Chapter Five
I stood outside Cerberus Guild, teeth chattering from the frigid cold and the nerves of rushing across town.
They’d closed off entry to the general public on account of the party inside.
Even my best ‘storming in like I belonged here’ approach wouldn’t get me in tonight.
Plus, I honestly only felt comfortable barging in when actually infuriated, which was usually because the suave Enchanter Evergreen had withheld something vital from me.
This was also something he’d withheld, but I struggled to piece together whether it was to protect my feelings or his.
They’d practically rolled out the red carpet for this not-so-tiny event.
Only this carpet was gold, which seemed like the perfect flourish on Enchanter Campbell’s design; her subtle jab of having everyone in attendance walk over Tobias Whitlock, given his branch magic of abjuration created golden shields.
Maybe I was reading too deeply into it—like everything in my life.
But it wasn’t my initial thought, more a collective musing that crossed many of the guests’ minds as they stood in line for the event.
Lighting a smoke, I savored the inhale as my telepathy waned.
Thanks to the actual obsessed fans lined against the steel crowd control fence, I didn’t look too creepy casually observing from across the street by the L train exit.
What was clearly preferential to photographers had evolved into a curious free for all as folks clamored to meet some of the best enchanters in Chicago.
Small Cerberus event, my ass.
I took another drag and followed the envious thoughts to a more discreet side entrance.
A line of guests not flashy enough for the front door was let inside after having their tickets scrutinized.
Fuck. I could always fly to the roof, but it was probably locked or had security of its own.
The parking garage was out since the valet was in and out of there.
“You could always ask me very nicely.” Chanelle walked over wearing a powder blue silk dress. The vibrant pastel complimented her brown complexion. It perfectly fit her shapely frame, and suddenly, I felt even more awkward swimming in this wrinkled tux.
“Ask what?” I snuffed out my cigarette.
“To join me inside.” Chanelle looped her arm through mine and yanked me toward the side door entrance. “You’re far too shabby to be my date; however, since Kyle’s working, I guess you’ll do.”
Images of provocative nights she’d had with her husband at parties like this flashed in a haze of tantalizing titillation. Her perfume mixed with the memories of sweet sweat and musk, and I broke my arm loose to escape her reminiscing.
“How’d you even land a ticket to this event?”
“The perk of being the academy liaison is I get to kiss what little free time I have away as well as a few asses. Gotta make sure Gemini is ever so grateful for the new tech. ”
Chanelle’s confidence radiated off whispered thoughts—her choices, her presence, and the reminder that she could captivate any room, even a room full of professional enchanters. Those intangible fragments filled my footing with courage as I trailed next to her.
She’d always walked through life confidently, but her pride had grown since the attack on the academy, taking on the teacher lead for Gemini Academy’s improved security measures.
It meant more innovation from the staff and required a liaison with the guilds closely affiliated with our campus.
Chanelle loved the position, the added responsibility—as if her days and nights weren’t already consumed by tutoring sessions, coaching, or whatever absurdity the academy threw our way.
“Doesn’t look like you’re too upset about all the ass-kissing you’re going to have to do tonight.”
“What can I say?” She pursed her lips. “I find a way to enjoy any position.”
“A position you gladly took,” I huffed, ignoring her innuendo. “And you were the one pushing for those expensive Cast-8-Watches.”
“Better me at the helm than some annoying asshat. Plus, the tech seemed like a win.”
And it was. That tech streamlined every aspect of our data for improving magical proficiency, with the added perk of registering every person entering the academy. Unfortunately, they couldn’t splurge for staff. Instead, we got upgrades to our badges for comings and goings.
I cracked my neck, quelling thoughts, but Chanelle’s had coiled around my magic so easily. It was annoying.
Chanelle was unabashedly proud of her open relationship and the many facets she explored with and without her husband.
The pieces of themselves they’d learned over a decade of love lingered in each breath she took.
I was already confused enough about my relationship; I didn’t need to spend the night locked in memories of Chanelle’s very adventurous marriage.
There were more than a few questions I had about her relationship, but after that colorful snippet, I didn’t want answers.
