by Melody Rose
“You’ve made me really fucking regret it, though! And the forbidden garden, really?! I didn’t see any warning sign!” Her rant gained more fury as she focused more on her grievances. Her body was slacker than it had been this entire trek. Getting her point across seemed to be of primary importance to her.
Therefore, I humored her and listened since I already had the upper hand.
“In fact, I bet you just made that shit up to rain on everyone’s parade! You can’t stand anyone having fun here!”
“Well said, Joan. A bit boorish with your language, but nonetheless, mostly correct.” I patted her on the rump to congratulate her for her findings, something that elicited an amazed gasp from her. “Though I must, unfortunately, carry out my punishment even more earnestly now that you’ve admitted you were fully aware of your wrongdoing. You knew that it was my express wish that none should open the door to the garden, and yet you happily ignored it.”
As I circled down the spiraling staircase with steady steps, Joan relented and ceased her protests momentarily. She probably wanted to avoid sabotaging my balance with her grating screams or her angry squirms, not that she could do so. Finally, I had descended far enough that we could both hear Vrag’s grotesque snarls and the snapping of his dagger-sharp fangs.
“Blod… flesh! Am smell them! Bring them zo meg!” Vrag demanded in mangled Common, but even with his broken speech, it was clear what he was after. His thirst for blood was impossible to ignore, and I felt certain that this chilling prospect would finally be enough to put Joan in her lowly place.
I loosened my hold on Joan just enough to allow her to question seriously if I would surrender her to the depths of the castle and the predatory desires of Vrag. “Well, Joan? It’s time that our little journey comes to its natural conclusion. I will take your apology now if you’ll be so kind.”
“Oh, to Hell with it! It looks like you’ve been dying to snuff me out. Some really twisted, fucked up plan to get me past the portal so the feds can’t come after you.” Joan contorted her face in sheer disgust with what she interpreted my intentions to be. “Just do it, you freak. Throw me over and get everything you want, just like the spoiled brat you are, but the one thing you’re not getting is a fucking apology!”
It took everything in me not to stagger back at the intensity of her condemnation. Her implication that I wanted nothing but her death cut into me like cold steel. As I studied her, the combination of her enraged expression and terrified energy perturbed me. I had not encountered anyone like Joan before, and I hadn’t predicted how far she would drive my predatory impulses.
While I certainly have acknowledged that my sense of humor and retribution leaned toward the extreme, Joan’s accusation was false in every respect. I had no actual intention to kill her, and I ensured that every angle and element of my plot was flawless. In fact, torment at my hands had to be the safest means of punishment precisely because it would be so well-executed. I knew every corner of the castle and all the tendencies of Bouclier’s beasts.
While I had a firm conviction that Joan embellished how much I endangered her, there was little use arguing with her. Of course, Vrag gnashing his fangs and howling at the top of his lungs about how hungry he was didn’t help calm the situation. The truth was, though, that the winding staircases and pit were constructed so that it would be impossible for him to leap up at his prey. The only way he could be fed was to toss meat down to him, a prospect that would not come to pass. He was a glorified tale to haunt students and servants with, nothing more.
Still, I had to make allowances for Joan’s present irrationality and tend to her overblown fears. I didn’t need to redeem myself, only to relieve her from such agony since this had gone entirely too far.
“Am hungry! Let meg taste her! Am tirt of waiting!” Vrag implored in his sickening voice, forcing me to raise my own in order to reassure Joan.
“You have allowed your suspicions to get the best of you, Joan, and I’m afraid that you have misjudged me.” I couldn’t yet let go of her since I hadn’t uttered the correct incantation to unbind her, and I found it too precarious to set her down. She may have rolled into the pit either out of clumsiness or sheer stubbornness. “Please remain still as I arrange to have you leave, and mind that you take special care on these stairs. I’ll keep the portal open for your departure.”
