Magic was alive in the air. And it was magnificent.
At the same time unease settled in my chest as I suddenly became very aware of the challenges I still faced.
It was great being here. But I had to remember why I was here. And that everything rested on me, my ability to learn how to control the threads of time.
I done my best to bring myself up to speed from my notes and records I’d made in my journal, so I was hoping for a smooth start today.
“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Arielle marveled, looking around too with appreciation.
We stopped in the center of the hall to get a better look of ceiling.
“It’s amazing,” I spoke in a reverent hush. It felt like I should.
“I’m glad we got here at this time, so we can enjoy the building in silence. In another ten minutes the place will be teaming with students.” She chuckled.
“I wouldn’t even mind. Just being here invigorates me.”
Arielle looked pleased to hear that. “You look even more impressed than you did the first time you came here.” She studied my face. “And that’s saying something.”
“Maybe part of me appreciates it more.”
“Maybe.” She nodded, then straightened quickly. “Archmage Magdalena is on her way over. Just act natural. She already knows about the wedding and that you’ve been away onroyal duties.”
I nodded. The royal duties excuse was how we were explaining my lengthy absence. It was part of the sketchy plan we’d come up with before for my memory resets, where I may have needed a week or so to catch up on certain things.
Archmage Magdalena was apparently aware from the outset that I’d be away a lot and was fine to work around my schedule.
I turned in the direction Arielle faced and say the archmage
With a warm smile on her ethereal face, she moved across the Grand Hall like flowing water. Her robes trailed behind her in a whisper of silk.
Her pale hair fell in a sleek curtain past her shoulders, and her eyes the sheen of knowledge, ancient knowledge. The kind that could change the world.
Those eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my spine straighten involuntarily, but the softness in her face showed a warmth that made me feel safe.
“My dear girls, welcome back,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic, carrying effortlessly through the vast space.
We both placed our hands to our hearts and bowed.
“Archmage, it’s great to see you,” Arielle chimed stepping forward to hug her.
“And you, my dear.”
They pulled apart and Magdalena looked at me. It was strange having someone look at me the way she did—with somuch pride and joy—and in my cursed mind, today was the first time I’d met her.
"Congratulations on your union, my dear Elariya.” Magdalena pulled me in for a hug.
“Thank you so much.”
“I can’t imagine a better person to be with Lord Nightblade.”
What a beautiful thing to say. “That means so much to me.”
“I received my invite to your celebration early this morning. I will be there.”
“Thanks. I know it’s short notice.”
She laughed, light but hearty. “This is the magical realm.Short noticeis what keeps life interesting.”
