“Now, reach for your fire.” Marcus’s voice sounded close to my ear.
I shifted my weight from side to side as I tentatively reached out in my mind to the place I had felt the resonance. Immediately power surged against the gate of my mind, and I did my best to hold it at bay– fighting the vibration. My palms began to sweat, and I clenched my teeth, bracing myself.
“Recall a feeling, conjure up something powerful enough to control your magic. Use it to put you in control and allow only a small amount of the fire through.” Marcus’s voice calmed me.
I inhaled the clean, earth scented air. The most powerful emotion I had experienced recently was fear, and something tells me that’s not what we’re going for here. Instead, I focused on what I considered to be one of my happiest memories– the time I found Angie, my dog. She was just a puppy, thin and hungry. Her big brown paws too large for the rest of her wiggly body. In her eyes I saw love, and it was the most beautiful feeling.
Focusing on this, I invoked the warmth of the emotion in my chest. With confidence, I pushed past the barrier between myself and the flame– letting it in. The resonance tore through my flesh, threatening to rip me apart from the inside. It’s too much, I can’t do it! Choking on tears, I dropped to one knee–forcing my eyes open.
Marcus stood, inspecting the smoldering ring of dirt around me. “Hmmm.” He bent down, touching the ground. “You’re letting a negative emotion get the better of you.”
I shrugged, frowning.
“Ready to try again?” he asked.
“I think I should take it slow.” I shook my head.
Marcus nodded, but his smile shrunk ever so slightly.
We walked out of the grove out onto the quad, where no evidence of fire remained. Marcus explained that some of the earth mages most likely mended it all. I feel embarrassed, and exhausted.
Those feelings didn’t last for long however, after agreeing to take a walk around the campus with Marcus, they were replaced with another batch of gastric butterflies. This is getting ridiculous, I need to get a grip. I don’t typically get on with people so easily, although I guess he’s technically not a person. Not a human one anyway. He did promise a few great stories about Ro however, like the time the kitchen staff arrived and found her asleep in her wolf form– all of the food hall’s stock demolished.
As I laughed and he chatted, we walked slowly past what Marcus pointed out as one of the dormitory buildings. Its stark angular architecture stood in complete contrast to the friendly brick building where I had slept last night. Completely white, it featured slanting geometric walls which reflected the sun– broken up by large dark windows, like the eyes of a ghost. Marcus explained it was a ‘light-tight’ building where the young vampires on campus slept during the day.
“Can I ask you a vampire question?” I bit my lip.
“Of course you can ask me a vampire question.” Marcus chuckled.
“Why can’t the younger vampires go out into the sun?” I looked up into the blue sky.
Marcus popped down to sit on the soft grass, and patted the ground beside him. I sunk down onto the ground, crossing my legs and leaning back on my hands.
“Contrary to myth the sun does not kill vampires. It is simply excruciatingly painful.”
My eyes grew wide, and I looked Marcus up and down. He doesn’t seem to be in any sort of pain.
“The older a vampire is, the less painful it becomes. Eventually it’s hardly a pain at all, more of an uncomfortable warmth.” He smiled.
“Are you uncomfortable right now?” I narrowed my eyes.
Marcus chuckled and shook his head.
“Have you met any of the vampire students on campus?” He asked.
I paused and frowned. Timothy.
“Um,yes.” I finally answered.
Marcus cocked his head and raised one eyebrow.
“I’m, well, I guess I’ve been coerced into going on a date with one named Timothy tonight,” I said, eyeing Marcus’s sudden frown. “Do you know him?”
“Nyminia, I know we’ve just met and it’s not my place to say this– but be careful tonight, okay?” Marcus pressed his mouth into a line, giving me a look which held no trace of his previous humor.
The breeze blew a loose curl of my hair in front of my face, and I tucked securely behind my ear.“Of course Marcus. Thank you for your concern.” I tried to smile. Ugh, I’m grimacing, aren’t I. And I feel… guilty?