“Bannissez ces vignes et libérez la jeune fille. Banish these vines and free the maiden,” I had to shout over Vrag’s demands to dine on Joan and decided that I’d need to evoke one other spell to guarantee her safe travel. The vines that had wrapped around her disappeared nearly without a trace, only a single fallen leaf on the step to signify they were ever there. I wasn’t ready to let go, however. With her nerves, I was too concerned that her shivers and disorientation could lead to disaster. I needed to ensure that she could masterfully navigate the stairway with Vrag’s harassment echoing through the dungeon.
I would have preferred to teleport her out myself, but I felt oddly unsure of myself, and it required an unusual amount of effort just to manage simple charms in close quarters. She also thought so little of my trustworthiness, so I thought it would be best for Joan to leave on her own. I didn’t know what other unlikely scenarios she’d concoct in her head if I spent more time with her. And to be honest, I felt as though I needed some space to process my own thoughts as well.
“Renforcer ses jambes et se concentrer. Sortez-la d'ici. Strengthen her legs and her focus. Steer her clear,” I bellowed and infused all my remaining energy into my incantation. By the time I completed this, I was winded as though I had run laps around the castle. I was exhausted as I carefully set feet down Joan on the floor and weakly stated, “You are free to leave. I did all I could to assure a safe departure for you but do exercise caution anyway.”
“Thank God, thank God, thank God!” Joan repeatedly chanted, and I was glad that her voice was steady despite her giddy elation. I would have hated for the rush of celebration to eat away at her composure, but she seemed in control of herself. “I have no idea how to interpret what just happened, but I don’t really care at the moment!
“Yes, well. Off you go. I… apologize for giving you the impression that I’d seriously harm you in any manner. I trust that you can find your way out.” I coughed into my fist, stunned that I had admitted any wrongdoing. I then quickly switched the subject. “Again, take care not to trip, though you shouldn’t with the grace buffer I’ve provided you. If you keep a reasonable pace, you should be able to make it to your afternoon class in time.”
With that, I turned my heel and bounded up the stairs with what little energy I had left. Once my back was turned to Joan and I was sure that she could not see me, I grit my teeth at the excruciating pain. I was eager to be finally rid of the stifling dankness of the dungeon and any reminder of Joan’s denunciation of me.
24
Theo
Rather than focus on punctuality, I decided to retreat to my room to restore my energy and maintain my proper enchanting form. I had more to lose by showing up to my class in a state of fatigue and confusion than I did if I were to arrive late in my current condition. While I strove to uphold rules and standards at all times, I also recognized that they did not apply to me. I could abandon them at a moment’s notice, and as long as I could evoke my authority as the Headmaster’s son, I did not need to concern myself with lectures or warnings.
The only instructor that would even dream of dealing me so much as a nasty look or a disapproving phrase was Professor Graham, but I did not need to worry about her at the moment. In fact, my upcoming class was Advanced Wand Tactics, and since I was at the top of my class and had mastered every exam in my academic career, I could waltz in whenever I so chose to.
As uncharacteristic as it was, I momentarily dismissed my responsibilities as a mage to fall backward onto my bed. I lay slack, victim to a lethargic state I had never known before. The notion of laziness intellectually offended me even though I was too physically t
ired to sense my anger.
Why did Joan have to vex me to the point of dragging her to the ogre’s pit? Couldn’t she realize that she had instigated that dilemma and that I had given her numerous chances to redeem herself before I had to object to her disobedience so clearly? Every other student whispered in hushed tones about Vrag and prayed never to encounter him. The sinister threat in itself was enough to keep mages in line, and I’d never had to walk through the portal and prove the savage beast’s existence before.
Unfortunately, mere reprimanding wasn’t a strong enough tool to compel Joan to act correctly. She encroached upon my territory and decided to supplant me. I mean, the lamb’s blood set a terrible example and acted as though she had blanket authority to do whatever she pleased. A few more days of that behavior and my hold over the academy may have been entirely corroded. I needed to act quickly and wrest my power back at any cost.
