Movement
Nine

Locanda stepped into Anaïs’s office, her eyes immediately drawn to the large windows overlooking the city below. The natural light filled the room, casting a warm glow over the space. It was a beautiful, tranquil setting. The office was well organized, despite the wealth of materials it contained. Mannequins dressed in cutting-edge designs stood in elegant poses, surrounded by piles of sketches, fabric swatches, and design books. Along the walls, framed images of Anaïs at various prestigious fashion events were displayed, showing her at the height of her modeling career, winning awards, and making her mark in the fashion world.

As the two women entered, Renata leaped out of Loconda’s arms and climbed into the windowsill and peered out, her golden eyes gazing out across the city.

Anaïs smiled as she took a seat at her desk, gesturing toward the plush chair opposite her. “Please, take a seat, Miss Toussaint,” she said warmly. “Your fedel is welcome to roam as she pleases.”

Locanda sat quickly, looking around in awe at the space. Anaïs leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk as she spoke. “I wasn’t always a designer, you know. I used to be a supermodel,” she said with a slight chuckle, her eyes glinting. “Before all this, I studied at the Istituto di elevata arte di Parma” She paused for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. “It’s a school that’s often considered the unofficial rival to the Academy of Advanced Arts.”

Loconda nodded, her curiosity piqued by the mention of a rival institution.

“The Institute of Elevated Arts is known for its fierce competition,” Anaïs continued. “They focus on cutting-edge design, while the Academy of Advanced Arts, as you will come to realize, holds a more traditional approach to fashion and resonance. The institute was a bit more… experimental.”

The two women shared a look, and Anaïs smiled as she gestured to the room around them. “There are three Gior stores in Italy. The store you’re in now is the companies’ original flagship store. It is made up of 9 levels and three departments,” she said. “The first department is our Classic Design Department, where we focus on recreating traditional Gior pieces for both mass production and limited-edition releases. The second is our Clientele Couture department, which caters to high-level clients, designing exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces for major events.”

She paused, her voice becoming more animated as she explained her own department. “And the third department, the one I oversee—is Futura Creazione, or Future Design. This is where we push the boundaries of fashion. It’s where innovation meets tradition, where we explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Anaïs then leaned forward, her eyes locking with Locanda’s. “Now that you’re enrolled in the Havocacy program, you’ll be interning with me in your spare time. You’ll learn how to integrate resonance with fashion design, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but innovative, pushing fashion into new territories.” 

Locanda’s mind whirled at the prospect. Studying under such a renowned designer was a privilege, one she knew would bring immense responsibility and towering expectations; but it was also the dream she had carried in her heart for as long as she could remember.

Anaïs continued, her voice softening as she spoke about her connection with Locanda’s aunt. “Miss Pueyrredon, was a huge inspiration for this department. She was originally a part of the Clientele Couture Department, but she was the one who set the wheels in motion for Futura Creazione. I worked closely with her when she was here, and though she’s been gone for some time, her influence still shapes our work today.”

Anaïs studied Loconda thoughtfully. “I’ve seen your work from the spring fashion show in New York, and I believe you have the potential to surpass even your aunt’s designs. Your style is distinct, and I think you’ll thrive here.”

Loconda remained silent, absorbing Anaïs’s words. Flattered, yes, but still uncertain.

“Now,” Anaïs leaned forward, her tone shifting to business. “Your summer internship at Gior comes with three roles. First, you’ll assist various design teams in preparing products for Gior’s upcoming winter line. While the House of Gior traditionally works one season ahead of the upcoming retail season, the Future Design Department operates at least five seasons in advance. Sometimes even further, depending on the complexity of the collection. So, we’re in the middle of the spring retail season right now. The house is finalizing this year’s fall collection for the runway and this year’s summer line for mass production. Meanwhile, my department is wrapping up last-minute design proposals for fall of next year. Understood?

“Yes, ma’am.”

Anaïs slid a dress across the table, one Loconda instantly recognized. 

“Wait… how do you have this?” Loconda asked, her voice sharp with disbelief. “This was part of my New York collection.”

Anaïs’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Mrs. Gior purchased a few of your pieces at the show. Vivian was quite impressed, so she sent them to us for analysis.” She gestured to the intricate patterns on the dress’s shoulders. “Here, you unknowingly sewed in a defensive frequency—a resonance shield, if you will. What you might have seen as decorative stitching actually emits protective energy.”

Loconda stared at the dress, her mind racing. “I—I didn’t even know that was possible.”

“Precisely,” Anaïs said, leaning forward. “Your work shows natural talent, something that runs in your family. It’s not just technique; it’s instinct.” She paused, her eyes glinting with purpose. “Now, your second role will be to master resonance. Few designers can use resonance, and even fewer can embed energy into fabrics. Yet, your work shows you already have this gift, without realizing it.”

“I was just mimicking my aunt’s techniques. I always loved her dresses.”

Anaïs’s expression warmed, though her eyes remained sharp. “Beautiful work. But to be honest, when I first saw your designs, I doubted someone so young could create something this advanced. I even suspected Acadia might’ve been in New York herself. But when Mrs. Gior showed me the newspaper, and mentioned you were her niece, it all clicked. Your aunt’s talent isn’t just learned; it’s inherited.”

She leaned back, her expression turning solemn. “This brings me to your third role. You’ll assist in our investigation to uncover the cursed objects tied to your aunt and a few other Gior designers accused of practicing dark arts. I realize this is a sensitive matter, and we’ll discuss it in greater detail later. But before we conclude today, I need to ask… when was the last time you spoke with Miss Pueyrredon? Please understand that anything you share with me, will also be shared with Lady Gior.”

Loconda thought carefully before answering. “The last time I heard from her was about a month ago, when I received a letter from her. She invited me to Milan, but at the time, I didn’t think much of it. I wasn’t planning on leaving New York and she had sent several invitations in the past.”

Anaïs nodded, her expression thoughtful. “That was probably the last message she sent before disappearing.”

Loconda’s heart tightened. “What will happen to her when she’s found?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Anaïs’s expression darkened slightly as she stood up and walked over to Renata, who was still gazing out the window. She gently petted the cat before picking her up and handing her to Loconda. “Acadia will likely face judgment from the Council of Resonance. They’re a governing body established by the Catholic Church and the European Union to oversee the use and misuse of resonance. If she’s found guilty, she’ll be prosecuted for her dark arts practices.”

Loconda’s heart sank, but she kept her composure, her gaze drifting to Renata cradled in her arms. For a moment, words escaped her, until a question formed in her mind. “ And what about this summer  Havocacy program? Will the church really permanently block my use of resonance if I fail?”

Anaïs paused, her expression sobering. “Yes, they will.” She then escorted Loconda to the office door and offered her final instructions. “But don’t let that fear hold you back. Stay true and keep your heart pure, integrity will carry you through. Trust in that.”

As they stepped into the hallway, Anaïs gestured to the elevator and smiled. “It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Toussaint and I looked forward to our first sessions together. Try to enjoy your time before the next chapter of your journey begins.”