Chapter 24
Ciaran
From the shadows of Headmaster Northfall's office, I watched the scene unfold, my eyes never leaving Tess. She looked small and vulnerable among these powerful figures, but there was a quiet strength in her posture that stirred something deep within me.
Headmaster Northfall cleared her throat. "While I appreciate your concern, Lord Protector, breaking a dragon bond is not only unprecedented but potentially dangerous. However," she added as Silvius opened his mouth, "I do agree that we must consider the precedent we're setting."
I noticed a flicker of cautious optimism in Isolde's eyes as she turned to Tess. "Ms. Whittaker, you must understand the gravity of your position. The Guild Trial in October will be crucial. It's designed as the first step in narrowing down our applicants. Only seventy percent of participants move forward in the process."
Tess's face paled slightly, and I felt my form ripple, nearly losing cohesion. The urge to materialize beside her, to wrap her in my arms and whisk her away from this place, was almost overwhelming. My vision swam, the edges blurring as I fought to maintain control.
Help her, a voice inside me roared, causing the shadows to writhe around me. She needs us.
I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain anchoring me to reality. Not right now, I argued with myself, even as my heart raced at her obvious distress.
As Silvius leaned forward, a predatory glint in his eye, I felt my form flicker, the shadows around me rippling dangerously. "I think I'll oversee the organization of this year's trial. To ensure it's... appropriately challenging for all applicants."
The emphasis he placed on "all" made his intentions clear. My vision blurred, tinged with red at the edges. I could feel my corporeal form trying to solidify, my fingers itching to wrap around Silvius's throat. I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain anchoring me to the shadows.
Headmaster Northfall's expression remained carefully neutral, but I caught a flicker of frustration in her eyes before she smoothed it away. "Of course, Lord Protector. Your expertise will undoubtedly be valuable in crafting this year's trial."
As the conversation progressed, I found my gaze drawn to Theron. His face was an impassive mask, but I noticed the conflicted glances he kept throwing Tess's way. There was something there—concern? Attraction? A low growl rumbled in my chest, thankfully masked by the shadows.
He has no right to look at her that way.
The intensity of Theron's gaze set off alarm bells in my mind. Another potential threat to Tess, another variable to control. My fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for a weapon that wasn't there. I forced myself to still, to think rationally through the haze of possessive fury.
We’ll watch him closely , adding Theron to my mental list of people to monitor. He could be dangerous.
When Silvius mentioned Theron's suspension due to Tess's actions, I saw her cheeks flush with embarrassment. My vision tunneled, focused solely on Tess. The shadows around me writhed, responding to my agitation.
Silvius stood, his movement smooth and deliberate. "Well, I believe we've covered everything of importance. Isolde, do keep me informed of our little experiment's progress." His eyes flickered to Tess, cold and assessing. "I'll be watching with great interest."
The barely concealed disdain in Silvius's voice made my decision for me. The shadows coiled around me, eager and restless.
We follow him, I told myself, my inner voice a feral snarl. He's a danger to Tess.
With one last, lingering look at Tess, I slipped out of the office, my form melding with the shadows as I trailed after Silvius. My mind raced, filled with violent fantasies of confronting the Lord Protector. I could almost taste his fear, imagine the satisfying crunch of bones beneath my hands...
I shook my head violently, dispersing the thoughts. Focus, I commanded myself. For Tess.
As I followed Silvius, the constant battle within myself raged on, but on one thing I was certain—I would protect Tess, no matter the cost.
The shadows embraced me as I trailed Silvius to his office. His polished shoes clicked against the marble floor, each step fueling my silent rage.
I slipped into Silvius's office, my form melding with the shadows cast by the fading afternoon light. The scent of old leather and expensive cologne filled the air as the Lord Protector settled into his high-backed chair, utterly oblivious to my presence.
Silvius's fingers danced across the phone's keypad, each beep echoing in the stillness. "It's me," he murmured, his voice low and guarded.
"Silvius," a smooth, cold voice responded. "I trust you have news?"
I froze, recognizing the voice immediately. Its familiar timbre sent a chill through my incorporeal form.
We must remain calm, I reminded myself, forcing my focus back to the unfolding conversation.
Silvius wasted no time on pleasantries. "The situation is worse than we thought. A human. A human dragon rider." His disgust was palpable, making my shadows writhe. "It's preposterous."
"Indeed," the voice agreed, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. "How... inconvenient for us all."
Silvius continued, "Moriyana's meddling has ensured I can't simply get rid of her."
"Ah, yes. Our esteemed Grand Luminary does have a soft spot for strays," the voice replied dryly.