Chanelle was as free with her words as her thoughts.
It was quite liberating to observe yet irritating to endure.
Perhaps that was what drew Milo toward her for friendship.
Then again, he managed to make friends with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Still, for the boldly confident Enchanter Evergreen—he selected all his words rather carefully, unlike Chanelle, who spouted them right as they bubbled in her mind.
“I’ve always wondered how you two worked, but after what you keep on the surface, I think I get the idea.” I strolled beside her, getting closer to the line. “Don’t expect me to play wingman for your night out.”
“Please, Dorian. You’re far too dull. Now, your ex on-again, off-again were-you-ever-a-thing again—he’s a cutie. Even without his enchanter title or those fancy rankings, I think we’d each reel in quite the catch for the evening.”
I furrowed my brow.
“Kidding.” Chanelle ushered me into the line.
“You’re here for him, right? Milo. Just guessing.
Don’t need to be psychic to figure out the vibes there.
He hasn’t mentioned you once since you were released from the hospital.
And you haven’t mentioned him either, but then, you’re not one for divulging.
I thought maybe there was something going on.
Now there’s all this talk on who’s on Evergreen’s arm, who will, who should be, who could be.
My guess is the grumpy little telepath wants to shoot his shot.
I’m all for making dreams come true. Just ask anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to have me grant theirs. ”
Chanelle smiled. Her bright white teeth filled her face as her dimples sank in deep.
She had a pretty accurate assessment considering how little she knew.
Whatever friendship Milo and Chanelle had developed, he’d respected my desire for privacy, which said a lot considering how candid he could be and how often she pried secrets out of people.
That was what this all came down to, what brought me here.
A desire for something different. I just hadn’t figured that part out yet.
“It’ll cost you, though.”
“Seriously?” We moved closer ahead.
“With the Spring Showcase coming up, it’s going to get pretty cutthroat with everyone doing their damnedest to ensure their students qualify.
I’ve got a million things on my to-do list, but I don’t want my homeroom coven to suffer as a result, so if you want into the event of the season, I want your assistance with one of my projects. ”
“This isn’t the event of the season.” It was barely the event of the month.
Yes, they’d pulled out all the stops to honor the esteemed Enchanter Evergreen, but they’d have more celebrations leading up to the actual Global Ranking’s Ceremony, which was months away.
Maybe that was why he didn’t hype this. Maybe he knew there were plenty of others soon to come.
“Tick tock, agree to assist or face the lock.” Chanelle pointed to the attendant at the entry we stepped closer toward. “ Then you’ll get no cock. ”
“I hate you more than words can express.” I released a breathy sigh.
“I thought it was rather whimsical.” Chanelle continued rhyming crude words in her mind. “Everyone’s a critic.”
“What do you want?”
“I’m running the Wisp Prevention Program,” Chanelle said, prattling on about the volunteer program like I didn’t already understand every detail .
As far as favors went, this was something I’d gladly sacrifice a few evenings for, considering it’d allow me more time to help the students who’d signed up with their magics and hopefully improve their scores before the Spring Showcase rankings were issued.
“Consider me at your service.”
“Oh, please lead with that when you see Milo tonight.”
I rolled my eyes as Chanelle flashed her embroidered ticket that the attendant cross-checked with an enchantment before allowing us to pass.
The hallway leading to the event was well-lit, with doors blocked off and people trickling through on their way inside.
My stomach dropped once we walked into the ballroom.
I’d attended dozens of these events at Cerberus, among other guilds in the city, but they rarely brought out their best when hosting academy staff or meet and greets for potential student interns.
Everyone was dressed so finely, even Chanelle barely looked the part.
I tugged at my loose tie, hoping to cover the stain on my wrinkled dress shirt.
I should’ve grabbed a blazer. Bought one before coming. What was I thinking?
“Good luck, lover boy.” Chanelle winked. “If you don’t manage to pry Evergreen from his adoring audience, you can circle back and find me.”
“You’re leaving me already?” A tremble nearly creaked from my throat. These types of parties were aggravating, but they didn’t make me anxious. Not like this. Why was I here?