The fresh plants I recently purchased stared back with a mocking voice. We're so pretty, aren't we Lanna? Can't you see our true worth? If plants could speak, they'd definitely be claiming how expensive their over nurtured bodies were.

I clenched the aloe vera leaves in my hand. "Die, you overpriced plant!"

"You'll hurt the plant's feelings," Sebastian chuckled, lounging on the tall table behind me. "If you keep it up, it won't give you any life energy then your skin will become old and wrinkle."

"Feelings? What about mine?" I sniffled before grabbing the lavender for a whiff. The mesmerizing floral scent filled my lungs and soothed my fake cries.

"Who cares."

I grabbed for my smartphone; the polka-dotted case never failed to be spotted. Brushing my finger against the touch screen, I winced from a static shock. Damn technology, we never got along.

The time pointed to mid afternoon, good I had time before my date tonight.

My gaze swept over the bite-sized room stocked full with spell crafting materials then back to my clean wooden workbench.Each ingredient for my skin care curse had been washed and readied in preparation. Now, I just needed to extract the life energy from each plant.

Breathing deeply, I placed a hand over the cool, green aloe vera leaves. Using my life energy, I spindled it into threads to connect to the plant's source. Though the source was spread throughout, I could condense the energy into a single point then draw it out.

With a yank, the threads retracted and the life energy of the leaves traveled to me. The addition of foreign energy almost made me giddy. A euphoric feeling of absolute bliss washed over me and a shiver passed through my body.

The leafy texture beneath my fingertips disappeared, leaving behind a pile of white powder. It was always a pity to see the materials dissolve before my eyes, to watch my money disintegrate.

I continued my efforts, drawing all seven of the different plant life energies into my body. They settled into my core trapped there by my energy.

Since I possessed the darkness attribute, most of my spells turned into curses, but obviously new skin growth failed to count as dangerous. Well, that's if you manipulated regeneration too far. In one direction, you'd rejuvenate your skin to that of a newborn, changing your visual age. And in the other direction, well, grandma here I come! As for my spell, well let's just say it's classified as a curse.

I focused the collected energy, mixing the different strands of life together. The pattern was key to any good curse, almost like cooking. I started off with my energy as the base then entwined the thread into a strong base of aloe vera and chamomile. The two together, strengthened the skin renewal process.

After finishing the conglomeration, I grabbed a bag of miniature quartz crystals. They'd act as the medium, slowly releasing the energy to their surroundings. I transferred the life energy into the crystals, and instantly felt the fatigue from my energy loss.

My body trembled from the expenditure, causing me to plop down into my plush work chair. "Is it bedtime yet?" I moaned and my head sagged to the side.

"Weak," Sebastian snickered.

"Whatever."

"You'll be late, if you don't get your witch ass up."

My hand crept towards my phone and I tilted the screen to face my limp body. It had only been half an hour since I started, what was his problem? Locating the settings, I checked the time zone and my eyes widened.

I dropped the electronic device and swiveled around in my chair to face Sebastian. "I'm so feeding you dog kibble for a month."

He scowled at me. "We'll see about that."

I slithered from my chair to the ground, getting on my knees I crawled like a snail. "I'm so tired."

Sebastian chuckled, gliding past my crippled form. "Lanna, that only works if you wag your tail."

"Like this?" I said before throwing my butt into the air and wiggling it.

He snorted from my doggie walk movement. "Priceless."

I climbed to my feet using the wall for support. Though fatigue still stiffened my body, I could slowly traverse the hallway to my bedroom like a newborn calf.

By the time I reached the doorway, I regained some strength. I no longer needed to leave handprints along the wall and could stand stably on two feet.

"Safe!" I called out, acting like an umpire.

"Not today," Sebastian warned as he barreled towards me.

I sidestepped, dodging his attempt at flattening me. Even for a giant hairball, he packed a punch. "I'm sorry, that's game over, try again later."

He jumped onto my bed, avoiding my response and curled up. What a life.

Well, either way, time to get ready for my date. I could feel my cheeks redden from the possible night's adventure. Will it happen? Will I finally be able to drag Trevor into my arms? Such a tasty thought.

I pranced into my walk in closet, perusing my wardrobe options. Something enticing and sexy was my direction, oh wait, everything I owned headed that path. I bit my lip from the stressful decision I needed to make. My eyes swept through the colorful and revealing clothing options.

"Maybe I should start simpler," I mumbled, my gaze moving to my shoe collection. A frown found its way to my face. "Where are my neon pink pumps? Oh, no." I tapped my forehead, searching for the last known location—nothing came to mind! "Seb! Come here," I growled from the closet.

After a moment of perpetuate silence, he meandered in. "What do you want, you barbaric woman," he grumbled.

My cheeks puffed up in mock irritation then I released the air, whistling. "Do you remember where I put my neon pink pumps?" I spoke with an even voice, completely renouncing my earlier attitude.

He tilted his head and gazed up at me with scare inducing yellow eyes. "Why would I know?"

"Because you like to hide my stuff, why else? I'm not playing hide and seek with you tonight. Especially when tonight is the night to seduce Trevor."

"It's more like capture the flag," he drawled, stretching his hind legs.

"I don't really care what kind of game it is. Tell me and I'll buy you those candy fish that you like so much."

He straightened his head, his eyes shutting in thought. "A week's worth," he countered as his eyes flashed open.

"One day! I'm not cleaning up after you if you get sick."

"Fine, one day and recede the claim for dog kibble."

I chewed on my lower lip, my mind searching drastically for a solution. Yet, I knew, I'd have to give in. "Fine!" I growled out, crossing my arms to suppress my desire to strangle him.

"The crows have them. Have fun," he said, finishing with a dark laugh.

I clenched my teeth, nearly cracking each tooth from the pressure. Of course, he gave them to those stupid birds.

A/N: The chapter's a little short, but at least it's an update! I'll be trying to keep to a weekly update schedule, we'll see how I do. Let me know your thoughts on the chapter, I always love hearing back!