28. I see and hear red #2
“Uh sure. That would be helpful.”
Her soft steps trail after mine, and we embark towards a location shielded against prying ears. “I’m sorry, but he does have a squeezable ass. A perfectly toned, heart shaped ass. Biteable and…Stop, Kyra.”
She scolds herself, and it’s a good thing I’m walking ahead. I would be in more trouble if she saw how broad my smile is. But then again, she will never know.
We round a corner and take the stairs up, passing a few windows, and I catch her reflection looking out upon Rebirth’s lands.
Her thoughts race a mile a minute with mentions of Rebecca and myself, Ethan, Alex, Blaise, Russ, Raine, and even Marcel.
Not to mention the four females she lists as ‘Mean Girls. ’
It’s a list of uncertainty, and judging by her aura pressing into my back with waves of doubt, she is withholding more than what runs rampant in her mind.
“My first week of class and everything’s clawing at a chance to take me off my path.
Training, near death experiences, and a few jealous bitches not worth my time.
Yet somehow, everyone either wants me dead, trying to get to know me, or more.
Wishing for a peaceful day is like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’ll never find it.”
She sighs, and it’s now my mission to deliver a distraction. But what’s a ‘needle in a haystack,’ and why would one search for this magical item?
Placing another mental wall between us in hopes of lessening my intrusion, I stop.
“We’ve arrived,” I say, standing in front of a thin marble door, green streaks spread throughout.
Before she voices her question of where we are, I push it open and breach the roof’s entrance. Kyra follows not far behind me.
A low sitting sun clings to a fleeting life of colorful rays as we experience a rippling breeze. The air feels light, tingling with small bursts of energy like bubbles popping after pouring a fresh glass of rosé.
I create some distance, but not much, allowing her a full view of the grounds she will soon call home for the next four or five years, depending on which path Kyra intends to take. Becoming a Goddess, or a profession amongst the inhabiting fays.
There is a divide with a large margin of students aiming for Godhood, and a lesser number seeking a role in our society. Royal Guards, the Queen’s Council, Lord of Lands, Defender, Hunter, Elder, and more fitting roles required to sustain life in our lands and others.
After their first year is over, students are required to pick a path, and Godhood is by far the harshest, with fewer Gods stepping down and low life expectancy.
Those upon this route have different reasons in search of immortality, ascension, and becoming ethereal beings for praise and worship.
An unspecified desire for their decision.
Despite the two years of knowing this fearsome woman, I’m left unsure which she will choose, yet know I’m drawn here for a predestined purpose.
“Everything’s beautiful from this position.” Her gaze takes it all in. “Are those the other Houses?” She points, stepping closer towards the ledge, and a spark of dark aura nibbles at my veins.
Calculating if this hunger will break the pact or if I’ll be edging the line of defiance, I know neither satisfies this craving of having her close, nor the burn of temptation whispering in my ears.
“May I?” I ask, caving to my worst desires and holding out a hand for her to take. She hesitates, all signs pointing towards indifference.
“Oh my God, oh my God, don’t freak out, it’s just holding hands.
” Kyra’s thoughts smash away my shields with ease.
“Then why am I hesitant? It’s not like he’s trying to hurt me.
” She peers up then back down to my palms. “Is there some kind of law saying teachers and students can’t hold hands?
” She gives me another once-over as her mind pours into mine. “Girl, grab that man’s hand.”
“It’ll only be for a moment. I can’t have you falling over the edge and have the wrath of others coming after me.” I chuckle, and not a second after, her fingers glide over mine, interlocking with a delicate touch, and my chest bursts with some kind of flutter.
A sensation migrates into the furthest pit of my stomach, and I lock my fingers with a firmer hold. Noting my own cheeks burn as blood pools beneath my skin.
Perfect. I agree with Abraxis.
We move towards the ledge, and magic flings from a twitching finger on my other hand, sending tremors rippling beneath us until a set of chairs spring from the roof’s marble material. Carved legs, arm holds, and soft cushions, thick for her comfort.
She gasps as it sweeps her off her feet and forces her to perch. Kyra’s giggle strums the veins of my heart to a tune only she can manifest, and I can’t help but return one of my own.
“Thank you,” she mouths, still holding firmly to my hand, and I nod.
