Chapter 7
Afeeling of warmth and comfort greeted me as I woke the next morning. I savored the feeling of softness against my bare skin, the scent of lavender that surrounded me. Then, I remembered where I was and opened my eyes, a feeling of mild panic gripping me.
The events of last night flashed through my mind, and I felt joy and…
apprehension. Suddenly all of the worries that I hadn't allowed myself to explore surged to the front of my mind.
Before this was real, worrying about what people would say or how the other professors would treat me if I had a serious relationship with their colleague seemed ridiculous—it wouldn't happen anyway, I'd convinced myself.
Now, it felt…exciting and overwhelming all at once. I cared a lot about being at the Academy, and now I cared a lot about Benedict, too. I needed to think.
I slowly sat up and looked around, only to see Benedict asleep peacefully next to me in the soft light of early morning. He was so beautiful.
I didn't want to wake him, so I slipped out of the bed as quietly as possible, and realized that I was absolutely naked.
I stepped softly over to my discarded dress and slipped it back on, fastening the back as quickly as I could.
In just a few moments, I was stepping out into the hall carrying my shoes and hurrying down the stairs.
I opened the front door, gingerly turning the handle, praying that the heavy door didn't make any horrible groans or squeaks. It was mercifully quiet, and I was silently celebrating my escape when I turned around and nearly ran straight into my alchemy professor from the Academy.
"Professor Tonsetter! I am so sorry, I didn't see you there!" I said, startled.
"Adept Letum, whatever are you…" the older woman trailed off as she took in my disheveled appearance. I realized too late that my hair was likely in an absolutely wild state after falling asleep with it wet.
I laughed nervously, trying to find words to explain what I was doing here. I opened my mouth to speak, but she held a hand up, giving me a disdainful look.
"No need to explain, I understand. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am here to meet with Professor Excidium." She brushed past me and rapped her delicate hand on the door.
If I wasn't fully panicking before, I was now. I didn't wait to witness Benedict's interaction with Professor Tonsetter. I set off on my walk to the Academy without a second thought, and the streets of the Dead City did little to comfort me this time.