273
Lucy
After David left, Duke and I finished eating and took a walk. Our conversation was mostly about classes and how his training was going, but it was relaxing all the same. There were questions and worries behind every word and laugh, but we didn't address them.
As we reached the edge of the decorative part of the garden, I saw the hammock in the gazebo. It was huge, more than big enough for several people, and there was a large chest that had pillows and blankets inside. The quiet of the night seemed to deepen. Hunt fluttered over, taking up residence in a rafter.
"Seems like he's found a new favorite spot," I said. "You think we could save the living room pillow fort for another day?"
Duke looked like he was going to melt with relief.
"Yeah. That'd be great."
We woke up to the sound of Blue coming up the path with breakfast, but I could tell that Duke was much more relaxed. We showered, changed, and headed to campus together.
"Thanks," Duke said softly.
I nodded. "Any time."
The morning air was crisp as we made our way to the magical academy. The bustling energy of the campus felt like a jolt of caffeine. We parted ways as I headed to my class, and Duke headed to his. David walked with me down the corridor towards the other section of the Academy.
I looked out the window, shaking my head. The towering spires of the academy stretched towards the sky.
"How can anyone in Hecate's city not see this?" I frowned. "I still don't know if I understand how big the Academy is."
David hummed. "The easiest way to explain it would be that the castle is essentially in a pocket of time and space, so unless you're in it, you don't see it."
I sighed. "Like the Blood Moon Estate?"
"Yes," he said. "Though a little different... Here you are."
I looked up at the door and smiled. "How'd you know?"
He smiled slowly and slyly, leaning close and whispering.
"Call it part of the audition."
"Audition?"
"I hear boyfriend is a never-ending audition." My face heated as he drew back. "Have a good day in class. Don't let anyone give you cat ears."
I sputtered as he left. I turned into the classroom, looking for my seat, before I sent Duke a message.
You told David about the cat ears?
A few moments later, I got a grinning emoji back, and that was all the answer I needed. I took my seat as the rest of the class filed in, and Professor Evergreen strolled in with a grave expression. It was completely strange since he was usually in such a good mood. He had a long, flowing beard and robes that seemed to ripple with every move.
"Before we begin, the administrator wants me to issue this warning: several hunters have been apprehended around the city. While the Hecate Coven is doing everything it can to ensure everyone's safety, your vigilance is important. Do not bring anyone through the barriers, not even if you recognize them, as hunters are known for using illusory magic."
The professor taped the board, and the board started to fill with notes.
"On that note, we'll be covering the topic of illusory magic, so you'll at least be able to spot the lower-level hunters and report them. Remember, it's better to send a false alarm than underreport."
I couldn't help but feel nervous as I thought about Daedalus.
The hush that fell upon the room felt charged with nerves. Then, he started the lecture on elemental magic, specifically on balancing the elements of certain spells to cast more complex, higher-level spells. Professor Evergreen's explanations came with demonstrations, as always, but for the first time, I felt like I understood what was happening, even if only a little bit.
Flames danced at his fingertips before turning to sparks of lightning. Then, it seemed he called a small storm in his palm before snuffing it out.
Before I realized it, the class was over.
"Remember that I'll be teaching practical spells next semester, and if you don't pass my class, you'll have a less fun professor!"
We laughed and headed out. Exiting the classroom, I took a deep breath. My phone chimed with a message from Duke.
You get the hunter warning in class?
Yeah, I replied. Should we let David know?
He already messaged me about it. Apparently, he's been pulled out of class to sit on a fancy war council.
I frowned. He hadn't told me anything. Was it because Duke was in his pack and I wasn't?
Then, my phone chimed with a message from David.
Might be late for lunch. I had the Escort give Duke the bigger cooler. I've been pulled in for a Coven War Council.
My lips twitched. My heart fluttered a little as I replied to David.
Are you going to be in armor?
The reply came quickly: Spoilers.
I chuckled and sent Duke a message. I can help roll the cooler around.
No go, princess. I don't think you've hit that part of your training yet.
I frowned. What do you mean by that?
It's a magical, rolling refrigerator. Don't go borrowing tiring work before it comes to you. :P
I laughed and headed down the corridor to my next class: Potioneering Basics class.
The classroom was more a lecture hall than a potions lab, but there was a full potioneering set at the front of the class for demonstrations. I took a seat, relaxing as the scents of herbs and other ingredients hit me.
Professor Thistledown was a bubbly woman who floated more than walked around. She had long silver hair, and I was pretty sure that she and Professor Evergreen were either married or related.
"Welcome back! Before we get started, serious business from the administration."
She gave us the same speech about hunters in the city as Professor Evergreen before getting on to the lecture. Today, she'd be demonstrating the difference between the preparation of different ingredients.
I knew for sure that this would probably make more sense to me if I knew how to cook well. I bet David breezed through this class, but it was nice that she was so thorough in her explanations. She went over magical infusions during preparation and while adding, and my head was starting to hurt at the thought of trying to do both.
I could see why Duke told me not to borrow work.
"Channeling magic in this way can be very tiring, so in Practical Potioneering, we'll only be doing potions that require it in the higher levels, namely level three. That should be enough time for you all to get some practical meditation and cultivating training under your belts, but if you can start now, I'd suggest it."
After class was over, I headed to my next class: First-Level Charms. The corridors were alive with the bustling energy of students hurrying to their next classes. As I entered the classroom, I was greeted by the sight of floating feathers and levitating objects. It was pretty normal. Professor Elara was seated in the air, reading a book like usual. Her silver jewelry glinted in the sky. She had the same stern expression on her face as usual as she gave us the same speech about hunters that my other two professors did.
"As a warning, today's class will be self-study as I will be attending the Coven's meeting." She gestured to the board. "These are the assignments I'd like you to complete for the class."
I opened my book, and when I looked up again, she was gone. I sighed and started working. I didn't even notice all the time passing until I was already at the end of the assignment list. I dropped off the pages in the basket in the front as the class ended, rubbed my shoulder, and headed toward the cafeteria for lunch. I spotted Duke at our usual table, though the cooler he had was different.
I sat across from him.
"You had self-study last period?" Duke asked.
I nodded. "Looks like it's a bigger problem than we thought."
Duke shrugged and opened the cooler, setting out dishes for us. I frowned.
"It's hot."
He snorted. "Yeah. I know. That's why this cooler is even more of a pain in the ass than the last one. Maggie says it's good for me to get used to using my magic consistently, but I wouldn't mind a vacation."
"How was charms?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Self-study. I didn't even notice the time until it was time to go."
"Same. Probably a witch thing."
I opened the container of pasta and started to eat, sighing with relief.
As we chatted, the cafeteria's magical ambiance shifted. Duke looked behind me and let out a low whistle and grinned at me.
"What?"
He wiggled his eyebrows. "Why don't you turn around and see?"
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