“You mean the electricity?” I shivered at the memory. What bothers me most isn’t how unpleasant it felt, but rather the opposite.
“No, I mean the emotional sensation or feelings you experienced during and after,” Starling replied.
I heard Midwood huff slightly. Get over it lady, I need answers.
“Right now I feel warm and cold at the same time,” I answered. “And there’s still this weight in my chest.” I patted the spot above my heart. “Both times that it happened, when the energy was running through me, it was like my world was shattering and coming together, all at the same time.” I can’t decide if it was a terrible feeling, or a beautiful one. Kind of like the feeling you get when you realize how small you are in the context of the universe.
Starling motioned towards a nearby bench, inviting me to sit with him. Finally! I really need to sit down. I glanced back at Midwood, who gave Starling a brief yet firm look before she walked over to sit at the fountain, which was bubbling away in the middle of the quad.
Once we were seated, Starling turned to face me with a soft smile in his eyes and on his lips. “What you are experiencing is a rare phenomenon,” he spoke. “Even rarer, given both yours and Marcus’s situations.”
I sat up as straight as I could, devoting my full attention to Starling.
“Some call it fate, but in our community we recognize it for what it is. You see, Nyminia, the most common form of magic is elemental, but there are many other forms as well.” He leaned in closer to me. “There exists the organic magic of the universe, power that no magic-kind or supernatural can control.” Starling turned his gaze to the stars. “Fate-pairing for instance.”
My breath caught in my throat. Please tell me that isn’t what it sounds like.
“It’s extremely rare that this type of magic is evoked,” Starling whispered. “But it has happened in the past, and apparently has happened again.”
“So.” I tested the words. “Marcus and I...”
“You and Marcus have been chosen by the universal flow of magic to be together.” He caught my gaze. “You do not have to be together, but if you so choose to enter into a relationship with him I dare say you will experience a love so powerful it becomes a magic of its own.”
I felt sick to my stomach. Is this seriously real?
“You mentioned Marcus had made his choice?” I managed to ask.
Starling nodded, and patted my leg in a fatherly fashion. “Marcus knew what was happening the first time you two touched. He was shocked to say the very least.”
I leaned back, sinking into the bench. My eyes stared out into the dark, unblinking.
“After I spoke to you in the gardens, I went to find him.” Starling withdrew his hand. “He was a mess, don’t tell him I told you.” He winked.
This is insane. But I suppose dating a librarian would have it’s perks, we’d be able to talk about books. Dear lord, I can’t believe I’m evening thinking about this. My body felt cold and hot at the same time.
“He was extremely conflicted, as I am sure you are now, and he asked me not to say anything until he was in the right frame of mind to broach the subject with you himself.” Starling smiled softly.
A twinge of guilt snaked through my stomach. Ah, now I feel a little bad for forcing this conversation.
“After you were brought to the hospital wing tonight, Marcus arrived and demanded that I let him see you. He was extremely concerned.” Starling clasped his hands together. “I denied him entry, asking him if he had made his choice. If he wanted to be with you, he could enter. But if he had decided against it, then he should do the right thing and avoid you completely.” Starling shrugged. “He was annoyed with me, but he left. Honestly I thought that would be the end of it– but his appearance in the woods would say otherwise.” The old professor sighed. “I’m happy, but truly surprised.”
“Why?” I asked.
Starling took a deep breath of the cool night air, and rubbed his hands together.
“I have known Marcus nearly my entire life.”
I nodded.
“He has always been kind to me and to others, but never have I known him to show or feel any affection for another person, vampire or otherwise.”
Really? He seemed warm and almost flirtatious during my afternoon with him. Could that have just been an act, perfected over a thousand years of life?
“That is until now. This pairing has affected him beyond what I would have expected.” Starling twisted so he could look me in the eye. “I cannot express how happy it makes me to see him stumble upon this opportunity.” Patting my hand, he smiled. “You are free to make your own decision in the matter, but please give it some serious thought– and try to understand.”
