her display of power and sensing it was substantial. "Elemental witch?" she asked Levina curiously as she looked the younger woman over approvingly.

When Levina mentioned Stefan again, Zora just smiled.

"Oh, don't worry. I don't have plans to ever get tired of him. He's an amazing person," Zora informed her as she took a sip of her water.

"And we met through a chance encounter. I met him on a way to a meeting," she told Levina with a friendly smile, deciding at the same time, to keep the details to herself.

Zora had found that it was often the best thing to do with acquaintances. Being too candid or offering too many details could often lead to problems.

Zoraida just nodded in understanding and decided not to pry any further when Levina remarked, her tone cheery but also seemingly guarded, that her powers had been acquired.

"Well, if there is anywhere where the ratio of hunks outweighs non-hunks, then you've come to the right place."

"Manta Carlos is a definite veritable source of good-looking people. You could easily toss a pebble in any direction and you will probably hit some gorgeous creature," she stated good-naturedly

Zora just smiled tightly at the "scooping up all the good ones" comment. Unfortunately, the comment had struck a nerve, but not, perhaps, in the way Levina had hoped it would. Instead, it had suddenly reminded Zora of Broen, her ex, and the very tragic ending to their relationship. His suicide, which she had witnessed, may have been more than a year ago now. But the wound had not quite fully healed.

"I can assure you that has not been the case," Zora said trying to keep her voice light. "My work does not allow for much socializing," she said as she stared at Levina, her face unreadable.

"I am sorry, Ms Cromwell," Zora said as she gathered her things. "I have an important meeting
with my son's homeroom teacher in about half an hour at the school," she explained as she hurried to leave, not wanting to be late.