Chapter 59 Taera
Taera
When I wake up, the ceiling is twinkling. I smile, then lift my head to see Nikolai working at the desk. I’m in his bed, again cocooned in his silky sheets. It makes me giggle, a sound that bubbles forth and surprises me.
It catches his attention.
“How are you feeling?” He puts his book down and stands, coming to sit on the edge of the bed.
I gaze up at him, grinning. He’s pleasing to rest my eyes on.
“I’m good,” I say, and the words swoop.
Nikolai chuckles. “Still feeling the effects, then.”
“Everything’s swirly.” I giggle again, leaning in closer to get a better look at the way his eyes twinkle. I could get lost in those eyes. But the world tips sideways.
“Easy, there,” he says, smiling. “That’s the artifact.”
“I like artifacts.” I beam at him. “Can we do it again?”
“No.” But his laugh is warm. “That would be dangerous.”
I pout. “But you’re so pretty.”
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
I frown at the window, where the sun is streaming in. “Why am I still sleepy?”
“You slept for a full day and a night.”
But I have a job!
I lurch upright, throw the sheets off and leap to my feet. I sway and tip. Nikolai grasps my shoulders and firmly seats me on the bed.
“Nikolai,” I say very seriously. “I have to work. It’s important.”
“I’ve already spoken with Omi,” he says, tipping me back onto a pile of pillows.
I giggle. Then I remember I don’t get to stay with the pretty magician unless I pass some sort of magic exam. I grab his hand. “We have to train. I have to learn magic.”
My hand sparks against his skin.
“Good,” he says. “Your magic is returning.”
I blink. “What?”
“And you can call me Niko.” He smirks. “You are my girlfriend, after all.”
I stare at him, astonished, then smile. “I like Nikolai.”
He laughs under his breath. “Just rest.”
“But I’m only on chapter three, and the textbook has way more chapters than that, and even when I move my arms in funny ways I still can’t do anything.”
“Taera—”
“Did you know I have to do part of it on my own? I can’t do that yet!”
“Taera.” Nikolai places his palm on my cheek, shocking me out of my panic. When I focus on his face, he’s grinning. “Leave the exam to me. You’re going to be fine.”
“Okay,” I say, and promptly fall back asleep.