"Sonder, the truth of the matter is that you are not in control of yourself." Limerence said. "You are completely under the thumb of Vellichor, and I don't think that's a good thing."

"He doesn't seem like a bad man, and, um, he is your husband, after all," Sonder said.

"Husband in title only."

"If it isn't rude to ask, what do you mean by that? What is your relationship like?"

"He's a powerful and cultured man who has lived a long time, and I am a powerful and cultured woman who has lived a long time. It is easy to see why we gravitated toward each other. Though we 'married' to have a reason to see each other, to meet up with each other every once in a while and share tales of what we lived through and discuss the current state of affairs in the world."

Sonder mustered the courage to ask, "Do you love him?" And then she cursed herself in her mind, asking such a clearly stupid, childish question.

"Love him? Darling, I adore him. For most ladies in the world, he'd be the perfect catch. Though lucky for you, I have no romantic interest in him."

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"That's not what I meant-"

"Oh, hush now. Let's focus on the matter at hand. You're undead, and that means that you are an interesting test subject. I've never encountered someone such as you before. You are much more lively than any other I've seen; not that I've seen many, as the practice of necromany is very illegal in most countries."

Limerence poked one of her fingers into Sonder's shoulder, and she felt a sharp zap.

"Ow!" Sonder squeeked.

"How's that feel?"

"It hurts."

"Why are you so surprised? I just extracted some mana; everyone knows it hurts a bit."

Sonder rubbed her shoulder, "Yes, it hurts, but I've haven't felt pain since I was raised. It is a bit frightening."

Limerence put a hand to her chin, very interested in that statement, "Oh, and what changed since then?"

"I don't know."

"You aren't very useful, are you?" Limerence said, clearly disappointed.

There was a muffle from one of Sonder's pockets. She was startled at first and then searched them, then pulled out Hiraeth.

He must have jumped into them when they weren't looking.

"She's just a little girl. She isn't supposed to be 'useful'. Her only purpose is to exist, experience new things, and listen to her parents here and there. Maybe experience a crush or two."

Limerence was in thought for a moment, "Well, no matter what, now you are something like a daughter to me, and I won't tolerate a non-witch in my family. There is no other choice for me but to teach you at least the basics; from there, you can decide. When you get to meet my side of the family and they ask you to prove your wizardry, then I can proudly say that I've taught her at least something."

"Oh boy, this won't end well," Hiraeth said.