by Melody Rose
I nodded. “Without him, Bast, and Aurelius, whose defensive energies must have kicked into hyperdrive, I’m pretty sure I would be dead. I really have to wonder if whoever summoned that demon was expecting me to be wandering alone with a standard Cavallian hound. We would’ve done our best, but it’s unlikely we could have made it.”
Kyo’s eyes welled up, probably remembering all the training and tournaments we were a part of. All the fond memories I shared with the team. Guilt washed over his face for even doubting me.
“I’m sorry, Joan.” Regret dripped from his voice. “That’s awful. Do you really think that someone who is after you will stop at one encounter? I wish we could help, but we can barely fend for ourselves…”
“All I need,” I answered as I pulled out Theo’s charmed scrolls, “is your team’s alliance. I have strong reasons to believe that there’s some mysterious party out to bring Bouclier down, but I can’t prove it on my own. As all of you know, Nascha was our greatest advocate, and yet she’s been thrown away like trash without any fair trial.”
All the mage-athletes nodded with nostalgic expressions. Each one had a positive story to tell about the kind-hearted succubus.
“These invitations are specially designed to root out anyone who would be against us. Anyone who would poison the well,” I explained. “They’ll turn to dust if touched by a spellcaster with malice in their heart. I know that won’t be a problem for any of you.”
Nate had begun to gather the energy to sit next to Becks and hold her hand. Now that he had evidence that I could possibly be in danger, that meant that Becks probably was, too. I sensed that he wanted to reassure her that he’d come to bat for her even in the worst of times. It warmed my soul to see she had someone willing to take care of her, and I decided to end on a more positive note.
“I know it’s a lot to ask for,” I pointed out, “but you know I would never request a favor without more than making up for it in return. If you take these scrolls and just do some small part in watching out for any strange happenings in Bouclier, I’ll set you up with the best meals imaginable. Not just pre-game feasts or training meals. Whenever you need a culinary pick-me-up, I’m your witch.”
“Well,” Fey spoke up. Even though Nate was the team captain on account of his friendliness and diplomacy, she was known for her ruthless talent and honesty. “You’ve never let us down before. It also sounds like regular good sense to be vigilant, because we could be the next targets if there really is someone after Bouclier. You have my vote of confidence. I’ll be your ally in this.”
After Fey pitched in with her solidarity, a beautiful domino effect followed. Every single team member of the Arcane Combat and Contests vowed to enter an alliance with me. Each was also able to take a scroll without a single one falling apart, and in their fatigue, still managed to perform a concealing spell.
I smiled and bowed my head, honored by their willingness. I was glad to see that the overall energy in the training arena had lifted, and Nate was even apparently flirting with Becks. Whatever he had whispered in her ear, she must’ve really enjoyed it since she was giggling and blushing the entire time. While the team chatted and exchanged theories, I channeled all my remaining mana into creating a nourishing pasta bake for everyone.
Everyone had their fill of the multilayered pasta bake of sauteed tomatoes, minced mushrooms, seasoned ground beef, combined provolone and mozzarella cheeses, and wheat shells. After they dined on thirds and Becks had worked Nate up enough, wanting to maintain her mystique, I decided it was time to go. Before I left them alone, though, I thought it would be a good idea for us to combine our will and create a massive ward.
A mountainous arena was a great environment, actually. It brought to mind protection and fortitude. It didn’t even have to be too close for comfort if they all slept together because they could turn it into a campsite. I already saw illustrations of tents in Lemurian tales when adventurers traveled, so it wasn’t too crazy of an idea.
“Hey,” I began. “I have to head out for the night, but before I leave, I’d like us all to link hands.”
Everyone agreed, following the instruction and creating a large circle of fifteen members, including Becks and me. When I closed my eyes and bowed my head, everyone knew to channel their will into a community ritual. Satisfied that all mages were on board and attuned, I jumped into my incantation.