Rage flooded my senses, tinting my vision crimson. The casual way they discussed eliminating Tess... My form flickered dangerously, yearning to materialize and silence Silvius permanently.
Control, I hissed internally. We need information.
"Don't worry," Silvius's tone turned smug. "I'm making sure the guild trial will be particularly... challenging for our human applicant."
"And if she passes?" the voice asked, a note of concern evident even through the line.
Silvius chuckled darkly. "I don't see how she could possibly succeed. It's not like Blackwell is going to be particularly helpful. Not with his history."
"Ah, yes. Our reluctant mentor," the voice mused. "Still, we shouldn't underestimate her. Humans can be... surprisingly resilient."
"You're right," Silvius continued, his voice dropping. "Just in case, we'll make absolutely sure she won't pass the trial."
"Excellent," came the approving response. "We can't afford complications. Keep me informed, Silvius."
My shadows writhed, hungry for retribution. It took every shred of willpower to remain hidden as their conversation drifted to mundane matters.
We've heard enough. We must protect her.
As I slipped out of Silvius's office, my resolve hardened. I would ensure Tess’ safety. For her, there were no lines I wouldn't cross.
The corridors of the academy blurred as I moved through the shadows, my form barely a whisper against the stone walls. The smell of food grew stronger as I neared the dining hall, my senses still on edge from Silvius's conversation.
I slipped into the vast room, immediately assaulted by the noise of voices and clattering dishes. Supernatural beings of all kinds packed the space, but I only cared about one. Tess.
She sat at a corner table, her brown hair catching the light as she leaned towards her companion. Pippa, her pixie friend, practically vibrated with excitement, her small frame seeming to contain more energy than should be possible.
Relief flooded through me as I saw Tess safe, a small smile on her face. But as I drew closer, I noticed the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped her fork too tightly.
She's hiding it well, we thought. But we can see the strain.
"I leave for work for a few days, and I come back to this!" Pippa's voice carried over the din, her green eyes wide. "A dragon? You've bonded with a dragon?"
Tess ducked her head, blushing. "It wasn't exactly planned," she murmured, sounding embarrassed yet proud.
As Tess told her story, I felt my earlier tension slowly fade. The way her eyes lit up as she described her dragon, the gentle curve of her smile—it stirred something within me, a warmth that both soothed and unsettled.
"It was like... like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing," Tess explained, her gaze distant. "When we connected, it felt like coming home."
Pippa leaned in, her wings fluttering with excitement. "That's incredible, Tess. But aren't you scared? I mean, a human bonding with a dragon—it's unheard of!"
For a moment, Tess's mask slipped. I saw the flash of fear in her eyes, quickly hidden behind a confident smile. "It's a lot to take in," she admitted. "But I'm handling it."
No, we thought, our shadows rippling with frustration. You're suppressing it.
Their conversation continued, Pippa peppering Tess with questions about the dragon and the bonding process. I found myself drawn closer, my earlier protective instincts changing into something... more. The way Tess held herself, the strength she showed even as she hid her true feelings—it woke a possessive hunger in me.
We need to speak with her, we decided. Alone.
I watched as Tess finished her meal, saying goodbye to Pippa. As she stood to leave, I felt myself moving, pulled to her like a magnet. The shadows around me pulsed with anticipation.
Tess left the dining hall, her steps quick and purposeful. I trailed behind, easily blending with the shadows cast by the afternoon sun. The corridors were quieter now, most students still at lunch or hurrying to class.
So vulnerable. So unaware of the dangers.
She turned down a less-busy hallway, slowing to reach into her bag.
Now. It’s time.
I materialized just enough to grab her arm, pulling her swiftly into an empty classroom. The door shut behind us with a soft click that seemed too loud in the sudden quiet.
Tess spun around, her eyes wide with shock and fear. She reached for the door handle, but I blocked her path. My shadows writhed, both excited and uneasy at her proximity.
"What the—" she gasped, her voice sharp with surprise.
I stepped fully out of the shadows, becoming solid in the dim light of the dusty room. Tess's scent filled my senses, warm vanilla and a hint of something spicier.
She shouldn't fear us. We're here to protect her.
Recognition dawned in Tess's eyes, quickly followed by relief and annoyance. "Ciaran? What are you doing? You scared me!"
I ignored her accusation, my eyes roaming over her face, drinking in every detail. The soft curve of her lips, the fire in her eyes, the slight flush on her cheeks—it all called to me in ways I couldn't fully understand.
She's trying so hard to hide it. But we can see. We always see.
"Congratulations on bonding with a dragon," I said, my voice low and intense. "That's quite an achievement for a human."
