Chapter 5
Afew days passed after my encounter with Benedict in the library, during which I thought about almost nothing else.
My work on my projects stalled to a concerning degree.
I somehow managed to pull things out at the last possible moment, but this level of distraction was not something I wanted to make a habit of.
My fellow students started discussing their plans for the winter solstice; many would return to their families to spend the longest night of the year feasting and sharing remembrances, as was tradition in Daosbor.
I, however, planned to stay put for the holiday.
I'd make myself a nice dinner and spend the evening curled up with a good book, as I had for the last ten years.
Classes with Benedict were…more charged than they had been before, but no more eventful.
I'd catch him watching me, and now that I knew he wanted me, I let myself stare back, hoping he could read my emotions on my face.
I didn't know what to make of what had happened—he'd said this was unusual for him, but I wondered.
Was his interest in me purely physical? I was impatient to know, but knowing, it would seem, was out of my control.
Our practical examination for Benedict's class was scheduled for the final day before everyone departed for solstice. It was always cold in Daosbor, but that morning a delicate snow fell, flakes dusting the curves and hollows of the Academy's ornate architecture as we gathered in the courtyard.
We had each prepared for a duel against one of our fellow students, during which we were meant to use as many of the techniques we'd studied as possible. That meant I probably shouldn't use my fire, but…when did I not, honestly.
The first few pairs took their turns, and my mind wandered. I wondered what being with Benedict—somewhere that was not a public library—would be like. Would he take control? Would he seduce me? I found almost any possibility appealing when it came to him.
"Adept Letum, please step forward for your examination," Benedict said, as he also stepped into the ring.
I waited for him to name my sparring partner for the day, but he didn't say anything else as I arrived at my position opposite him.
I waited for a beat in confusion before I noticed that he was holding his staff—an ancient-looking, beautiful arcane relic that already pulsed lightly with an emerald green glow.
He must have noted the confused look on my face, because his lips curved up slightly in a smile.
"I will be your exam partner today, Adept Letum," he said, and a thrill ran through me. "In order to give you a fair assessment, I thought it only right."
"I trust your judgement, Professor," I answered with a smirk of my own.
"Very well, let's begin then."
With a flourish of his hand he fully revealed his lich nature, and it took my breath away. His elegant bone structure showed fully through his flesh, which had taken on a faint opalescent glow in its translucence. He was so beautiful and horrifying, and I had never seen anything more alluring.
I felt myself blushing, but I forced myself to focus.
I readied my magic, feeling it pulsing in my veins. The intent was to show how well I'd paid attention to the specific forms covered in our syllabus, so I intended to give Benedict a show.
I didn't attack first; I waited, watching him closely and readying one of the defensive moves we'd studied.
Benedict's magic looked like an extension of his body in this form.
I supposed, in a way, it was. Liches were fairly rare in Domhan na Rùin, but they were most common in Daosbor.
They were mortal for a full human lifespan before choosing whether or not to undergo their transition into being fully undead.
As far as I knew, every lich in recorded history had chosen to carry on the cultural tradition.
I wasn't sure what path Benedict had chosen—if he lingered here with us in mortality, or had ascended into undead eternity. I wished I could ask him.
Benedict didn't wait long to go on the offensive; his power flashed out from his palms, surrounding me.
I shielded without hesitation, and my magic held, keeping his at bay.
I grunted with the effort before pushing my power outward with all my might.
He must have been surprised by the force, because his hold faltered just enough for me to dart toward him.
I summoned bone from beneath the ground, my power smoothing a shard enough for me to hold one end like a dagger. I slid into the slight opening he'd left in his stance—he likely wasn't used to anyone daring to get this close—and moved to put my bone dagger to his throat.
Before I could get my hand in position, I felt the icy kiss of magic around my wrist, holding it in place. I was so close to him, our bodies nearly touching as I looked up into his face.
"Excellent, my dear," he said quietly.
I searched with my magic for more bones, and summoned them forth, willing them to meld together. It was an obscure technique that had been described in a chapter of our text that we hadn't covered in a lecture. I had hoped my extra reading would prove worthwhile.
Tentacles of fluid bone broke the surface of the ground around us, and I focused to will them up, wrapping around Benedict's legs. Two tendrils found his wrists, and I pulled with them, forcing his arms down to his sides.
"Truly excellent, Iris. You never cease to impress." He gave me a broad smile; his lovely skeletal visage was truly a sight to behold.
"Thank you, Professor," I answered, still quite close to him. My breath was a bit labored from the effort of my magic. "Does that mean I pass?"
"With high marks, dear."
I knew the endearment was one he used often, but for some reason it felt especially charged right now. It made me wonder—was I dear to him? As time went on, I realized I wanted to be.
"I believe Adept Letum was the last, so you're all excused.
I will see you after the solstice recess.
" I released my magic's hold on him as he spoke, and he stepped away.
Professor Tonsetter, a harsh woman that taught alchemy, had approached during our duel and now waved to Benedict.
I turned to go before he could say anything else to me.
For whatever reason, putting myself in a position to find that what I felt was not reciprocated made me incredibly anxious.
Typically, in my romantic pursuits I was a bit more fearless, but this felt different.
I didn't want to wait there, hoping to talk more with him, only to be brushed aside.
I made my way back to my room and did some reading to unwind.
The sounds of my fellow students departing for the recess filtered in from the hall, and I felt a twinge of regret that I was not also leaving.
I could use a break; returning to school had been everything I'd hoped, but I was rather tired.
With a cup of spicy tea, I lost myself in the plot of a sweeping romance. The hours drifted by, and the rustling of departures eventually quieted.
When the hour was so late I could hardly keep my eyes open, I stood to stretch and make my way to bed.
A soft rustle, like the sound of paper, caught my attention just as I saw a bit of movement at the bottom of my door.
A crisp, cream-colored envelope slipped through the small opening under the door.
I watched for a moment, waiting to see if anyone would knock.
I didn't even hear footsteps retreating down the hall, though.
I eyed the envelope curiously—it was plain save for my name scrawled in a beautiful cursive script and a shiny wax seal.
I set my book down and gently broke the bright red seal. The paper was thick and smooth against my fingertips. I unfolded the letter to find more of the same elegant hand.
My dearest Iris,
I believe you are staying at the Academy for the solstice break?
If that is in fact the case, I would be honored to have the pleasure of your company at my townhouse.
I often celebrate the solstice alone, but I would be delighted to host you for solstice dinner.
If this is agreeable to you, please join me on solstice any time that is convenient for you.
Thank you for considering my invitation.
Yours most truly,
Benedict
I felt a fluttering in my chest as I read the note again. He was inviting me to solstice dinner—he wouldn't do that if I was just some dalliance, right? Or maybe it wasn't as important to him. If he spent most solstice nights alone…
I cut myself off; trying to analyze his every word would get me nowhere. If I was curious, I'd need to move past my anxiety and have a real conversation with him to get my answers. I supposed there was no harm in accepting his invitation to do just that.