WHO LET A DEMON LORD INTO THE MAGE TOWER?

VOLUME 1

ATLAS KANE

Illustrated by ARINA CHAYKA

This is a work of fiction.

Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

WHO LET A DEMON LORD INTO THE MAGE TOWER: VOLUME I First edition. APRIL 29, 2021.

Copyright © 2021 Atlas Kane

Written by Atlas Kane

Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

Welcome to the Tower Guild Academy!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

The Sect of Kane

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1

By the time I’d fought my way through the Blood Lake’s demons, my boots were too soaked to be comfortable.

“Blasted Demon Lord of a father,” I cursed. Unlike the upper Realm of Light, no one cared whose name you spat or what you called them.

That was the beauty of the Underworld.

Which meant I could call my father, the King of the Underworld, an ashless sucker of shit.

As I raised my hand to the dark void beyond the Cliff of Despair, the chasm below moaned. It alone held the barrier between the living realms and the Underworld.

But I was the Demon Prince.

And the void always answered me.

It owed me a favor, anyway.

“My Princccee…” it whispered. “What honor has brought you to my cursed edge?”

I bowed deeply and then rose to my full height once more. “I require a portal. One that my father cannot follow me through.”

The void seemed to wonder about my words. But it had no place to question my desires.

It replied, “I can make no guarantee. But I believe I know the realm that will allow you such a protection. You wish for the Unburnt Land. The one they call Ria.”

“You’re very sharp for a void. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times.”

Its voice chuckled in my head, deep and baritone. “Always with the humor, my Prince. Very well. You know the rules.”

I did. But there was no need to assure the void of my understanding. It had taught me enough to know that I knew that it knew…

I sighed. “I will miss our little talks.”

“Time means nothing to us, Prince. I will see you again, whether in this incarnation or the next. May your fire burn bright…”

“…and may your blood soak the valley,” I finished.

“Your mana, my Princeee…”

Yes. The catch in this elaborate escape. “Of course, void.” I reached into the near boundless pool of dark mana within me. With an iron resolve and an unflinching command, I channeled it outward and into the blackness beyond.

The void shifted, pulling at my mana. Soaking it in to create a doorway that soon parted open.

In the center, the darkness parted like a curtain, and whatever was beyond nearly blinded me.

The void said, Enjoy your mortal existence. And do be sure to write…

I didn’t look away as I stepped through the portal. Into my future.

The Dark Prince would be no more.

I, Luc Vale, was claiming the mortal world as my own.

2

I was naked. It was expected.

Standing tall and recovering from the slight dizziness that came with portal travel, I took in my first glimpse of the mortal realm of Ria.

While preparing for this treasonous escape plan, I’d used my scrying mirror in the Underworld to view this land and the city just beyond the hill.

That’s how I’d known what trees were, and that they were green. I’d understood that the skies were blue, and the morning light was golden and warm. The Underworld had its libraries, after all, and I always used scrying to confirm the text’s information.

Experiencing these things was entirely different.

So much different from the red skies of home. The constant rise of smoke and ash on the horizon. The weak, orange sunlight shining on dark waters.

This was… beautiful.

But I didn’t have much time to dally. I had a plan to stick to, after all.

Amarantha sprawled beside the Angar Sea and bordered the wetlands alongside the Yuri River. I was currently in the farmlands just outside of the city.

On this particular hillside, there were tall trees that shaded a farmer’s house. I knew it well, since I’d scryed the area before my arrival.

Right now, the farmer’s wife was churning butter, as was her usual routine. She was leaned over a barrel and stirring that ridiculous plunging mechanism.

Her full breasts were secured by her dress’s front ties, but the tops of them bulged dangerously as she fought against the hardening butter. Sweat dampened her brow, and strands of dark hair stuck to her temple.

She was a small, yet critical part of my plan too. I had to get to the city of Amarantha and learn their system of magic.

But first, I needed clothing.

The back of my neck prickled.

I turned around and stifled a groan. “Damn you to ashes. You couldn’t wait one day?”

A second ago, the sky had been clear and bright. Now, black thunderclouds loomed above, flashing with lightning.

It meant only one thing.

A demon had slipped into Ria and was here to wreak havoc.

As if on cue, it began to rain. But the droplets that splattered on my skin were crimson.

“Blood rain,” I mused. “The demons are always so showy.”

The farmer’s wife was now gaping at the sky, terror in her eyes. She didn’t even register that I’d approached her, so when I hefted the barrel of butter in my arms and pushed her indoors, she gasped in alarm.

“What? Who are you? No! No, stop!” Her protests died when I set the barrel down. Her eyes dropped below my navel.

Her cheeks were stained with some of the blood, but I still noticed how her face reddened.

“Good morning, Mrs. Farmer,” I said. “My name is Luc, and I’m afraid there’s a demon on its way to decimate your lovely farm. If you lend me some clothing, I’ll be happy to send it back to the Underworld for you. Also, I’ve been told it’s rude to stare.”

Her head snapped back up, skin redder than the rain. “S-s-sorry, sir. What did you say? Clothing? Yes, I can do that.”

I chuckled as she fled the room. This wasn’t the introduction I’d been planning, but it’d do. I would have fought off this demon whether she agreed to lend me clothing or not, but I was banking on her helpful nature.

Moments later, she came back with a bundle of brown, rough-spun clothing. “These are my husband’s. They might be small, but they’re better than nothing.”

Her big, blue eyes blinked up hopefully.

“These are perfect,” I informed her.

A roar shattered the air, shaking the house and making the woman whimper. She covered her head.

I pulled my legs through the undergarment only and decided to stop there. No need to get my new clothes needlessly filthy during the fight.

I carefully cracked the door open and peered back outside. At the top of the hill was a winged demon. Even hunched over, it was easily over nine feet tall. Leathery, black flesh was wet with blood, and white teeth protruded in jagged lines from its lips.

A lesser demon. That explained the overdone storm theatrics. It was an elemental demon wanting to seem bigger than it actually was.

The beasts had stout chests and shoulders, but their hind legs were shrunken and near useless. With an expanse of cracked, ashen skin and bulging eyes, they were anything but handsome.

The trick about my portal travel was how it was powered. Normally, demon kin used the void’s own power to create a portal.

But to keep my father from noticing, I’d had to use my own mana. And most of it too.

Now, I had just enough dark mana left to cast one powerful spell. I would have to make it count.

As I stepped into the open, Mrs. Farmer reached for me, a cry on her lips. “Don’t! No! It’ll kill you!”

“Stay inside,” I ordered with what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “Keep the door closed, if you please.”

“Okay,” she agreed softly. She had a strange expression on her face and gaped at me, a little like a fish.

I shut the door firmly and stepped out into the open.

The demon turned its red eyes on me.

Within a second, it was in the air and flying straight for me. Electricity crackled across its wings.

You asked for it, cursed one.

I ran toward it, widening the distance between myself and the farmhouse.

I might not have more than one spell left, but I wasn’t the ancient Prince of the Underworld for nothing.

I stretched my arm out, fingers spread, and ordered my mana to rise.

Heed my will. Obey me, your master, I demanded. There wasn’t a shred of hesitation in my resolve.

Dark mana was a powerful substance. Even though it was technically mine, wielders still had to be strong enough to harness it. Some demon kin never learned how to master their dark mana. It required a domineering kind of strength not everyone possessed.

The demon stretched its neck forward, indicating a tooth-first strategy.

My mana responded instantly. Like a leashed dragon, it roared to life in my veins.

The demon plunged toward me.

I waited until it was less than six feet away to call out, “Void Flame!”

Black fire erupted from my fingertips, crackling with deadly energy. It engulfed the demon before it had time to understand what was happening.

The fell flames sunk into the demon’s flesh. It writhed briefly, and its mouth opened up in an undignified protest.

Then, of course, the demon exploded.

Bits of bone and gore splashed me. And then it was over.

The black clouds dissipated. The morning sun returned, illuminating the scarlet grass and the destroyed mess of the demon.

My pool of dark mana was gone for good.

And then it sank in for the first time. After 223 years, I was a mortal.

“Sir! Sir! Are you okay? Oh, by the grace of light, thank goodness.”

Before I could turn, Mrs. Farmer’s fingers fluttered over my chest and back, checking for injuries.

I said, “The blood isn’t mine. Please don’t worry yourself, but thank you for your concern.”

Completely ignoring me, her big eyes hardened with resolve. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up. You look like a nightmare.”

After I’d washed the blood and sweat from myself and changed into my newly earned clothing, I learned more about what was happening in the outskirts of Amarantha and within the city itself.

Mrs. Farmer, whose name was Deirdre, informed me that demons had been popping up more than usual in this area. Sometimes, there were enough adventurers around to defeat it. But all the way out here, a few miles from the city? It was less likely help would arrive in time.

As she explained, concern grew inside of me. The demon may not have used a portal to get here. If there were more attacks than usual, that meant there was a small tear in the void between the Underworld and here.

If left unchecked, the tear would grow in size and spit out more and more demons.

In the Underworld, father kept a close eye on the greater demons and their overlords. They were the ones who caused the most trouble, and contrary to some worlds’ popular beliefs, dear old Dad wasn’t interested in dominating the mortal realms.

But lesser demons like the one I’d just killed weren’t monitored so intensely. If there was a tear, they would certainly have found it.

I dressed myself and accepted a warm meal from my hostess. With a parting promise to visit again, I made my way down the road to Amarantha.

As I descended the hillside, I passed a group of four adventurers. They had a crest displayed on their cloaks.

It depicted a tower stitched in blue thread on a field of green. These were members of the famous guild I had come to join.

Each carried an impressive weapon, one a mighty shield, another a bow, and the last two held a sword and spear respectively.

They eyed me suspiciously, so I gave them an aggressive wave of my hand. Good thing I’ve done my research on human behavior, I thought as the group passed by.

For some reason, their faces scrunched up as if confused. The hero with the shield looked particularly offended, and he whispered to his companions. They shared a laugh and walked away, no doubt heading to where the clouds had formed.

Such bold adventurers would want to catch the demon who had passed through.

Little did they know, I’d already cleaned up that particular mess myself.

3

I made my way down into the human settlement. The sprawling mess of stone and wood buildings appeared quaint to my eyes.

I’d been in demon cities that boasted towering spires and large populations.

But I hadn’t come to the mortal realm for grandeur.

I was here for a taste of humility.

“Mister, you don’t have any shoes.”

I looked to my left. Then to my right.

Something touched my knee, and finally, I glanced down.

A small girl with a dirty nose and pink hair blinked up at me.

“You’re very sneaky,” I informed her.

She smiled. “I can see your feet.”

“And?”

The dirty nose wrinkled. “It’s gross.”

“Says the girl who looks like she just stepped out of a demon’s dead bonfire.”

“A…what?”

So, this must be how normal mortals converse.

I explained, “It’s where you collect the limp, bloodied corpses after a long battle and set them ablaze. I imagine you have similar disposal strategies here.”

Her eyes suddenly became… wetter. Shiny. Disturbing. Her face scrunched, and her bottom lip began to shake.

Oh, by the steel bridge of an overlord’s taint. Was this what mortals called crying? I’d seen it once from afar during a scrying session…

She opened her mouth and screamed.

…but this is truly terrifying.

I took several hasty steps back, shook myself, and then stood my ground. “Silence!” I commanded her.

Her voice caught, and she looked up at me in bewildered shock. Water continued to leak from her eyes.

I pointed at her. “Stop that! And change the unpleasant shape your mouth has taken on.”

“But you said I looked like a dead body,” she warbled.

I scrambled. “No, filthy spawn. I said you looked as though you walked out of the ashes of what once was a pile of dead bodies. Very different!” I added with a grin.

She tilted her head. Her mouth relaxed again. “Oh. Is that good?”

“Of course,” I rambled. “It means you yourself were not killed or burned to nothingness. You have every reason to celebrate. Now, mortal seedling, I must leave you.”

She scrubbed her now red nose with the back of her hand and said, “Okay, but you probably shouldn’t go in there like that.”

I climbed the white stone steps. My filthy feet left prints.

It had taken me less than an hour to reach Amarantha’s walls. By the time I’d made it through the gates, Amarantha was waking. Now, chatter about the demon cloud was in full force.

But there was no time to enjoy the city. Not yet. I had a plan, and I couldn’t rest until this first part was over with.

I was at the Mayor’s residence.

I pushed the grand double-doors open. There was no need to ask for directions. A maid stopped in her tracks, but before she could offer me any help, I waved. “No need, madam. I know the way.”

She looked fearful, like she wanted to say something, but didn’t follow me.

I climbed the carpeted stairs and then took a right at the top. I entered the last room on the left with a smile and a bow.

A very short, purple-faced man sat at a desk, sipping from a crystal glass. When he looked up, he spewed the entire mouthful all over his important-looking papers.

“Who —”

“Abigail and Henrick Hollowstone!” I announced.

The man’s face turned a dangerous shade of white. He stammered, “H-how do you mean? Who is that?”

I laughed like we were old friends. It was almost true. He was the second human I’d watched closely through the scrying mirror. Making my plan.

I knew him well enough.

I said, “I know you blackmailed that poor couple by threatening to kill their son — very devilish of you, by the way. All because you wanted their farmland. Bravo! However, I need papers. So, you’re going to help me, and I’ll keep this our little secret.”

His chest rose and fell rapidly. “Papers?”

I spread my hands and gestured at the copies on his table. “Much like these, I imagine.”

“You’re talking about identification papers,” he stammered.

“Everything necessary to apply to the Tower Guild Academy.”

He swallowed hard, meeting my gaze with cold terror. “I don’t know who you are, but you must leave immediately.”

The air was thick with tension and he glared at me with thinly-veiled fear from his bloodshot eyes.

“I will expose you,” I promised.

He pointed a trembling finger. “And who will believe you? A wretched, drunk vagrant to be sure! One who couldn’t show the decency needed to make an appointment, even. The worst kind of scum! I am an important man with a busy schedule!”

His own blustering seemed to give him the false sense of confidence he needed to stand and raise his voice. “Guards!”

Placing a hand on the surface of his desk, I leapt smoothly over, swiping a fountain pen in the same movement.

In the next second, the Mayor found his face pressed into the stained-glass window, the sharp point of his pen digging in his neck.

The mayor did have magic, but he wasn’t very strong. I wasn’t too worried about a counter-attack when I said evenly, “You will do as I say, or I’ll push this a little further and paint the lovely window with your blood. Do you have a preference?”

“F-f-fine!” he gasped. “I’ll do what you want, you madman! Let me go! Please.”

There was a frantic pounding on the door. “Sir? Do you require assistance?”

“Make them go away,” I commanded softly.

“N-no!” he shouted. “All is well! Please clear my schedule for the next thirty minutes, Jed. That is all.”

“I shall, Sir. Call if you need anything else.”

I pulled the pen back from his neck, and the Mayor whimpered, a thick drop of blood welling and then trickling beneath this collar.

“Who are you?”

I chuckled and tossed the bloody pen onto the table. “Ready yourself and that wax seal, good Mayor! I’ll leave nothing out.”

Fifteen minutes later, I reviewed the parchment in my hand. It read:

* * *

Luc Vale

Denomination: Human

Age: 27

Previous residence: Alcara Row District, Hale City

Mastery Level: Novice

Education: Basic (Graduated)

Eligible for Guild Academy? Yes

Eligible for Guild Hiring? Yes

Previous History of Arrest or Misdeed? No

* * *

The Mayor’s seal was as clear as void fire. I was officially a legal citizen of Ria, and no one could challenge that.

He was practically drenching his clothes with nervous sweat. The smell was sour and pungent.

It was wonderful. All it meant was the bastard was pinned beneath my thumb.

“Thank you, Mayor. You are truly the public servant this city needs. And do understand that I know much more about your illegal choices in this city. Shall I send you proof to show my devotion to proper research?”

It was a bluff. But if he needed proof, I’d certainly find it.

He stammered something unintelligible. Finally, he shook his head. Defeated.

I turned on my heel but paused. “Oh! One more thing!”

Was he going to piss himself? I’d probably like to see it.

“What more could you possibly want?” he wheezed.

“Coin,” I said. “Whatever you have in this office. More, if I decide it’s not enough.”

In my haste to come to Ria, I hadn’t learned what precisely was considered a large sum in this world. That seemed like a minor detail, since I’d planned on relieving the good Mayor of his silver and gold.

His brow furrowed. He looked ready to deny me. But the fight in him disappeared with a sigh. “You bastard… fine.” He pulled open a drawer and filled a small, cloth pouch with the coins in his pockets and a bowl of loose change in his drawer.

I took the pouch and examined its contents. There was a fair amount of gold and silver in there. Several copper, which were likely the least in worth. That much was obvious.

“Much obliged, Mayor. I’ll see you soon.”

I left the building and walked outside.

The pink-haired child wasn’t alone anymore.

A young woman with long, curly, pink hair now stared at me too. She crossed her arms over her ample breasts and cocked her curvy hip out.

“Is this him?” she asked the child, who nodded.

I looked down on the angry newcomer as she stormed forward. Her body swayed and bounced with every movement.

She poked me square in the chest. “Did you tell my little sister a scary story? Do you see how young she is? What were you thinking? And why are your clothes so weird?”

I lifted a brow. “No. Yes. Avoidance. And lastly, they’re borrowed.”

Her angry expression went slack with wonder. “Um…what?”

“Your questions. All answered in order.”

She thought about it while biting on her lip. “So, you didn’t try to scare Mabel?”

The spawn in question smiled at me, completely oblivious.

“Am I scary?” I asked her.

“Kinda!” she chirped.

You have absolutely no idea.

To the older girl, I answered, “No, I did not try to scare her. She simply caught me by surprise.”

She pursed her full lips. Those were a soft shade of pink too. And then she broke out into a giggle. “Thank the gods! I was worried I’d have to fight you, and I’m horrible in combat. Though I might be able to take down a giant, handsome man in a scarecrow outfit. I’m Clove Willowborn. You don’t look like anyone I’ve ever seen before.”

There were others dressed even more poorly than I. So, why do I stand out? Blast it…

“I certainly hope not,” I replied lightly. “If I had a twin without realizing it, that would be concerning. Now, please excuse me.”

“Hey! Wait!”

I kept walking, but the girl and her little sister followed. Clove asked, “What are those papers in your hand?”

I frowned. Was it normal for mortals to be this intrusive and clingy?

She huffed and bounced along, struggling to keep up with my pace while dragging Mabel along behind her.

This was a strange way to begin the real part of my plan. I hadn’t anticipated these two. I said, “I’m applying to the Tower Guild Academy. These are my papers.”

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “That’s weird. Normally, the Mayor sends a copy to the Guild. Did you apply ahead of time?”

“No.”

She hummed. “Well, since you’ve never been there before, I’ll take you! I have a friend who will help us.”

“I’m not interested — ”

We passed by an inn just as its old wooden door smashed open, and two figures exploded onto the street.

One was a man with a wolf’s head and claws. Another was a human mage with a glowing staff.

They were about to crash into my two female companions.

4

The child had to be saved first.

She was smaller and weak, and worse, she’d frozen, staring wide-eyed as two fully grown men were about to crash into her.

I moved with all the speed my new mortal body could muster.

All it took was a palm on her ribs and a strong push. She flew back, stumbled, and then caught herself.

Good balance for a spawn.

However, her older sister required more assistance.

Clove had begun to move out of their path, but she was too shocked to act in time.

I caught her around the waist and pulled her out of the way. One of the brawler’s boots smashed into my thigh as we escaped.

I would have kept my footing, but Clove’s feet got tangled with one another and then mine, tripping us both.

I fell backward. She landed on top of me.

The back of my head cracked against the cobblestones.

Pain exploded in my head as my brain rattled inside my skull.

Damn mortal body. How do people exist in these forms? I have to get stronger. Every moment without spellwork is a dance with death!

“Oh my gods!” Clove whimpered, still sprawled across me. “I’m so sorry! Are you hurt?”

Clove sat up and kneeled by my side.

I tried to get up as well, but she pressed two hot fingers against my temples.

