The Reflection of the Flames

"No need to be shy; we have plenty of wine." Bloom looked up, sipping her glass. "I'd rather go slowly," she replied to the dark-haired witch, her mind flashing back to the last time. She shrugged and poured herself another glass. "Do you always drink like this?" she asked, trying not to sound too judgmental.

"Sometimes, when I feel like I need to clear my mind," the witch responded, taking another sip before continuing. "Like you need to do right now."

Bloom shook her head. She had never considered alcohol as a way to escape her thoughts. Losing control seemed dangerous enough, not to mention the hangover and feeling terrible the next day. "I think I'm good."

"I always forget how put together and pretentious you fairies are. Sorry," Darcy said with a smirk. Bloom shook her head in disbelief. Excuse her?

"We're just responsible, unlike you," Darcy shrugged, taking another sip. "That's why you dragged all your friends into your controversial relationship with Valtor and threw them into danger." She placed the glass on the desk and clapped her hands ironically. "Good job, so responsible, the guardian of the Dragon Flame, the last one standing from Domino."

Bloom drank the whole glass in one gulp, avoiding the reality check. A content smile played on Darcy's lips as she poured another glass.

"They will be alright," Bloom murmured, trying to convince herself. All she got from the witch was a hum and an observant look.

"You know," Darcy started, "your little fairy friend, Stella-" Bloom sat up in her chair as she heard Stella's name, completely finishing her other glass. "She was the only one who could challenge Icy when you weren't with them."

Bloom reached for the bottle. "Why are you bringing this up?" she asked, trying to mask her pain.

"You know, it's just weird. The second most powerful fairy at Alfea, with Enchantix, losing against Chimera and Cassandra."

Bloom let out a shaky breath while placing the bottle back. "I guess fate is an unpredictable thing," she answered, not wanting to continue speaking about her deceased best friend.

Darcy rolled her eyes. "Would you like the idea of her being alive?" Her question caught Bloom off guard.

"Of course, why wouldn't I?"

Darcy didn't reply for a moment, letting the uneasy silence settle between them. "Sometimes the truth can be more complicated than you can ever expect. You have to be really careful about what you wish for."

"Enough of that, Darcy."

They turned to the entrance as Valtor's steady voice filled the room. His cold gaze was fixed on the dark-haired witch, sharp and unyielding. "Quit trying to get my dear fairy drunk," he said, his expression softening when his gaze found Bloom. "It didn't go well last time."

Bloom gulped, shifting uncomfortably in her chair, her cheeks flushing red with the memories. "Whatever," Darcy responded. "I hate getting drunk on my own," she muttered before storming out of the room with a bottle of unopened wine in hand.

Valtor approached Bloom, his eyes never leaving hers. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and possessiveness.

"What was she implying?" she asked, her gaze unwavering. "When she talked about Stella?"

He gave her a compassionate look and reached for the bottle beside her.

"I think that's enough drinking for you," he said softly, "since you're already crafting conspiracy theories about your deceased friend."

Her lips parted in protest, but with a snap of his fingers, he effortlessly made the bottle vanish. Bloom exclaimed, momentarily distracted. "What did you do that for?"