“Bienheureuse divinité de la domesticité et du confort, veuillez fournir à mes précieux amis un abri sûr.” I opted for highly formal Lumerian, inspired by Professor Delphi. I hoped to call upon a power that truly wanted to care for others. I didn’t want to limit myself to a specific name, armed with the intent that the very best deity would come to our aid. “Blessed deity of domesticity and comfort, please provide my treasured friends with safe shelter.”
Once I completed my spell, I was sure that we had some sacred assistance. The word “glamping” came to mind since I did have a human background, after all. I was sure that whatever force was looking over us was benevolent. It definitely wanted to reassure all the mage-athletes that they could truly rest and that they would be safe.
A cluster of large, high-end tents with Bouclier’s colors of azure blue and silver emerged, grouped together to give mages space while also getting across that they were nearby in case of an emergency. The flapped entrance was drawn open to display the amenities including full-sized beds, a tray of chocolates and tea, small bookshelves, and embellished meditation pillows. Even though we could see inside the tents, the openings also had the look of a rippled mirage, meaning that they were protected with wards. Scattered throughout the campsite were flaming braziers and, standing at the center, a towering statue of an astral guardian deflected demonic energies.
Provided that everyone did their part to take care of themselves and worked to replenish their mana, the team could rely on this campsite to see them through until their next tournament. Hopefully, though, we’d be able to catch the culprit for this reign of terror, and Nate’s crew wouldn’t have to worry about preventing infernal foes.
While everyone filed into their respective tent, limping in exhaustion but smiling at their new digs, Becks followed me out so we could get some rest ourselves.
23
Joan
Now safely in my room, I turned to Becks and opened my mouth to speak, but she placed a finger over my lips.
“Not to worry, Joan, Miss Nose-Always-On-the-Grindstone!” she interrupted me. “I hear you loud and clear!”
I cocked my head to the side, blinking. I hadn’t spoken a word, and I wasn’t aware of her actually having any telepathy. She would have told me about that earlier if that were actually the case. Becks was always way more interested in spying, portal-hopping, animating, and tinkering with civvie technology. There was no way she had time to master one more craft.
“Um,” I muttered in doubt. “You do…?”
“Oh, yeah!” She knocked my hip with hers and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “I’ve been your best friend going on three years now! I know what you want when you work yourself too hard for too many weeks in a row! You know they say, ‘Too much work and no play makes Joan want a lay!’”
My cheeks burned in embarrassment. I clicked the roof of my mouth with my tongue and rolled my eyes. “No one says that, Becks! You’re such a perv!”
She just smirked with smug satisfaction and crossed her arms over her chest. There was no talking her out of this. Becks might have been totally immature about this, but she was also completely right.
“Ugh!” I threw my arms up in the air and groaned. “You’re not wrong! This heavy course load, distrusting Serafina, and stressing over demons is a total buzzkill. To say the least. I’m so tightly wound up, sometimes I don’t know how I keep going. You know, this whole semester, Theo and I haven’t had a single proper date.”
“I know!” Becks chimed in. “Especially because every time you have one, you can’t stop going on about it for days! You’d think af
ter a couple of years, ya’ll would have gotten over your honeymoon phase, but who am I to judge! I’m happy for you two. Plus, you’re always up to your teeth with tomes and studying, so I can see why you make the most of your time together.”
I smiled softly at Becks’ willingness to help but still felt run down and ragged. I decided to walk over vanity and check myself out to make a note of the damage. I poked at the dark circles under my eyes, and the infernal mark etched onto my eyelid. I looked like my worst self, in my eyes, since Becks had lifted my glamour.
Becks walked behind me and assessed my reflection in the mirror. She wasn’t nearly as repulsed as I was. In fact, she didn’t seem bothered at all. I appreciated that she was able to accept me even when I was at my shabbiest.
“So, what’ll it be?” she asked. “Got any specific look in mind?”
I hadn’t really thought that through. I was so bone-tired I hoped that I could just outsource all of the makeover responsibilities to Becks.