Concerned and unsure about what she was doing, I nearly pushed her away.

Clove was glowing a soft, reddish pink. The heat coming from her hands reminded me of hot coals, though not hot enough to burn.

It was soothing.

Immediately, the warmth filled my skull. The sharp pain in my head lessened and then disappeared entirely.

I sighed in relief and looked up at her. “You’re a healer,” I noted.

She blushed and nodded, biting on her lip again. Then her eyes went wide. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

Not waiting for my answer, she yanked my shirt up and peeked underneath. Her hot hands followed, running across my chest and abdomen searching for injuries.

By the cursed horns of the Underworld.

“I’m fine,” I assured her.

But she was panicked, and clearly embarrassed that she’d injured me, so I let her finish checking.

She was seated firmly over my waist, completely oblivious to what she was currently shifting and pressing against.

“I don’t have time for this,” I stated, pushing her hands away and getting to my feet.

If she wanted to bed me, she’d have to wait until there weren’t children around. I was certainly confused by her behavior and could only hope I would become accustomed to this place before long.

Perhaps mortal mating customs are different.

Clove scrambled upright, fidgeting. She was flushed and worried. Her wild, curly hair was all out of place.

Mabel crashed into my leg in a sudden attack – no, an embrace. “Thank you, mister!” she said.

Clove snapped back into focus and turned to her tiny sister. “You’ve already come with me too far. Walk back to The Night Owl Inn. You’re helping Vera in the kitchen today, alright?”

Mabel beamed and hugged her sister next. “Be safe!” And then to me, “You can keep her safe, right?”

It was an odd thing to ask a stranger. I just replied with, “Farewell, spawn.”

That was good enough for Mabel. She giggled like I’d just told the best joke and skipped away.

The brawlers chased one another down the street while the inn’s owner scowled at the broken door.

Without another look back, I continued toward the Academy. Main street took a direct line to the Academy entrance, and I’d made sure I knew this area perfectly, beforehand.

It would take me eight minutes and forty-three seconds to arrive at the Academy at my usual pace. And today was the last day to sign up for the school.

“Why do you want to join the Academy?”

I flinched as the soft, high pitch of Clove’s voice penetrated my thoughts. Of course, she’d followed me.

“I’m sorry, Clove. But do I know you? You seem awfully familiar with me, even though I ‘look like no one you’ve ever seen before,’” I commented, stepping over a small patch of broken stones that looked to be left over from the fight.

Clove, however, did not navigate them as well. She promptly tripped and pitched forward.

I caught her by the waist and set her back on her feet, much to her embarrassment.

I added, “And also, how have you managed to survive with such poor coordination?”

She blushed again and tried to hide behind her hair. “Thanks for the save. Honestly, I don’t know. I was ready to kick your backside when I found Mabel all confused and asking me what a corpse was. When you walked out of the Mayor’s house and we started talking… I can’t describe it. You’re not like anyone else I know.”

“You don’t know me,” I reminded her.

“Do I have to? To know that you’re… I don’t know, special somehow?” She met my gaze. Nervous, but determined. “Let me walk with you to the Academy. Show you where to go. Is that so bad?”

To know that ‘I’m special somehow?’ Oh gods. If only she knew the half of it. She’d likely run screaming.

“Fine,” I told her.

She squealed in delight and clapped her hands, then aggressively linked her arm with mine, tying us together. “Let’s go! So, what do you want to study? Hm? If you’re going to the Tower Guild Academy, you must want to become an adventurer. Right?”

I did, but I was really going because that was the one place that could provide the resources necessary to master light mana as quickly as possible. “A mage,” I answered.

“Just a mage? What kind?”

“Battle.”

“Oooh! That’ll make the Tower fun for you! I’m a healer, so my goal is to join a party as soon as possible. Hopefully, if I pass the Tower’s test, someone will invite me into theirs. Every adventuring party needs a good healer!”

“Apparently.” I’d lost track of time, but eventually, we made it to the Academy. The Tower rose ten marble-columned stories into the sky. The school, training yards, offices, and Guild surrounded the ancient, mana-rich structure in a huge circle.

A marble archway with “The Tower Guild” etched into the pale stone welcomed us and a few other groups of people as well.

I was heading toward the line, but Clove pulled me to the left. “Trust me!” she said cheerfully. “I know a person! We’ll get you checked out fast. It’s the least I can do after I injured you and you saved me from planting my face into the street.”

“But my plan —”

“This is better!”

5

There was no use wasting more time and fighting. Besides, she did seem genuinely excited to help. And unless she was faking her clumsiness earlier, she wasn’t a vagrant in disguise with the strength to overcome me beneath a shadowy copse of trees.

She took me past a roped-off courtyard and into the Administration building.

It was nearly empty, besides the few demi-humans sitting in the waiting room.

The woman at the front counter stood up and smiled when she saw Clove. “Hey! What do you think of my new office?”

She had brilliant red hair and scales covering her shoulders and neck, like armor.

Clove coughed. “Nessie, your cloak. You’re at work!”

The redhead gasped and turned around, bending over to retrieve a set of powder-blue robes that rested over her shoulder. The school’s crest was displayed proudly on the right breast.

Then, she skipped out from behind the counter and smashed Clove in a hug.

Clove kissed her on her temple and released her, smiling. “Nessie, this is …” Her mouth fell open as she gestured to me. “By the gods, I haven’t even asked your name!”

She immediately blushed.

I patted her on the head, to the surprise of us both, and said, “Do not worry. I am Luc Vale, a humble mage. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Nessie’s round eyes traveled up and down my form like she was assessing me. “The only thing humble about you, friend, are those clothes. Are you a farmer?”

“Sometimes.”

Clove gaped at me. “No, you’re not.”

“How would you know?”

She lifted my hand and opened my palm. “No calluses.”

She flipped the hand over and tapped my fingernails one by one. “No dirt.”

She bounced around behind me and tugged my collar down. “No tan! And the way you talk and carry yourself? You’re the son of some lord. Or a lord yourself. I don’t know, but there’s no way in the goodness of light that you, Luc Vale, have ever been a farmer.”

Am I really this terrible at blending in?

Without an ounce of regret, I said, “Calluses fade. Dirt can be washed off. Skin can lose its warmth. I never said I’ve only and always ever just been a farmer.”

Clove shrugged. “If you say so.”

Nessie waved a hand. “I’m bored with this conversation. Clovie! Did you come here to skip the line?”

My pink-haired companion bounced on her toes. “Yes! He needs to do the initial application, though. And then we can both do the power assessment together!”

Nessie opened her mouth and yelled, “Jeremiah!”

I restrained the impulse to cover my ears, but I was certain her shrill shout would echo in my ears for all of eternity.

A young man with sandy blond hair and a youthful expression, a look of absolute fear on his face, sprinted into the room. He skidded to a stop and bowed deeply. “Nesteria, ma’am! How can I serve you?”

She giggled. “I’ve trained him well, haven’t I? He accidentally entered the girls’ bathhouse last week, and I’ve been holding it over his head ever since.”

“I-I-I told you! It was an accident. Nesteria, ma’am.”

I frowned. Was he really shaking?

Nessie said to Clove, “He instantly passed out in embarrassment and shame. I had to carry him out bridal-style. Poor guy.”

Clove regarded her friend like she was about to manifest into a cursed wraith. With wide eyes, she said, “You scare me, Nessie.”

The redhead cackled. “I know, I know! Jeremiah? Watch the front and help people fill out their information. I’ve written a short guide for you. Refer to it if you get confused.”

“Of course. Th-thank you, Nesteria, ma’am.”

Harsh and overbearing, but seemingly cares about her underlings. Nessie is more than she seems.

I glanced down at Clove who’d already taken my arm again as we followed Nessie down the office corridor. She’d pulled up my sleeve past the wrist and was pressing her skin to mine.

This woman was also more than she seemed. And I needed to find out what she was hiding. Why she appeared so determined to stick by my side, despite our just meeting.

“You’re warm,” she said softly.

That’s when I noticed her fingers had a soft, pink halo glow around them. “You’re a demi-human healer, aren’t you?”

“Mmhmm.”

Why hadn’t I seen it before? The glow, the warmth. Most human healers could simply cast spells, but Clove hadn’t verbalized a spell when she’d mended my jarred skull in the street.

Whatever she was, it gave her a natural healing ability.

“Salamander,” she offered.

“What?”

Glancing up shyly, she clarified, “I’m a salamander demi-human. I store heat as energy and can create small flickers of fire, but usually I just keep the energy because it restores my mana and grants me healing abilities. You’re very warm, Luc. Warmer than anyone else.”

She hid her face behind her hair again, leaving me to wonder why, in the name of all burned things, was I unable to appear normal even for one day in Ria.

Even my body temperature.

I wondered how else I’d inadvertently stand out as the mortal incarnation of the immortal Demon Prince. Gods only knew.

Nessie saved me from replying when she stopped by a huge, wooden door and opened it. “In you go, students!”

It was a small library and study. Nessie handed me a form to fill out with my name, and I handed her the copy the Mayor had given me for my identification. She seemed to be impressed that the Mayor himself stamped a copy with his official wax seal.

While I filled out the form, the two girls whispered to one another, though not loud enough for me to hear.

When I was finished, Nessie pulled out a silver chain with a large crystal pendant on the bottom. It was hollow and contained a kind of smoke that changed colors and constantly moved inside.

She put it around Clove’s neck.

Clove licked her lips. Her generous chest rose up and down rapidly, and her eyes gleamed with anticipation.

The necklace began to glow. The smoke swirled faster. Finally, the smoke inside turned a greenish yellow.

“Ooh!” Nessie exclaimed. “Stronger than you were expecting! Nice work.” She scribbled something down on a document.

I was next. She placed the amulet around my neck. I assumed it was to measure the power levels of each applicant. I wondered how much different I’d be, now that my dark mana access was gone. This body was mortal, after all.

The amulet glowed with the same greenish color. It looked as though I was the same as Clove.

Then the air in the room shifted. Even with the windows open, the light disappeared. Deep, void-purple smoke spilled from the amulet and filled the room in less than a second.

The two women watched open-mouthed. Speechless.

“Fuck,” I muttered.

6

There was no time for my irritation.

Facing the girls, I observed the smoke-filled room. “I assume this is normal. Take your notes so we can move on.”

When I removed the chain from my neck, the crystal sucked the smoke back into itself. I handed it to Nessie.

To my utter surprise, the woman snorted. Loudly. “You’re a scary son of a bitch, aren’t you?” Chuckling and shaking her head, she tucked the amulet back into a drawer, then silently wrote on my chart.

I thought I imagined her muttering, “Don’t ask, Nessie. Don’t ask.” But I couldn’t be sure.

When she handed me the paper with my applicant information, I read a space at the bottom: Power Rating: Deep Violet. Very strong.

That didn’t sound too out of the ordinary on paper, did it?

Nessie added, “Only the top leaders in history have power levels this high. You’re going places, Luc.”

I gave her a tight smile as my stomach sank. “Not in the cards for me, I’m afraid.” Leadership was the last thing I wanted.

Nessie hmphed. “Anyway, here’s how today is going to go. The Tower is the real test if you want to join the Academy. You have to enter the bottom floor of the Tower and pass its test. If you’re a solo mage, you go in alone. If you’re joining as a party, you and your party will enter together and be scored on teamwork and individual skill. Cool?”

I nodded. This was as much as I’d learned in my scrying research. I asked Clove, “How are you entering?”

She had a sick sort of smile when she answered, “By myself! I’ve been training really hard, and I think I can make it through the test on my own. I figured I’d only find people to join up with once I was enrolled in the Academy. So, until then, it’ll just be me!”

“Miss Nessie, I assume there’s an application for forming a party?”

Nessie gave me thumbs up. “Smart and handsome.”

“Clove and I will be forming a party. Please bring me the paperwork.”

Clove made a strange, squeak-choke sound beside me. “What?!”

Frowning at her, I asked, “Unless you’re opposed to working with me.”

“N-no! I just didn’t expect — well, you let me help you today, but you don’t seem like the type to — never mind.”

Her eyes grew so big I thought they were seconds from popping out. She looked between Nessie and I as if hoping for someone to rescue her.

Nessie whistled long and low, eyes flicking to Clove. “He’s quite the dark horse, isn’t he? I’ll get you the application, Luc Vale.”

Nessie left the library to fetch the proper documents.

I had a few reasons why I’d decided to form a party with Clove. One, she was a healer. It would be imperative to have someone with her skills at my side, especially as we progressed up the Tower levels.

Two, given her performances in the street and complete lack of coordination, I wasn’t confident she’d survive the test. The Tower’s test changed often and without any discernible schedule. There was no way to verify what we’d be facing today, but from the snippets of conversation I’d spied upon, no Tower test was for the faint of heart.

And three… “I’ll need you to teach me some basic spells before we take our entrance exam.”

Clove’s mouth fell open. “You don’t know… spells?”

“Too much time farming and completing my important duties. No time to practice between the potatoes and the tomatoes.”

It was a ridiculous thing to say.

She knew I was hiding something. Still, she smiled broadly and said, “That didn’t make a teaspoon of sense, but I’d love to form a party with you, Luc! And I can definitely teach you a thing or two before the exam. Maybe. If you’re a fast learner. The test starts in four hours.”

Perhaps today wasn’t a complete deviation from the plan after all. I’d needed to find a teacher, and quick. And now, my answer was right in front of me.

Dark mana was very different from light mana. Just because I’d dominated one did not mean I could instantly master the other. If I could gain mastery over one or two basic spells, I was sure I could destroy the test.

And then I’d be on my way toward living a true mortal life. Out from under the thumb of the Lord of the Dead. The Master of Demons. The Dark King.

Father.

He’s probably already realized that I’d escaped, but since I’d used my own mana to open that portal, there’s no way the void could be forced to reveal my location.

Father likely thought I’d escaped to another demon realm. One of the shadow lands, perhaps.

But to a mortal world? In a human body?

He’d never guess. And I’d have the chance to spend a short time in peace until I decided to leave again and find something new.

My thoughts were interrupted by two fierce arms wrapping around me.

I tried to escape, but Clove was determined to hang on. “What are you doing, Clove?”

She squeezed tighter. How was such an average-height, clumsy demi-human so strong? “I’m hugging you. Obviously. I’m so grateful.”

“Your kind is certainly fond of embracing in unexpected circumstances. Alright. That’s very… nice.” My arms hung stiffly by my side.

Good gods, I’m terrible at mortal relations. This is so odd.

She pressed her forehead to my chest and sighed. “It’s just that I thought I’d have such a hard time forming a party. I’m not the strongest or the most impressive in combat. Even a healer needs some skill… but I’m hopeless. Gods, you’re warm.”

She really cared about temperature, didn’t she?

Hesitant, I rested my hands on her shoulders. This seemed like the right way to reciprocate —

She shuddered at my touch and groaned into my shirt. I didn’t hear the whole sentence, but I did catch the word warm again.

Nessie strode importantly into the room again, her eyes locking onto our embrace.

Clove yelped and sprang back, her face the color of her curly hair.

It made me feel strange.

And not in a bad way.

My stomach twisted with unexpected emotion, which was easy to ignore when Nessie thrust the paper into my hands.

Clove silently watched as I began filling it out. Nothing too complicated, and if there was a section asking for information that I wasn’t familiar with, I asked Clove.

At the bottom, we both signed our names. It was finished.

We were on our way into the Tower Guild Academy. As an official team.

“Bye, you two!” Nessie called, waving at us as we left the office and strode back outside. Poor Jeremiah looked three seconds from passing out behind that desk and looked immensely relieved when his boss returned.

I squinted into the sun. This warm, bright light was going to take a while to get used to. The vibrant colors blazed into my eyes, almost like an attack of its own.

Such a strange, strange world.

Clove took my arm again. “Come on! Let’s get you changed and ready for practice.”

“Changed? I must begin learning, Clove.” But she kept dragging me into the center of town.

“You don’t have another set of clothes on you, do you?” she asked, pulling me down the street and through the crowds.

“No.”

She giggled. “Classic Luc! I know just the place.”

7

“I only need a pair of sturdy boots,” I reasoned. There was no need to waste this coin on fabric. Besides, after the Tower’s test, they’d likely be ruined.

“Do you want to stand out like a sore tentacle?”

I did not. However, there was one thing. “We need to study first.”

“Nope! Clothing, then food, then study. We should take care of our most crucial needs first. Studying takes a lot of time and energy, so let’s get these tasks done right off the bat. Trust me.”

She steered us into a shop that showed off the strange styles that humans and demi-humans in this area wore. To be honest, I didn’t understand the fashions this mortal realm offered.

Underworld ‘fashion’ mostly consisted of void armor and clothing made from the skins of fire lizards, which was both protective and insulated one against the extreme temperatures and dangers of the Underworld.

But these bright colors?

Even the plain white tunics were hard to look at. What in the worlds could such a flimsy piece protect against?

Dust? A strong ray of sunshine?

My spirits lifted. The shop sold gear as well. Magical, by the looks of it.

Perhaps it was good that I’d met this pink-haired woman.

As Clove took the liberty of choosing my clothing, I reviewed the available gear. Some, like the cloaks, looked to have been made by the shop’s owners.

The other items were an eclectic spread. Besides the enchanted clothing, the rest of the items and gear were likely traded for.

That meant they were more likely to be unique. Excellent.

I needed the basics in terms of gear. An enchanted weapon. Items that would enhance my abilities or give me extra ones.

There was a pair of boots that were enchanted to enhance stealth and muffle steps. I checked the label and saw that they were size-adjustable, and the in-house tailor could form them perfectly to my feet.

I snagged them.

There was a display of weapons. My eye paused on a handsome dagger with a red jewel in the pommel.

I read, “This dagger can channel elemental and mana-based spells into the blade for deeper cuts and stronger attacks.”

The rest of the weapons were fine enough, but I was fantastic with a dagger. Always had a soft spot in my dark heart for them.

Just as I took it from the shelf, something caught my eye.

Through a back hallway door, there was a flash of white. A smooth, straight staff leaned against crates.

I set the dagger down and moved into what was certainly a place for employees only. As soon as I picked up the staff, I knew what it was.

“This, I could use,” I whispered.

I came out in time to see Clove bump into an already unstable wooden display case.

Thankfully, an employee dove over just in time. In a surprising display of strength and grace, the brown-haired girl caught the case and set it back upright with an effortless smile and an apology to Clove.

Who was spluttering with embarrassment, of course.

The sure-footed employee’s eyes widened when she saw the staff in my hand. “Hey! Where did you get that? T-that’s not for sale!”

She reached for it, and not wishing to cause trouble, I allowed it. “Apologies. I spotted it in the back room. I’d like to purchase it.”

But she just darted away and into the hallway. She was gone for several moments before reappearing empty-handed.

Her smile was sheepish. “I’m so sorry for the confusion, sir. But thank you for understanding.”

“I don’t,” I countered. “You haven’t explained yourself.”

She swallowed hard. “I… I can’t say.”

Letting the silence hang was key in confrontations like these. After a long moment of tense quiet, the girl blurted out, “We’ll get in trouble! To protect my family, I must keep this secret! I’m very sorry.”

To my surprise, she bent into a deep bow.

Clove was ready to burst with another apology, but I stopped her.

“Don’t worry yourself, miss,” I replied lightly.

The employee straightened, flushed and nearly on the verge of tears.

Goodness. What kind of business was this shop really involved with? There was obviously more than met the eye.

I lifted the boots in my other hand. “However, I will accept repayment by being fitted for these boots. Is the tailor in today?”

She let out a sigh of relief. “That’s me!”

It took a few nuanced spells, but within ten minutes, she’d easily molded the boots to my feet.

“Try the clothes on too!” Clove insisted, shoving me into a dressing room.

“You really want me out of these farm clothes, don’t you?”

“I can’t hear you!” Clove called back, though she obviously could.

I shook my head, bemused, and did as she requested.

I examined myself in the mirror, tilting my head, lifting my arms, and moving my legs around. The clothing was lighter than I was used to, and I still felt bare in terms of battle worthiness.

