She gasps as it sweeps her off her feet and forces her to perch. Kyra’s giggle strums the veins of my heart to a tune only she can manifest, and I can’t help but return one of my own.
“Thank you,” she mouths, still holding firmly to my hand, and Inod.
Together, we enjoy vibrant shades of orange and red dance over the grass, mixing with soft greens and dull blues coming in behind it. Our nights are beautiful, same as mornings, but there is a moment when time merges into one and becomes a mesmeric illustration. Like now.
“Beautiful can’t describe how amazing this view is,” she whispers. Her gaze sweeps across our lands, and mine shifts to her, not realizing how true the words she spoke are.Indeed, it is.
With her free hand, Kyra tucks a few strands of wild red hairs behind her ear, and another smile of mine awakens. It fits her. Not only is itourfavorite color, but the warm tone against her skin makes it more…her.
For longer than I’m worthy, we sit tethered, and she enjoys me pointing out the different Houses mentioned earlier. House Earth is on our left, and House Life is to our far right, the only two visible from this direction, along with the coliseum and beach in between both.
Her eyes sparkle with curiosity, and I show the faint glow of wards surrounding Rebirth. Pointing far out and guiding my hand up, I outline a dome of pure magic designed and maintained by our Elders.
Dark has fallen upon us, and for however long we have enjoyed one another’s company, her thoughts have been quiet. I placed a plethora of walls to surround my mind to keep others out, and this night couldn’t have gone better. Until the greed of my instinctual nature strums a thumb over her hand.
Kyra inhales deeply, a simple sound announcing my foolish behavior, and she retracts. Her thoughts knock away my shields with ease.
“Fuck, this is Rebecca’s man–boyfriend–boyfay–friends with benefits…whatever the hell they are, and I’ve been holding his hand. Stupid!”
She looks away, rubbing where my thumb offered her more, and fury pours into my aura. Another punishment hangs upon myselffor knowing better, a pact made with Eros. I’ve broken it twice thus far.
Kyra exhales. “Caspian. I–”
“Rebecca and I did not have sex.” Yep, this was not how I planned it. *Sigh* She is taken aback, which means she too wasn’t prepared for my random outburst. Great. “What I mean is, I’m aware of rumors around campus about our Assistant Dean and myself. Someone is spreading misinformation, which is why my intrusion on your meeting happened abruptly.”
“You-um, you don’t need to explain anything to me. Who you sleep–”
“We didn’t. She used ‘dissimulare,’ a disguising spell known for concealing or transforming one’s appearance. What you saw wasn’t me but rather a fake.” Anger surfaces around my chest, a pressure building of disappointment. I should have known Rebecca was capable of something this vile.
“Wow, that’s fucked up. I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’d be pissed and ready for war.” Her laugh takes flight, a melody nudging me closer. “Damn, like that’s really fucked up and terrifying.”
“I know what you’re thinking, and no, not everyone uses this spell. If I’m being honest, it’s not a good one. There are telltale signs for pointing out a fake. The voice, certain physical attributes mistaken by the wielder, and other things one may notice upon further inspection.”
Kyra expels a deep breath, sighing and dropping her shoulders in relief. “I’m glad to hear it wasn’t you–not like I had an issue or was upset by whom you choose to sleep with–we barely know one another, so it would be insane if I did–plus I’m sure you have a partner or someone you’re already sleeping with–and now I’m prying into your–”
“Breath,” I suggest, noticing she hasn’t done so throughout this entire spill of…information.“Thank God I was wrong.”Her smile mirrors mine, and I change the subject. “You don’t have to tell me, but whatever happened between you and Ethan, I’m glad you’re backand okay. Furthermore, you missed my class.” Raising an intimidating brow, I leave it to Kyra not to be intimidated.
She shakes her head, still smiling and apologizes. For the next few minutes, I go over information taught during my lecture, a minimal summary and hasty rundown.
After going over God bonds with those who showed for my lecture, releasing them early felt required once Annika asked if it was possible to prematurely ‘God bond’ with a fay, knowing they’ll ascend. She suggested that we spend a few nights together to see ifIwould be a good fit. Her nature has zero effect on me besides ensuring I reach the highest level of enragement. *Sigh* If I have to deal with another siren, it’ll be too soon.
“If you intend on missing my class, I prefer being notified by text first. It’s easier covering for you when a few Elders inquire on your whereabouts. Holland’s not an easy man to deter, so collaborating might make it a bit smoother, wouldn’t you agree?”
Kyra nods, holding my grin captive as though everything will crash and burn if she lets it go. “I agree.” She blushes, turning away and twiddling her thumbs.“Wait, text him? Did he just ask for my…”
She whips her head at me, taking the plush of her bottom lip between her teeth and notices my hand extended. “May I have your phone to add my number?”
For an eternity, maybe longer, she stares with wide doe eyes and blushed cheeks, and my grin expands the longer this non-verbal encounter continues. “It’s quite alright if you decline.” Though I have it on good authority she won’t.
“No-No, I’m sorry. I spaced out for a second.” Retrieving her phone, she hands it over. I add my number, calling myself to store hers while aware I’m the third male she has exchanged numbers with. I would argue the most important. If not now, then soon.
Reaching inside my pocket, I remove my own with sparks of magic trailing across my fingers.
“Do you havean alias or a false–”
“–Nickname–”
“–Handle, you’d like to go by?” We both laugh, and I yield to her word choice. “Yes, a nickname.”