“I dunno,” I admitted. “To start with, do you think that you can fix me up with that glamour I’ve been walking around with all semester? I haven’t actually had it activated any of the times I’ve… visited… Theo in his room. I think it’d be really hot to arrive in that form!”
Becks scrunched her face up like that was the worst idea in the world.
“Are you sure about that, girl?” she challenged. “That glamour was designed to bedazzle everyone and throw them off the trace of the infernal hanging over you. Almost every one of your facial features is ‘zhuzhed’ up a bit to make you look like, well, uh… pretty, but basic. It’s basically the FaceTune of magical charms.”
To really seal the deal and heap on the guilt, she chimed, “It just… wouldn’t be you, y’know?”
I grumbled. Call me superficial, but I had gotten really used to waltzing around with Instagram model good looks and a dollish, cutesy charm. With a sigh and a reluctant shrug, I gave in.
“Alright, fine!” I relented. “I’ll be myself and accept myself. All that self-love mumbo-jumbo and whatnot. Don’t change my basic bone structure if you don’t want to, and don’t worry about wasting mana to cover up the infernal mark. Theo already knows about it and doesn’t care.”
Becks gave a big grin, seeming like she was fighting back a victory dance. “You won’t regret it! You just let Mama Becks work her magic, and you and Theo will have the night of your lives!” she exclaimed. “I think I understand what you’re going for beneath what you think you want.”
If this were anyone but Becks, I would’ve been really annoyed at how presumptuous she was. As it stood, however, she never made me look like anything less than a million bucks.
I twirled around with my back to the mirror, our little makeover ritual. Becks pulled out her jade and amethyst encrusted wand, swirling it gracefully. Her cosmetic magic was directed over my body from head to toe, and I could already begin to feel the effects. Most obvious was the new dress that fit me like a glove and the stiletto heels so steep that my calves were already getting a real workout. This was probably going to end up looking pretty trashy but in a fun way. A nice way to spice up the somber studiousness of Bouclier.
“Hah!” When I turned to take in my reflection, I laughed, taken over by genuine gratitude. This was such a clever way to bring back the spark. “I get it. The angel glamour I wanted mixed with the ‘sugar baby’ pet I claimed to be my first semester year here. Damn! That was such a good way to pull the wool over my stepfamily’s eyes. I still owe you for that!”
Becks had set me up in an upscale yet risque two-piece bandage dress cut from white lace cloth. It was the type of outfit a true social media princess would wear, a crop top to draw attention to the chest, and a wiggle skirt to emphasize the hips. She accessorized this bright ensemble with a rose gold choker that spelled out the word “Angel” in capital letters. Lastly, my shoes provided a finishing touch. I was practically swooning from the sky-high, strappy white Louboutins. I kicked my shin up to admire the gorgeous red bottoms.
“This is perfect!” I squealed. “Thank you so much, Becks! I can’t wait to see Theo!”
Before she could even respond, the room melted out of view.
I was relieved that I wasn’t teleported by Serafina or one of her lackeys. Talk about a real compromising position that would’ve been. Instead, I was in the suite that had become my refuge, almost my second home. At least, it had been before I was in over my head with Bouclier debacles.
“Is anything wrong?!” I cried out once it dawned upon me how strange it was for Theo to teleport me out of the blue.
“Not at all, Joan,” Theo greeted me. “I apologize if I startled you, but I couldn’t endure one more evening without you, mon cherie. We both have been so committed to our responsibilities that time has passed us by, yes?”
I salivated at the sight before me, forced to swallow as I openly gawked at how brutally attractive Theo was. He must’ve been undressing for bed before he experienced a stroke of inspiration. My warlock boyfriend was only partially clothed, and yet that somehow made him hotter. His perfectly toned chest had become even more chiseled, probably from all the combat and defense classes he was enrolled in. He was still in a pair of well-tailored black slacks that hung from his hips, drawing attention to his achingly gorgeous Adonis belt. I always thought “V” shaped muscles I thought were a myth before I saw him and was so glad they weren’t.