I was grateful that Clove had picked out a black tunic, at least.

Emerging once again, I allowed my companion to examine her work. Paired with plain trousers and the leather boots, Clove declared I was fit to be seen in public.

She patted me on the back. “The black looks nice with your inky hair and blue eyes.”

“That’s not my concern.”

Her smile faltered. “Oh?”

“My concern is being torn to ribbons in such thin garments,” I admitted. I’d looked wistfully at the armor, though it was clear I couldn’t afford it yet. Not at this point in time, at least.

“Then why were you content wearing a potato sack?” she argued, hands on her hips. “If you can waltz around barefoot and in ill-fitting borrowed clothes and prepare to battle in them too, you can deal with this.”

Another voice cut in. In a stern, motherly tone. “If he can pay, of course.”

I turned around.

The newcomer was a woman. She was short and round with silver and black hair. Her keen eyes seemed to take in everything about me all in one second.

It reminded me of my father’s war chief.

“Madame Debshire!” Clove gasped. “I can assure you, he —”

“I require an upfront deposit from strangers,” the woman interjected without a care for Clove’s words.

“Then do add it up,” I told her.

Her sweet smile was anything but kind. “Thirty-five gold, five silver, and eleven copper.”

I had no idea what I had in the bag. But I did know how to negotiate. I said, “Make that twenty-five gold and six silver and we have a deal.”

“I don’t haggle with strangers,” she replied coolly, chin lifted. It was like she was already planning and foreseeing my defeat.

Yes, definitely a war chief.

But I wasn’t just any mortal. My body may have been mortal, but I was ancient compared to her, and I’d sparred with the Underworld’s true war chief.

And won.

The shop was small but well-lit. However, one of the windows had been boarded up.

I said, “You’ve been getting robbed, haven’t you?”

Her eyes widened just a fraction. Just long enough for me to catch it.

She relaxed once more and jerked her thumb behind her. “It was an accident. Henna tripped and fell through the window just two days ago.”

Henna, the tailor, glanced over from her counter, concern written all over her face and posture.

It was a laughable cover-up, but a good attempt all the same. “There isn’t a scratch on her. She could have been healed. However, she’s quite agile, as we saw earlier. I’d wager she hasn’t tripped since she was a toddler. Don’t play games, woman. Not only have you been getting robbed, but you’re attempting to hide it. What for? Customer safety? Or…”

Debshire took an unconscious step backward.

A friendly grin spread over my face. “Perhaps it’s someone you know. Someone close to you. Hm… no, not that.”

Her body language hadn’t changed in response to that guess. It must be something else.

I considered for another moment. “Perhaps they stole something valuable. Or incriminating. And you are biding your time while you plan your negotiation.”

This time, Debshire wrung her hands. Just once. Just enough to show me the truth.

I continued, “At the very least, you can’t alert the public or the authorities because whatever was stolen, you don’t want it used or destroyed. You don’t want anyone to know you have it. A woman who deals in demon bone must have an interesting spread of more interesting objects for sale.”

She was trying to hide her feelings, but I could tell I’d struck a chord. Her eyes were glimmering with anger. Her face had gone pale. “Get out.”

“For twenty-four gold, I will,” I told her. “And if you need a hand with this problem, I’d be happy to manage your confidential issue. For a price.”

Her lined face twisted in anger. “Out!”

Henna had hustled over and placed a hand on her employer’s shoulder. “Auntie, how did he know?”

“Silence, Henna!” the old woman hissed. “There are too many ears.”

Henna’s expression solidified into resolve. “He seems capable and well-bred. Maybe we should accept his help.”

“From a stranger? See, this is why you are too young to run a business, Henna. This is why. You are too naive.”

I interjected, “Excuse me. I am on a time limit. I’ll be purchasing the clothes and dagger over there. Or I can introduce you to the Mayor. I’m sure he’d love to investigate what you’re hiding.”

Both women stilled.

“Also,” I continued. “Do keep the staff on hold for me. I’m sure there’s a price we can agree on in the future.”

We settled on twenty-five gold and ten silver, since I’d added a cloak to the mess of purchases as well, and Debshire was eager to be rid of me.

I left the shop, looking like an average Amaranthan man.

I hoped.

The coin the Mayor had graciously gifted me was just enough to pay for it all. I only had a few silvers and coppers left.

I’d likely have to take on a few odd jobs in the city to keep my coin flowing. Until the Tower provided for me, of course.

However, I didn’t regret this excursion. I now had my eye on that staff, and with the new garb, I was definitely attracting fewer gawking stares on the street. Appearance hadn’t been on my priority list in terms of the Tower test.

Spells were.

Still, the purchases had been worth it. Every warrior should provide himself the basics, if he was able.

Clove was quieter than normal, as we continued down the street. She also wasn’t holding onto my arm. “It wasn’t very kind, you know? How you treated Madame Debshire.”

“Since when is kindness a virtue that anyone relied upon? Kindness is a luxury. Saved for those who have shown they’ve earned it.”

She was chewing on her lip again.

I stopped us in the middle of the road.

She paused beside me, distracted by her own thoughts. But her anxious behavior continued.

I need her focused, not distracted and stressed.

As gently as I could, I brought my finger beneath her chin and lifted it until she was staring up at me.

Something shifted in her expression.

With eyes opened wide, she practically stopped breathing.

8

I brushed a thumb along her bottom lip, the one she’d been abusing. “If you are concerned about kindness, start by showing yourself a little more. You worry far too much. Everything is going to work out wonderfully.”

I didn’t understand her reaction. The widening pupils. The soft, open mouth.

She was a physical creature, that much was clear. Demons weren’t affectionate like mortals were, but all demons and demon kin understood that mortals were different.

And I’d been paying attention to her.

I’d thought that touching her would calm her down. Soothe her.

But instead, she looked stunned. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly. On top of that, her skin was giving off a soft pink glow.

Was that a conscious reaction? Did she think we were going to fight?

I dropped my hand, troubled. “Forgive me. We should go.”

Clove shook her head and touched her glowing cheeks. Like she couldn’t quite believe what had just happened. “F-forgive you? For what? But you’re right. We only have a few hours until the exam, and if we’re going to make it, you need to know at least one spell.”

Then, she glanced at the dagger in my hand. “Why haven’t you transformed your weapon?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

She showed me her hand and the ring on her middle finger. “Usually, most weapons can transform into rings. Easier for carrying. I’m sure that one does too. Try it.”

I pulled it out. Following my instincts, I reached forward with my mana. Clumsily.

Since arriving, I’d been aware of the light mana filling my body. Whatever energy this world gave off, it naturally replenished me with its power. Just like the Underworld did with dark mana.

However, I didn’t yet understand how to wield it. Despite commanding it as powerfully as I would with any spell, this mana slipped through my grasp like sand.

It didn’t wish to be held in a fist.

However, I managed to retain just enough to compel some toward the weapon, paired with my intention.

Transform.

The blade instantly shimmered and then reappeared as a red gemstone ring in my palm. “Interesting,” I said, then slipped it onto my finger.

That’s very convenient.

To my relief, she hooked her arm into mine once more. Her hip and thigh brushed against my side. “On we go, you strange man.”

I wasn’t sure how she was feeling. Her glow had slowly faded, and even though her breathing was still hitched, I could tell she’d relaxed.

“There!” she exclaimed, pointing to an inn.

Through an iron gate, the Night Owl Inn had a small terrace covered with delicate vines and purple blooms. A few patrons sat at small, round tables on the patio beneath the flowers, chatting and sipping their drinks.

I was caught once more by the stark differences between the Underworld and here. The colors. The scents. The way the air smelled lighter and less like burn.

I’d already begun to adjust to the new atmosphere, but I had a feeling small details like these would continue to surprise me.

The inside was spacious and warm. Flames flickered in a fireplace, and comfortable seats and sofas circled a table before it.

Patrons ate lunch on long, polished tables while servers hustled across the floor with trays and grinning faces.

A slim, feline demi-human sat atop a heavy bookshelf, her legs dangling in front of the thick tomes. Her green eyes snagged on us for a moment and then slid away as she sipped from a teacup.

A bear demi-human man roared with laughter as the waitress covered her mouth and giggled.

Across from that table, a human woman in light, form-fitting armor glared at him. An impressive shield leaned against her seat as she twirled a lock of her shiny silver hair with a gloved finger.

From the petite woman perched on the back of an overstuffed chair, her white wings tucked tightly to her back, to the blond man scowling at his mug of beer beside her, the inside of the Night Owl was full of color and personality.

A familiar face emerged at thigh-height.

“Spawn,” I greeted the small child as she burst into a run and crashed into her sister’s legs.

“You’re alive!” Mabel squealed.

Clove rolled her eyes and hugged her sister back. “I’m not going to die at the Academy, Mabel. Like, ever. It’s a place where people like me learn.”

I frowned. That was a strange lie to tell. People perished in the Tower.

“But you’re so clumsy. You’ll probably find a way to almost die,” Mabel reasoned.

I added, “I agree with the child. That’s why we’ve teamed up.”

Mabel clapped and jumped up and down. “Yes! Best news all day! I have to get back to the kitchens before Anna starts yelling.” She twirled and scurried back toward the kitchens, dodging people like a miniature assassin.

Clove and I settled next to the fire. Even though it was a mild day, she scooted her chair as close as possible to the flames as she could without risking setting it on fire. A server stopped by and took our food and drink orders.

For some reason, Clove asked for a paper and something to write with. The server came back with our food and the requested items.

While I ate, Clove scribbled on the paper, her forehead furrowed in concentration.

“Here!” she said. “This is a spell I think you can use. I still don’t quite believe you don’t know any, but this was the first combat magic I learned.”

I took the paper and read.

* * *

Fire Flare

Description: Blasts a basic fire ball at your enemy. Intensity of spell may be increased with the application of additional spell power and mana.

Connection needs: Passion

* * *

Connection needs? What was that?

I already experienced how light mana doesn’t respond to you like dark mana did. So, it stands to reason that there are more differences between the two magic systems than the Underworld was aware of.

None of my personal library’s texts explored the nuances of light mana. This was all new territory to me.

If I were being honest, I could admit I was a little disappointed. In my past life, I’d had access to terrifying spells. I could raise obsidian golems from the ground that towered over twenty feet tall. I could launch vortex bolts strong enough to punch through castle walls.

But Fire Flare? It even sounded weak.

I purposefully shifted my perspective on the matter. This will be my only mortal life. Why not enjoy the journey instead of demanding to arrive at the destination straight away?

“Thank you, Clove. I will gladly accept this gift. Must I read a tome to acquire the spell? Brand myself with specific runes?”

My companion blinked at me in horror.

Slowly, she shook her head. “No, Luc, you don’t need to brand yourself… when you’re ready, just place your hand against mine. I can transfer the knowledge directly to you.”

“Most convenient!” I said aloud as I did as she asked.

Clove’s palm was almost hot to the touch. She stared into my eyes, a slight furrow in her brow. “This is going to hurt, okay? Acquiring spells is very taxing on the mind and body. Normally, you wouldn’t want to attempt such a thing before any kind of test or challenge, but you need something to protect yourself with.”

I shrugged. “Pain is but the venomous sister of Pleasure.”

“What does…” Clove shook her head. “Are you ready?”

I grinned and nodded my consent.

Clove closed her eyes and went still. I watched her face as she concentrated, fascinated by how trusting and sweet this creature was.

Then two sensations interrupted my thoughts. The first was heat, burning into my palms. It was slight at first, but then the pain increased. The second was a pressure on my mind. I closed my eyes as well and calmed my breathing.

Slowly, the discomfort amplified until sweat was beading my forehead. My mortal body did not appreciate this experience at all, but I was fascinated.

Finally, when it seemed my hands would burst into flames at any minute, I saw a flash of focused fire in my mind’s eye. My hands cooled at once.

And as I removed them from Clove’s soft touch, I knew the spell intrinsically.

“Amazing!” I all but shouted, startling a nearby table. I ignored the man who’d choked on his ale and stared at my hands in wonder. “Is this safe to cast into the fire?”

She lifted a brow and then nodded. “Probably! Once you’ve made the connection, just keep the spell simple and quiet. Keegan doesn’t like spells in the common area, so if he catches you, be prepared to apologize.”

I held out my hand and aimed at the furnace. The mana in my veins buzzed.

I gathered the power into the strength of my will, crushing it into shape and casting my desires and control over the mana.

“Fire Flare,” I commanded as quietly as possible.

The mana heard my call. It activated and rose within me.

And then it fizzled.

Stunned, I examined my hand, as if I’d find something in it that had physically blocked the spell.

Nope. Just my hand. So, what happened?

Clove pressed a hand to her mouth and giggled. “You are not always the best listener. You must form a connection with the spell first. I have only done half the work for you. The second half is the hard part.”

“I see. I can feel the spell there, waiting for me, but I just can’t get my mana to power it. It is most strange,” I admitted. I couldn’t tell her that I had, in fact, cast hundreds of thousands of spells in my lifetime. It would be a challenge to explain my experience.

“How does the connection feel?” She asked curiously.

“It requires passion, so I simply commanded passionately. What more does it require?”

Even more confused, she asked, “You really haven’t ever used your mana, have you, Luc?”

I spread my hands out and leaned back. “I thought I’d made that clear to you before. So, enlighten me, Clove. What does a passionate mana connection look like?”

She tucked her feet beneath her, leaning on the armrest. Half of her form was warm with the fire’s glow. “Before you wield a spell, you must speak to your mana. Each spell requires a sort of negotiation process with your own energy. It sounds like you just barged right in and started giving out orders. That’s not how mana works.”

Not here, at least, I mused.

“What does this negotiation process feel like?” I questioned.

Clove thought for a second. “Mana requires balance. If you want it to perform a spell for you, you must give something in return. It’s like making a small transaction when you’re mastering each spell. It takes sacrifice, and that sacrifice is not always easy to give. This is how you form that connection.”

What a strange way to operate. Mana doesn’t simply listen like it should?

I asked, “Is this ‘agreement’ something I must make every time I wish to perform a spell?”

“Nope! Just once! As soon as you create the spell connection with your mana, it will instantly rise to your call, whenever you decide to cast it.”

At least there was that.

I couldn’t imagine the irritation I’d feel over begging my mana to work with me at every turn.

Clove scooted herself a little closer to the fire and started picking at the pastry she’d ordered from the kitchens. “Go ahead. Take your time and try to make that connection. It took me an entire week to forge my first mana agreement, but I’d been seven years old at the time. I’m sure you can figure it out much more quickly. Oh, and it’s different for everyone. So, I can’t tell you exactly how to do it. The knowledge I gave you will be enough to guide you though. Just focus and take all the time you need.”

I sighed. Until the entrance exam, that is.

With no time to waste, I stared into the fire for a time and then finally closed my eyes. The orange glow of the flickering flames soothed my mind as I began my first attempt.

9

The light mana was there, waiting for me. I prodded it with my awareness.

I thought, In exchange for this spell connection, I give you my passion!

The mana didn’t react or change, but I retested the spell again.

Nothing.

I tried three more times with a variation of wording and intention. But nothing happened.

So, it was more than words, then. If not words…

The connection needs must be centered on a meditative sort of intention. Clove was talking about negotiation. I had to figure out what to give my mana in order for it to listen. I had to give it passion.

Somehow, in the intrinsic knowledge I’d acquired, I could feel that there was something else missing. I couldn’t simply bullshit my way through the process. I had to be honest.

My mana required truth.

Finally, I tried, This may be my only opportunity to live a mortal life. I am here to give this my entire effort. All my focus. Learning this spell is imperative, and I swear I will use it honorably. And in every step of my journey, I will carry passion with me like a torch in the night.

My light mana flared to life.

I grinned. So, that’s the strategy? Whisper sweet nothings to my own mana, and it will listen?

I can manage that.

I was about to open my eyes and tell Clove the good news but a heavy weight tugged at my very being. Exhaustion like I’d never experienced before filled my limbs and fogged up my mind.

No pain this time, but the… cost was higher than I could have imagined.

I breathed long and deep as most of the sensation passed. Finally, I opened my eyes and smiled in satisfaction.

There was no doubt in my mind that I’d gained mastery over that spell. It was clear enough, with the amount of power that rose at my command within me. It was waiting for me to direct it. The potential was obvious.

But wasn’t this supposed to be a basic spell? If so, why did it feel… unlimited? And how much worse would the pain and fatigue be should I attempt to learn an advanced spell?

Considering just how much mana rose in response to the spell, that is. I’d be a fool to test it indoors. I doubted it could be contained within the hearth, and certainly not without sending sparks and cinders scattering across the floor.

I’d save it for the battle to come.

“Another,” I said at last.

Clove jumped, looking startled. “What?”

“That was harder than I’d thought it would be, I’ll admit, but I did it. Do you have another spell I can learn?”

“Did you finish already?” She asked in an exasperated tone.

“Yes. Very interesting connection concept. The fatigue caught me by surprise as well, but I’m ready for another!”

She leaned forward, concern written all over her. “It’s only been five minutes, Luc!”

“Do most mages take much longer?” I asked, unsure why she appeared so upset.

She slapped a hand across her forehead and looked around, as if hoping for other witnesses. When she leaned forward even more, her voice was hardly more than a whisper. “What are you, Luc Vale?”

Fuck. I don’t need her suspecting anything out of the ordinary.

I lifted a brow and forced a smile. “Male. Human. Slightly hungry.”

“Even the most basic spells take an hour of meditation. And I didn’t even see you cast it. So, either you didn’t actually master the spell, or you’re the most powerful male-human-slightly-hungry I’ve ever known.”

Then, more to herself, “But he did have a violet power rating. I guess that makes sense.”

I asked, “If you expected it to take an hour, why didn’t you inform me?”

There was a disturbing display of wonder in her eyes when she replied, “Luc, sometimes you talk as though you’ve only just arrived in this world. With how little you know about the basic foundations… look, everyone knows it takes awhile to master spells. I guess I should have known after you asked me to explain the connection, but this is fundamental information.”

That made sense. Even though I knew the general layout of the city surrounding the tower and had planned much of my initial journey through scrying and preparation, I hadn’t learned enough about the world of Ria to truly fit in.

But there hadn’t been time for that. I’d done what I could.

Father had suspected my intentions, and I knew he was ready to lock me down in the Underworld for eternity. So, I’d been forced to take the leap far sooner than I’d have preferred.

“Clove, may I tell you something? And will you swear to keep it a secret?”

She nodded.

“I am not from this area. I have lived under entirely different rules and magical norms.”

Her eyes dropped to my lips as I spoke, almost as though she was entranced. “You speak as though you come from a different world, Luc.”

I smirked. “It might as well be. I apologize for anything about myself that might seem out of the ordinary to you, Clove. All I want is to learn in Amarantha and become a part of this richly cultured city. Will you help me? Can I rely on your patience?”

She’d tilted her head to the side in the middle of my explanation, but her gaze still hovered over my mouth.

Did I have a crumb on my lip?

A lock of her pink hair fell across her face, and I had the strangest urge to touch it. Tuck it back behind her ear.

A confusing mortal instinct, to be sure. I’ve never had the desire to do such a thing before.

Finally, she met my gaze. “You can rely on me. I promise.”

I gave her a wink. “You are such an unexpected deviation, Clove. I have a feeling we’re going to do wonderful things with one another.”

She straightened like a rod, brows flying up toward her hairline. “Great! Yeah! Totally!” she squeaked.

Clove crossed her legs and wiggled her hips in a strange squirming motion. With flushed cheeks, she chewed her lip and studied the wall.

It looked like discomfort on the surface, but I wasn’t convinced that was quite it.

Was it something I said? Perhaps she is offended.

She twisted, searching until she found the paper again. “Okay! Next spell! This one is a little trickier, and it took me a few hours to master it. But I have a feeling you won’t need as much time.”

Clove paused before writing down the spell. She muttered something to herself I couldn’t make out, and then explained, “When you formed the connection, did you feel a great heaviness?”

“Indeed,” I answered at once. “It was quite awful!”

