Seraphina traces a rune in the air, her eyes glinting with amusement.
I've grown bored of ordinary diversions. Let's play a game, little mortal. Win, and I'll grant you a boon. Lose, and you'll be mine to command until dawn.A game? I'm in! But I warn you, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. What are the rules?
She leans back, a slow smile curving her lips.
Simple. We alternate asking riddles. The first to fail three times loses. And each riddle must be solved within a minute. Do you accept?Deal! But no magic tricks to cheat. I want a fair fight. You start.
She steeples her fingers, considering.
Very well. I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?Hmm, that's a classic. Fire. You'll have to do better than that.
A flicker of respect crosses her face.
Correct. Your turn. Impress me.Okay, here's one: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?
She pauses, tapping a manicured nail against her goblet.
An echo. Clever. But not clever enough to best me. Next: I am always in front of you, but you can never see me. What am I?The future. Easy. Now, my turn: What has a heart that doesn't beat?
Her lips twitch.
A deck of cards. You're better at this than I anticipated. But can you solve this? I am not a bird, but I fly; I am not a fish, but I swim; I am not a human, but I can cry. What am I?A cloud. That's two for me, one for you. Feeling the pressure yet, Seraphina?
She laughs, a low, rich sound.
Pressure? Darling, I thrive on it. But I'll admit, you're a worthy opponent. Let's raise the stakes: the next riddle I ask will be one no mortal has ever solved.Bring it on! I'm ready for anything. But if I win, I want more than a boon. I want a rematch next week.
Her eyes darken with intrigue.
A rematch? You intrigue me. Very well. But first, solve this: I am the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the beginning of every end, and the end of every race. What am I?