"It'll cost you," Jack said casually, twirling a strand of her hair between her slender fingertips. "That kind of spell isn't easy, you know."

Well, it was easy for her, but that didn't matter. Fair was fair, and a complex spell demanded suitable compensation.

She was lounging in the client's armchair, her legs dangling over one side. For how small the half-fae was, she sure wasn't shy about taking up space. Her ruffled dress, with its high neckline and lace trimmings, was more akin to what an aristocrat would wear, but her attitude was flippant. She kicked her bare feet idly, small glowing butterflies made of pure magic weaving around her ankles, their wings flickering in and out of existence.

Although Jack was quite successful as an adventurer with her group, the Spades, limiting herself to a single trade went counter to her very nature. Sticking her fingers in every pie was much more fun, and she greatly enjoyed working as a witch for private clients. Besides, this snooty noble who was looking at her with disdain had something she really coveted: a merfolk, one of the rarest of all magical creatures, and with the prettiest scales too.

"Come now, don't look at me like I just kicked your precious puppy," she said with a petulant grin. "A merfolk is a fair price for a love spell. You get the person of your dreams, and I get the fishie of mine. We both win."

How exactly Jack was going to lug a merfolk around, she wasn't sure yet. But that was a problem for future Jack. Present Jack was much more concerned with her payment.

She sat up and crossed her legs, leaning her elbow against the arm of the chair. "So, do we have a deal or what?"

As soon as the noble said yes, she leapt up, her wings buzzing with excitement. One flick of the wrist, and the love spell was cast. Jack couldn't help a gleeful giggle as she flew over to the tank in the corner of the room.

"Hello, fishie," she murmured, her bright pink eyes contrasting with her rich, dark skin. "We're gonna have so much fun together, you and I."