I sat for a few moments, mind and mouth silent.
“What do I do now?” I whispered.
Starling chuckled. “Exactly what any two potential companions do. Talk to each other.”
I left Starling and Midwood in the quad, and made my way home. My body was aching, but besides that and the puncture wounds in my neck, I was returning to good health. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix I guess.
For a moment, I considered seeking out Marcus and having ‘a talk’ - but I decided against it. I need a few hours with my head safely on a pillow, and maybe tomorrow I’ll be able to face everything.
As I rounded the corner and walked up the concrete steps of my dorm building, I sighed.
Someone is trying to sacrifice me for dragon reasons, an ancient vampire is fated to fall in love with me, my best friend is a werewolf, and I accidentally murdered my date. Letting out a half-laugh half-sob, I drug myself up the spiral staircase. Only a few days ago my life had been bleak and boring, with an uncertain future. Now, my future remained uncertain, but my life was anything but bleak and boring. I pursed my lips, surprised to realize that I actually preferred this new, insane life.
Opening my door, I found myself face to face with a tired looking Rowan. She was wearing those god awful, albeit a bit adorable, cup-cake pattern pajamas, and held a steaming cup of what smelled like coffee.
“Hey, Ro,” I said. “Thank you.”
Rowan put her mug down on the bedside table with a slosh, and enveloped me in a hug, lifting my body off the ground.
Releasing me, Rowan stepped back and wiped her eyes on the back of her pink sleeve. “You’re my friend, Nym. I’ll always look out for you.”
I felt a glowing warmth in my chest, dissolving any cold nagging suspicions I had regarding Rowan. Is this what it’s like to have a sister? I smiled broadly at the thought.
Before I could bring her up to speed on the most recent development in my life, I heard a soft knocking on the door.
Rowan’s nostrils flared as she sniffed the air, and then gave me a pointed look. “It’s most likely for you. I’ll give you two some space.”
“Did you just smell–”
“Hush.” Rowan opened the door and greeted the person on the other side before slipping out.
I wasn’t surprised to see Marcus enter. I’m a little relieved actually, if we get this out of the way now I won’t have to obsess over it for the next eight hours.
“Nyminia, I’m sorry about before.” He closed the door behind him.
“Marcus–”
“Before you kick me out, I just wanted to explain–”
“I’m not kicking you out.” I sat down on my bed and sighed. “Professor Starling explained to me what’s going on.”
Marcus didn’t look happy. In fact, he looks down right depressed
“I think we need to have a talk.” I folded my hands in my lap.
“It’s fine, I understand that you don’t want to see me again.” Marcus turned and reached for the doorknob. “I’m sorry for my intrusion.”
“Wait!” I motioned for him to stay. “Why do you assume that’s where I’m going with this?”
Marcus turned his deep green eyes to me, there was emotion in them. Sadness. “I’
m a vampire Nyminia. A very old one. It would be foolish of you to get caught up with me.”
Frustration knotted itself in my gut.
“I only came here because I felt I owed you an explanation.” Marcus opened the door. “I didn’t come to pressure you into...” He kept his gaze on the carpet.
“Pressure me into what?”
His gaze met mine. “Into starting down a path with no happy ending.”
Leaning forward, I placed my face in my hands. I allowed myself a silent moment before the my emotions bubbled up and out.
“I thought I was going to die tonight,” I spoke. “It was my fault for being in the situation to begin with, and I couldn’t save myself without accidentally killing anyone.”
Marcus let go of the door, letting it shut with a click, and turned towards me with his arms crossed.
“Do you know how I feel now?” I raised my brows. “I feel ashamed. I don’t want to be that person anymore, I want to be different. I want to take control of my life.”
Marcus stood there, he used no words but I could tell by the tenseness of his body his own inner dialogue must have been raging in his head.
“I’m going to start by not letting other people make decisions for me.” I stood up, and crossed my own arms. “That includes you.”