Tess blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "How did you—"
"Word travels fast," I cut her off, taking a step closer. The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, responding to my growing agitation. My body hummed with awareness of her proximity.
"How are you finding it? The bond, I mean. It must be... overwhelming."
Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance crossing her features. The sight sent a thrill through me, heat pooling in my core.
"It's fine. I'm handling it," she insisted.
Liar. But such a beautiful one.
"Are you?" I pressed, circling her slowly. My shadows stretched across the floor, reaching for her like tendrils of smoke. "And what about your mentor? Theron, isn't it? When do you start your training?"
I watched her reaction carefully, searching for any sign of what she thought of him. The way her breath caught at his name, the slight tensing of her shoulders—it sparked a jealousy I hadn't expected.
Tess stiffened, her hands clenching at her sides. "We... we haven't had our first session yet. But it's fine. I'm sure he knows what he's doing."
She's nervous. Uncertain. We should be the one guiding her. Touching her.
I paused, standing uncomfortably close to her. The scent of vanilla and spice filled my senses, making my head spin. I fought the urge to bury my face in her hair, to taste her skin.
"Because I worry, Tess," I said, my voice husky with restrained desire. "There are those in the guild who aren't happy about a human bonding with a dragon."
Fear flashed in her eyes before she masked it with anger. The rapid beating of her pulse at her throat captivated me. "What do you mean? What do you know?"
She needs to understand the danger. But we can't tell her everything. Not yet. Not until she's ours.
"Enough to know you should be careful," I replied, my gaze locked on hers. "The trial ahead of you... it won't be easy."
Frustration colored her voice as she demanded, "Then tell me! Stop with these vague warnings and just tell me what's going on!"
I shook my head, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. She flinched at the contact, but didn't pull away. The softness of her skin under my fingertips sent a jolt through me, my shadows writhing in response. I could feel my control slipping, desire and protectiveness warring within me.
We want to tell her everything. To keep her close, keep her safe. To claim her.
"I can't," I said softly, my fingers lingering near her cheek. My gaze dropped to her lips, remembering how they felt against mine in that stolen moment days ago. "Knowing too much could put you in more danger. Trust me, I'll handle it."
"Trust you?" Tess scoffed, her voice rising. She ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know what to trust anymore. Everything's changing so fast, and now you're here with your cryptic warnings. Why? Why do you even care?"
There it is. Finally.
The sight of Tess, eyes blazing, cheeks flushed, sent a surge of heat through my body. Her suppressed emotions were finally breaking through, and it was intoxicating.
"Why do I care?" I echoed, stepping closer. The air between us crackled with tension. "Because you're important, Tess. More important than you realize."
Her eyes flashed. She stepped closer, her finger jabbing my chest with each word. "Stop. With. The. Cryptic. Answers." Her voice rose, filling the small room. "If I'm so important, then tell me what's going on!"
Her finger burned through my shirt, branding my skin. The scent of her anger, spicy and intoxicating, filled my nostrils. Her chest heaved with each breath, mere inches from mine. My control, already frayed, snapped like a taut wire.
My hand shot out, fingers encircling her wrist. In one fluid motion, I yanked her to me, my other hand tangling in her hair. Our lips crashed together, teeth clashing before finding their rhythm.
Tess went rigid, a small gasp escaping into my mouth. For a heartbeat, the world stood still. Then, like ice melting in the sun, she softened against me. Her fist bunched the fabric of my shirt, nails scraping my chest as she pulled me closer.
As we kissed, I felt the tension in her body transform. All the overwhelm I'd noticed earlier, the stress she'd been carrying, seemed to pour into the kiss, morphing into raw desire. It was as if she was finally allowing herself to feel something else, to channel her frustration and fear into this moment of passion.
The taste of her exploded on my tongue—sweet with a hint of the apple she'd eaten earlier. Her lips, soft yet demanding, moved against mine with a fervor that matched my own. The heat of her body seeped through our clothes, igniting a fire in my core.
Nothing existed beyond this moment, beyond the soft curves pressed against me, the quiet whimper that escaped her throat, the silky strands of hair twined around my fingers.
Suddenly, Tess wrenched away. She stumbled back, her hand flying to her lips. Her eyes, wide and wild, locked onto mine. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, matching my own ragged breathing. A flush painted her cheeks, spreading down her neck and disappearing beneath her collar.
"What was that?" The words tumbled out, breathless. She shook her head, as if to clear it. "You can't just...What are you doing? You have no reason to interfere in my life like this."
My shadows pulsed and swirled, reaching for her. A growl rose in my throat, primal and possessive.
"You're wrong," I snarled, the words rough and raw. "You're our mate."