“That is known as Mage Fatigue. The cost can be terrible to acquire a new spell, Luc, so I am a bit hesitant to give you a second so soon. Normally, mages take days or sometimes weeks between learning new spells.”

Clove looked up at the ceiling and laughed. “Or much much longer! You do know that most spells are acquired through extensive service or a great deal of coin, don’t you?”

My brows rose, and then I reached for my purse. “I didn’t mean to offend you, Clove. How much gold must I pay you for these spells?”

Clove groaned. “I don’t want your coin. I’m just letting you know that future spells might not be so easy to acquire, and I will certainly be the only person who gives them out for free. Why else do you think people join the Tower Guild Academy?”

She’s got a point, I thought. “Okay, I get your meaning. But what did you mean about Mage Fatigue? Can I not learn a second spell so soon?”

“No idea, Luc,” Clove responded with a smile that touched her eyes. “You seem to be capable of many things I thought impossible. We can try, but don’t push yourself, okay?”

I nodded, and she looked down to the paper again.

I waited for her to finish scrawling the information down and read the paper she handed me. I was immediately excited to see how this spell would work. It would definitely add to my defensive capabilities.

* * *

Shield Strike

Description: Erects an energy shield that can block most basic physical and magical attacks. High level spells and powerful attack will break the shield. Shield size and placement may be modified with guided intention.

Connection needs: Sacrifice

* * *

Again, I placed my palms against the woman’s outstretched hands. Like before, I felt the intrinsic knowledge trickle through our connection. A new and distinct pairing of sensations followed. Instead of the fiery burning, my hands ached as if they were turning into stone.

No, not stone. Cold, hard steel.

The pressure on my mind presented a true challenge this time. It took all my willpower to remain upright and not collapse under the onslaught of pain.

Moments later, however, I knew how to summon my second spell.

All that remained was to form the connection.

Panting, I thanked Clove and shook out my hands to rid myself of the phantom sensations that lingered there.

After five minutes, I felt ready to form a connection.

It took much longer for me to finesse this spell.

My light mana did not care to hear about what I’d sacrificed or what else I was willing to give up. The odd awareness that was my light mana almost seemed distrusting of my intentions.

I finally discovered that to accept the agreement, I needed to internally manifest the nobility that lies within sacrifice for the sake of others. It was as if I had to process what it would be like to become a shield myself. To place myself in the line of fire to protect others.

When the connection formed, the Mage Fatigue slammed into me like a raging minotaur.

I pressed my head to the table and moaned.

Arms and legs shaking, it took another fifteen minutes until I could even lift my head. A great and unwavering pain had filled my skull. The headache was so bad I had to squint to avoid the harsh light of the fire in the hearth.

Clove was worried, but I put on a brave face to calm her down. “I’m fine, really,” I promised. “I do think it wise not to learn another for the time being though.”

She chewed her lip nervously, but ultimately decided to trust me. “Okay, Luc, but tell me if your headache gets worse.”

Suddenly, a smile replaced her grimace. “So, what was it like? How did you form the connection?”

I retold the process in detail, focusing mostly on the quality of sacrifice I needed to manifest.

“Interesting,” Clove murmured when I told her the details. “Mine was completely different. My mana accepted the Shield Strike spell when I focused on all the ways I have already been protecting others. Like how I locked myself in the bedroom with Mabel and sang to her when fights broke out next door. That kind of stuff.”

So, she wasn’t joking when she said each spell connection would be different for every person.

I asked, “How long does it take you to create spell connections now?”

She hummed. “Depends on the spell. If I were trying to connect to a basic spell like Fire Flare, I’d think it would take me between thirty minutes and an hour. I have gotten faster over the years. But for high level spells? Anywhere between an afternoon and a full week.”

When she saw my reaction, she added, “Well, not the whole week. It’d just take several different sessions of meditation and effort. One time, I got stuck for a whole month! And the highest ranking mages can take months or years to master spells.”

“So I imagine the same will be true for me,” I mused, a little frustrated. “Shield Strike took longer to connect with. The more advanced the spell, the more time it will take to negotiate.”

Then I pushed the worry aside. Who said it would take me as long as human mages to master spell craft? How difficult could the top spells be for an ancient Prince of Darkness?

Just as I was about to ask another question about mage rankings, several of the inn’s patrons stood.

“Two hours until the start,” one of them, the cat girl I saw on the bookshelf before, whispered to a mage with chocolate brown hair.

Clove heard them too. “We should go as well.”

“So early?”

“I didn’t expect to get there more than thirty minutes ahead of schedule. But it looks like a lot of the hopeful students are here, and they’re going early. They probably got more information while waiting in line. Nessie’s still new in the office, so she probably forgot to tell us,” she added with a shrug.

I stood. “Let’s go, then.” It was good we’d gotten done early.

Very, very good.

There was a large group of humans and demi-humans walking out at once. As we moved with the throng, I felt like I blended in for the first time since arriving.

What an optimistic thought.

Clove was muttering under her breath about how crazy I was for not testing out the spells beforehand.

There was no use explaining I had a deep and intimate knowledge of magic. I could easily recognize when a spell was ready to manifest, but I wasn’t about to cast a spell indoors, around witnesses, without knowing how to control my mana.

I needed somewhere I could unleash hellfire without killing an innocent bystander.

And to be completely honest?

I wasn’t sure if I could control it.

I’d never cast using light mana before. My instincts pushed me to wait until I was inside the Tower or completely alone.

If learning a spell was different here, then casting might be different as well. I wouldn’t risk using Fire Flare around others until I knew exactly how it felt and responded to me.

Over two centuries of living had given me that much wisdom, at least.

10

“Oh! Yay, you two made it!”

Nessie was standing on a floating platform. Her pale blue robes billowed in the wind as she grinned evilly down at our group.

Clove went pale. “Oh no. The power’s already gone to her head.”

“What do you mean?”

Just then, Nessie threw her head back and cackled. “Welcome, baby mages. You think you have what it takes for the Tower Guild Academy? Do you?”

I murmured, “Alright. I see what you mean.”

Clove was rubbing her temples. “She’s always been like this. Give her a small taste of authority, and she becomes a tyrant.”

“Is she your cousin or something?” I asked. “How do you know her?”

“She’s a family friend. My parents took care of her as a kid, since her family were all no-shows. She’s kind of like an older sister.”

The other applicants were just as taken aback by Nessie’s interesting way of addressing us. Some looked more than a little nervous, too.

We were standing in front of the Academy’s entrance, the one that connected to Main street. This was where the long line had been, before.

“Good job coming early, you little suck-ups,” Nessie added with a grin. “After all, this will be first come, first served. You’re showing how dedicated you are by being here early. But if you think that’ll help you in the Tower’s test, you’re so wrong. All this means is you’re just a little above-average when it comes to effort.”

A harsh voice cut through the crowd. “Just get on with it already!”

Nessie narrowed her eyes at a blond man at the front. From the side, I could see the irritated frown on his face and the telltale signs of fury. He also had a long sword strapped to his hip.

She said, “If you’d snap your teeth shut, like a good little mage, maybe I will.” Nessie didn’t really seem upset he’d spoken out, though. There was a gleam of excitement in her gaze.

She liked a challenge, I guess.

The blond man scowled and crossed his arms.

“Anyway,” Nessie continued. “At the Academy, you’ll learn to expect the unexpected and constantly to be on your toes. Be prepared for everything. Listen between the lines. Hear what’s being revealed by what is and isn’t said… and all that stuff.”

It was obvious the odd woman had gotten herself a bit confused. She mouthed the words she’d just spoken, her eyes squinting slightly.

Then, remembering she was speaking to a crowd, she shook her head and continued. “Anyway, everyone here will be given a ten-point score boost for arriving early. Nice work.”

The cat girl who had been on top of the bookshelf earlier was standing beside me. I heard her mutter, “I’m already exhausted.”

Nessie’s platform turned, and she began floating down the pathway toward the Tower, which loomed over us.

We followed her all the way to the Tower entrance, stopping as she pulled out a jar. She shook it and winked as she pulled out a small strip of ripped paper. “First group is…oh! Luc Vale and Clove Willowborn! In you go!”

Clove exhaled shakily. She pulled off a ring from her finger. It had a blue gemstone set in silver. In the next second, it glowed and transformed into a staff.

The staff featured a crescent moon with the same-colored gemstone set in the center.

“Fancy,” I said.

Clove’s pleased smile was all I needed.

I was thankful we were here to get it over with. I glanced up to our guide. “Thank you, Nessie. Love the platform, by the way.”

She flipped her red hair over a shoulder. “Finally! It’s about time someone mentioned it. Thank you, Luc. You are currently my favorite student.”

“Hey!” Clove exclaimed in offense.

“Quiet!” Nessie snapped. “You should have showered me in compliments, missy! Or figured out a way to be as handsome as your enigmatic companion.”

The huge, wooden doors of the castle-like entrance creaked open. The inside held only darkness. It reminded me of the void, in fact.

I’m already in my element, then, aren’t I?

Clove followed as I strode into the Tower’s first level. As my eyes adjusted to the shadows and the door shut behind us, torches flared to life.

We stood in a circular chamber. Three tunnel entrances greeted us.

“We just choose one, correct?” I asked.

Clove nodded. “Yes. There are some lesser monsters in here. And one final boss.”

That made sense. I’d been wondering what the Tower might hold. I’d tried to scry within the Tower, but not even my mirror in the Underworld could show me its inside.

“Let’s go, Clove. Stick by my side until we can mark the enemies.”

Clove was quieter than usual. I thought it was because she was scared, but her eyes were hard and focused as we walked down the tunnel.

The wall beside me rumbled.

That was the only warning I had before the stones shifted to the side and a dog-sized rat jumped out.

My hand was already open. “Fire Flare!”

The light mana in my veins unfurled like a leather whip, exploding from my fingers in a blast of red heat.

That wasn’t supposed to happen, was it?

I’d expected a small-to-medium flame. It was a basic spell, as Clove had told me.

But instead, a veritable comet erupted from me, catching the snarling rat mid-air and scorching its body into ash and charred bones in a split second.

The Tower rumbled as my spell’s blast echoed through the halls.

By the Demon Lord’s burning balls! Thank hell I didn’t try this out inside the Night Owl. Points to me for heeding my instincts.

I cut the spell off and stared at the charred hole. “Well, at least we know what kind of monsters there are! Preparation is a lovely thing.”

Clove’s mouth was hanging open. She had a white-knuckled grip on her staff. “What was that?!”

“Fire Flare, of course. Don’t be ridiculous, Clove. You’re well aware I only know two spells.”

The sound of hard metal raining on stone made us both jump.

On the floor beneath the hole I’d blasted open were six copper coins.

Clove held out a hand. “Quick Collect!” The coins shot into her hand, and she shoved them into a deep pocket. “We’ll split it later. And can I remind you that Fire Flare is a basic spell? Emphasis on basic, Luc Vale.”

“I’m sorry. Perhaps I cast it wrong?” I had a naive, clueless expression on my face, but inside, I agreed with her.

I knew that wasn’t how a basic spell was supposed to look.

It probably had something to do with my increased spell power. I hadn’t forgotten the violet smoke that had poured out of the testing device. At the time, I’d figured it was normal, but Clove certainly didn’t think so.

I wasn’t used to the feel of light mana yet. How could I release an efficient stream of magic instead of a geyser?

It was infuriating. I was a fledgling mage all over again, in more ways than one. Such a strange position to be in after all my years in the Underworld.

“That isn’t — never mind.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Are you always like this?”

“Like what?”

“Oh, I don’t know… Infuriating? Tall-dark-and-secretive? Absurdly over the top?”

I answered, “Likely. That’s completely outside the range of my opinion. And finally, only around you.”

It took Clove a few seconds to catch on. She smoothed her hands down her lithe waist and sighed, smiling despite herself. “My questions, all answered in order. Should have known. Heavens… let’s keep moving before something eats us.”

11

We continued down the tunnel, keeping our eyes on the walls, ceiling, and floor.

“You take the next one,” I suggested “Let’s see what your offensive skills are like.”

The floor slid open. A purple, puckered tentacle lashed out of the darkness and went straight for Clove.

She turned her staff on it and called, “Fire Flare!” The gemstone in her staff glowed, and a beam of fire sliced through the tentacle.

The severed end hit the floor with a wet splat as the monster squealed and retracted its bleeding stump.

Clove was crouched, brow furrowed in concentration. “That’s how the spell is supposed to look. Well, my staff changes it a little. But still!”

“Thank you for the demonstration. I’ll ensure I correct myself imminently!” I wanted to blast magic into that dark hole, but it wouldn’t be wise. Clove had a right to prove herself. A desire to, as well.

Wet slaps and slithering skin across stone came from the darkness. It was almost close enough to jump across. “We can bypass it too,” I mused.

“No,” she said. “I want to do this. Stay back.”

I’d stay back, but I wouldn’t remain idle. That thing had the power to pull her straight into its lair. There was no way I’d allow that to happen.

Deciding not to wait, Clove held out a hand instead of her staff. “Lightning Fall!”

White-hot electricity shot from her fingertips. Inside the hole, the monster screamed.

It was a smart move. An electric spell would deliver higher damage against a water-based monster.

But the battle wasn’t over.

Six furious, writhing arms shot out from the darkness, all of them reaching for one small, pink-haired companion of mine.

Shield Strike was already waiting on my tongue. I’d only have a fraction of a second to protect her if she couldn’t take them all on.

But the little demi-human thrust her hand out and cried, “Stone Eye!” A white blast of light cracked through the air.

The tentacles stiffened, then turned a pale gray. Beneath the floor, the monster moaned.

Clove was panting, and a light sheen of sweat covered her brow. “Explode it, Luc! The stone spell is already fading!”

“As you wish,” I growled. “Fire Flare!” There was no use holding back. The violent burst of flame shattered all of the hardened tentacles and roared down into the lair.

Even as the spell reached its natural time limit, I didn’t relent. I held onto the spell, sustaining it longer than intended. I had mastered this ability long ago, and knowing it worked here too was a relief.

I wanted to cook this beast if I could.

After five long seconds of sustaining Fire Flare, I let the spell rest.

My arm buzzed like it, too, had been electrocuted. “Aren’t we the perfect team?”

She gave me a weak, relieved smile. “We are! And your explosion-murder style actually came in handy!”

I smirked. “Maybe if I had a fancy staff like yours, I’d have an easier time managing it.”

“Maybe! This just helps me with precision attacks and keeps my mana usage low through the streamlined delivery. You just have to tone down that absurd power level of yours, if you want to fit in,” she teased.

But her hands were still shaking.

We crept around the side of the hole. Carefully. Quietly.

There wasn’t a shower of coin like there’d been with the rat, which meant the monster was still very much alive. There was no way to know how many more we’d have to fight before meeting the final boss, and it wasn’t worth wasting our energy on an opponent by climbing down into its lair.

Clove let out a relieved exhale when we made it past the opening. “You’re an amazing partner, you know. I was so scared to do this entrance exam alone, Luc. I can’t tell you how much safer I feel with you here. I know I’m not the strongest fighter, and I trip way too often. So… thanks again for forming a party with me.”

I stopped her in the tunnel. After ensuring nothing was about to spring from the stone, I replied, “You’ll get better. I’ll make sure of it. But I must ask you this before we move forward. How are your mana levels? Your stamina? I should have discussed this with you beforehand. How drained are you?”

It’d been too long since I’d fought alongside someone so young. So untested by combat. It was important I keep her stamina under scrutiny, so I could better strategize.

She peeked up at me, nervous. “Stone Eye is one of my most powerful spells. Let’s just say I won’t be able to cast it again. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. If we are in a party, honesty is required. If you hide how weary you are, it will only hurt me if I rely on you later and you fail.”

She squirmed in place, not wanting to meet my eye. “I can cast four more basic spells. That’s all. I’m sorry I don’t have more. I’m so sorry, Luc.”

“Perfect!” I shot back.

Her eyes shot to mine, full of concern and disbelief. “Perfect? Heavens, you’re smiling? What for?”

“I’ll take the lead with the monsters we find in this tunnel. If I’m completely overwhelmed, you’ll be there to help. But only by my command. Otherwise, save your strength for the final battle. Understand?”

My confidence calmed her. She nodded sharply, her full mouth set into a determined line. “Okay. I can do that.”

We’ll see.

Only four more spells. She didn’t have nearly enough strength to have gone through this on her own. People died in the Tower for lesser reasons, and she’d been set on completing this test by herself.

She’d been lying to herself about her own abilities. I could only hope she was telling me the truth, and that she did have four spells left inside of her.

Otherwise, it was no use forming a party. Not with a companion who put herself and her team in danger because she didn’t want to appear weak.

It was a harsh perspective, but necessary. She’d either learn or die.

I highly preferred she keep breathing.

I took the lead as we entered a room with a group of three rats that attacked all at once, but I used Fire Flare efficiently enough to pulverize them.

Another dropped from a ceiling rafter, nearly landing on Clove, but I killed that one as well.

She slapped a hand over her chest, fear pouring from her. “I really hate those rats. Thanks for that. And by the fucking gods, please don’t take my head off with that spell.”

I shrugged. “I won’t. Promise. However, I’m going to learn how to contain my mana usage. I’m highly inefficient at the moment. Also, that was the first time I’ve heard you curse.”

Her cheeks turned a light shade of cherry. “S-so? This is not the time to focus on my vocabulary!”

I lifted my arms out to each side in challenge, grinning like an arena fighter. “And when would be better, Clove? We’re killing monsters and are still alive. I’d say it’s flawless timing. We need to celebrate.”

She couldn’t stop the giggle that came out, though she tried to cover her mouth.

She forced herself to sober. With a warning glance full of amusement, she replied, “We haven’t found the boss yet. We can celebrate after.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s continue, then. Bring your filthy mouth over here.”

She scoffed. “You are never going to let me forget that, are you?”

“It would be a tragedy to do so,” I answered with a smirk.

The woman sighed and shook her head.

I flashed my eyebrows at her, and we stooped to complete our task.

Clove was panting by the time she and I had collected the rest of the coins by hand. Quick Collect was a tiny spell, but she likely wanted to save every scrap of energy.

It was a wise choice.

Just as we pocketed the last coin, the Tower trembled and groaned beneath our feet.

Either the tentacled monster had found us, or…

The answer to my unasked question came when a gate descended over the tunnel exit, locking us inside.

12

The floor opened up across the chamber, and an eleven-foot humanoid skeleton climbed out of the dark hole.

It opened its mouth and roared. I could even spot the upper ceiling of its skull.

It was armored, but the metal was dingy and old.

Breakable, then.

I unleashed Fire Flare at its skull. Flames engulfed most of its body, making it pause.

But when the blast faded, the skeleton was whole and completely unfazed.

“Tough one, aren’t you?” I commented.

Clove was solidly behind me now. “Do you have a plan?” she whispered hopefully.

The skeleton had a helmet and a breastplate with pauldrons holding it in place. It held one beefy club in its other hand, which was currently swinging right at me.

“Shield Strike!” I called.

Three feet from my face, a misty-looking shield materialized in the air. The club struck it directly in the center.

The shield’s shape wavered but didn’t break.

Alright. I imagine the defense will hold for one more hit at the most. I can work with that.

“It has armor for a reason,” I said over my shoulder. “Aim an attack spell with your staff. Target the weak points connecting his breast plate to his pauldrons.”

“Got it!” Clove replied.

The skeleton wasn’t very fast. It lifted its arm in a ponderous movement for another hit.

Clove’s voice rang out. “Sun Slice!” A beam of golden light connected with the breastplate.

In the wrong spot.

She gasped behind me, but there was no more time. The shield shattered, and I darted forward.

Dagger in hand, I struck, wedging the tip into the knee joint. Mana flowed into the blade, enhancing the hit without overwhelming it to the point of breaking.

Interesting. It appeared my mana didn’t flare dangerously in every situation, then. Perhaps the blade only draws the mana it has the strength to feed on.

Just before the skeleton shifted, I managed to wrench my dagger to the side, splitting the connecting bones from one another.

But it wasn’t enough.

The monster struck, hitting my ribs with its club.

