I readied my magic, feeling it pulsing in my veins. The intent was to show how well I'dpaid attention to the specific forms covered in our syllabus, so I intended to give Benedict a show.
I didn't attack first; I waited, watching him closely and readying one of the defensive moves we'd studied.
Benedict's magic looked like an extension of his body in this form. I supposed, in a way, it was. Liches were fairly rare in Domhan na Rùin, but they were most common in Daosbor. They were mortal for a full human lifespan before choosing whether or not to undergo their transition into being fully undead. As far as I knew, every lich in recorded history had chosen to carry on the cultural tradition. I wasn't sure what path Benedict had chosen—if he lingered here with us in mortality, or had ascended into undead eternity. I wished I could ask him.
Benedict didn't wait long to go on the offensive; his power flashed out from his palms, surrounding me. I shielded without hesitation, and my magic held, keeping his at bay.I grunted with the effort before pushing my power outward with all my might. He must have been surprised by the force, because his hold faltered just enough for me to dart toward him.
I summoned bone from beneath the ground, my power smoothing a shard enough for me to hold one end like a dagger. I slid into the slight opening he'd left in his stance—he likely wasn't used to anyone daring to get this close—and moved to put my bone dagger to his throat.
Before I could get my hand in position, I felt the icy kiss of magic around my wrist, holding it in place. I was so close to him, our bodies nearly touching as I looked up into his face.
"Excellent, my dear," he said quietly.
I searched with my magic for more bones, and summoned them forth, willing them to meld together. It was an obscure technique that had been described in a chapter of our text that we hadn't covered in a lecture. Ihad hoped my extra reading would prove worthwhile.
Tentacles of fluid bone broke the surface of the ground around us, and I focused to will them up, wrapping around Benedict's legs. Two tendrils found his wrists, and I pulled with them, forcing his arms down to his sides.
"Truly excellent, Iris. You never cease to impress." He gave me a broad smile; his lovely skeletal visage was truly a sight to behold.
"Thank you, Professor," I answered, still quite close to him. My breath was a bit labored from the effort of my magic. "Does that mean I pass?"
"With high marks, dear."
I knew the endearment was one he used often, but for some reason it felt especially charged right now. It made me wonder—was I dear to him? As time went on, I realized I wanted to be.
"I believe Adept Letum was the last, so you're all excused. I will see you after the solstice recess." I released my magic's hold onhim as he spoke, and he stepped away. Professor Tonsetter, a harsh woman that taught alchemy, had approached during our duel and now waved to Benedict. I turned to go before he could say anything else to me. For whatever reason, putting myself in a position to find that what I felt was not reciprocated made me incredibly anxious. Typically, in my romantic pursuits I was a bit more fearless, but this felt different. I didn't want to wait there, hoping to talk more with him, only to be brushed aside.
I made my way back to my room and did some reading to unwind. The sounds of my fellow students departing for the recess filtered in from the hall, and I felt a twinge of regret that I was not also leaving. I could use a break; returning to school had been everything I'd hoped, but I was rather tired.
With a cup of spicy tea, I lost myself in the plot of a sweeping romance. The hours drifted by, and the rustling of departures eventually quieted.
When the hour was so late I could hardly keep my eyes open, I stood to stretch and make my way to bed. A soft rustle, like the sound of paper, caught my attention just as I saw a bit of movement at the bottom of my door. A crisp, cream-colored envelope slipped through the small opening under the door. I watched for a moment, waiting to see if anyone would knock. I didn't even hear footsteps retreating down the hall, though.
I eyed the envelope curiously—it was plain save for my name scrawled in a beautiful cursive script and a shiny wax seal.
I set my book down and gently broke the bright red seal. The paper was thick and smooth against my fingertips. I unfolded the letter to find more of the same elegant hand.
My dearest Iris,
I believe you are staying at the Academy for the solstice break? If that is in fact the case, I would be honored to have the pleasure of your company at my townhouse. I often celebrate the solstice alone, but I would be delighted to host you for solsticedinner. If this is agreeable to you, please join me on solstice any time that is convenient for you. Thank you for considering my invitation.
Yours most truly,
Benedict
I felt a fluttering in my chest as I read the note again. He was inviting me to solstice dinner—he wouldn't do that if I was just some dalliance, right? Or maybe it wasn't as important to him. If he spent most solstice nights alone…
I cut myself off; trying to analyze his every word would get me nowhere. If I was curious, I'd need to move past my anxiety and have a real conversation with him to get my answers. I supposed there was no harm in accepting his invitation to do just that.
Chapter 6
The morning of thewinter solstice dawned with a misty chill. I loved days like this, where the spires of the Dead City faded in and out of view through the fog, apparitions dancing on the floor of the valley.
In Daosbor, the winter solstice was meant to foster remembrance, peace, rest, and reflection. The longest night of the year gave us time to lay things to rest, time to leave the things behind that didn't serve us, and renew our memories of things that did. It was a bit odd to imagine spending such a holiday with someone I hardly knew, but I supposedfor some people the solstice was just a fancy dinner on another long, cold night.
I wasn't sure if this was intended to be a formal affair, so I spent a good part of the morning fussing about what to wear. I didn't even know if I would be the only guest, now that I thought about it—he hadn't specified. He'd said he spends solstice alone usually, but what if he meant he was having a party? Gods, if I had to meet a hoard of new people tonight it would definitely feel like the longest night of the year.
After extensive deliberation, I settled on my dark green velvet gown. I didn't have cause to wear many gowns these days, but it seemed like the right time. It was floor length, in a plush velvet that was so dark green it was nearly black. The skirt flowed away from where it hugged my waist. The neckline was a deep sweetheart, and the sleeves were long and simple. I wore a black brocade corset over the bodice, just for something festive. I hardly ever bothered to do anything special with mylong black hair, but I decided to pull it up into an updo high on the crown of my head. I darkened my lips to a deep blood red, took a deep breath, and headed out the door.