Together, we enjoy vibrant shades of orange and red dance over the grass, mixing with soft greens and dull blues coming in behind it. Our nights are beautiful, same as mornings, but there is a moment when time merges into one and becomes a mesmeric illustration. Like now.
“Beautiful can’t describe how amazing this view is,” she whispers. Her gaze sweeps across our lands, and mine shifts to her, not realizing how true the words she spoke are. Indeed, it is.
With her free hand, Kyra tucks a few strands of wild red hairs behind her ear, and another smile of mine awakens. It fits her. Not only is it our favorite color, but the warm tone against her skin makes it more…her.
For longer than I’m worthy, we sit tethered, and she enjoys me pointing out the different Houses mentioned earlier. House Earth is on our left, and House Life is to our far right, the only two visible from this direction, along with the coliseum and beach in between both.
Her eyes sparkle with curiosity, and I show the faint glow of wards surrounding Rebirth. Pointing far out and guiding my hand up, I outline a dome of pure magic designed and maintained by our Elders.
Dark has fallen upon us, and for however long we have enjoyed one another’s company, her thoughts have been quiet. I placed a plethora of walls to surround my mind to keep others out, and this night couldn’t have gone better. Until the greed of my instinctual nature strums a thumb over her hand.
Kyra inhales deeply, a simple sound announcing my foolish behavior, and she retracts. Her thoughts knock away my shields with ease.
“Fuck, this is Rebecca’s man–boyfriend–boyfay–friends with benefits…whatever the hell they are, and I’ve been holding his hand. Stupid!”
She looks away, rubbing where my thumb offered her more, and fury pours into my aura. Another punishment hangs upon myself for knowing better, a pact made with Eros. I’ve broken it twice thus far.
Kyra exhales. “Caspian. I–”
“Rebecca and I did not have sex.” Yep, this was not how I planned it.
*Sigh* She is taken aback, which means she too wasn’t prepared for my random outburst. Great.
“What I mean is, I’m aware of rumors around campus about our Assistant Dean and myself.
Someone is spreading misinformation, which is why my intrusion on your meeting happened abruptly. ”
“You-um, you don’t need to explain anything to me. Who you sleep–”
“We didn’t. She used ‘dissimulare,’ a disguising spell known for concealing or transforming one’s appearance. What you saw wasn’t me but rather a fake.” Anger surfaces around my chest, a pressure building of disappointment. I should have known Rebecca was capable of something this vile.
“Wow, that’s fucked up. I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’d be pissed and ready for war.” Her laugh takes flight, a melody nudging me closer. “Damn, like that’s really fucked up and terrifying.”
“I know what you’re thinking, and no, not everyone uses this spell. If I’m being honest, it’s not a good one. There are telltale signs for pointing out a fake. The voice, certain physical attributes mistaken by the wielder, and other things one may notice upon further inspection.”
Kyra expels a deep breath, sighing and dropping her shoulders in relief.
“I’m glad to hear it wasn’t you–not like I had an issue or was upset by whom you choose to sleep with–we barely know one another, so it would be insane if I did–plus I’m sure you have a partner or someone you’re already sleeping with–and now I’m prying into your–”
“Breath,” I suggest, noticing she hasn’t done so throughout this entire spill of…
information. “Thank God I was wrong.” Her smile mirrors mine, and I change the subject.
“You don’t have to tell me, but whatever happened between you and Ethan, I’m glad you’re back and okay.
Furthermore, you missed my class.” Raising an intimidating brow, I leave it to Kyra not to be intimidated.
She shakes her head, still smiling and apologizes. For the next few minutes, I go over information taught during my lecture, a minimal summary and hasty rundown.
After going over God bonds with those who showed for my lecture, releasing them early felt required once Annika asked if it was possible to prematurely ‘God bond’ with a fay, knowing they’ll ascend.
She suggested that we spend a few nights together to see if I would be a good fit.
Her nature has zero effect on me besides ensuring I reach the highest level of enragement.
*Sigh* If I have to deal with another siren, it’ll be too soon.
“If you intend on missing my class, I prefer being notified by text first. It’s easier covering for you when a few Elders inquire on your whereabouts. Holland’s not an easy man to deter, so collaborating might make it a bit smoother, wouldn’t you agree?”
Kyra nods, holding my grin captive as though everything will crash and burn if she lets it go. “I agree.” She blushes, turning away and twiddling her thumbs. “Wait, text him? Did he just ask for my…”