Marcus furrowed his brow.
“I want to get to know you.” I sighed, shrugging my shoulders. “Whatever happens, happens. We shouldn’t over-think it. That is, as long as you want to get to know me too?”
Marcus had stopped breathing. “I do,” he whispered, almost to himself.
“Well, it’s settled then,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Chapter one of ‘Nyminia and Marcus Get to Know Each Other’ starts tomorrow.”
Marcus gave me a sideways smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?” he asked.
“Yes.” I said, smiling. And please, don’t make me regret it.
Marcus bid me goodnight and let himself out of the room. Fighting the urge to fall asleep in my clothes, I forced myself over to the dresser where Rowan kept her never ending supply of baggy shirts. Changing quickly, I slipped between the sheets, leaving the lamp on for my friend who I was sure would be back any moment. Yawning, I tried to wait for her to walk in, but it was as if the sandman himself was pulling my eyelids down.
After a few blissful seconds, the sound of the door swinging open caused me to stir under the warm embrace of my blankets. However, instead of the sound of Rowan hopping into bed, I heard a strangely familiar voice instead.
“Die, witch.”
CHAPTER 11
THE GIFT
I fought for breath as Mrs. Carmichael pinned me down to the bed with her knee, her right hand wound around my neck.
“You think you can murder my son–” she pressed her weight into my chest “–and then hop into bed with a smile on your face?”
I thrashed under her knee, but she was much stronger than me. No, please, I don’t want to kill you too.
“I’m not letting you get away with it.” Her breath stank like cigarettes.
In Mrs. Carmichael’s free hand, I saw the glint of a blade. Sputtering, I tried to force words out past the grip on my bruised neck. Just let me explain!
Her muscles tensed and the knife flashed its way forward towards my ribs. Afraid, I shut my eyes and desperately tried to call up some sort of magic. Wait, I feel… nothing? No pressure on my chest, no hand on my throat.
Opening my eyes, I saw Mrs. Carmichael laying motionless on the ground, held beneath a large red wolf. And next to her...
Marcus! His body lay on the floor, knife lodged to the hilt in his stomach. Rolling off the bed and dropping to my knees, I brushed his dark hair away from his face, searching for a sign of life. I looked up at Rowan, frantic. How are you supposed to tell if a vampire is still alive?
I moved my hands to the red handle of the weapon ready to pull it out, when a low whine sounded from Rowan. Looking to the wolf, I removed my hands, and she nodded. Palms sweating and heart racing, I dashed out into the hallway screaming for help. Professor Starling was already at the top of the spiral stairs, and he ran to catch me as I stumbled forwards towards him.
“Child, are you alright?”
“Timothy’s Mum– Marcus– ” Was all I managed to gasp as I dragged the old man into my room.
Starling shuddered as he caught sight of the knife protruding from Marcus’s stomach. Reaching into the pockets of his robes, Starling produced a small grey phone. After a moment or two, he hung up, his call unanswered.
“Nyminia,” Starling said, gripping my arm. “Marcus requires immediate medical attention. I’ll do what I can, but you must find Doctor Farsky in the medical wing.”
Rowan emitted a low growl, still holding her prisoner immobile.
“Rowan, please hold Mrs. Carmichael for a few minutes longer.” Starling turned his attention back to me. “Now go!”
My feet unfroze and I flew out into the night, all weariness forgotten. My breath heaved through my chest in waves, and I found myself praying. Please, let the doctor be there! For all I know, he could be tucked into bed somewhere off campus. The muscles in my body cried out, and a cold sweat dripped down my back as I sprinted into the botanical gardens.
As I rounded the corner and passed one of the ancient trees, I caught sight of a figure in the distance running towards me. Fred!
He came to a stop, panting with his hands on his knees.
“I heard you use fire magic! This is excellent!” Farsky said between breaths. “Pity about the boy, at least he was a vampire. You haven’t seen his mother have you?”
I don’t have time to talk.