“Well, I best get back to work.” He stood abruptly. “It’s been a lovely afternoon, Nyminia,” Marcus said as he reached down to me.
Grasping his proffered hand, a hot wave of crackling energy emanated from his grip and ripped up my arm, kicking my shoulder back as if I had just fired a rifle. Marcus himself was knocked heavily to the ground, and fell once more in an effort to scramble backwards to his feet. Once upright, he disappeared in a blur towards the library.
What the heck! I sat in the grass, stunned. My hand stinging and shoulder throbbing, I looked around to see if anyone had witnessed the encounter. Everyone nearby continued chatting and carrying on as usual, no glances or whispers in my direction. While I rubbed my hand, I felt a heaviness develop just beneath my sternum, like someone was gripping it from the inside. Before I could analyze it further, I heard my name shouted by a familiar voice.
Rowan! Great, maybe she’ll know what’s going on.
CHAPTER 8
FANGS
Rowan came loping towards me across the quad, the light of the day illuminating her bare, tanned arms. I stood and brushed bits of grass off of the seat of my pants. Rowan’s smile was comforting, but as I tried to shake the pins and needles out of my hand I couldn’t shrug off the strange feeling growing in my chest.
“Hey Nym! How are you?” Rowan had a glow about her, as if she had been running around outdoors all day.
“I’m not sure.” I rubbed my shoulder, glancing around.
Rowan took my shoulders in her hands, squaring me up so she could catch my eyes. “What happened?”
I shifted my weight. At least she’s taking me seriously so far. “ I was just talking with your friend Marcus from the library–” I lightly removed Rowan’s hands from my shoulders “–and something really weird happened.”
“Marcus doesn’t always know how to relate to us millennials.” Rowan raised a thick eyebrow and crossed her arms. “If he said something offensive, I’m sure he didn’t mean it.”
My jaw tightened. “We were actually having a really nice chat.”
Rowan raised both brows and gave me a ‘ooo la la’ sort of look. I snorted at Rowan, doing my best to blow off her insinuation. “He grabbed my hand to help me up, and an insane shock of electricity passed through me.”
Rowan’s eyes widened and she was silent for a moment, before bursting out in gut-splitting giggles. Excuse me? I frowned, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans.
Finally calming herself, Rowan stood up straight. “Sounds like you have a thing for vampires.” She winked.
“Hey, no, that’s not what–”
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of, my first boyfriend was a vampire.” Rowan shrugged.
“No, I mean actually electricity. Marcus was freaked out.” And I am too.
Rowan started giggling again.
Ok, she’s no help. If she knew what I was talking about, I think she’d tell me.
“Vampires are alluring and all Nym, but you would probably be better suited with someone living.” Rowan clapped a hand on my back as heat rose in my cheeks. Ugh that is NOT what I was getting at! I took a breath. Maybe Fred or Midwood will know something.
“Er, thanks for the advice, Ro,” I said, giving her a quick punch in the arm. “I did want to ask you a couple of things about Marcus though, if that’s alright?”
“Sure.” Rowan smirked. “Fire away!”
“Why exactly do the young vampires steer clear of him?”
Rowan chuckled and popped down on the grass, letting her backpack dro
p down beside her. I sat, hugging my knees into my chest.
“Did you ask him?” Rowan crossed her legs.
“I did, but he didn’t want to talk about it.” I hugged my legs in tighter as Rowan leaned forward.
“He’s so modest.” She sighed. “ Did he tell you how old he is?”
I shook my head. “We were outside together though, so he must be at least a hundred years old.”
Rowan giggled, making her glossy raven hair shimmer. “Yep, he’s old enough to be in the sun, and probably old enough to walk on the moon too!”
“Excuse me?” I sat up straighter.
“I’m not sure what his exact age is, but he’s in the thousands at the very least.”
I was shocked, unable to comment. But he seemed so relatable! Being a hundred something years old was hard enough to believe, but a thousand? Rowan waved her hand in front of me and brought my attention back to her.