“But look at you!” he exclaimed, stirred by my presence. To get a closer look at me, Theo closed his hands around my wrists and pulled me over. Once I was available to ogle, he greedily ran his palms up and down me, relishing in my curves. I tensed up in agonizing pleasure, fully realizing how severe my withdrawal from my boyfriend was.
“I missed you so much,” I blurted out, nearly whimpering. Maybe I should have played it coyer, worked this all up to a crescendo. The two of us usually operated with foreplay and a slow seduction, but being apart from him was unbearable at this point.
“And I you, my love,” Theo admitted with the same degree of sincerity. I was glad that I wasn’t the only one smitten, and that he hadn’t become bored with me when our academic lives took over. “I’m also glad to see you with your true beauty after all this time, mon tresor. I understand that Becks’ charms were necessary to protect you from prying eyes, but it’s been such a shame that my exquisite Joan has been out of reach!”
I smiled softly, wreathing my arms around him and burying my head into his chest. His compliments made me blush up a storm, and I was barely able to process that he actually embraced my unglamored self. I needed a moment to recollect my thoughts. Plus, it was a nice bonus to cozy up to his smooth pecs.
Theo stroked my hair tenderly, then placed his knuckle under my chin and raised my head. My eyes were glassy with passion and sentiment until tears rolled down my cheeks. I mean, if I had “civvie” mascara on, it would have run its full course by now. I just couldn’t help being transfixed by our unique connection.
“I just…” I couldn’t believe what a sappy mess I was! But I had to be honest. “I think it’s amazing that our energies resonated with each other so strongly tonight that you teleported me here at the exact moment Becks finished her cosmetic magic. It’s as though we were speaking to each other and didn’t know it! It was…”
“Perfect timing?” he offered. And just like that, he perfectly proved my point.
Our raw desire for one another combined with my hunger for vengeance tore open my heart, unleashing an energy I wasn’t familiar with. My entire semester was overcome with an obsession with warding off evil and exposing the malice threatening to consume Bouclier. I’m sure that my appetite for Theo was always lingering underneath the surface, intensifying on a daily basis. I just had to keep ignoring and stifling it until we found each other right at this very moment. I was as potent as two souls reconnecting after a lifetime together, a phenomenon that moved me every time I witnessed it in my Soul Crossing class.
Right as I w
ished to be free of my dress, he effortlessly peeled the delicate cloth off of me, beginning at the shoulders until it was folded at my midriff. He gently kissed the swell of my breasts, taking confident strides that urged me to step in reverse. By following the silent, powerful dance, I found myself backed against the bed. I locked eyes with his, knowing I was his prey for the night. He gave a primal grin and placed his knees between my legs, the pressure dizzying and erotic. I took this as a cue to lower myself onto the bed, my back flat on the mattress with my pelvis raised.
Theo recognized the begging body language and tore off my showy white ensemble entirely, tossing it to the side with casual disdain. It was as though, at this very moment, any shred of cloth that covered me offended him to the core. Before I could even flinch, he pulled a ritual knife from his nightstand and, in masterful upward strokes, cut off my lingerie, harshly brushing it off my breasts and hips. I gasped in shocked pleasure, preferring this animalism to the cheap spellwork.
I spread my legs without needing to be asked, and he eagerly stepped out of his slacks, returning to me after all these long weeks. I cried out as he crashed into me, arching my back and throwing my arms around him. I pulled him in as though I were afraid he’d disappear if I hadn’t. I was unintelligibly grateful for Lumerian lovemaking, every layer of my being from flesh to spirit supercharged with the meshing of my mana and his. Even as we salaciously consumed one another, we sustained our deepest needs. I couldn’t imagine ever sacrificing this connection, and amid our fierce tryst, I delivered a wish to Fira, the goddess of love, that I would have many years of this.
