30. Luckily, Murder’s An Option #2
My father was having his memory and name tarnished along with my mother’s.
Being fixated on a lie, Ethan performed spells, charms, incantations, and often tried curse removals–gifts of our mother’s elven kind before she became a vampire.
Since then, we argued more over the topic, and eventually, he started to loathe me.
I held no resentment in the beginning, until Ethan stopped showing up for our mother’s memorial.
His memory of her is far different than what truly happened.
To him, she abandoned us and followed our brother into the afterlife, leaving three young fays to be raised by Apollo.
The God of Truth and Prophecy, Healings and Light. A twin to Artemis.
Our father.
Ethan denounced his relationship to her, hiding features we share to bear no resemblance. Either way, it appears we both have reasons to sever our blood tie.
I’ve canceled my remaining lectures for today as time dwindles in a rush. If we plan to leave at high moon tomorrow, there are things that need to be taken care of first.
I strike a pen across the worn parchment containing my to-do list, drawing a line through Rebecca’s name. Upon arriving, she and Elder Holland were in a heated discussion, which wasn’t my concern, over the aspect of being the Assistant Dean. Or lack thereof.
Catching most of their conversation before nearing her door, I heard him demand respect, and of course she cared little about his tone, which was why I stepped into a room filled with aggression and ice.
Her magic was being enhanced by a shifter she felt no one knew of, a Polar Ashling owl as cunning as it is deadly.
To challenge Rebirth’s strongest Elder is an act against our Dean. Good thing our Dean was the one who put Rebecca in such an authoritative position to challenge Holland. He wouldn’t dare run and tell though. His pride is bigger than that.
After informing her about Osiris’s visit to the Blanded Region, where a few dangerous shifter breeds reside, namely the Pantera panthers, I departed.
Gaining clearance for the upcoming mission, I also got her on board with Kyra attending.
I left Rebecca to whatever activities required an elegant fitting dress and Libra twins.
Standing outside her door, I watch students stroll past me with curious gleams, discussing the Book of Bonds . Some have signed their names and are now in search of their eternals using Eros’s game. I move on to my last two tasks, which are making a difficult call and meeting the Elders.
Pulling out my phone and finding her name, I press call. Gods, give me strength.
“Perfect timing, Alex. I was just thinking about you,” Yuna says, gleefully.
“I assumed you would. Excuse my intrusion, but we have matters to discuss.” Watching a few more students pass me, I hear whispers of seductive things pertaining to the one on his phone. Me.
“It’s always business and never pleasure with you, Alex. One of these days, I’ll get you away from those books, and we can have some real fun.”
“Unlikely,” I huff, “some important information has come about, and I need you here at Rebirth.” It is silent for a few seconds minus her irritable breathing .
“Nope. Not happening. Last time, one of your Elders almost lost their life. I’m not dealing with pervy old fays. Pass.”
“Yuna, this is important. You have my word no one will touch you, let alone approach you without my permission.”
“You make it sound like I need a bodyguard. I’m capable of taking care of myself. You wouldn’t allow me to handle it because the rules of Rebirth are too strict, unlike other Academies,” she mumbles, and I sigh.
“The scar on my chest proves you can handle yourself. My point is, you will have safe passage without bothersome Elders. Will you come or not?”
“Depends. What do I get in return?”
“What would you like, Yuna? Be civil.”
“You know what I require. Let’s not play this game. Either I get it, or we meet elsewhere. Your choice.”
When it comes to getting what she wants, Yuna is more stubborn than Ethan, and what she desires is a Contract of Agreement. To be allowed permanent access to touch, cuddle, hug, and any other form of affection towards me. Knowing her kind, this is a big deal to her…More-so me.
“Fine. Be at Haven’s Hole this moon’s rising and you’ll receive what you seek.” I hang up as another female approaches with her friends, and eyeing me with a sparkling curiosity that lingers below my waist.
Before she indulges her reason for stopping, my sigil takes me to the last stop on my list.
“No, Angie, I’m not on my period, but I’m not wearing white tonight.
And ‘white’ isn’t a dress code.” I pick up on Kyra’s conversation while Elder Kraven speaks in riddles.
For forty-five minutes, I’ve been waiting inside the Elder’s library.
“Why does it matter what kind of panties I’ll wear?
No one is seeing…shhh, Russ is coming. We’ll talk about this later. ” Even her whispers appear clear.
