Cyrus pushed past him, knocking his shoulder. He felt Ara in the back of his head.
Who was that?
He clenched his jaw at the intrusion. This constant connection still unnerved him. It almost made his brain itch having her there constantly but the thought of not having her with him, the thought of his nightmares returning, was worse.
That man that just touched you. Who is he? There’s something wrong about him.
He realized he hadn’t responded. He could feel the tremble of fear that ran through her and the same ran through him.
That’s my uncle but you have nothing to worry about. I’d never let anything happen to you.
Her reply sounded sad.
It’s not me I’m worried about.
Cal followed the throng of people into the hallowed halls of Calami, his uncle vanishing from sight. He tucked his hands into his pockets and looked around. The three invited schools, Mistral Hall, Velichor Academy, and Crimson Hill, were all in attendance but the witches of Calami would be making a grand entrance it would seem.
He stood at the back of the hall, all entrances in view, and leaned against a wall as he ignored everyone around him. He closed his eyes and rested his head on the wall, face pointed towards the heavens.
Cal felt a nudge against his shoe. He could smell the pine and snow scent of Icarus’s magic even before he spoke.
“Brother.”
Cal sighed and opened one eye. “Brother.” He glanced down. “There is a scuff on my shoe.”
Icarus frowned. “It will buff out.”
Cal added it to his tally of dues owed to him.
An awkward silence grew between them that Cal was content to let turn into a gaping cavern.
Icarus cleared his throat. “I–I hope you and Arabella have a pleasant evening.”
Cal laughed. “I’d extend the same tired pleasantry to you, if I thought you capable of enjoying yourself.”
“Stay in the Main Hall tonight. The rest of the castle is off-limits. I know how you like to . . . wander,” Icarus said, his face stony.
Cal pushed off the wall and faced his brother. They stood the same height, had the same build and coloring but there was a haunted quality to Icarus that he didn’t possess. Cal had a crooked grin that promised mischief and laughter and wicked eyes that promised other things.
“Are you asking me to behave, Icarus?” Cal asked, his voice sweet.
“I’m asking you to remember our vow and keep the Marudas sisters safe.”
Cal turned from him, his voice cold. “I am not the traitor, brother. I have no trouble remembering who my loyalties are to.”
If Icarus had anything to say in reply to that it was swallowed by the noise of the crowd cheering and clapping as the ladies of Calami gathered at the top of the staircase.
Cal clapped his brother on the shoulder. “I’m going to go get my girl. Have fun brooding in the corner all night. Maybe I'll take Seren around the dance floor for you.”
Cal winked and then portaled away before Icarus could reply or strangle him, whichever the response may have been.
He found himself in an alcove hidden in shadow near the staircase and waited as each year was presented. He thought he might have seen a malevolent presence in a black dress at one of the banisters overhead but he ducked further into the shadows so as not to draw its attention.
It didn’t matter if he had had the attention of every witch in the room. Once he caught sight of Ara everyone else faded away.
Her blonde hair usually pulled into a tight knot, was loose and fell in waves past her shoulders which were bare. The sleeves of her dress were sheer and draped down her arms. The bodice of her dress was tight, pushing the creamy swells of her breasts higher and Cal wasn’t sure he was breathing. He was quite sure he had never seen nearly as much skin as she was now showing and he fought against the primal urge to take her in his arms and claim her for all to see. He reached her as she took the last step and held his hand out to her. The gauzy skirt of her gown was full but gave way for him as he stepped into her.
“Cal,” she breathed, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Did you see Seren? She wouldn’t let me see her dress.”
