CHAPTER 23
Aelys
Three weeks later
I'm exhausted but incredibly happy. Classes are tiring, and I'm always bored because I practically know everything we're learning. But my relationship with Mattheo helps me to stay sane. Since our first night together, he's been incredibly affectionate and tender.
In public, he continues to do what he's been doing since our first day at the monastery: he always has an arm around my shoulder or waist and his hand on my thigh during lunches and classes.
He's also started stealing kisses here and there, but he mostly kisses me on the cheek or temple when we're in public.
But behind closed doors, everything has changed.
Once in our dorm, he can't hold back anymore and kisses me like a hungry lion.
He also can't seem to get enough of me, which means he fucks me hard or makes love to me every night.
And every night, without fail, he holds me tightly in his arms, whispering sweet nothings and how much he loves me until we both fall asleep.
In public, he is Mattheo Rigast, the son of the Dark Mage whom everyone fears because of the dark magic that runs through his veins.
In private, he's Matt, the man who would set the world on fire if it meant I'd be safe and happy.
The man who loves me unconditionally and proves it to me every passing day.
On the other hand, most of the students don't believe in our relationship and don't hesitate to let us know.
Our marriage hasn't been announced publicly yet, and Mattheo's playboy reputation isn't working in our favor.
They all think I'm just his plaything of the moment, and that he eventually will get bored.
Even though my fiancé has fought several times for the simple reason of other guys looking in my direction or even giving me a look-over a little too insistently for his liking.
Mattheo is incredibly possessive and jealous. He tolerates my friendships with the boys in our group because he knows they're loyal to him, which means they'd never dare think of me like that.
Except Tom.
I've refused to talk to him since the fight in the main hall.
I know he didn't hit me intentionally, but his hurtful words were intentional.
He said them to hurt me. He tried to approach me and get me to talk to him several times during the first two weeks, but I ignored him. Eventually, he got fed up and gave up.
Well, that, and also because Matt threatened to hex him if he didn't stop. Tom isn't afraid of his brother, but Matt is still stronger than him, and he knows it. So he's chosen to stop hanging out with the group, only talking to the others when necessary.
Cameron thinks it's because he can't stand seeing me in his brother's arms while I avoid him. Apparently, everyone knows the youngest Rigast likes me. Which always makes Matt angry, letting his jealousy show whenever one of our friends teases us about it.
As I said, Matt is possessive and jealous.
And I'm no better. Ever since we confessed our feelings for each other, I've become more aware of the lustful looks girls give him, and it's annoying me. Especially because everyone at the Academy thinks I'm just his new toy of the month.
Luckily, I'm more patient than Mattheo and just glare at them. I haven't gotten into a fight with any of these girls. Yet. But I can feel my patience wearing thin. It's only a matter of time before I lose it and punch one of them in the face.
I sit down at the wizards’ table, a heavy sigh leaving my lips as I rest my head on Enzo's shoulder. I notice that only he, Cameron, and Theodore are there. I know where Matt and Arthur are, but the girls, I have no idea.
“Well, hello, sunshine!” Enzo smiles, patting me affectionately on the head.
“Hey boys,” I wave gently, holding back a yawn, before taking a piece of chicken from Enzo's plate.
He scowls at me and I laugh, making him roll his eyes, a small, amused, and affectionate smile spreading on his face.
“Are you okay, beautiful?”
I nod to Cameron before sighing heavily and sitting up straight in my seat.
“I'm just... I'm about to punch one of the girls who keeps drooling over Matt.” I bring my fingers together to show them how short my patience is. It suffices to say, the gap between them is tiny.
The two boys burst out in laughter before exchanging knowing glances. I frown and look at each of their faces suspiciously.
“What?”
“You two are more alike than you think, darling,” Theodore winks at me. “It's actually quite funny. I can't wait to see you hit one of those girls.”
Enzo and Cameron nod, wide smirks on their faces.
I roll my eyes teasingly before trying to grab another piece of chicken from Enzo's plate, but he slaps my hand away.
He mutters something that sounds a lot like 'damn women' under his breath before picking up an empty plate, filling it up and handing it to me. I smile and kiss his cheek in thanks.
“Yeah, yeah, just keep your hands off my chicken,” he grumbles.
I shrug, laughing.
“By the way, where is your shadow?” Theodore frowns in confusion, finally realizing that Mattheo isn't with me.
“Family problems,” I whisper, and their eyes widen in understanding before they nod.
I sigh at the thought of Arthur's chore. Matt has been helping him every night for the past week because the blond boy hasn't made any progress, and he knows his father probably won't like it. They haven't been in the main hall for dinner in too many days, I'm worried people are getting suspicious.
“Any idea where the girls are?” I ask, taking a bite of my carrots.
They shake their heads, and I shrug. They're probably with guys. Paula and Theodore haven't made any progress since the party, essentially avoiding eye contact. Nancy still hasn't told us about this mysterious girl, refusing to even mention her. However, Kiara and Arthur have gotten closer.
I finish my plate and take two clean ones, I fill them up and make them disappear with a flick of my wand.
“I'll take these to the boys. Good night, guys.”