“It’s not that big of a deal, Nym. There are plenty of older vamps around, just not on campus.” Rowan sighed. “Anyway, he’s a war hero. That’s why the baby fangers have a hard time approaching him.”
Surely he’s not old enough to have slaughtered dragons? “Um, what war was this sorry?” I asked.
Rowan bopped her forehead. “Sorry! I keep forgetting you’re basically a normie. A few hundred years after the vampires came into power, there was this huge thing.” She gestured with her hands. “Some vamps believed that non-supernatural humans should be slaves, and some believed that supernaturals and normal folk should co-exist peacefully.” She shrugged. “Typical movie stuff, you know.”
I leaned towards Rowan. How can something like this have actually happened, and only found its way into pop-culture?
“Long story short, Marcus kicked butt, took names, and helped establish the vampiric government as it stands today.” Rowan snapped her fingers. “He was the leader of the coexistence movement, so we hear a lot about him in my History of Medieval Magic class.”
“Wow.” I released my knees and laid out flat on the grass. Wasn’t expecting that one.
Rowan, dropped down onto her back, laying down next to me. “Marcus hates it when people bring it up. He’s ‘retired’ now or whatever. That’s why he’s working in the library.” I heard Rowan sigh. “Seems pretty boring if you ask me, but hey, whatever floats your boat.” She rolled over onto her side, and propped herself up on her elbow.
“What was the other question you had about Marcus?”
I blinked a few times. I’m not sure how many bombshells I want to take on today. I’ll ask about his magic another day.
“That’s all for now actually,” I said, eyes on a small bird-shaped cloud traveling across the sky.
“Cool.” Rowan flopped back down. “What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?” she asked.
I frowned. I really want to figure out what happened between me and Marcus. “I’m thinking of catching up with Doctor Farsky.”
“Farsky? Why?” Rowan sat up, looking down at me.
“I wanted to ask him about classes, and stuff.” I looked away from Rowan and back to the sky. “He’s the only other person I know here besides you, Ro.”
“Fair enough.” Rowan gathered her bag and stood up. “I’m off to meet my brothers in town, and I’ll be home late. Stay safe tonight, ok? Say my name three times and spin around if you need me.”
“Really?”
She busted out laughing and gave my shoulder a playful punch. “No! Text or call me.”
As Rowan trotted away, my stomach did a karate chop. I keep forgetting about this stupid date with Timothy, and I don’t have any way of contacting him to cancel.
Standing up, I walked off towards the medical buildings. I had seen on a campus map that the quickest way was through RBU’s botanical gardens.
Walking over the soft green grass, I soon arrived at the entrance to the lush enclosure. Wow, this is beautiful! An archway towered overhead, wreathed with numerous fruit bearing vines and large broad leaves in every color of green. As I stepped under the arch and entered the gardens, I saw the collection of plants varied from giant gnarled trees to vibrantly tropical flowers. It’s like the whole garden has specifically been landscaped to look un-landscaped. The effect was a sense of wildness which only added to the beauty. As I paused to admire a black and white striped butterfly, I heard a voice call my name. Turning, I caught sight of Professor Starling ambling down the path towards me.
“Hello there, dear! Out enjoying the sunshine?” he asked. The sun filtered through the trees, creating bright highlights across his navy blue robes. He looks like a proper wizard. Or magic-kind I guess.
“Hi Professor.” I waved. “I’m actually on my way to speak to Doctor Farsky.”
Starling stopped, his ancient face crinkling as he peered through his glasses. “Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m fine, I just had a couple of questions.”
The professor pursed his lips and inspected a silver pocket watch. “I believe he’s working in the hospital wing, you should be able to find him there.” He smiled and continued on his way. “I won’t hold you up.”
Wait, doesn’t Professor Starling teach History of Medieval Magic?
“Sorry, Professor, do you have a moment?” I pushed my white hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear.
Starling turned back, and nodded.
“You’re familiar with Marcus, right?”
