by Marian Gray
My hand wrapped around the knob and turned. It opened with ease.
“Hello?” I called into the dark room.
There was no answer.
My foot lifted and stepped across the threshold. The orb light in the corner burst to life, illuminating the empty room.
The covers atop my bed, still laid tucked beneath my pillow. The door to my wardrobe was latched closed, undisturbed. The simple wooden chair stood two feet from my desk as I had left it last night. The room appeared untouched.
I swallowed down my worry and closed the door behind me. With a sigh, I slumped to my bed. My arm released my book bag onto the floor as my body fell atop my covers.
Something pricked my forehead.
I sat up, rubbing the sting. My gaze lowered to my pillow. A green stem with a single thorn poked out from beneath the case. I pinched the end and pulled. Leaves, thorns, and stem led to a full-bodied red rose. I lifted it before my eyes. It was perfect. Not a single petal was ripped or crinkled.
Someone had been in my room.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Good practice everyone.” Eli clapped his hands together in praise. “It’s this kind of work ethic that will give us the cup.”
Our tired hands applauded both our endurance and the end of the training session. When the sound rolled to a close, the reserves and team aides trudged to the arena exit.
“Elijah.” Kinsey McGowen traipsed across the field. Her heel stuck in the soft ground. “Could you please sign this request for travel? We need to get all the paperwork in before the weekend.”
“Of course. Do you have a pen?” Sweat slid down the side of his face.
“You know I do.” Her full lips swam into a smirk as her fingers dipped into the crevice between her breasts and retrieved the item in question.
“This is awkward,” Beth muttered to me.
Elijah released a chuckle. “Thanks, Kinsey. You’re the best.”
Her eyelashes fluttered in a cliche manner. “That’s always my favorite compliment.”
“They just need to fuck already,” Maggie whispered to us.
He scrawled his famous signature across the page and handed it back to her. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“Likewise.” She bit her fat bottom lip. “Send me a note if you find yourself bored.”
Envy boiled in my gut. I had never seen him overstep with her, but her wantonness was palpable. Only an idiot could not detect her intentions.
“Why don’t you join us in the showers, Kinsey?” A big grin grew on Ryan’s face.
“No,” Elijah answered before Kinsey had a chance to. “Only players allowed in the locker room and bath. That is a university rule.”
“You’re an animal, Ryan.” Beth sighed.
“Yeah.” Andres grabbed the tops of Ryan’s ears and pulled upward. “Dumbo, the elephant.”
Ryan swatted him away while the group chuckled. “I dislike all of you.”
“Thanks for your help today, Kinsey. You’re free to go.” Elijah dismissed her.
She winked at him. “Have a good night, captain.”
“Everyone to the showers, except Kim,” Elijah said. “I need to discuss something with you.”
“Oooh, Kim’s in trouble,” Maggie teased as the group traipsed away.
I crossed my arms. “What do you need to discuss with me?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you upset with me?”
I glanced over my shoulder before I spoke, ensuring that the other four were out of earshot. “Kinsey just really annoys me.”
A half-smirk slid up his right cheek. “Jealous?”
“Don’t.” My eyelids lowered to a glare.
“If we were public, this wouldn’t be an issue. Kinsey believes she’s flirting with a single man.”
“I know you’re right, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less when it happens. Can’t you rebuff her every once in a while? Tell her you’re not interested.”
“What’s the point? If it’s not her, then it will just be someone else.”
“Why? Because you love to lead them on?”
“Like you with Ryan?”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“The Emporium article announcing you as Ryan’s secret lover.”
“It’s garbage, and you know it.” The world must have turned on its head this morning. Elijah was jealous.
“They wouldn’t give you that label without any basis. You two must have been seen doing something.”
“I don’t know.” My voice raised in heat. “Anytime he and I have been around each other, you’ve been there. Holmgang practices, games, and that silly mixer.”
“From what I saw, you two looked to be getting on pretty well at the last game.”
I rolled my eyes. “He was just giving me game advice. He didn’t strut around in heels with his chest hanging out and yank a pen from his bra to give to me.”
“Are you that naïve? Ryan is a dog.” His tone was serious. “Do you think Beth constantly badgers him because she’s some crossed ex-lover? No. It’s because Ryan has no shame. When it comes to women, he looks out for himself.”
I sighed. “Listen to me. Nothing is going on between us. I don’t know what source the Emporium received that story from.” My arms folded in front of my chest. “Do you not trust me to be faithful?”
“Of course I trust you.” He rubbed his lips. “Playing this game with the world in order to keep our relationship secret is scrambling my judgment. I don’t know how to act around you in public. I don’t know how to act around others. Do I tell them I have a girlfriend when they ask but not reveal your name or do I say I’m single?” His hands slid across my face, cupping my cheeks. “I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m not ashamed to be with you. I’m not frightened by what others might think. Can we please stop hiding?”
I glanced to either side. My foot lifted and took a step back, but I wanted nothing more than to fall forward into his arms. “I’m sorry. We can’t do this in public.”
