17

When Kaz didn’t return by the time night fell, I figured to dismiss myself before I miss dinner. So, after ensuring that Emily is comfortable, I covered her with the sheet and quietly slipped out of the office.

I didn’t progress as much as I wanted in finding a cure. My hours were spent mostly recording Emily’s symptoms in my journal. But I remind myself that not even the most skilled healer can identify and cure a new illness in less than a day.

The illness must be studied first – I need to learn as much about this blight as possible. It’s origins, how it spreads, every symptom no matter how small, and ultimately, how it ends. The latter meaning that I need to see an Acolyte die of it.

It’s not a task I’m looking forward to at all, but that’s how it’s done unfortunately. In medieval eras, healers experimented on live fugitives to acquire the knowledge they passed on.

However, I shouldn’t let the grimness of that idea keep me occupied for now. I should focus on what I need to do first: study the blight.

Leaving Kaz’s classroom, I wander down the halls, keeping a firm grip on my bag in which I’ve hidden the rash sample I took from Emily. There is no telling how long it’ll remain fresh, meaning that I need a private place to examine it as soon as possible.

But where?

I’ve been at Alcove for a day now and I know nothing about these halls and corridors. I can’t conduct my research in my dorm room with Delphi and Elsa present. I’m not sure how many Acolytes except for Eisley are aware of the blight, and I’d rather not cause a riot with this information. I’m also certain that the Academy has a research centre somewhere, but again, I don’t want to risk anyone coming up to me asking what I’m researching.

If only this map was enchanted to take me where I needed to go. If only the Academy had a *Room of Requirement* like in the Harry Potter movies. Now that would be handy.

So deep in thought, I never noticed the figure blocking my path upon taking another turn. I collide with their back, muttering a curse when I stagger backwards.

“Woah, steady now.”

A pair of hands grab hold of my arms to balance me. Immediately, I’m overwhelmed by a fresh-out-of-the-shower scent combined with a hint of musk, a boyishly handsome combination that has me inhaling deeply for more.

Looking up, I’m stunned to see Gilbert standing before me, his hands still on my arms, and his expression surprised and cheerful.

“Shoot, I’m sorry,” I blurt out, feeling blood rise to my cheeks. “It’s a habit of mine – a bad one. Are you okay?”

“I’m good,” he says, smiling. “Although, I fail to see the downside of ‘bumping into people’ if they turn out to be the right people.”

“So, you were hoping I would bump into you?” I ask just to clarify.

“I guess you can say I manifested it – or tried to. I’m not too great at predictions.” He snorts at his own forthcoming, his eyes gleaming. “Honestly, though, I was only hoping to see you again, maybe talk a bit, simple things like that. You intrigue me.”

Elsa’s words repeat in my head. *That guy was drooling over you – in his pants*. My cheeks heat up at the memory as I take a second to look at Gilbert. I won’t lie, he is incredibly good looking, with a boyish charm that I don’t see around my neighbourhood every day. And he smells nice, which is a bonus for me.

Then I snap myself out of those thoughts. I shouldn’t form any attachments, not friendly nor romantic. I’m only here for a month, and I doubt it will do either of us any good if he finds out about my magic and gets in trouble for associating himself with me.

Clearing my throat, I steer the conversation elsewhere. “Say, you don’t perhaps know of a super-secret and private place where I can study, do you? Preferably a place that other Acolytes and professors don’t know about.”

Gilbert’s brows arch in surprise. “Wow, that doesn’t sound suspicious at all.”

“It’s not, it’s just…” Quick, Syl, think of an excuse. “…after that embarrassing stunt Professor D pulled, I realized I had more catching up to do that I thought. And considering I’m the new Acolyte, it’s rather awkward being assessed by students and professors every waking hour of the day.”

“Hey,” Gilbert holds up his hands in defence, “I completely understand. I know how it feels to be new. And luckily for you, I also know the perfect place where you can study. Come on.”

Flooded with relief, I follow him down the hall, paying close attention to every turn we take. At one point, I fell behind and find myself staring at Gilbert’s back, taking his in tall and proud stature. He’s clearly athletic with broad shoulders and lean muscle, thus making me wonder what sports he plays at Alcove.

If I was normal and attending the Academy, I’d imagine going to all his games and cheering him on from the sidelines. I’d make a pretty good cheerleader.

However, I’m not normal, and clearly, I watch way too many movies – I blame Zari.

Finally, we arrive at a staircase. Thinking we’re ascending it; I’m already approaching the steps…only for Gilbert to walk around it. I follow him and to my utter surprise, discover a bookshelf behind the stairs.

Gribert’s fingers glide along the book spined before stopping at a dusky blue one. After pulling it down, the shelf creaks softly and open on a crack – just like a door.

“This way,” he says, and enters first.

“You know,” I begin, following him, “this is how serial killers lure their innocent female prey into their dens, right?”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not a serial killer – that or I haven’t been caught yet.” Gilbert laughs at his own joke.

Finally, after trekking up a narrow set of stairs, we arrive in a room that resembles a large attic. It’s clearly situated in a tower judging by the coney shape of the ceiling and the rafters holding it in place. There are a few chairs and sofas occupying the space, a little potions lab in the corner, a few bookshelves, and space where one can practise spells.

It looks more like a clubhouse than anything else.

“Okay, so, here’s the deal,” Gilbert begins, turning to look me in the eyes, “this room is top secret. Technically, I’m not allowed to show it to anyone, but considering your predicament, you may use it to catch up. Just promise me you won’t tell anyone about it.”

I nod rapidly, overly grateful for his help. “I promise, cross my heart and hope to perish.”

Gilbert sighs in relief. “Thanks. It’s not to sound dramatic or secretive, it’s just…my brother found this place and wanted to keep it a secret. I’m just respecting his wishes.”

“Gilbert, I’m so sorry,” I say, immediately assuming the worst: that his brother died or became ill.

But he quickly put my mind at ease. “Oh, no, he’s fine. Sorry if my words indicated otherwise. He’s just a pain in the ass perfectionist who values his secrets. To be honest, I wouldn’t have ever found this place if I didn’t follow him here when I was little. He literally threatened to turn me into a bug if I told anyone about it. But…” he sighs fondly, “…I suppose this place was our way of bonding. Magnus knows, I wouldn’t have had any sort of relationship with him if not for it.”

I smile at him, finding it sweet that he had a means to form a bond with his brother. But other than that, I don’t ask any more questions. I have a blight to study and a best friend to cure.

Sensing my silent dismissal, Gilbert starts backing up towards the door. “I’ll leave you to it, then. See you at dinner, Syl. Oh, and remember,” he pauses at the door, “if there’s anything I can help with, just ask.”

I would’ve let him leave if his words didn’t spark something within me. He’s also in Kaz’s class, which means his aptitude is high and that he must be skilled in magic. Perhaps he could help me. Kaz did say I’m responsible for my own studying. What he didn’t say was that I wasn’t allowed to find myself a tutor.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

“Actually,” I stop Gilbert in his tracks, smiling sweetly when he looks at me over his shoulder, “I think I might need some help. How would you feel about becoming my tutor? Just until I’m up to Alcove’s standards.”

It hardly takes him a second to consider my request.

Gilbert grins and nods. “I’d be honoured to be your tutor, my lady.”