I dial back on listening, granting her privacy, but I know she is somewhere in the White Wing.
Kyra has a signature to her voice. Magical in a sense.
Often, her pitch infiltrates my ears, and I’m forced to listen.
It’s never pleasant eavesdropping, and many times before, I’ve tried tuning her out, but she is a constant intrusion. One I am unable to escape.
Alas, our fourth years vacate the library, freeing up those I seek to have an audience with. Last year students train under the Elders for ascension and magic consolidation, preparing for Godhood and societal roles, so it’s rare we see them prancing around Rebirth.
“Ahh, Alex. What joyous occasion has me seeing your worm wiggle around these walls?” Kraven announces.
“Elder, we’ve discussed your usage of words. Please adjust them,” I say, letting a breath escape me.
“Dear boy, my words are simply that, words. Now, wet my ears with the pleasures of your visit.”
He conjures such inappropriate phrases, using words that should never be mixed. I find it distasteful, pinching my brows.
“I come requesting an audience with each House Leader and your Elder colleagues.” A simple ask for both the mission and Kyra’s official ranking, but he removes an invisible lint from the thigh of his pants, and my scowl deepens. An unnecessary action on his behalf.
Elder Kraven wears his leather pants tightly fitted with nothing under them. His reasoning is they are skintight for flexibility. I should have never asked.
“Alex, my dear pupil. You’ve always been too hard and tight.
You’re not a fourth year yet, but maybe training under me will help loosen you up.
” Sliding his hands within his pocket, he tightens what little slack remained.
LMAO is my single thought if he continues with this demeaning behavior.
“But I shall grant your request. Ensure it’s an arousing topic; we do grow weary with everyday discussions.
The last fay bored me, and now, her skull is used as a book-mount,” he says, walking off, and I wait.
Had it not been for the Elder’s knowledge of books, scrolls, and other records of historian documents, I would have killed him after the first incident last year, on top of bewitching Yuna’s breasts to grow larger with every sip she took. Her shirt nearly ripped off before I caught wind of it.
He is perverted as he is deadly.
It takes some time gathering everyone, and I spend the next few hours going over details for requesting Kyra’s initial ranking match to take place at dawn tomorrow.
Afterwards, the other House Leaders and I spoke about the mission that would follow. We agree that every leader will join along with their second. This gives enough power and flexibility for a worst-case scenario, a plan I’m more than happy with.
Magic sparks around my fingers as I prepare to take my leave when Elder Kraven approaches.
“Alex, don’t be a stranger. And remember, within these walls, your secret is safe with me. Not a drop of you will spill from my lips about what happened here.”
“Inappropriate. Have you not read the book I gave you? Surely with your vast knowledge, you know better than this.” Growing impatient being around him, I am regretfully reminded that he is single by choice. He never sought his eternal under the notion that the Gods never blessed him with one.
“Why yes, it was most informative. My fingers stroked every page delicately, but a gift in return is in order. The next time we meet, my package will be placed in your hands as a thank you.” Stroking his chin in deep thought, he peers down at my pants, then continues, “Tell me, what size…”
I vanish in an instant, engulfed by deep blacks and glistening stars.
Contemplating if I should embark to Haven’s Hole, a facility gifted by our most insufferable Elder, I note my glass of vintage whisky has become diluted from the thick cube of ice swirling in it.
It helps loosen my blood before feasting on the drink I most desire.
And for the past twenty minutes, I’ve been letting it settle.
“Angie, I told you, I’m not wearing a G-string. They’re uncomfortable, plus I don’t plan on sleeping with anyone tonight, let alone do I give a shit what they think about my underwear.” Kyra’s aggravated tone tickles my earlobe.
Listening to her heartbeat increases mine. More often than not, when I find myself restless and plagued with troublesome dreams, it helps soothe my own. Mortals deem this as white noise. *Thud-thu-thud–Thud-thu-thud*
Closing my eyes and envisioning my head laid bare against her skin, I expel a longing sigh. Miiiine. A dark demand announces, returning me to the shadows of my dorm room.
Downing what little remains of my beverage, I tread towards my bedroom, cutting off her voice with willful concentration. But it does little for those close by. “Yes…Fuck me…I want to feel you in my throat…Make me your eternal!” someone within House Death screams, nearly shattering my eardrums.