“We’re not in public.” He scooped me into his arms. “Please, let’s just be together.” His lips met my cheek. “I’ve never longed to hold someone’s hand as I do now. I’ve never dreamt of kissing someone day and night.” A heavy breath dashed from his mouth. “I hate being forbidden to look at you a moment too long or even touch you.” He kissed my other cheek. “As I said, I’m not ashamed of this relationship. I have nothing but pride from calling you my girlfriend, and I am ready to fight the raging tide of global gossipers.” I opened my mouth to speak, but he put a finger over my lips before I could speak. “Don’t ruin it. Don’t apologize and explain why it can’t be.” He leaned forward, taking in the smell of my hair. His breath heated the rim of my ear. “All I want is you,” he whispered. “And for this small moment, I want to remain in that thought.”
I didn’t say it, but I felt it in that moment. I loved him, and my heart broke to hear how much this aggravated him. What we had wasn’t an unrequited love but something within the forbidden nature. It made all the sweetest fruits taste bitter on the tongue.
“Come back to my dorm with me. It’s been too long since I last had you.”
“And what will the rest of the team think?”
“Then let’s go to the showers and wait for the others to leave. I do love the way your skin feels when it's wet. It reminds me of our first time.”
I swallowed hard. The gorgeous man before me was hard to resist, and his desire was contagious.
Eli yanked back with his eyes wide. “Did you hear that?” His gaze pushed passed me, running over the arena’s tunnel to the underground.
I shook my head. “No?”
He withdrew his wand. “Stay here.”
“What are you doing?”
He pressed a finger to his lips as he crept toward the tunnel.
“Eli,” I whispered. Fear trickled through my veins. I had never seen him this alert. Whatever he had heard had spooked him.
Elijah popped his head around the corner and glanced in both directions. He raised his wand out in front of him and exhaled. “Lys.” The tip of his wand released a bright white light and top shot off like a flashlight. He pointed it down both end of the hall. It was the right side that captured his attention.
“What is it?”
But he didn’t answer. Eli took a step down the hallway, disappearing. The time ticked away at an usually slow pace as I stood alone, waiting. I held my breath until relief swept from my lungs as Elijah strut onto the field.
Between his forefinger and thumb, he clutched a single rose bud. It was perfect in its composition with a deep scarlet hue.
Chapter Thirty-Five
My eyes poured over the textbook. My pen stood on the page, awaiting my dictation, but my tongue didn’t know where to begin. I had read the chapter to completion but struggled to pick out the important pieces of information because everything seemed important. The exam over famous enchanters and spell-crafters was in two days. The names, dates, accomplishments, awards, and life blurbs swam before my eyes.
I leaned back in my chair and drew in a long breath. The cool sensation rushed down my lungs and filled my chest. The air chased away my frustration and restarted my mind. I could do this. It was pure memorization.
“Kim?” I heard a masculine voice whisper behind me.
My heart jumped. I whirled around as a cry of fear slipped from my lips. “James?” My eyes widened with shock. “What are you doing here? How did you even get here? What—"
“Shhh.” James pressed a muddy finger to his lips. He sidestepped and his hand reached out, locking the door. “Don’t speak too loudly. Someone might hear you.”
I rose from my chair. “Who?”
“No one in particular.” He shook his head and combed a hand through his untamed hair. “I just don’t wanna be found out.” His gaze settled upon my face. Dark circles traced their way around his eyes. “I’m so glad to finally be talkin’ to you. You’re rarely alone.”
My brain couldn’t absorb the situation. “James, why are you here? How did you even find the campus?” My jaw lowered in disbelief. “You’re not allowed to be here.”
“Don’t get angry.” He took an aggressive step toward me. I caught a whiff of old body odor and jerked away from the smell to keep from gagging. “It was easy. I didn’t do nothin’ illegal—followed you into the airport. You lost me when you went on the elevator, but then Eddie showed up a few days later with his family. I snuck on with them and used my magic to give me a new face. Once I was down, I boarded the tram.”
“Gave yourself a new face?" His powers were strong. " And Eddie never realized it was you?” I whispered. My courage fled me in fear.
“No.” He grinned. Yellow stained every tooth.
“James, you can’t be here. You need to leave. If they catch—”
“No.” His expression hardened. “I’ve been patient, so patient, but I’m done waitin’, Kim. I’m the one makin’ the decisions now.”
“What are you talking about?” I took a step back, bumping against my desk. My wand dislodged from the grooved holder and rolled down the surface to meet my backside.
“You haven’t figured it out yet?” He took a step toward me. His hand jerked to his neck and scratched the red patch on his chin. It wept a clear fluid. “The rose under your pillow. The bud in the tunnel—"
“The scratch marks on the door. The noise at the arena. You were watching us, weren’t you?” Panic pumped through my veins. My hands shook.
“I want to be with you, Kim. I needed to see you and talk to you and hear your voice.” His hands reached for me, curling around my arms in a desperate grasp. “Can you still not see? We’re meant to be together. Our story is one of fairytales and dreams—childhood friends that grow up to become a wizard and witch. We’re destined to be together.”
I shook my head. “You’re not a wizard, James.”