Despite my enthusiastic philosophy to preserve high standards, I did set limits as any civilized mage would. I thought this would have been clear. Why would I want blood on my hands, particularly if it came from someone weaker than myself? No one had ever seen me seriously brutalize another mage, and I hadn’t planned to begin a new habit of it. How could anyone see me, the picture of composure and elegance, as a murderer? Was illogical fear a hallmark of lamb’s blood culture? Could this explain why she had flung such a wild accusation at me?
As I lay on my bed to puzzle over the matter, I could only feel small traces of my will flicker to life. This recharge rate was much slower than I’d ever endured before, and I felt certain that Joan was to blame for distracting me from recovery. I was out of sorts and contemplating scenarios I never bothered to care about before. I wondered, for instance, how I could regain her trust, at least to the point that she didn’t seriously entertain the possibility of me taking her life. What would put her at ease or contribute to her sense of safety? Frankly, her success at Bouclier would hinge upon welcoming my wisdom. I didn’t believe that she’d be able to withstand an entire year if she kept forcing her human sensibilities onto our academy.
A rustling sound in my room roused me from my musings as I tried to invent scenarios that would end in Joan recognizing my superior wit. I didn’t rise from my bed entirely, but I did bend forward at my waist to peer at the disturbance. I noticed a pair of long and slender legs, completely bare and beautiful but entirely predictable. I had grown accustomed to this sight, as the only mage who hailed from a family as esteemed as mine always made a point to pursue me.
“Ah, hello, Lydia,” I greeted her neutrally. I had intended to immerse myself in solitude, but I saw no point in deriding her since she’d always been attentive to my needs. She was the polar opposite of Joan in that regard. “To what do I owe the pleasure? I hadn’t been expecting you, but I will gladly receive your company.”
After regarding her legs, I looked up to take in the rest of her. She clearly had no intention of getting to class on time, either. This was to be expected for students of our standing, so I wasn’t too surprised.
What was mildly surprising was that, rather than wearing her school robes, she was clad, in the loosest sense of the word, in a rosy satin dressing gown that fell to the middle of her thighs. She hadn’t even bothered with the strap to keep it closed, and as I’d seen her wear similar garments the same way, I was beginning to wonder if she even owned any. The young seductress seemed intent on visiting me in various states of undress, and usually, this habit of hers animated me. I had to admit that she was unquestionably lovely and that there was a stirring directly related to her lean femininity, but my prior frustrations about Joan had not dissipated.
“Poor Theo, I think I can vaguely smell the scent of lamb’s blood wafting from you, but it’s just as well,” she murmured with feigned pity before a smirk played upon her painted lips. “I heard that you’ve finally gotten rid of that abhorrent human and fed her to the ogre. I’ve come to congratulate you on your noble decision. I know from the bottom of my soul that you will rid Bouclier of any weakness, and I give you my full support in this.”
I shot up at that, sitting up with ramrod posture as I pondered deeply what she had said. Lydia’s eyes fell down to my lap, but I was too disturbed by her implications to be enticed by this innuendo.
“Is that what everyone truly believes?!” I cried. “That I could be capable of murder?! I am a van Brandt! I come from a valiant family known for its sophistication and pedigree!”
Rather than detect my horrified reaction at the speculation that I would kill anyone, even a lamb’s blood, Lydia was undeterred from fawning on me. She glided closer to me so that she stood between my legs and then leaned over, placing a palm upon my thigh. I glanced at her small but round breasts, physically tempted but still displeased with her portrayal of me. She licked her full lips and eyed me hungrily, as though imagining me as an aggressive predator who would kill fellow students tantalized her.
“Monsieur, I’m no silly minx like that wretched lamb’s blood you disposed of. I know that you are capable of any depraved or ambitious idea you put your magnificent mind to.” She kneaded my thigh and turned her head to nibble at my neck. Pheromones and the essence of musk and cedarwood floated from her skin, and I paused to enjoy the captivating smell. I wasn’t usually so taken by scents, so I suspected that she had doused herself in all manner of charms to secure my attention.