“'Night!” They answer in unison, making me laugh softly.
I stand up and start walking towards the doors when I see Dawson stand up as well out of the corner of my eye.
Shit.
Arthur explained to us how he has tried to follow him several times now. The dark-haired boy is definitely suspicious. Just like his mentor, who seems to be spying on us, with the help of certain teachers.
I quickly exit the lobby and dash into the girls' restroom a few meters away.
I furtively peer through the doorway and hold my breath as he, too, leaves the main lobby a few seconds after me.
He frowns and looks around before cursing when he realizes he's lost me.
He curses again under his breath and heads back inside the main hall where his friends must be waiting.
I sigh in relief and leave the main building before heading to the back of the monastery where the now-abandoned old church stands. After all, the two boys need to eat and sleep. Preferably a whole fucking night.
The heavy door creaks as I push it open and step into the nave, immediately noticing the two disciples standing by the altar. They are murmuring spells in a language unknown to me, and I remember Mattheo mentioning that they had exhausted their supply of Latin spells, without success.
I clear my throat to signal my presence, and in a flash, both boys turn toward me, wands raised and pointed in my direction. I roll my eyes and conjure the two plates I brought them.
“Fuck, angel,” Matt sighs before coming towards me, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “You know you can’t sneak around like that when we’re focused on this fucking task.” He smirks and I playfully tap his shoulder, nodding towards the plates.
“Eat before I shove it down your throat.”
“Yes ma'am,” he smiles with all his teeth and kisses me on the forehead.
Arthur gives me a small smile to thank me for bringing him a meal too, before they both grab their plates and sit down on a bench that was formally used by churchgoers. Judging by the speed at which they're eating, they haven't eaten in a while. I sigh, shake my head and go sit next to Matt.
“You boys need to stop coming here every day. Dawson and O'Connor suspect we're up to something. Dawson tried to follow me tonight.”
Their heads snap up and they look at me with wide eyes. Arthur has paled, and Matt's jaw is set as his eyes darken with anger.
“Don't worry, I lost him before he set foot outside the main hall.”
Arthur seems to relax a little, but he's still pale as he stares at the church floor, frowning.
Mattheo doesn't take his eyes off me as he tries to contain his anger.
He hates Dawson, and I know he's waiting for an opportunity to pounce on him, but he also knows his father wouldn't be happy. It might ruin his plans after all.
I rest my head on his shoulder and feel his muscles relax. He sighs and places the plate on his lap so he can grab my hand and intertwine our fingers. He gently strokes my knuckles with his thumb, and it's my turn to sigh contentedly.
Since we confessed our love, he has managed to make me fall in love a little more every day.
They finish their meal and I stand up, tugging Mattheo's hand to pull him to his feet, but he doesn't move.
He raises an unimpressed eyebrow at my obvious lack of strength and smirks when I roll my eyes.
We both know I could activate my shapeshifting power, since I confided in him what the silver cup filled with my blood whispered to me when I was sorted into my faction on my first night here.
We've since researched shapeshifting powers without mentioning it to anyone.
He refused to let me question Professor Hicks, explaining that she supports O'Connor in his plan to destroy his father and that if their side learned what I really am, it could put me in danger.
So we compromised: we would research how to fully activate my shapeshifting side, and then discuss it with the Dark Mage. I did, however, learn to harness the superhuman strength this part of myself gives me, allowing me to now activate it at will.
“All right, idiots, you've been here too long. You both need to sleep, so get off your asses.”
They try to protest, but I glare at them, and they quickly shut up.
They mutter under their breath, but follow me out of the church anyway.
We head toward building G and to our respective dorms. Arthur waves us off before disappearing into his dorm, four doors ahead of ours.
Mattheo closes the door behind us as we enter our room and locks the door before soundproofing it.
I raise a questioning eyebrow and cross my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes at him suspiciously. He gives me a mock-innocent smile, and I narrow my eyes further.
His arms wrap around my waist and he pulls me closer to his body, resting his forehead against mine. I place my hands on his chest and sigh contentedly. I always feel safe in his arms, as if nothing can hurt me, even after a bad day.
“Long day, my angel?” His hand rests on my cheek, cups it, and gently caresses my skin with his thumb.
I nod and he kisses me gently, making us both sigh as the feeling of being home washes over us.
Unfortunately, a knock at the door shatters our peace, and he rolls his eyes. He reluctantly steps away from me and unlocks the door before opening it, revealing my three friends with big, excited grins on their faces. I frown, confused by their excitement.
“Guess who received an invitation to the most important wedding in history?” My cousin grins broadly, wiggling her eyebrows in excitement.
Matt and I exchange a confused look, and Nancy sighs heavily. She hands us a scroll, and I take it, feeling my heart warm as I read its contents.
I look up at Matt to see him admiring me lovingly. He smiles softly and kisses my temple tenderly.
“Looks like we have a date for our wedding, angel.”
I nod and lean against him, smiling at my friends who are squealing happily, already discussing what dresses they should wear.
I sigh, relieved to know that our wedding will be announced very soon since official invitations have been sent to the disciples' families.
Maybe I won't have to hit a girl after all.
What a pity.