He cocked his head. “Stop sayin’ that.” His fingers dug into my skin.
“Let me go! You need help.” My eyes pleaded with him. “You’re hurting me!”
“I’m here to be with you.” He released me, throwing his arms open. “I love you.” He waited for me to dive into his hug.
My hand reached back as my fingers rolled my wand into my grasp. I took a few steps to the side, keeping it hidden behind my back. “No, James. You don’t and you shouldn’t be here. There’s something wrong with you. We need to get you help.”
A hot red blossomed at the base of his neck and rose to his hairline. “You only say that because of him,” he spat. “Elijah’s not worthy of you.”
I swallowed hard. I didn’t want Elijah tied into this mess. “He has nothing to do with this.”
“He has everythin’ to do with this. He’s the reason you can’t see clearly.” James’ hands balled into fists at his side. “He’s not who you think he is. I’ve watched him. I’ve followed him.”
“What do you mean?”
“There are other women.” His voice was desperate. “Four other women.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words choked in my throat. After our conversation at the arena, it would be foolish of me to believe such a thing. And the number was ridiculous.
“See? He’s no good for you. He’s a cheat.” James stomped his feet. “He’s a liar. But I’m not.” James closed the distance between our bodies. His hands cupped my face. The skin of his palms was hard and dry. “I’m deservin’ of you. You’re happiness is the only thin’ I care about.”
I jerked my head out of his hands. “You need to go home.”
“You’re not even listenin’ to me!” He yelled inches from my face. “I’m standin’ here, declarin’ my love for you, and you won’t even acknowledge me! Listen to my words, Kim. I’m tellin’ you how I feel.”
“James, I don’t feel the same way,” I whispered. The phrase was dangerous to say, but perhaps it would end this insane confession.
James closed his eyes in defeat and rubbed his chin in vigorous motions. “You don’t mean it. You love me. You know you do.” He snatched my hand in his and turned to leave. “Come with me.”
I yanked away, slipping between his fingers. “No. I’m not going anywhere with you. You need help.”
“Yes, you are.” James grabbed at me. His hands tugged at my shirt and nabbed handfuls of my air.
I pressed my forearms to his chest and pushed. “Get off of me,” I cried. But he hugged me closer.
I summoned all of my strength and gave one hard final shove. It permitted just enough room for my wand to move. I tapped the end upon his chest. “Susa.” My wrist finished the spell with a flick.
The air wavered in front of me, and James flew. His back smacked against the pale wall. When his rear hit the floor, shock lit across his face and tinged with anguish. “You used magic against me.” His eyes glossed over with the onset of tears as he hopped onto his feet. The tips of his fingers sparked and smoked.
My wand arm stretched out before me. “This is over.”
His fingers flung open in frustration. “No!” He screamed. Strings of electricity cascaded from his hands and slithered along the ceiling, floor, and walls. But I was left untouched.
My skin surged with energy as my wand grew excited. It wanted to strike. “Turbinis.”
A sharp howl stirred the room as wind spiraled out from my wand’s tip. Its base widened, sucking everything into its fury. The force hit James, throwing him off balance. Just as his toes lifted from the ground, he slammed his hands down. Forceful sparks burst from his feet. He launched himself through my window, shattering the glass.
The tornado died as soon as he left the room.
I dashed to the fractured window. His rocketing body was already hundreds of feet away. I didn’t know how, but he glided through the air unaided. Whatever magic he had found had saved him from a rocky death on the cliffside below.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Elijah shut the door behind h
im and didn’t take another step. His eyes surveyed the damage. Disbelief hung on his face.
Black root systems charred the room from floor to ceiling. The scarring radiated from one central point. The place where James had stood. Papers flitted about the room, trash spread across the center, and all my clothing lay dispersed in random places. The blue sheet I had tacked over the shattered window flapped in the soft breeze. Its gentle whip was the only sound within the room.
“What happened?” His gaze lifted to me.
I scratched the back of my head. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“Well, it appears as though you’ve been hiding something from me.” He glanced back over the damage.
“I wasn’t hiding anything. I had no inclination that this was going to happen.” Maybe I did, but I simply refused to see it. “James is my best friend, and he’s sick or something.” I shook my head. “Actually, I don’t know what’s wrong with him to be honest.”
“If he’s your best friend, why am I only hearing about him now?”
I shrugged. “He hasn’t been a part of my life since May of last year.”
“So, your best friend, who doesn’t go to Ivory, managed to get to Ivory and do all of this.” His arms spread wide, showcasing the disaster. “How exactly did he do this?”
“Magic. He was a bit rough with me, so I had to defend myself—hence the mess. He became enraged, and that’s when the electricity poured from his fingers.”
Elijah squinted at me. “You’re friend is a sorcerer?”
“I don’t know what he is.” But the label checked all of the boxes. “He’s been able to do magic our entire lives, but it’s only recently he’s become very interested in it, obsessed even. He didn’t have a plan after high school and just let the idea of studying and practicing magic consume him. He stopped showering and taking care of himself. I thought he was depressed. He had random outbursts of anger during the break, particularly when he found out we were dating. He was infuriated. And then this happened.