Page 30 of Midnight Reign
“Good evening, class,” Professor Hartridge says, her voice carrying easily through the room. “I trust you’ve all recovered sufficiently from recent events to focus on your studies. Today, we’ll be delving into the intricacies of binding runes and their applications in complex spellcraft.”
As Professor Hartridge begins her lecture, I find myself drawn in, despite my preoccupation with recent events. The world of runes and symbols is fascinating, a language of power that transcends the spoken word.
“Now,” she says, chalk hovering in the air as she sketches out a complex array of symbols, “who can tell me the potential consequences of misaligning a binding rune in a protection ward?”
My hand shoots up of its own accord to my shock and horror as I have zero idea about any of this. Professor Hartridge nods in my direction. “Miss Black?”
“Misalignment of a binding rune could cause the ward to collapse, potentially releasing or redirecting the energy it was meant to contain,” I say, the words flowing easily even though a minute ago, I had no idea about any of this. “In extreme cases, it could create a feedback loop, amplifying the very threat it was meant to protect against.”
Professor Hartridge’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Excellent, Miss Black. And can you give us an example of when such a misalignment might be intentionally employed?”
Somehow, I know the answer. “In certain offensive spells, a deliberately misaligned binding rune could be used to create a delayed reaction. The initial spell would appear to fail, lulling the target into a false sense of security before the true effect manifests.”
A hush falls over the classroom. Even Professor Hartridge looks surprised. “That’s correct, Miss Black. Though thatparticular application is generally considered advanced theory, not typically covered at this level.”
I feel Zephyr’s eyes on me. I shrug slightly, suddenly very sure where that knowledge came from,
“Let me guess,” he murmurs. “Crazy ancient vampire woman?”
“Mm-hm.”
He gives me a warning glare, and I grimace. This isn’t good. She is controlling me enough to blurt out answers in class like some swotty brainiac.
But I can’t stop her. As the lecture continues, I’m volunteering answers with increasing frequency. Concepts that are beyond me, seeing as this is my first class in this subject, are there in my head, waiting to be shared.
As the class draws to a close, Professor Hartridge says, “For your assignment, I want you to design a protection ward using at least three different rune systems. Be prepared to discuss the synergies and potential conflicts between the systems in our next class. Miss Black, a word, please.”
As the other students file out, Zephyr gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before leaving me to face Professor Hartridge alone.
“That was quite an impressive display of knowledge tonight, Miss Black,” she says, her silver eyes studying me intently. “Might I ask where you’ve been doing your additional reading?”
I gulp, unsure how to explain. “The library?” I mentally roll my eyes at the lame response.
She glares at me. “Hmm.”
For a moment, I consider telling her everything about the ancient vampire in my head. But something tells me that would be really dumb.
“I’m new to this world, obviously. I’m pushing myself to learn, Professor,” I say instead.
She regards me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. “Indeed. Well, keep up the good work, Miss Black. But do be careful. Knowledge is power, but power unchecked can be dangerous.”
I nod, taking in her words. “Yes, Professor. Thank you.”
As I leave the classroom, I find Zephyr waiting for me in the corridor, leaning against the opposite wall, his foot propped up on the stone behind him. “Everything okay?”
“For now.”
“You didn’t?—”
“No. No good will come from that.”
“Good.” He takes my hand. “We’ve got another class, I believe.”
“Practical Defensive Magick.”
“If ancient Addy—you don’t mind if I call you Addy, do you? The others do—has decided she is going to make you the school star, I’m quite eager to see how you handle this.”
“Fuck off. And yeah, call me Addy, Zeph.”