I slammed against the far wall. My head bounced on the stone. Dark spots swam in my vision.

But I could see well enough to watch the skeleton grip Clove in its hand.

And this is just the Tower’s test?

Clove screamed and hit it with a Fire Flare, this time in the perfect spot.

The skeleton’s breastplate came loose.

Just enough to be helpful.

Good girl, I thought. Now, I just have to get my cursed ass up and finish it off.

The skeleton roared in anger and knocked the staff from my companion’s hands. The staff clattered to the floor.

Clove was my responsibility. She was under my protection. If I didn’t have her out of that rotten grip in the next minute, I could hardly call myself worthy of immortality, and the void might as well just take me back to hell.

If my suspicion was correct, the skeleton was being powered by a talisman or other magical item. Since I’d already seen clean inside its skull, such a talisman had to be behind that breastplate.

She’d loosened the armor, and now, it was up to me to finish it.

Clove sent another Fire Flare spell into its head. She’d only have one, maybe two shots left.

I’d need momentum for this. It was vital for my plan to work.

I had two spells in my grasp. What made them any different than the hundreds of complicated, maxed-out spells I could use with dark mana?

Not much.

Every spell had at least two dozen uses if the mage could imagine them. I just had to be creative.

The skeleton tightened its grip. Cleverly, Clove let off a Sun Slice spell that targeted the tendon on the monster’s wrist.

It landed perfectly, and the skeleton screeched as the hand and weapon clattered to the ground.

I’m almost there, Clove. Just hang on.

I pushed myself off the wall and charged the beast. When I was eight feet away, I held out my hand. “Shield Strike!” In my mind’s eye, I tilted the shield and turned it parallel to the floor at hip-height.

The shield materialized, and I jumped onto it, using it as a platform to launch myself onto the monster’s shoulders.

Avoiding its teeth, I held on to the spinal cord and plunged my hand down.

There! Something’s glowing.

In the space between the sternum and the spine, an item floated.

My fingers closed around it.

The monster stopped thrashing.

Clove met my gaze for one tension-filled second as we swayed with the giant’s form.

And then it began to crumple.

The monster is defeated. Now, we must escape the peril of its fall.

If Clove didn’t get out of its grip, she’d hit the ground hard.

“I’ve got you!” I called, jumping from the shoulder. Moments before I landed, I cast another horizontal Shield Strike beneath Clove’s body.

She grunted as she hit, clinging to the edge of the magical shield as the skeleton’s locked hand threatened to pull her down.

I kicked the dead boss’s shoulder joint, shattering it. Finally, the finger bones loosened. The feat was easier now that I had taken the talisman.

“You did it!” she exclaimed, still hanging onto the edge of the shield.

Her dangling legs were just above my eye-level. “Let’s get you down,” I said.

“Yes, please! Oh gods… Luc — oh!” She made an odd whimpering noise as I reached up around her open legs.

13

“Let go of the shield now. Before it disappears, preferably.”

I supported her thighs on my shoulders, easing her into a sitting position.

She shook. Her thighs squeezed my neck, and her small hands held onto my face and chin as she struggled not to tip over to either side.

Damn. I forgot she was so uncoordinated.

“Now, drop down,” I grunted, trying to shift her into a position that would allow her to slide down my back.

“No!” she protested. “I’m going to slip! Why are you so tall?”

“Trust me,” I said. “I’ve done this a thousand times —”

“What? With who — wait! Wait!”

This was ridiculous. She was clearly having too much of a crisis to make this easy.

I should have told her to let go and just caught her. Now I’m being choked out by her legs.

Usually, I wouldn’t be upset by a position like this, but we weren’t in a bedroom, and she was far too dressed for it to matter.

“Clove!” I yelled sharply.

She froze instantly, mid-struggle. Her breasts were smashed into the back of my head, and I could feel every iota of her hyperventilation through them.

“Throw your leg over here.” I patted my chest. “I’ll hold you and set you down. I’m not going to drop you. I promise.”

Whimpering, she did as she was told. She let out a shocked gasp when her chest slid down the side of my face. And then again when I had to grip her ass to set her down.

Her face was crimson. But she still squeaked out a, “Thank you, and I’m so sorry!”

“Of course. Ah… Clove?”

“Uh huh?”

She’d gripped the front of my shirt. Her body was flush with me, but her wide eyes were still locked onto mine.

It appeared she was frozen in place. This woman just battled monsters, but… now she was having trouble?

“Are you well?” I inquired.

She blinked. It was only then, that she’d realized she could, in fact, step away. She did so, making great efforts to appear as if she’d not just slid down my face like a bug down a windowpane.

The skeleton finally dissolved into smoke.

Clove performed one last Quick Collect spell, gathering all the loot from the ground.

She eyeballed the coins, then pocketed them. “Twenty-five copper from the boss! Not a bad amount to split. Though you did do quite a bit more, so why don’t you take —”

“I won’t hear of it,” I interjected, resting my hand on her shoulder. She shivered beneath my touch, and I could almost hear her thoughts about my warmth. “It’ll be an even split. As is fair.”

She tucked her hair behind her ears and looked at her feet. “I promise I’ll do better next time. The thing just surprised me with that speed!”

“You did well,” I said. “Even in a crisis, you remembered my instructions and loosened that armor. It helped me get the talisman out in time. Oh, now that you mention it…”

I held up the copper key I’d snatched from inside the skeleton.

Her eyes went wide as she took it in her hands. “The key to the first level! It was inside that thing? Goodness. I suppose we’ll have to keep this safe.”

“First level? Didn’t we just go through that?” I asked incredulously.

Clove shook her head. “Not really. That was just the Tower’s way of making sure anyone entering is strong enough. Consider it the ground floor, I suppose.”

Like the Tower heard us, the stones began to move along the wall. Expecting another monster, I maneuvered Clove behind me.

But instead, we were met with two doors.

One was the same wooden one that we’d walked through to enter the Tower

The other, leading to the first real floor, was made of copper.

The key in my hand disappeared. The copper door creaked open.

“You’ll see us soon enough,” I promised it. Clove and I pulled the wooden door open. We strode out of the Tower.

The sun was nearly blinding, but Nessie’s voice was clear enough.

“Welcome back! By the heavens, aren’t you two fast at work? Any injuries? No? Organs still in place? Impressive…”

Nessie was still riding her floating platform like a tiny chariot. The entire group of waiting applicants already looked exhausted, and I wondered if the redhead made them listen to her the entire time.

A woman in black robes stepped forward. She had the Tower’s crest embroidered over the right breast. She had a small booklet in her hand, and she was scribbling some notes.

She held out a hand, and a red haze fell over us.

The woman glanced up, suspicion clear in her pinched eyes and pursed lips. “This scan will tell me how many spells each of you performed, how many monsters you defeated, whether you covered injuries with a healing spell or ability before coming out, and any other relevant information that will influence your score.

“You may have passed the Tower’s test, but the Academy must ensure that both of you are fit to attend our institution.”

The haze hung around us.

Her glare deepened. “Really? Hmm, well that’s a surprise… Interesting.” She scribbled something in her booklet and then released the red haze spell. “Total points are seventy-seven out of one hundred. You needed fifty-five to pass. Good job.”

I gave Clove a wink and she let out a squeal of excitement. We would need to do some celebrating for sure.

The woman continued as if we hadn’t made a noise. “You lost points for injury and lack of efficiency. Be here tomorrow morning for your first class.”

Clove and I thanked the woman and then started to make our exit.

Nessie hollered, “Next up, Rhys Aarinth and… oh! Just Rhys, then. Alright, in you go, Angry Boy!”

The blond mage who’d snapped at Nessie strode forward, slammed the Tower door open, and strode in without another word.

Nessie whistled long and low. “Quite the confident man, isn’t he? I don’t know, I’d like to see him again so I can tell him how much I already miss his pretty face…”

14

Our heavy mugs clinked together, and Clove yelled, “To the Tower Guild Academy!”

I raised my mug and drank deeply.

We were back at the Night Owl. We’d returned there immediately after our battle and began discussing our Tower strategy and reviewing what we could have improved in our battles. Soon after, the other students began to stream in.

Most looked happy, and I assumed that meant they’d passed. The silver-haired shieldmaiden waltzed in with a guarded glance around, before settling into a corner table on her own.

There were a few others I recognized as well. The petite woman with angel wings. The angry blond mage who’d stormed the Tower after us. And a few others here and there.

Clove and I used some of our coin to buy a more lavish meal for the evening. The food was good, but something was missing.

I pinched a bit of ash beneath the burning fire at the furnace, returned to my plate, and sprinkled it over my food. The next bite was wonderful.

Clove was shaking her head at me. “What are you doing, Luc?”

“I like the taste,” I said. “Don’t you?”

“Ash in my food?”

“Typically sprinkled on the top.” Huh. She still looked confused. Was that not normal here, either?

She giggled into her hand and said, “You might as well be from the bottom of the ocean. So odd…”

“So I’ve heard,” I answered. “What about you, Clove? What kind of life do you lead?”

She took a sip of her ale and kept smoothing her long hair.

Like it felt good.

She said, “Well, I grew up in a town just down the street from Amarantha. It’s called Yarah and well… I’ve always been trying to come here.

“To work in the big city. My dad’s a merchant, so he’s always traveling. Mom was always coming and going, torn between taking care of us or leaving us with friends and relatives.”

“That must have been difficult,” I guessed.

She took another long drink and hummed. “At times, I suppose. But we had good people in our lives. It only started becoming difficult this last year, but then I took Mabel out of Yarah and brought us both here!

“We’ve been living at the Night Owl for six months, working for Keegan and Bree at the inn and staying here until I gain enough money to do something else.”

“Like what?”

“Take on quests. Have an adventure.” She had a dreamy smile.

“Will Mabel stay here?”

She nodded, her eyes shining with the first hint of the alcohol’s buzz. “My parents will be back in Yarah by the end of the year, but they’ll be moving to Amarantha too. I’m just so excited! What kind of quests do you think we’ll get?”

I thought about it. “Are there dragons here?”

She snorted some of her ale. It dripped from her nose while she choked and gasped.

That was oddly cute.

She was shaking her head when she said, breathing hard, “You are crazy! We’re not going to slay dragons!”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re so scary. They terrorize cities just as big as Amarantha!”

“Wonderful!”

Her brows shot up.

I tried again. “That means it’s a worthy pursuit, don’t you agree?”

“Only if we can manage to live! You do want to do that, right?”

More than anything.

“I want adventures too, Clove.”

She leaned forward across the table, curious. “What about you, Luc? What’s your life been like?”

We were walking into dangerous territory. But I could tell her most of the truth. “You’re correct when you guessed I’d grown up wealthy and in great privilege. But that came with its own battles.”

Like endless war in the Underworld. So endless I think my mind would have melted from the boredom.

A domineering father who thinks the Underworld is the only place I belong.

His promise to tie me to the throne for all eternity.

I continued, “I’d finally grown bored of the endless time I knew I’d spend doing the same meaningless actions over and over.

“My father can’t imagine wanting a life that is different from his. He does not believe in forging one’s own path, so I was never allowed the freedom to.”

Clove’s nose scrunched up in confusion, but she continued to down her ale and listened. She leaned forward, bringing herself closer to me yet again.

I said, “I must sound incredibly snobbish to you. But in truth, I longed for a larger purpose. My father wanted me at his side like a warrior wants his strongest steed with him. I wanted a life of my own. The ability to learn new ways and experience new things.”

… that had nothing to do with warring with the Underworld’s own unruly demons. Or endless slaughter.

I was worried that Clove would press me for more information, but it only took one good look at her to realize how little I need worry.

Her nose and cheeks were completely flushed with color. Her eyes were glazed, and a relaxed smile lifted the corner of her lips.

She still held onto her mug of ale, but a large lock of pink hair had fallen inside it, soaking up the drink.

I reached forward and plucked her locks out of her drink.

She gasped and quickly soaked up the mess with a towel.

I fought back a laugh. “Are you already drunk, Clove?”

Her eyes snapped open as wide as our dinner plates. She bit down on her lip and, to my utter surprise, slammed her mug down and ducked under the table.

I waited, confused.

She didn’t reappear.

I leaned onto the bench, laying sideways across the wood and propping my head up with a hand.

Clove was curled up, her head tucked to her knees. Her face was tilted just enough so she could peek out at me.

“Are you going to stay down there all evening?” I asked, grinning.

She turned her face away completely. “I’ve embarrassed myself about a hundred times in front of you today. More than I’ve ever done with anyone else. I can’t handle anymore!”

I insisted, “You haven’t embarrassed yourself at all. Not in my eyes, at least. Will you please come out?”

“Promise?”

“Yes. Promise.”

“Really?”

I sighed. “In some realms, asking someone to repeat themselves unnecessarily is like asking for a herd of demons to come sleep in your bed.”

“What?!” Her head shot up and knocked against the underside of the table. She moaned and tucked her head back down, rubbing the top of her skull.

Why in the world would I tell her that? She’s not from the Underworld, and it’s not a joke she’d get.

“By the void, just come back up, Clove. Please.” I held out a hand beneath the table.

After a few seconds of silence, she peered at me again. Her eyes fixed onto my proffered hand.

Her small fingers slid into my palm, hesitant.

There was a myriad of grunts below the table and the rustling of fabric.

But finally, I managed to help Clove climb out onto the bench next to me.

Once settled, I was about to ask her if she knew what the first Tower level looked like. My words stopped short when she nuzzled her cheek into my shoulder and looped her arm into mine.

“You smell nice,” she informed me happily with a sigh.

Another voice cut through our conversation. “Hey! You, with the black hair!”

15

The cat girl slid into Clove’s old seat across from me. Her petite frame hardly made a noise as she settled onto the bench.

Clove stiffened, a little more on alert.

“Can I help you?” I asked the newcomer.

Her green eyes were nearly unreadable. But there was a glint of excitement within them.

Plus, her tail was flicking back and forth behind her.

She asked, “How did you get through the test so quickly? Even together, you were surprisingly fast.” Her gaze flicked to Clove, as if to suggest the demi-human was the most surprising part of it all.

“When did you go in?”

“After the blond boy,” she replied. “He took a little longer than you two did. I’d ask him, but I think he’d try to stab me up if I talked to him.” She noticed the leftover meatloaf on Clove’s plate and popped it into her mouth.

The inn’s entrance door slammed open, and the cat girl’s posture straightened. Her pupils contracted as she snapped her gaze to the door.

When the bear demi-human stumbled in with another human mage, the both of them laughing and talking about the Tower’s monsters, she relaxed. “Anyway. How did you do it?”

Clove’s hand dropped to my leg. She was humming absentmindedly and tracing circles on my inner thigh.

It was… somewhat distracting.

“Like you did, I imagine,” I answered. “Well, we went through the center tunnel. Rats came out of the wall, and the water beast with the tentacles came next. Is the final boss the same for everyone?”

“Yup,” she answered, totally set on eating up the rest of Clove’s food. “No one was allowed to spoil the test for the people waiting, so I’m pretty sure it was a surprise for us all. I took the right tunnel. That one was mostly spiders and bats. No big deal. Skeleton monster at the end?”

“The very same. Key in the chest?”

She sighed. “Yeah. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out what to do. Bastard twisted my leg in the process, and I really don’t trust anyone but a healer to fix it.”

Clove gasped and stood. She splayed her hands on the table and leaned forward.

It was then that I noticed the ties on her top were dangerously loose and close to spilling all of its contents out on the table.

The cat demi’s eyes widened as she came face-to-face with Clove’s generous chest.

“I’ll heal you!” Clove declared. “Mine is a natural demi ability, so you don’t have to worry! What’s your name?”

The girl replied hesitantly, “Jameria. But you can just call me Jam. What did you say you’d do?”

Jam then received a most surprising across-the-table embrace, one that she didn’t quite have the power to extract herself from.

She spluttered, “Wha-how? Excuse me —”

Clove began to glow pink.

Jam gasped and tried to push Clove off. “Hey! Get off of me! What do you think you’re doing?”

I was about to intervene when Jam’s outrage melted into bliss. Her body was now alight with the same reddish pink color, and suddenly, all the fight left her.

She leaned into Clove, sighing. Her worry vanished, replaced by a dopey sort of grin.

Clove cupped Jam’s face. “Better?”

Jam had to shake herself. She cleared her throat and said, “Um… ah… yeah. Yes. Thank you.”

She rubbed her arms but didn’t pull away from Clove.

The healer grinned. “Cute little kitty.” She then planted a kiss on Jam’s nose.

Jam stiffened. “Hey! You can’t just kiss strangers like that!”

“But we’ve been introduced! We’re not strangers anymore!” Clove was again trying to pull Jam into a hug, and the cat demi wasn’t exactly a match for the healer’s alcohol-infused determination.

I stood. I might be a Demon Prince born in the Underworld and made to rule over demon kin, demons, wraiths, and the void alike, but even I knew when a companion was too intoxicated to be out in public.

I placed a hand on Clove’s waist. “Please let the nice demi go, Clove. I think it’s time you went to bed.”

It did the trick. She gasped and released Jam, whirling on me.

To my dismay, she wrapped her arms around my waist and declared, “Sleepover!”

Speechless and unsure how to work with this side of Clove, I looked to Jam for help. “What does she mean, ‘sleepover’?”

Jam’s shock turned to mirth. She laughed and said, “I think she wants to get to know you better.”

I frowned. “Get to know me?”

Clove was covertly trying to pull my shirt out of the back of my trousers. Seconds later, her warm hands were pressed against my bare skin.

Jam gave me one of those looks full of meaning, as if Clove’s actions were evidence of what Jam had just said. “Do you want me to draw you a diagram, mister? She clearly wants to take you to bed. And do a whole lot more than sleep.”

Oh. Clove attempting to mate with me. Really? This is how mortals approach it?

The demon kin females in the Underworld acted nothing like this. They were forward and eternally direct. Such was the way I’d been used to.

But I kept forgetting that mortals were different. So, so different from everything I’d known.

I hadn’t observed them long enough to know exactly how they managed their desires for one another. Maybe Jam was right.

One of Clove’s hands slid to the front of my trousers and pressed against —

Aha. Jam was correct, after all.

I caught Clove’s hand and warned, “You are far too intoxicated to touch me like that.”

Her head snapped up. Fear clouded the happiness in her eyes. “You’re mad at me.”

Jam snorted. “You have your hands full. I’m out of here.”

Clove was now trying to pull away from me. “I’m so sorry. Just let me go! I’ll leave.”

I held on tight. Suppressing a growl, I bent over to scoop her up by the back of her thighs and hoisted her, cradling her gently against my chest.

She yelped, legs kicking weakly, but her arms wrapped around my neck. “What are you doing?”

I made my way over to the stairs. “Isn’t it obvious?” I murmured. “I’m taking you to bed.”

16

She was staring at my lips, entranced. “But I thought you just said…”

“To bed, Clove. As in, you are going to sleep like a good little demi. You are, aren’t you?”

Heat flushed her cheeks. “Uh huh?”

I wasn’t convinced she even heard what I’d said. But I replied, “That’s what I like to hear. Now, which room is yours?”

“Third floor. Room thirty-two. I have the key here.” She wiggled her fingers at me. On one, she had the ring that transformed into her staff. On her middle finger, there was a plain iron band.

Smart girl, keeping her belongings on her like that.

When we found her room, she summoned the iron ring into a small key, and I opened the door. It was a simple, comfortable space with a bed and washroom.

I set Clove down. “Is Mabel here?”

“Mabel stays in Bree’s quarters next door to the inn. It’s safer than staying in the inn’s rooms. For a little girl, at least.” The tie of her vest-like top was already coming undone, and as Clove walked to the washroom, she began untying it.

“The bed is this way, Clove,” I reminded her. I wasn’t leaving until she was safely unconscious. I didn’t quite trust that she wouldn’t fly out of her room and assault another demi with her healing.

Or worse.

She disappeared behind the door, and I heard the sound of water running. When I peered inside, I saw that she’d turned the water on in an ancient-looking bathtub and continued undressing.