The professor’s pale blue eyes twinkled. “I am! In fact I teach a class which is largely based around his professional past, and I have personally known the man since I was a boy.”
That will never not be weird. The concept of immortal beings was hard enough to come to terms with, and it didn’t get easier when you knew one personally.
Starling gently toyed with the silver string of his watch as he waited for my question.
“I was going to ask the Doctor,” I said, and massaged my hand. “But maybe you would be a better person to ask.”
A shadow crossed Starling’s wizened features as he leaned in closer to me. “If your question for the doctor concerns Marcus, please take this advice.” He pulled his glasses down. “Never bring up Marcus, or any other vampire, with the doctor.”
I blinked, confused. That’s a rather odd bit of advice…
“Nothing good comes from talking about vampires with the doctor, believe me.” Starling huffed, and leaned back.
I swallowed, trying to wet my dry throat. “And why is that exactly?”
Starling looked away. “I’m sorry, it’s not my story to tell.”
Well if that’s the case, thank the powers that be that I ran into Starling before Fred. I wonder what his problem is?
“Now, I will do my best to answer your question, please proceed.” Starling’s gaze softened once more.
I explained in detail Marcus helping me make contact with my magic, and the professor’s eyes sparkled when I mentioned my element. However when I tried to describe what had happened after touching Marcus’s hand, Starling’s entire demeanor changed. He stood up straighter, glancing around as if making sure we were alone. Crap, this is serious isn’t it.
“Besides the electrical pulse as you describe it, did you feel anything else?” Starling asked.
“Maybe?” I rubbed my chest, above my heart. “I just feel strange. It’s a feeling, but physical. I actually feel it in my chest, like it has weight.”
“Please accept my apologies Nyminia, I must excuse myself immediately.”
I frowned. What?
“I would advise that you retire to your dorm room, and stay there.” Starling looked at me for a silent moment, before turning and walking down the path towards the exit, his robes billowing around him.
I was shocked. Obviously whatever had happened between me and Marcus was not normal. Kicking a nearby pebble into the trees, salty tears stung my eyes. Just once, I’d like to fit in. But no, even in a special place for the unnatural– I’m the freakiest.
/> Turning my head, I noticed the light which filtered through the leaves had taken on a sweet golden hue. Ah snap, Timothy will be knocking on my door soon. I swallowed and shook my head. Every instinct told me I should blow this guy off, however I was worried how that would go down. If he was a normal creep, sure, I could tell him to get lost. He’s not a normal creep though, and I don’t want to find out how his hurt feelings manifest. I took a deep breath and bent down to search through the underbrush. In a few seconds I had found my prize, a tree branch. Splitting it in my hands to create a pointy end, I tucked it into my waistband underneath my shirt. Now that I’ve got plan B under my belt, let’s get this over with. Turning on my heel, I walked briskly back towards the brick dorm building.
Flying up the cedar staircase towards my room, I ran smack-bang into a figure with rose-gold hair.
“Doctor! I’m so sorry.”
“We just seem to keep running into each other, don’t we!” Farsky laughed too loud. “Didn’t I ask you not to call me that?”
“Sorry, Fred.” I smiled.
We stood looking at each other for a moment before I peered around him to my door. We’re going to stand here all night if I wait for him to continue the normal flow of conversation. “So.. what brings you to my dorm hallway?”
“Just dropping by to visit one of your neighbors.” Fred scratched his head.“By the way, the headmistress mentioned she would like to see you again tomorrow morning.”
“Thanks Fred.” I moved to walk around him.
“Do you have any questions I can help with in the meantime?” Fred asked, grinning.
My eyebrows shot up. I do have questions. Even if my weirdo alarm is going off, maybe I can ask you some ‘safe’ ones.
“How familiar are you with the True Sacrifice legend?” I asked.
Fred’s eyes lit up like I had handed him a Christmas present. “Besides medicine, the legend is what I have dedicated my life to.” He crossed his arms and took a wider stance. “I know everything there is to know.”
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 7
