Page 133 of Academy of the Wicked, Year One

I turn my attention back to Nikolai, curiosity replacing old hurt.

"Why do you ask?"

His expression turns thoughtful as he leans against the counter.

"Your magic levels are exceptionally high for a 'witch,'" he says, choosing his words carefully. "I sensed it earlier..."

A knowing smirk plays at his lips, referencing our recent passionate encounter.

"But witches all have a natural ceiling — a point where their power plateaus. You don't seem to have that limitation."

"Aww," I coo mockingly, though genuine interest sparks beneath my teasing. "Trying to figure out my weaknesses already? How wicked of you."

He rolls his eyes, but I catch the playful glint in them.

The gesture somehow makes him more endearing — this ancient, powerful being willing to engage in casual banter over breakfast.

The marks on both my neck and chest pulse gently, as if approving of this moment of connection. Cassius's shadows writhe with increased activity, suggesting he's following the conversation with more interest than his neutral expression reveals.

"It's not just about power levels," Mortimer interjects, his scholarly nature unable to resist adding to the discussion. "Your magical signature is...unusual. It doesn't follow traditional patterns for either vampiric or witch-based magic."

I consider this as I finish my coffee, appreciating how the rich brew has cleared away the last vestiges of sleep fog.

"Maybe that's why the village feared us so much," I muse aloud. "Something about us didn't fit their understanding of how magic should work."

"Us?" Cassius catches the plural, his silver eyes sharp with interest.

"My sister and I," I clarify, though saying it sends another pang through my chest. "We're twins, but she..." I stop, unsure how to explain Elena's condition without falling into the pit of worry that constantly threatens to consume me.

"The sister you came here to save," Nikolai fills in softly. His hand finds my shoulder, the touch gentle but grounding.

I nod, grateful he doesn't push for more details. The mark above my heart warms at his touch, a physical reminder of this unexpected connection we've forged.

"The academies libraries might have information about similar cases," Mortimer offers, his tone carefully neutral.Similiar cases? I can only wonder if he means with her being unwell. Do other students here come to find the chalice I’m looking for?"Once you're settled into classes, we could research?—"

"Speaking of classes," Nikolai interrupts, though he shoots Mortimer an apologetic look. "We should discuss maintaining your glamour during training. The physical demands will make it harder to hold the illusion."

The practical concern pulls me back from darker thoughts.

He's right — maintaining Gabriel's form while potentially fighting or performing complex magic will require more concentration than I've needed so far.

"I can help with that," Cassius offers unexpectedly. "Shadow magic can reinforce glamours without drawing additional power from the caster."

The offer surprises me, though perhaps it shouldn't. Despite the complexity of our situation — or perhaps because of it — he seems genuinely invested in helping me succeed here.

"Thank you," I say softly, meaning it for more than just the help but everything brewing in this whirlwind of uncertainty.

My gaze shifts to Cassius specifically, guilt gnawing at my insides.

"Are you mad?" I ask quietly, forcing myself to meet his silver eyes. "About...you know. The unexpected bond with Nikolai?"

Better to confront this now, before classes start and everything becomes even more complicated. The last thing I want is to be a burden, a source of tension between them.

Cassius's expression remains neutral, but his shadows writhe with uncertainty which makes me more nervous.

"Why would I be mad?" he asks instead, his voice carrying that familiar calm that somehow manages to be both soothing and slightly intimidating. "None of this bonding business was your choice. You didn't wake up one morning and decide to form magical connections with two princes."

His lips quirk slightly.

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