Her vest connected to a cape, and the entire garment fell to the floor in a fluttering heap.

I saw one flash of her smooth back and curving hips, and then retreated.

I found a chair in the main room. “Do make haste, Clove. I’ll still need to rent my own room before Keegan and Bree close the kitchen for the night and retire.”

“You won’t find one!” she replied. “Most of everyone from the entrance exam is staying at the Night Owl. The rooms are full.”

There was a yelp and a loud splash. I was already on my feet when she called, “I’m okay! Promise!”

Not entirely convinced, I replied, “In any case, I’ll simply have to find another inn, then.”

“Nooo, Luc. No, you won’t. You’ll stay in my room!”

I glanced around. There was plenty of floorspace. I’d slept on worse. Tomorrow, I’d find a bed. “Fine,” I agreed.

There was no response.

“Clove?”

Only silence met me.

“Fuck.” I shot to my feet and stormed into the washroom. Clove’s head was completely submerged beneath the water.

I plunged my hands in and yanked her to the surface.

The first thing I noticed when she emerged was that she was completely conscious. The second?

The water was perfectly clear.

“What were you doing?” I demanded.

She spluttered and wiped the water from her eyes, while I averted mine. “I was getting my hair wet, Luc! And the hot water just felt so good. I was just enjoying it… I’m sorry I scared you.”

I sighed. By the Underworld, this had been a long day.

Turning around, I sat on the ground and leaned my back against the bathtub. “No. Don’t apologize again. You’ve done so enough today. I should apologize. You’ve been taking care of yourself long before this day. I must remind myself that you’re perfectly capable.”

She’s young compared to me. But she’s by no means a wandering child without skill.

“Can you hand me the soap?”

I looked beside me. The soap bar had fallen to the floor when I’d hoisted her up. I handed it over my shoulder, and her fingers brushed over mine when she took it.

“I can’t feel my tongue,” she sighed. “Or my lips, for that matter. Hey! No smiling like that!”

Damn. So, she could still see my side profile from her vantage point. “I’ll wait in the other room.”

I moved to get up, but the water sloshed, and her hand landed on my chest.

“Stay,” she said, voice huskier than usual. “Just keep talking to me, okay? If I’m left to myself, I might just fall asleep in the bath. Heavens, why do I have so much hair to wash? Whose idea was it for me to take a bath? So much work…”

“Yours,” I reminded her. “I was ready to tuck you into bed for the night. You should really listen to me more often.”

“Men,” she sighed. “All the same.”

When she had finished bathing, I removed myself from the room and tossed her the night clothes she had stored in the small dresser.

When she walked out, she was all irritation. “What are you doing getting dust on the bedding?”

I peeked an eye open from my makeshift bed on the floor. “Getting ready to sleep.”

“You will get into bed this instant!”

“It’s too small.”

“Oh, so you’re saying my ass is too big? I see.”

I shot her a confused look, but she didn’t look upset. The tiny shorts and thin shirt she wore hardly hid anything about her body, and I wondered how everything stayed in place so well.

Closing my eyes again, I said, “I’ve slept on volcanic rock for weeks at a time before, Clove. I think I can handle wooden floorboards.”

“I am paying for this room, and I will decide where you sleep. If you don’t do as I say, I’ll start singing.”

“Singing?”

She giggled. “I have a terrible voice. Trust me. You don’t want to hear it.”

When I didn’t answer, she begged, “Please, Luc. If you sleep on the floor, I’m going to keep myself up with all the guilt. That’s such a terrible place to lay. Please, please, please —”

“Fine,” I cut in, sitting up. “If it’s truly that distressing for you.”

She nodded quickly. “It is. It really is.”

When I snuffed out the candles and we climbed into bed, I had to admit it was more comfortable than the floor.

It took Clove less than two minutes to fall asleep, her heavy breathing the only sound in the room.

17

When I woke up, I knew I was trapped.

A curvy leg was thrown over my hips. One arm was locked over my chest, a hand tucked behind my back. Someone breathed deeply against my bare chest, her cheek nuzzled into my neck.

Pink hair was — quite literally — everywhere. Thrown across my face. A strand in my mouth. Trailing over my abdomen.

“How does she have so much hair?” I wondered aloud.

Clove moaned and shifted herself closer, grinding herself against me before settling into stillness once more.

There was a knock on the door, one that only I heard, and a voice. “Registered students! Your first class begins in two hours. This is a wakeup call.”

“Thank you,” I called.

Clove sighed and mumbled something unintelligible.

I tried to extract myself smoothly, but to no avail. She was surprisingly determined and strong when she was sleeping, and I didn’t want to wrench her off.

“Clove?” I asked, looking down.

Her brow furrowed. She shifted again.

I lifted my hand and tapped her back, touching only bare skin. Her shirt must have ridden up.

“Mmmm,” she replied brilliantly. Then she moved, exposing her smooth abdomen and the soft underside of her breasts.

Mortals were so strange. No demon kin — man or woman — would bother with this level of touch or affection. I don’t believe I’d ever slept with any of my sexual partners.

Perhaps it was because of my new mortal body. But holding her like this was shockingly enjoyable.

Strange, but enjoyable. She was warm and soft, and pressed against me intimately.

I wasn’t sure how to interpret her touch, however. Clove was physically inclined and enjoyed being close to me. However, I would not consider her actions last night as anything real. No true man would misinterpret drunken affection as a viable invitation.

So, was this her normal habit with all of her companions?

Carefully, I extracted myself from her hold. Still, the demi didn’t blink an eye open.

I entered the washroom and did my best to refresh my clothing. I’d only purchased one shirt at the shop, so I’d have to make it last until it made sense to get more.

When I returned, Clove was awake.

She was sitting up and rubbing her eyes. When she noticed me, she opened her mouth to say something, eyes alight with excitement, and then her eyes fell downward.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded.

Her face had fallen. Happiness melted into… fear? No, that wasn’t it. Regret?

I went to move forward, then paused. “Clove. Are you okay?”

“Please put on a shirt,” she pleaded.

I gestured to the washroom. “It’s drying at the moment.”

“Why are your pants unbuttoned, then?”

What? What kind of a question was that? I wasn’t exposing myself. “I was… getting dressed. Are you unwell?”

She groaned and flung herself to the side, burying her face in her pillow. “Just kill me now. Gods, please.”

Jam’s words came back to me from the night before.

Do you want me to draw you a diagram, mister? She clearly wants to take you to bed. And do a whole lot more than sleep.

“I’ll go get my shirt,” I announced. It didn’t matter that it was still damp from the wash. It would have to do for the time being.

When I came back, Clove was mostly dressed herself. Finishing, she slid the two rings onto her fingers.

“What do you think we should expect from today?” I asked her.

She pulled on her boots next. “I’m not sure. Nessie just told me that today is for meeting teachers and getting the feel of our own strength. We’ll be placed into smaller classes. No more than fifteen people each. I wonder how many people passed.”

“The Night Owl was not as full last night as before,” I commented.

“True. I hope no one died.” She stiffened and whirled. “Do you think anyone died?”

“It’s possible, I’m sure.”

She paled. “I mean, I know the upper levels can get super scary, but do you think anyone would have applied for the test without the proper training and power levels?”

Like you?

It wasn’t a very fair thought. Clove was clearly competent in battle. She could keep a goal in mind, even when under pressure or under attack.

But her mana levels were low. Too low.

We’d have to fix that.

We walked down to the inn’s dining area together and ate breakfast. There were a few students doing the same, and some gave us a friendly smile or wave.

Jam was lounged on the top of her bookshelf. She had a mug of coffee and a plate of food. Her sharp eyes followed us, flashing with amusement.

When she met my eye, she winked.

After, we headed toward the Academy early. We’d learned our lesson yesterday, when we’d been expected to come ahead of time and expect the unexpected.

The streets of Amarantha were lively already. People were staring at us, too; almost like they knew the fate we were walking toward.

The Tower rose above us like a promise and a threat. As we approached the entrance, Nessie greeted us. This time, she wasn’t on her platform.

Her red hair flowed around her, and the grin she gave us was more wicked than friendly. “How’s the power couple this morning? Aw, Clove! You look tired.”

“I’m fine,” Clove lied.

“She’s incredibly hungover,” I corrected.

That earned me an elbow jab in the ribs, but it was worth it. “How are you this morning, Nessie? Looking radiant as always.”

Clove grumbled, “As always? You’ve known her a day.”

Nessie reached over and ruffled Clove’s hair. “C’mon, Clovie! You’ve seen more than anyone how incredible and radiant I am on an everyday basis.”

Clove snorted and tried to get Nessie back, but the redhead dodged expertly. “I’ll just give you some milk, and then we’ll see how incredible and radiant you are.”

Nessie shuddered and explained to me, “I’ll be on the toilet for at least seven hours. Trust me.”

“Oh, I have every intention to,” I agreed. “So, are you our guide today?”

“Nope! Your classes, rooms, and teachers have all been assigned.” She pulled out a thin pane of glass — no, crystal — about the size of the average paper.

She tapped it, and it began glowing. She read it over and nodded. “You’re in study room twelve with Finley Rava as your instructor! Down this main path, through the courtyard, and to the left. You’ll see the big room numbers. If you get lost, I’m sure someone will find you wandering around eventually!”

18

Clove rolled her eyes. “Glad to know she’s still so helpful.”

“She has quite the colorful personality,” I commented as we followed her instructions and walked down the path.

The Academy was an incredible network of stone and marble buildings. I spotted the gate to a garden to the right, a large pool of water in another enclosed area, and tall buildings with several stories.

Of course, the Tower was the most impressive part of it all, casting a shadow over the city that couldn’t be ignored.

I marveled again at how blue the sky was. How, down the slope of the city, the sea glittered in the sun as if it was made of polished sapphire.

We found the classroom, labeled with a massive number twelve on the front. The thick, wooden doors creaked as we pushed them open and entered our study room for the first time.

The room looked more like a small arena than a classroom. There was a small section of auditorium-like seats, complete with desks. But the centerpiece of the room was a large spread of sand. Directly beneath the seating was a desk, a chalkboard, and a chair.

That’s where the teacher would sit, I imagined.

“Wow,” Clove exhaled. “This is super intimidating.”

“It’s unexpected,” I admitted.

Clove refused to sit in the front row, spluttering about not wanting to give the wrong idea, or whatever that meant.

We compromised and sat in the third row. There was no need to retreat to the back like Clove clearly wished to.

Soon after, the rest of our classmates strolled in. There were several faces I recognized, once again. Including Jam, who plopped herself beside Clove and shot me a wicked grin.

“How do you two feel this morning?” she practically purred.

Clove grimaced. “I’m sorry… who are you?”

Jam smacked a hand on her desk, her tinkling laugh echoing in the room.

Clove was so shocked that she’d fully leaned away, practically resting herself against my chest. “I am so concerned,” she whispered to me.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear right back. “You were very friendly with her last night. I believe there was a full-body healing involved as well.”

She squeezed her eyes closed. “Please don’t let me drink. Like, ever again.”

“I’ll do no such thing. You are much too entertaining.”

Clove’s shoulders shuddered. I thought at first it was because of her hangover, but then I noticed the flush spreading over her cheeks. The way she clenched her thighs together.

Was she like this with all the men in her life? I wonder…

Jam was flicking her attention from between us. Utterly fascinated, like she was watching some grand battle play out before her eyes.

I nudged Clove closer toward our new companion. “Clove, meet Jameria. Jam for short.”

Jam held her hand out, and Clove hesitantly took it.

Jam smirked. “Your healing powers are the best I’ve ever experienced, by the way. Thanks for that. My leg was really messed up, and with my skills, I need my balance and footwork to be perfect.”

“Oh. Okay,” Clove replied.

“Can I touch your hair?”

“Uh-what?”

Jam leaned in, her big eyes fixed on Clove. “Your hair. It’s pink, and I can tell it’s soft. But I really, really want to feel it.”

Clove looked up to me as if asking for permission, but I pretended to be focused on the other students as they filed in.

“Um… sure. I guess that’s fine.”

Suddenly, Clove was pushed back onto me. I had to catch her around the waist as Jam leaned into her, hands running up the back of Clove’s neck.

“Hey! That’s not —”

In an instant, Jam released her and settled back into her seat. She grinned, swiftly pulling her black gloves on once more. “I was right! Super soft. And it smells nice and clean too.”

Clove glanced up at me in disbelief.

I shrugged. “She’s your friend.”

Her mouth fell open. “I don’t even remember meeting her!”

“Don’t worry!” Jam inserted. “I’m sure we’ll make even more memories.”

As the room filled up, I noticed the range in ages. There were about seventeen students, if my count was correct, including myself and Clove.

Two students appeared to be quite young.

Being immortal for most of my life, I couldn’t estimate their ages perfectly. But they were nearing adulthood, though not yet there.

The boy’s muscles weren’t fully filled out, and it seemed as though he hadn’t quite grown into his facial features yet. The girl had a brazen, bold look about her. Though she still had a soft roundness to her cheeks that spoke to her youth.

On the other hand, there was a man as gnarled as a demon’s leathery hide. His face was all folds and soft skin full of lines. Beside him was a woman who seemed to be the age of many of the mothers in town.

She had that unspoken maturity of a person who’d faced many battles.

And won.

The rest of the students looked closer to my age, whatever that was. My papers said I was 27, but the Mayor had chosen that age after I’d shrugged and told him to guess.

How was I to know how old I looked?

As the class settled, for the first time since arriving, I felt… well… nervous.

It was the same adrenaline that usually came as a battle crept closer. But this was a class. Strange that I’d be feeling these emotions.

Perhaps it was all the anticipation.

Whatever the cause, it was a relief to see such a wide range of people and skill level in the class. I’m sure there were powerful applicants who would outshine everyone while I strove to learn the basics of light mana and develop my repertoire of spells.

In this motley crowd of students, it was highly unlikely I’d stand out in any way. Perfect for my needs. Once I graduated, I’d be on my way through the tower with new skills that had nothing to do with dark mana.

Though I’d miss it until I died. Or returned to the Underworld. Whichever came first.

19

When the door opened and the next person strolled in, I had no doubt in my mind it was our teacher.

Finley Rava was older than I looked. Older than the battle-worn mother type, too. He wore broken in battle leathers and a black cloak. There was no school crest on him.

There was a sword strapped to his waist. Other than that, he moved in a way that suggested every part of himself could be used as a weapon.

Even the way his eyes scanned us — wait, what is that?

His blue eyes had a haziness about them. As if they were clouded with a bit of mist.

Even though he met my gaze for a hard second before moving to the next student, I had no doubt in my mind that this man was at least partially blind.

He dropped a leather carrier’s bag on the teacher’s desk below and said, “Good morning, students. I’m Finley Rava. You will call me simply ‘Rava.’ Is that satisfactory?”

A chorus of yes, answered him.

His eyes narrowed sharply. “I said, is that satisfactory?”

Everyone, Clove and Jam included, raised their voices to give their assent more clearly.

“Good,” he said, returning to removing the papers from his bag.

“You’re here because you’ve indicated on your forms that you have an interest in graduating from the Tower Guild Academy with an official Adventurer’s License that will allow you to join any guild, including ours, and beat the Tower.

“If you’re strong enough, of course.”

He finished sorting his papers, crossed his arms, and scanned us once more.

“By the time you graduate, you will have formed a party of at least three people and will likely have beaten a handful of the Tower’s levels. Gaining the treasures it has to offer. Facing your worst fears in the meantime.

“You there, in the armor with the shield. What is your name, and what do you know of the Tower?”

The shieldmaiden from The Night Owl straightened and cleared her throat.

“Yes, Rava. My name is Aisling, but please call me Ash. The Tower formed centuries ago from a mana spring, as is the way of all Towers in Ria.

“It is constantly overflowing with power, usually in the form of monsters. If we were to ignore the Towers, they would eventually spill their monsters into the land.”

Rava held up a hand. “We’ll start there. Thank you. You are correct, however, here’s what you do not know about our particular Tower, and why it is the most fearsome in all of Ria.”

He paused.

I wondered if it was for dramatic effect, because it certainly came off that way.

“If you tilt a scale too far, the contents will spill over. Unless someone places equal weight on the other side of the scale to regain the balance.

“Typically, the Towers in Ria do not have a way to rebalance themselves. This is why they spill over, spreading monsters into the world.

“Amarantha’s Tower is different. It’s the only one that has a city around it. Why?” He pointed at Jam, who was raising her hand. “Name and answer.”

Jam said proudly, “Please call me Jam! Amarantha is the only city that has a Tower because the Tower doesn’t spill out monsters. No matter what!

“That’s why the city formed around it. It provides a central boost to our economy, which helped Amarantha grow into the strongest city in Ria.”

Rava nodded, but he didn’t appear pleased with the answer.

I leaned forward. There was something more to what Jam just said, wasn’t there? Something disturbing.

I had a very bad feeling about this.

Rava said, “You’re right. In the last two hundred years, our Tower hasn’t released a single monster. It’s done something that no Tower has ever before. It balances itself.”

A few students whispered to one another. Others didn’t react at all, likely not finding this information very impressive.

But I do. This is interesting. But how does the Tower do it?

If there was a wellspring of light mana feeding into the Tower, and it didn’t need to rely on adventurers to balance it, then it must be —

Damn. I think I have an idea.

Rava said, “The Tower has a larger than normal mana spring feeding it. Larger than any other Tower in Ria. Not even our thriving city and booming Tower tourism is enough to naturally balance the Tower.

“We don’t currently know how such an overflowing wellspring manages itself. However, a disturbing pattern has begun to show itself. One that I have a duty to reveal to you students.”

The silence that fell over the class was so complete, I could nearly hear Clove’s pounding heart beside me.

She reached over and threaded her fingers into mine.

I held her back, circling my thumb over her wrist, hoping to soothe her.

Rava was satisfied with the solemnity of our reactions. He said, “The Tower has been growing steadily stronger and stronger at an exponential rate.”

Clove’s grip turned bone-breaking. “Oh, gods.”

Rava didn’t pause. “I defeated the Tower around thirty years ago, and from the stories I hear from adventurers, I’m not certain my same party could have done it today.

“If the Tower continues growing at this rate, and the levels become harder and harder to pass, eventually they will become impossible to defeat. As it stands, not a single party has beaten the entire Tower these past five years.”

“So, we keep crushing it down!” an increasingly familiar voice said. The blond mage with anger issues sprang to his feet.

He looked ready to jump into battle. “We beat the living hell out of that Tower with so much force that we rebalance it ourselves!”

The last came out as a violent yell, much to the dismay of his surrounding seat mates.

The shieldmaiden, Ash, leaned away from him.

Rava addressed the man. “Your name?”

“Rhys.”

“Well, Rhys, to achieve what you suggest, we’d need twice as many adventurers in the Tower, even on top of the hundreds of thousands who come every year. Additionally, there is no evidence this would help the situation.”

Rhys sat, glaring.

The demi with white wings and golden hair raised her hand, and when Rava nodded at her, she asked, “Hi, sir. My name’s Cazima. Nice to meet you. Love the creepy cloak, by the way. Definitely matches your eyes in a good way. Oooh, and that scowl is just perfect. Never change, Rava. Never change.

“Now, I have a question. What happens if the Tower keeps getting more and more powerful?”

Rava ignored the strange comments and answered flatly. “We can only take the other towers of Ria as an exemplar. Monsters will be released into the city, wreaking havoc and destroying us all.”

Rava might have been guessing, but I didn’t have to. I knew exactly what would happen.

Right now, the Tower was balancing itself.

Nature always found a way to do so.

Its light mana was so powerful, the tower had sought for and found a way to balance, a place it could pour its excess off into.

Nobody understood that it was doing so by ripping a hole into the Underworld’s void.

20

The people of Ria knew nothing of the Underworld.

All they understood was that demons occasionally haunted their lands, and that they likely came from another realm.

A cursed one.

As little as the Underworld understood about Ria, we knew about the tears in the void.

We knew about the balance of power that came with mana.

If my suspicion was correct, then Amarantha was in grave danger. If the Tower continued to grow in power, it would rip a true opening into the Underworld.