“She attacked me,” I said.
Farsky jerked his head back as if I had slapped him. “We’ve all been out looking for her,” he said, eyes clouded.
“If it hadn’t been for Rowan and Marcus, I’d be dead right now.”
“Marcus? The vampire?” Farsky frowned.
“Yes, that’s why I came to find you. He’s badly hurt and–”
“I can’t help him.” Farsky stood, emotionless.
“What? But–”
“Allow me to clarify, I won’t help him.” Farsky turned abruptly, his heel grinding the gravel.
I stood alone as he stalked off into the darkness. Rage rippled through my blood, heating my body. What the hell is his problem?
“Get back here!” I threw my voice after Farsky’s retreating outline.
A violent crack and subtle burning smell answered me as he disappeared completely. What a coward. With no other options, I ran at a breakneck pace back to my room.
I burst through the door and searched the room with my eyes. Mrs. Carmichael and Rowan are gone. Professor Starling and Midwood stood around my bed, where they had obviously tried to make the unconscious Marcus comfortable.
“Some doctor!” I slammed the door behind me. “He refused to come.”
“I feared as much.” The professor’s eyes were unfocused as he spoke.
My gaze fell on Marcus, and uneasiness overtook my anger as I approached the bed.
“I’m so sorry Nyminia.” Midwood spoke, “Mrs.Carmichael was being held in Doctor Farsky’s office, but she managed to escape.”
I ignored her. “How’s he doing?” I whispered.
“Mildred, Nyminia, please excuse me,” Starling whispered as he walked out of the room.
He sounds like he’s mourning already. Fear gripped me, making my bones feel icy.
Midwood reached out and gasped my hand, holding it firmly as if she was trying to send me strength. “This type of knife is a highly illegal, heavily enchanted weapon.” Her eyes misted over. “Once we remove it from Marcus’s abdomen, his life force will start the process of seeping away.” Midwood balled her free hand into a fist. “The doctor is the only magic-kind in the country who is knowledgeable and skilled enough to save someone from such a weapon. Without his aid, there is nothing we can do.”
A ripple of
nausea spiced by the familiar feeling of anger traveled through me. No, I won’t accept this.
“There has to be something.” I said, as if by saying it out loud it would make it true.
We stood in silence, Midwood simply gazing at Marcus and dabbing her eyes like he was already dead.
“You’re going to stand there, and say in a world full of magic, there is absolutely nothing that can be done?”
My harsh tone caught Midwood’s attention, and her eyes snapped up to meet mine.
“I refuse to believe it,” I whispered. “Can’t you force Farsky somehow? Make him save Marcus?”
The headmistress flattened her mouth into one hard line, and shook her head.
I rubbed my eyes with my hands. Emotions mixed in me like a dangerous cocktail. “Please. You’re the headmistress and an elemental mage, you have to know something.”
Midwood turned, and I studied the back of her white blouse. Say something! Anything! I can’t have another death on my hands. Please...
Midwood turned back to me, opening and shutting her mouth. I held her gaze, begging her with my eyes to say something.
“There is a spell.” Midwood glanced around, smoothing her skirt. “But it is unthinkable.”
“Not so unthinkable that you wouldn’t bring it up,” I retorted.
Midwood sighed, and pressed her hand into her forehead.
“It is complicated magic. Even if you are as powerful as I think you may be, it will be nearly impossible for you to complete.”
“Me?”
“Yes, it would have to be you. It can only be cast with fire magic.”
“Explain how it’s done.” I rubbed my hands together.
Midwood shook her head. “I will explain the price of this spell, and then you will understand why you cannot do it.”
I snorted, crossing my arms. Someone’s life hangs in the balance, and she’s concerned about a price? I’ll pay it.
“If you were successful with this spell, you would save Marcus’s life, restoring his immortality.” Midwood took a deep breath. “However the spell is fueled by life energy, and I believe it would take nearly ten years worth of yours to heal him.”
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 9