“If it’s the rumors running about that you’re worried about,” she purred into my ear soothingly. “You shouldn’t lose any sleep over that. I know that your father doesn’t condone violence, but what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, and we can always say that the pressures of Bouclier became too severe for her. As for the rest of the students, if we put our minds and will together, we can evoke an incredible mass hypnosis charm that will erase the whole incident from their minds. Only you and I will know what happened, and together, we can revel in your glory. Doesn’t that sound fun?”
She brushed her hand to the side so that it was now firmly on my groin, but she seemed taken aback that I was not as responsive as she would have liked. In fact, though I was taken by her scent, her words spoiled the ambiance. I couldn’t think of anything less erotic than celebrating and conspiring over the theoretical carcass of Joan. The very thought made me sick to my stomach.
“Lydia… darling…” I tossed in the endearing term to evade her odd and morbid conversation, as well as to placate her for the time being. Normally, I suppose I would have subdued her physically, either with a bit of rough fun or other carnal entertainment, but I simply did not have the energy for this. “Can we please change the subject? I did not murder the girl. I simply needed to reinforce my rules and instill in her mind that crossing me is… disadvantageous.”
Her deep violet eyes looked into mine searchingly, and I was disturbed to see disappointment surface in her gaze. She placed the hand that wasn’t desperately trying to waken my arousal onto my forehead, checking to see if my will was so drained that I had actually fallen physically ill. To explain my reluctance to bond over how to remove Joan from Bouclier, it seemed as though Lydia needed to devise some type of excuse. Part of her admiration for me hinged upon how ruthlessly I wielded my authority.
“I hear that this all started over some filthy lamb’s blood custom in the forbidden garden. Of course, you couldn’t dine under those conditions. Poor, gorgeous man…” She clicked her tongue and nodded her head sadly. “I can’t imagine that you’ve eaten one bite all day. Perhaps I can whip up a meal for you, simple and plain, just as you like it.”
Lydia was always engaging in laughable theatrics whenever she was in the privacy of my own room. I didn’t even know if she was capable of doing what she had suggested. As she had an aversion to serving others, I suspected that she wouldn’t be able to focus on the task of feeding me. I had never required such menial tasks of her, although perhaps under different circumstances, I would have welcomed the entertainment. As it stood, I had only ever played along with our fa
ntasy scenarios to pass the time and invigorate myself between studying. I knew what the temptress thrived off of, and any docile tendencies of hers were performed only to gain an advantage in return. She clearly wished to become intimately close with the most established mage in Bouclier.
“I appreciate the gesture,” I reassured her. “However, it’s entirely unnecessary, and I wouldn’t want you to waste your energy on such an undertaking when it is better reserved for your classes today. I can manage, and when I release Chef Douglas today, I will have him redeem himself by way of a proper meal.”
Lydia fought back an audible sigh of relief so that she wouldn’t have to confess that she had no desire to follow through with her previous offer. Even she was aware of how reluctant she was to subject herself to any kind of chore that didn’t directly gratify her. She must have taken my dismissal as a form of affection and interpreted it as an invitation to proceed with our typical activities. Her curious, eager fingers ventured down to my waistband and hooked onto it. With a sly smirk, she tugged at it softly to make her suggestion clear.
“I know a wonderful and far more decadent substitute to a meal, monsieur. You need only give me the word, and I will put my whole heart… and mouth… into honoring you,” she purred with glassy eyes, hungering to give in to her fixation. “I will ensure that we are both properly fed by the end of this.”
I was gladdened that she asked for permission this time rather than diving headfirst into my lap. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have minded her aggressive yet feminine approach, but my concerns simply weren’t aligned with hers at the moment. My thoughts kept drifting to Joan. I estimated that she should be out of the dungeon by now, and I did leave her in quite a disagreeable situation. After all, I had blocked off both her broom and familiar. I would have to rectify these matters at some point.
“My sweet, that does indeed sound unspeakably appetizing,” I reassured her as I stroked her soft cheek with the back of my fingers. “I would love to take you up on that, but you know how I frown upon daytime trysts. They are tricky and inconvenient, as we both have classes to attend. In fact, I just came here to fetch my wand, and don’t have much more time to wile away.”