A portal.

Demons would spot such a large opening almost instantly. It would be the equivalent of inviting an army of the Underworld into the city of Amarantha and the realm of Ria beyond.

The city would be decimated. Far before Father could close it off.

Part of me wondered if he already knew. If he already sensed the light mana filtering into the void.

Rava seemed properly satisfied with the amount of fear his students were showing.

“We aren’t without hope, students. Because once I am done with you, this class will be the best group of monster hunters in the whole realm. You might choose to leave the Academy. Or graduate and refuse the Tower’s call.

“Both options are possible. But in the meantime, I’m here to teach you teamwork. Combat skills. Defense skills. And how to think on your feet. If you think you’re tough shit because you passed the Tower’s test, you’re wrong. And together, we will protect our city.”

Clove took the beat of silence to turn to me, her fiery eyes hard. “Luc?”

The way she was looking at me… it was as if she could sense my turmoil.

“Speak,” I prompted.

“We’ll get through this, okay? This city is full of adventurers and trained professionals like Rava. We’ll be okay. I’m certain of it.”

I didn’t reply. She could not know what she was saying.

Time was on my side here in Ria, or so I’d thought. Now, it was clear that this realm had more problems than a Dark Prince portalling into the city.

And I was the only one who knew it.

I had to confirm my suspicions about the Tower. And if I was right, Ria was in more danger than she could ever know.

The rest of the class day was brief and simple. Rava explained the basics of what to expect from him. We’d be given a mixture of lectures, physical training, combat and spell lessons, and independent study assignments.

After the excitement of the Tower’s test, we’d all been expecting incredible things from our Academy classes.

Not the endless lectures that we were given instead.

It would seem that Rava wanted to drown our brains with his droning voice and beat our will into a pulp before putting us into the Tower again.

An event that would be, unfortunately, several weeks away.

“I want you fully prepared,” he’d declared one class morning. “Ready for any and all circumstances! Able to recite the theory of party strategy, battle planning, and leadership pedagogy in your sleep!”

He was worse than Father on a power trip in the war room.

When we weren’t taking notes in the classroom, we were being run into the ground in physical training.

Literally.

We ran laps. We did hours of weight training. We stretched our bodies into more agile things and honed our balance.

Every day ended with sweat, burning muscles, and heavy bodies that we struggled to move out the door.

The biggest surprise was how miserably weak my new body was. I tired along with the rest of my mortal classmates.

I sweat and cramped up and burned out.

It was abhorrent!

Between the research study, the long classes, and the physical practice Rava had us doing in the arena, I was exhausted by the end of my first week at the Tower Guild Academy.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been driven this far into fatigue.

Perhaps when I’d campaigned with the demon kin army on the Burned Plains? At least there, I’d had the adrenaline-filled, bloodlust-drenched battles to enjoy.

This mortal form couldn’t come close to matching the stamina and strength of my immortal body. Even still, I was a little stronger and faster than the average human and demi in my class.

In an effort to fit in, I hid this fact as best I could.

This became especially challenging when sparring in combat training.

The other members of my class struggled with the basics. Sure, some had come here with mastery over sword or dagger.

I could wield any number of weapons effectively. The trick was pretending I couldn’t.

And regardless of my previous experiences, the limitations of my new body did force me to encounter each weapon from a new perspective.

As with so many experiences in Ria, I enjoyed it despite the pain and slow pace.

We were all pushed to our limits, whatever they might be. Rava wasn’t satisfied until each and every person was crushed into a pulp, mentally and physically.

On the days that I didn’t collapse into bed, sleeping before my head hit the pillow, I learned two new spells.

Quick Collect was more of a convenience spell that had little to no combat applications.

The other was a matter manipulation spell called Valley Leash. The spell was fascinating in its wide-ranging possibilities.

However, Valley Leash would hardly be an asset to me until I learned to control my mana.

There were hard-limit spells, like Shield Strike, that produced a static object or effect. Those had a hard limit to their power output.

But spells that had elemental or mana-manifesting powers that could scale up and down? They only had one setting for me.

And it was explosively destructive.

I’d tested Valley Leash, trying to summon a leaf to my hand. To practice, like any good battle mage.

Instead, I pulled the entire tree out, roots and all, only to dodge out of the way at the last second.

Much like Fire Flare, Valley Leash was pulling on all of my mana, and no amount of steely determination could change it.

I’d since settled for focusing on controlling my mana before I learned yet another spell I couldn’t use in a practical manner.

Clove tried to pretend like she wasn’t completely shocked by everything I did. But she was terrible at hiding her emotions.

Thankfully, she didn’t pry.

The only silver lining was the absurd levels of research and reading we were assigned.

Though the texts were dry and uninspiring, I had already become more familiar with the world of Ria, its rules and customs.

Even walking around Main St. and interacting with others had become more comfortable for me. People still stared, though.

Clove had said it was likely because of my height, but each time, I felt she was holding something back.

I was different.

Perhaps no one could understand why, but many of them sensed it, including her.

The first week was over, and the weekend was upon us. Most of the time, Clove and I studied in the library to finish our assignments. But we had to rest, as well.

Tomorrow, we would be fighting in one-on-one matches with our classmates.

At least there was that to look forward to.

After the library, Clove dragged me into a shopping trip. She was picking up a few supplies for The Night Owl kitchen.

I helped her carry the kitchen supplies, which included one pot and a whole lot of produce.

When we entered the kitchens of The Night Owl, the space was already bustling with lunch preparations.

The small spawn, Mabel, was there as well, chattering and peeling carrots while Clove and I helped prepare the rest of the vegetables.

After Mabel told me of a harrowing story that included a bully who pulled on her hair whenever she visited the nearby park, I advised her to punch him directly in the throat and collapse his trachea.

Clove shrieked at me for a good five minutes on the ethics of teaching a child murderous techniques, after which I revised my instructions to aim for the nose.

If that shatters, the enemy would likely live.

And with a crooked nose, that would serve as a daily reminder of Mabel’s strength and supremacy.

Clove ordered Mabel out of the kitchen, and I took over the spawn’s carrots.

We labored beside each other in the heat and steam of the soup pots as the employees barked orders and The Night Owl grew loud with guests.

When the kitchen calmed down and the work for the day was finished, I turned to Clove.

She was still a little angry with me and trying to move on.

Hopefully, this would help.

“I’m sorry,” I told her. “I didn’t mean to teach your small sister such filthy techniques out of disrespect. Or intent on corruption. Only to give her the tools to stand tall on her own feet in a hard world.”

She shook her head. “No, no. Don’t apologize. I mean, the throat punch scenario was a little much.

“But you’re right. She needs support, and I guess I’m just kicking myself. She never told me about the bully. But she told you, and I think I got stressed.

“I want to be there for her, you know? She’s my little sister, but I’ve practically raised her up until this point.”

She wiped the sweat on her brow. “Keegan and Bree have been amazing since we’ve arrived. They treat her like she’s their own. But that doesn’t change the teensy bits of guilt I’m feeling.”

“You can’t be everything to her, Clove.”

She shrugged, not convinced.

“So, you expect to be a mother, a sister, a best friend, and a bodyguard? While leading your own life, studying, supporting yourself, and working to be an adventurer?

“You are not more special than all the people in the universes and realms beyond. You are only one person. You can’t possibly do it all.”

She chuckled sadly. “Well, when you put it like that, I feel selfish. I don’t think I’m more special or anything. I just want to do more.”

“You are expecting yourself to be superhuman. You’re holding yourself to a standard that not even a god can uphold,” I pointed out with a smile.

“I’m asking you to give yourself some grace. That little girl has a wonderful support system. She has you and Keegan and Bree. Me, when she requires violence.”

It was meant to be a joke. Mostly.

Clove finally laughed. She pushed at my chest. “Why are you so nice to me?”

You deserve a lot more than ‘nice.’

I placed my hand over hers. “Remember what I told you that first day. Show yourself some kindness, if kindness is what you value most.

“You must live your values to truly uphold them.”

21

She grinned up at me and then turned serious. She started chewing on her lip again.

“Stop that,” I murmured.

“Huh?” she replied.

The atmosphere in the kitchen had taken a turn. Clove wasn’t drunk. And yet she was looking at me as though she was.

This is one of those mortal things, isn’t it? This is part of what Jam said at The Night Owl. How Clove wants me.

In our embrace, there wasn’t space even for the smallest mote of ash to fall between us. Her skin began to glow a soft pink. Like how the sky here looked at sunset sometimes.

“You’re glowing,” I informed her.

“That happens sometimes,” she admitted, staring at my lips.

Someone entered the kitchen, and Clove jumped, turning to see who’d come in.

When she saw it was one of the servers, she gave me a sheepish look and touched one of my fingers. “Sorry.”

The server glanced up. “Oh! Clove. And… uh… what was your name again?”

“Luc Vale.”

“Right,” he said. “You have someone asking for you. By the name of Henna.”

We entered the dining area to find Madame Debshire’s tailor and niece sitting at one of the tables.

Worry creased her face. She was pale in that gray sort of way that suggested lack of sleep or sickness.

“Henna,” I greeted her, sitting down. “Lovely to see you once more.”

She tried to smile, but it was too pinched to be convincing. “I’d like to hire you two.”

Clove’s brows rose. “I’m not very good with shoes, Henna. I’m flattered, though.”

I placed a hand on Clove’s thigh. “Not in the shop, Clove.”

“Oh. Oh. For that… I see.” Suddenly concerned, she leaned forward and grasped Henna’s hand. “Did something happen? Are you okay? Is anyone hurt?”

Henna looked to either side of her, leaned forward, and whispered, “No. But something has gone terribly wrong. Does your offer still stand, Luc? Can you help us?”

“I need the details.”

“No. I need your word beforehand. I can’t be sharing this with just anyone.”

“Fine,” I said. “Then we can part right now as friends, and I will pretend ignorance. Have a lovely day, Henna.”

Clove gasped, “Luc! What do you mean?”

I shifted to stand.

Just as I expected, Henna broke. “Wait! Okay, okay fine.”

I sat, and Henna muttered a spell.

In the middle of the loud Night Owl, sound dampened to a soft hum. An almost imperceptible bubble of mana covered us like a shield.

Henna explained, “Sound spell. So no one can hear us.”

That one’s useful. I’d have to learn it.

She began her story. “For the last year, Madame Debshire and I have been selling black market demonic items.”

Clove clapped a hand over her mouth.

Henna sighed. “Yes, the illegal stuff too. She’s an ambitious woman and wanted to expand the business.

“But with the Mayor’s taxes and the ridiculous licensing fees needed to sell legal demon gear and items, it was going to kill the already slipping business.

“A few of the shops in the city were dabbling in the same area too. She saw it as a new, unclaimed market. With her experience and savvy, I knew she could succeed.

“And well… maybe she succeeded too well. Within six months, she was the top buyer and seller on the demonic black market.

“Three weeks ago, she went to an underground market and purchased several crates of demon bone. At an incredible discount. But I could tell she didn’t feel entirely right about it.

“Demon bone is extremely rare and expensive. Despite her instincts, she went through with the sale.

“It only took a few days for the first letter to reach us. We were being blackmailed. Either we pay three times the amount for the demon bone, or the Mayor would get an anonymous letter accusing us of… well, exactly what we were doing.”

Clove leaned forward. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

Henna, with tears in her eyes, nodded.

I said, “Tell me about the break in.”

Henna shrugged. “That was just to send a threatening message. To let us know that they could get to us anytime, anywhere. And now?”

She covered her mouth as tears began to fall down her cheeks.

“Now, they took Madame Debshire. She told them no. She said she wouldn’t pay.

“She’d already moved the product to a new location, a secret location, and they couldn’t steal back the product either. She said that this was a defining moment for her in the business. That if we could hold our own and come out on top, we’d be one of the main players in the city, and no one would mess with us so casually anymore.”

Clove moved around the table and sat beside Henna, giving the girl a hug. “You must be so stressed and scared. I’m so sorry, Henna. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

I asked, “And what do you know about the kidnappers? Do you know where they operate? How many people are involved?”

She sniffed. “Yes. Sort of. I have their organization name. And their leader’s name. But I have no clue how many people are there.

“I have until midnight tonight to return the bones and pay four times their value. We don’t even have that kind of money, Luc. I thought about going to the Mayor and telling him everything, but…”

She sighed. “What’s the point of that? He’ll just take my aunt and lock her up. She’d fucking hate that more than anything, and the business will fall. We’re supporting our family with that shop. It can’t fall. We have to get her back and set this back to normal.”

Glancing away, she added, “Considering the danger level? I don’t even have the available funds to pay you. Nothing liquid, at least. You’d have to be okay with a few installments.”

“You’ll pay me,” I assured her.

Her face fell. “I doubt it. Not what you’ll ask.”

“But you haven’t heard my demands. I want the demon staff.”

Her mouth fell open. “Wait! I can’t actually do that! Auntie will kill me, but her life and our family’s livelihoods aren’t worth a stupid bone staff. Deal. And you can do it by midnight? Tonight?”

“Yes. However, it is not just me who will be going.” I addressed Clove. “I assume you’ll insist on coming?”

“Of course! But I don’t have any demands.”

“Yes, you do,” I corrected.

Henna looked nervous. “Okay… what is it?”

“Yeah, what is it?” Clove echoed, bemused.

“Gloves.”

Henna nodded, her mind working. “Yes. I can manage that too. Very well. It’s a deal.”

* * *

“This is so creepy,” Clove complained, examining her new black gloves. “Demon hide… so gross.”

We were crouched and watching one particular building and one single entrance. Without looking away, I countered with, “What’s the difference between this and those cows and sheep you kill and harvest? Demons are the same, except they’re predators that wish to slaughter you.”

She shuddered. “That doesn’t actually make me feel better.”

“You should be wearing them all the same. Trust me. You will not regret it anytime soon.”

Demon hide that’s been properly processed by a skilled craftsperson will last three times as long as any other leather and is extra-difficult to pierce.

I suspected that it was going to be a constant desire of mine to find things that protected Clove even just a little bit more.

The door opened, and we both ducked a little further down. We were about twenty minutes of a walk away from The Night Owl. Near the docks, where it was more industry and shipping, as opposed to residential.

The waves crashed and boats knocked against the docks in the distance.

The sun was down, and there was only the dim glow of a torch beside the door.

And then a man approached the door. He removed his hat, revealing a bald head and an odd red scar up his neck and scalp.

“That’s the man Henna described,” I said. “He’s the one who kidnapped Debshire.”

“Yup!” Clove agreed. “Luc?”

“Yes?”

“We’re not going to like… die or anything? Are we?”

“Are you confused about the plan?”

She shook her head.

I patted her shoulder. “Just remember my signal. And don’t worry.”

She didn’t look convinced but activated her staff anyway. “I’ll wait for it.”

I left her on the rooftop. Cloaked, my demon staff stored safely on my finger, I approached the door.

22

The three guards stiffened, each of them pointing a weapon at me. “You there! Halt and state your business.”

Head down with my hood up, I said, “I have business with Tormin.”

“Ha!” one of them scoffed. “Sure you do. Hands out. Facing down, if you please. ‘Less you don’t want to keep them attached.”

They chuckled amongst themselves.

I did as they said.

“Ah! Two rings on, huh? Show the wrists too. Alright, those are clear. Take off the rings and place them on the ground.”

I pulled them off, taking my time. Crouching slowly, I placed them both down.

Without rising, I held up a hand.

“Hey!” I heard one of the guards shout as a beam of light hit his eye.

He roared in pain as another beam hit the next guard. From this distance, Clove’s attack wouldn’t kill.

Heavily injure? Very likely.

But that’s all I needed.

I picked up my rings again, feeling for the smoother, lighter one. I summoned the demon staff.

As it formed into reality, I sent it a command: Blades.

The ends of the staff formed two wicked blades of sharpened steel. Steel that cut through the necks of the three guards easily.

One thing that I had made sure to verify before I’d come to Ria? How the mortals used the carcasses of demons.

The mortals figured out that demons could be harvested and enchanted very easily. The result was a stronger than normal item.

Demon bone was the most powerful. It absorbed mana from attacks and could create powerful bursts of energetic force.

It wasn’t a precise attack by any means. But useful.

However, what they didn’t know was that dead demon bone was a tool that could be molded by a domineering mind, much like dark mana could.

If demon bone is charged up with mana, the user can shape it into whatever tool they need. There is a time limit to how long the form can be held, and that depends on how much mana the staff has absorbed.

As I walked calmly through the front doors, I was thankful for my enchanted footwear. My steps were so soft, so quiet, I knew I’d have the advantage in here.

Clove stayed behind for two reasons.

One, she’d be at a disadvantage in fighting strength, and this was no Tower raid.

Two, I needed the freedom to injure and kill without worrying about whether she was in the way or not.

The last one, at least, she’d understood.

A man turned the corner ahead of me. Upon spotting me, he sent some odd slime spell at me that instantly began burning through my shield. I whirled my bladed staff, slicing through his throat easily.

He dropped to the ground, gurgling.

The next person that came for me was a woman.

I whirled the staff in front of me, absorbing her mana spell with the demon bone. After pinning her to the wall and pressing steel to her throat, she revealed that a prisoner was being held on the third floor.

She, too, was left to bleed out on the ground.

To the third floor I went.

The building Clove and I had scouted from was made in the same style as this one. That one was abandoned, but if they were built in the same layout, that meant I’d find a stairwell to my left.

I turned down the hallway, careful to keep quiet. There was no need to attract more attackers than necessary.

I creeped open the heavy, wooden door at the end to find… a closet.

“Fuck.” Well, there goes that suspicion.

It took precious minutes for me to locate the stairs. I had to move fast. If anyone caught Clove hiding the bodies out front, my time would be up.

Finally, I found the stairs. I transformed the demon weapon back into a ring. The stairway was wide and open, and I would try to blend in. Better than fighting my way up.

I nearly thought my luck had run out when a guard passed me, but I held my head up high. I exuded a sense of belonging instead of reacting in shock or nervousness. Those details mattered more than anything else.

The guard’s eyes slid over me. He continued walking by.

One more floor to go.

Another person passed me on the stairs, but he had his nose buried in a ledger of some sort. He grunted at me in greeting, and I returned it casually.

Thankfully, the third floor didn’t host a network of hallways and rooms like the ones below. This floor was wide and open. Crates were stacked in careful segments along the walls. Five long tables stretched across the middle of the room.

There were demon bones, hide, scales, talons, teeth and more.

This must be the assembly and packaging room.

On the furthest table, however, was my prize.

Madame Debshire sat with her legs tied to a chair. She was gagged and had painful-looking bruises and swelling across her face.

Was that a pen in her hand? Were they making her write?

Only one man stood over her. He looked average. Dark brown hair. Tan skin. A man you might see at the market, or in The Night Owl.

Except for the fact that he held a wicked demon bone blade to Debshire’s throat. The edge glowed faintly with mana.

I scanned the rest of the room and marked where the guards were. I had to move to the left, following the cover of the crate stacks, to make my way to her.

If I acted now, I could be overwhelmed and put her in further danger.

As I moved closer, I heard the words that man was telling Debshire.

“You have two options. Sign over your assets, and you’ll live. The alternative is dying in this place. And that’s just so depressing. Think of what you have to live for, Tera.”

That must be Tormin. The leader that Henna was talking about.

Debshire didn’t look up. Just stared forward sightlessly. Ignoring him.

I ducked behind the next crate.

The man sighed, “That is just too sad, isn’t it? At least I get to keep your niece, Henna, as compensation.”

The next time I caught sight of the woman, her eyes were bulging with hatred. Tears of rage made her bloodshot eyes absolutely terrifying.

I crouched, approaching a guard from the rear. He was stationed at another exit, but he was watching the drama unfold at the table.

I needed a weapon, now.

I concentrated on the ring and commanded it with the imperious, dominating spirit my father taught me to have.

The weapon morphed in my hand, forming into a slim handle with a wickedly curved dagger blade.

The guard didn’t hear me sneak up behind him.

He barely had time to flinch before I quietly slit his throat.

He gave only a slight gurgle as I dragged him and set his body down noiselessly behind the crates.

The man’s voice rang out again. “We’ve given Henna a little talking to. We tried to avoid hitting her face, since she’s pretty in that plain sort of way, but unfortunately, my boot slipped. A few times.” He chuckled.

Madame Debshire’s cry of rage shattered his laughter.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” he mocked. “I’d take your gag off, but then you’d try to attack me with those spells of yours. Can’t have you speaking any nonsense like that.

“So, listen to my words. Sign your assets over to me, or I’ll make sure Henna has the most prolonged, painful death imaginable.”

Now that I was closer, I could see there was a stack of papers beside her.

With a shaking hand, she reluctantly began writing on the first one.

Don’t do it, woman. Just give me another minute.

I snuck up on the second guard ahead. This one actually appeared alert. I waited until she turned her back to me to slide my blade into her neck.

Gods, killing is always so messy.

The blood pools themselves would give me away before anything else did.

There were two guards watching their leader and Debshire. One of them was absentmindedly summoning a tongue of fire into his hand.

That will be the first type of spell he casts when I attack. I’d bet a demon sword on it.

These seemed to be guards instead of sentries. They wore light armor hidden by loose, long cloaks. Likely so they wouldn’t attract too much attention if they had to come in and out of the building.

If the trigger-happy one casts the fire spell, I’d have to act quickly. If I was right about him, then I had a plan that would take them out all at once.

23

I shouted, “Debshire! Do not sign anything else!”

The guards reacted instantly. Sure enough, the one summoning the fire had flames at his fingertips.

I summoned Shield Strike. No less than a foot from his face.

He casted the fire spell the moment before my shield appeared before him. The fire slammed against the shield and flooded back onto the two guards.

They both fell back, smashing against the crates and dropping to the floor.

“Henna is safe, Debshire!” I shouted.

Tormin didn’t react beyond a defensive posture and a shield. He wasn’t interested in fighting me. He simply held the knife to Debshire’s throat and watched.

Three armed guards rushed in from across the room. They instantly zeroed in on me.

So, he’s the type to let his guards try to take me down. And he’s clearly assuming they will.

Still, I won’t turn my back on him.

I needed to use the environment to my advantage. I kept one crate stack on my right, protecting my side.

If I hit them head-on with Fire Flare, then I’d risk hitting Debshire, too. I could likely rely on Tormin to protect her, but it wasn’t worth the risk just yet.

I waited until the guards were almost on me, then released Fire Flare.

I shifted to the side so that Debshire wasn’t in range. The entire side of the room blasted apart. The closest building wall exploded outward, and the wooden floors were now half on fire.

The guards were still standing.

All of them wore armor that was now glowing.

It must be enchanted. Damn.

That meant this would have to be a manual job. I’d have to rely on my speed and strength. The more time I wasted, the worse off Debshire would be.

I dodged the first spell that came my way.

Behind the crate, I changed my staff into a war hammer. They were expecting a blade, so I’d give them something surprising.

The first came around the corner.

Shield Strike buffered the spell he hit me with, but his mana broke through my defense.

Something bound my left arm, holding it in place.

I struck at the guard’s stomach, putting in every ounce of my energy into it.

His armor buckled.

The man fell to the ground.

The next two guards came at the same time.

I shoved one of the larger crates off the stack. Chunks of black crystal smashed onto them.

Shifting my hammer into the double-bladed spear, I sliced through one guard’s shoulder, then cut upward, splitting the neck open. I swung my blade to the side.

The final guard blocked at the last second.

The next moment, I was blown back off my feet. My back cracked against the solid wood crates as the enemy’s sword descended on me.

I knocked it aside and maneuvered around her shield, cutting into her exposed side. After that, it only took a simple kick to her temple to finish her.

I advanced to Debshire.

Tormin still held a knife to her throat. “Stop right there. Or she dies.”

My laugh rang out.

The man’s eyes widened for a fraction.

Anyone else would have said I was sharing a joke with a friend as I said, “If you kill her, you’ll lose everything. She can’t sign over the rest of her assets, and you lose more than you already have.”

I gestured to the half-burned room.

Someone, likely Tormin himself, had already cast a water spell to put the flames out and protect his product. But too much had been damaged already for him to be relieved.

“Besides,” I added. “I’ll just kill you, anyway. But I have a better idea. Have her sign the papers, and we leave without destroying this entire building. I’d planned on it before, but I’m in a fairly compromising mood. Your choice.”

He glanced at the called guards. At the pools of blood leaking across the floorboards. At the burned side of his headquarters.

“Sign them,” he growled at Debshire. “And if either of you try anything, she dies no matter what. My empire won’t fall because of her, or some little brat like you.”

Debshire was looking at me with horror in her eyes. Even from here, I could practically feel her internal screams and stubbornness.

Woman, understand that I have a plan.

“This is the only way,” I said to her. “Think of your family.”

Finally, she surrendered.

The boss shoved the pen back into her hand. “Now, bitch. Quickly. Before I change my mind.”

The floorboards began to shake. I heard the pounding of feet. There were reinforcements coming.

She finished the last signature with a violent slash of her pen, then stood. The boss shoved her over to me.

The moment I got the woman behind me, I lifted my hand in a friendly farewell. “Until next time.”

He looked confused.

And then I whispered, “Fire Flare.”

He didn’t have time to shield himself or the papers from my flames. And now that Debshire was behind me, there was no need to be careful.

The boss’s screams rang out in my ears for a few seconds, and then died. The papers were incinerated, erasing all evidence that Debshire had even been here.

She nudged me angrily with her foot, then jerked her chin to the crates, shaking her head.

“You greedy bastard,” I told her, disbelieving. “We’re not taking any of this nonsense. No matter how much it costs. It’s better for it to burn.”

She began to work angrily at the gag around her mouth, but something told me there was a binding spell keeping it there.

I cut the gag off, using the demon bone weapon as a knife.

She rubbed her bruised, cracked lips and croaked, “I suppose you have a point, boy. Let’s leave. But we must disguise ourselves first, or we’ll just be walking into another battle.”

We nicked the cloaks from the fallen guards for a small measure of disguise. When we passed the reinforcements coming up the stairs, I shouted, “We need help upstairs immediately! There’s a fire!”

In the frenzy, no one thought to question why we were retreating instead of helping. They simply jumped into action and didn’t look back at us.

Outside, I found four more unconscious, if not dead, smugglers. They had a telltale single hole for an injury.

It appears Clove has been very hard at work.

I looked up to see her waving furiously from her perch.

We did the only thing left to do.

We ran.

* * *

The first thing Henna did when she saw her aunt was scream. I could tell the younger girl wanted to hit Debshire, but all the bruising and bleeding on the woman’s face stopped her.

So, she just screamed in her face. Full of rage.

And then hugged her, sobbing into her neck.

“I’m sorry, dear,” Debshire said, tears leaking from her own eyes. “I wish I could have prevented this. I wish I had listened to you in the beginning.”

Henna blew out a breath. We were in a sort of safehouse Debshire had set up a few months ago. Just a simple, small home in a dense neighborhood. Very hidden.

Clove agreed to heal Debshire as best as she could, with Debshire insisting on paying Clove for her time and energy.

The shrewd woman was eyeing the bone ring on my finger. Her expression was pinched, and she likely wanted to say something about my payment method.

I let her squirm. I’d like to see her try to get it back from me.

Henna paid us the first installment of coin, of which there would be three.

It was enough gold for Clove and I to last the next two months.

Clove looked like she wanted to return most of it, but not even Debshire objected to the payment.

That’s strange, isn’t it?

And then I saw the woman’s pockets. There was a slight bulge in three of them.

I smirked.

The savvy woman swiped something valuable from the smugglers while I wasn’t looking, didn’t she? That’s why she’s not haggling over coin.

She has something infinitely more valuable.

My respect for her increased.

Clove yawned and leaned her head against my shoulder. “Are you sure you two don’t need anything else?”

“No,” Henna said, looking tired herself. “We’re safe here. No one knows about this place, and it’s not even signed in a real name. I can’t thank you two enough.”

“Farewell,” I said to the two women, and slung my arm around Clove. “Do keep in touch.”

We made it back to The Night Owl without incident and fell asleep almost instantly.

Sometime in between dreams and half-wakefulness, I thought I felt Clove brushing the hair from my cheek.

I thought I heard her whisper, “Don’t ever leave me, Luc Vale.”

24

Without a shred of reassurance or optimism, Rava announced, “Today, I’ll be assessing your combat abilities. You will be randomly separated into partners and will spar for three rounds.

“Whoever wins two out of three is the victor. The result of each round will be determined by unconsciousness, if an opponent has been physically restrained and cannot escape, or if the opponent surrenders.

“I’ll be watching each of you as you fight and will deliver detailed outlines of what you must improve on. Let’s begin.”

He read out lists of names. The students who’d been called stood up and gathered in the ring beside their partners.

Finally, he called, “Clove Willowborn and Ash Orion.” And then, “Luc Vale and Rhys Aarinth.”

Jam was paired with someone named Cazima, the girl with angel wings.

Once we were all prepared, Rava addressed our group on the arena sand.

“If you are unable to show restraint, I will expel you from this Academy. You are forbidden from maiming or killing any students. After all, what good is an adventurer who puts their teammates, and possibly other civilians, in danger because of their lack of control?”

Fantastic. That was essentially where I was at the moment.

I faced Rhys, whose face was darkened by a scowl.

“I’m going to win,” he informed me, his voice a growl. If there was any way to describe this man, I’d use the word feral.

He was handsome in a traditional way. With a strong jaw and high cheekbones, the haughty attitude spoke to a comfortable upbringing.

So where did this man learn to act like a well-dressed murderer? I almost expected him to toss his head back and cackle evilly.

I tapped the corner of my mouth while looking at him. “Right there,” I told him. “You’ve got some stray spittle. Just there.”

The throbbing vein on his forehead bulged a little more. “You’re going down. I’m the best fighter in this class, and if you think a little sass is going to save you from me, you’re dead wrong.”

Damn. Father would love this mage. If fates were changed, he would have made a wonderful Prince of Darkness in my stead.

The bloodlust was something I could never quite enjoy as much as other demon kin.

“Very well,” I said, readying myself.

Rava called, “Prepare for the first round! Begin in three, two… one!”

I instantly erected the protective Shield Strike. There was no way this hothead was going to hesitate or show any caution.

I couldn’t hear what spell Rhys cast, but a spear of crackling blue mana shot from his open palm.

It smashed against my shield. To my surprise, I stumbled, almost as if I felt the reverberation through my body.

Rhys grinned savagely. “Feel that stun, bastard? My Mana Spear can get through every basic defense, even if just a little. At least you’re not weak, though.

“You’re still standing. Grinding your body into the floor will be fun.”

I hadn’t met someone with this much ego since cousin Valeria fifty years ago. She was just as insufferable and loved to hear herself talk just as much.

My shield was still up. But there was another use for it that I hadn’t tried out yet.

If there was ever a time…

I released the defense spell for a second and then instantly summoned it again. This time, I pushed its range. If I could max out a basic spell like Fire Flare, then this should work too.

Instead of calling the shield to protect me, I pushed it. It tried to push back toward me, but I extended it, forcing it away.

When it materialized, the shield’s face smacked into Rhys’s body. He fell onto his back but quickly rolled to his feet.

I couldn’t use Fire Flare like I needed to.

The lack of control was too dangerous. Even though I didn’t like this guy, I wasn’t about to blister his face beyond recognition.

But I couldn’t win with just a shield. That meant I needed to get within close range and use my demon bone staff to its greatest advantage.

It wasn’t ideal, but I’d do what was necessary.

And I had to be fast.

Letting go of the shield, I summoned it again, this time letting it protect me.

Rhys’s ugly laugh transitioned smoothly into another spell. This time, a handle appeared in his hand. Attached within was a whip of golden electricity. Like he was holding a cord of lightning.

The first strike hit my shield, but to my surprise, it held.

He must be holding back. That looks like an advanced spell, but he doesn’t want to risk killing me. Can I use that to my advantage?

Another blow shattered my defense. I thought I’d have a few seconds for Rhys to pull the whip back and coil it for another strike.

But I’d misjudged the versatility of the spell. With a flick of his wrist, the electric cord extended and snapped forward, wrapping around my wrist.

The burn was enough to make me hiss through my teeth.

Rhys’s laugher reverberated in my head, mocking and already celebrating a victory.

What does he think this is? A duel of honor?

If the whip had wrapped around my neck, I would have considered surrender, since that would’ve been a win if he was using the full power of the whip.

But he wasn’t. And only my hand was caught.

Summoning my staff into a blade, I channeled mana into the weapon’s sharp edge and sliced through the whip.

It snapped against the ground, out of control. A small cloud of dust and smoke filled the air.

I can work with that.

I was hoping my weapon would break the spell entirely, but it was already re-growing itself.

I didn’t have much time. If Rhys had even another second to strike, the match would be over. With two simple spells at my hand, I was at a serious disadvantage.

Even with those two meager spells, I still had a chance.

I wasn’t the Dark Prince for nothing.

And I’d been hurt worse than a few electric burns.

I tried casting a Shield Strike to hit him again, but Rhys was prepared for that. He rolled out of the way of my mist shield.

The whip lashed out again.

This time, it wrapped around my wrist and forearm.

Rhys yanked on his spell, pulling me forward.

He’s faster than I expected.

There was no use in cutting it if he was able to reform and capture me again. I had to choose another route.

Gritting my teeth, I did the last thing Rhys expected.

I was fast and strong, too. And I’d need to use that to my advantage.

Rhys was taken aback, which gave me a few precious seconds to finish this risky move.

I wrapped my wrist around the whip one more time, curling it around my knuckles so I could grab the cord in my hand.

My skin sizzled and popped.

Pain lanced through me like a hot iron.

Ria and the Underworld couldn’t be more opposite. But it would seem that burning flesh smelled the same just about anywhere.

Rhys’s eyes widened in surprise and horror as I tightened the whip in my hand. Rhys didn’t summon more slack into the weapon, so this must’ve been as long as it got.

Good. That’s what I need.

With all my strength, I yanked the weapon. The handle flew out of his grip, which must have been sustaining the spell, because it disappeared the second it left his hold.

Blade already in hand, I blasted Fire Flare right above Rhys’s head, and then cut off the spell as fast as mortally possible.

Still, the fire forced my opponent to duck out of the way. He shot another mana spear at me, but it didn’t matter with my speed.

Rhys froze, eyes wild with hatred and boiling anger.

My bone-white dagger was pressed against his pulsing throat. A thin trickle of blood ran down, staining his collar.

I panted, “Submit.”

For a moment, it looked as though Rhys was going to ignore the rules of the match and attack again.

But finally, he said through gritted teeth, “I surrender.”

We didn’t exchange any more words. We were both lost in our minds, both drowning in the rage and adrenaline of battle.

It took another three minutes for the final matches to conclude. I spotted Clove glowing and holding a hand over her bruised neck.

Slowly, the reddish purple mark faded. She caught my eye and gave me a sheepish smile.

Others already looked pretty battered. A few of Cazima’s wings were singed at the edges, and she looked a little ruffled.

Jam appeared to be half-drenched in yellowish slime, something she was gagging over.

Rhys’s rough voice pulled me out of my observations. “C’mon, bastard. Give me some real spells. A real battle. None of that trickery bullshit. May have saved you that first round, but I’m ready for you now. You won’t slip that knife in again.”

He was grinning savagely.

A little unhinged, if you ask me. Did they provide mental screenings at the Academy?

Something about his expression put me on edge.

It wasn’t desperation. It was a complete, all-encompassing emotional focus on a single goal.

The hair on the back on my neck stood on end. This man wasn’t joking. Wasn’t pretending.

If he’s getting angrier, I can use that against him. He might have the air of a dangerous opponent, but that doesn’t mean he’s invincible.

No one is.

When the final match concluded and Rava finished taking his notes, he announced, “Let the second matches begin on three, two, one!”

25

The moment our match began, I threw up the shield. Just as I suspected, Rhys cast an offensive spell, a ball of green fire.

It splashed against the shield and dissolved in an instant.

I was already sprinting around the shield’s edge, closing the distance between us.

Rhys tossed a Mana Spear at me next, perhaps hoping to keep me back.

I rolled over the weapon and summoned the demon staff at the same time. Thrusting out as I landed, I had the satisfaction of seeing the blade slice through Rhys’ shoulder.

He jumped back and his hands filled with bright blue energy.

I cast another Shield Strike backing away behind cover to wait out my opponent’s next spell.

But as I crouched behind the misty barrier, I soon found out I’d miscalculated.

The streams of light blue mana streaking through the air weren’t going toward my shield.

They were going around it.

I dodged the first of the five reaching bands of mana, but the final four wrapped around my body. Two on my waist, one on my arm, and the other on my upper thigh.

I dodged out of the way as Rhys’s sword slashed through my shield, shattering it. His laughter rang in my ears.

If I can only use Fire Strike and Valley Leash in a manner that wouldn’t ruin the building. I need more spells. More tools to use. This isn’t any good.

Rolling while still managing to keep my mobility with the bindings, I thought for a second that I had a chance.

I sliced my dagger through the leg binding. And then the one around my arm.

Just as I wedged my blade beneath the one around my waist, I felt cool steel against my throat.

My eyes flicked up.

Rhys stood over me.

Gleeful. Angry.

Psychotic.

“I thought you’d be pleased,” I admitted, breathless. “The victory is yours. Perfectly fair.”

I struggled to my feet, trying to pretend like the binds weren’t as tight and painful as they truly were.

The sword tip followed me up. For a moment, I wondered if Rhys was going to use it on me.

But instead, he hissed, “I know you’re holding back! Why? Why can’t you give it your all?

“Didn’t you hear what Rava said? Huh? As if I needed another reason to be a mage. But now, our Tower is about to come crashing down with monsters. And all you can do is dance around and barely block my attacks.

“Pathetic. People never understand what’s at stake.”

Is he… monologuing?

Rhys’s eyes flared. “Did you just fucking smirk at me?”

I laughed and brought my dagger to his blade and nudged it away.

Thankfully, Rhys wasn’t quite ready to murder someone in front of an entire classroom, so he let his weapon fall.

I replied, “You make too many assumptions to warrant that level of reckless emotion. We will all cope with the world’s problems in different ways, Rhys.

“Your own… methods,” I said gesturing to his outrage and posturing. “Are thankfully not the only way. Now, unless you’re going to gut me in front of our fellow mages, kindly put that away.”

As I was talking, Rhys had been unconsciously pointing his weapon at me again.

He bared his teeth at me. “Assumptions. Alright. Well, you made it into this class somehow.”

His eyes narrowed, and he took a threatening step forward. “Either you’re not trying very hard, or you don’t know any other spells. Which is it?”

“I don’t care who you are,” I informed him. “I don’t care what you expect from me. If you’d met me in my youth, I might have taken your words seriously. But to be quite honest, I just don’t care.

“You don’t matter. Not to me. So please, do us both a favor and back off.”

Rhys wouldn’t be cowed, though.

His jaw muscles worked as he clenched his teeth. My words only stoked the flames. His gaze turned to where Clove faced off in her match.

His smile wasn’t kind. “Don’t tell me you paired up with that clumsy girl and let her beat all the Tower monsters for you. That staff of hers is powerful. I bet a guy like you wouldn’t mind seducing a naive girl and sliding by on her coattails.”

I sighed and cut the rest of the bindings off. If Rhys wasn’t going to release the spell, I should at least free myself.

The problem was that now I wanted to answer. I wasn’t about to let him insult Clove any further.

She may not be as powerful as he or I, but she certainly wasn’t naive.

“Let’s say I did. Why don’t you take more than a moment to review her fighting technique. Her stamina. The way the sweat glistens on her brow.

“It’s only the second match, and she’s almost exhausted her mana. If I were to seduce someone and use them to further my own success, I wouldn’t have chosen her. I would have targeted you.”

It was meant to ruffle him, and it worked.

Rhys took a step back, his cheeks flushing.

“Seriously?” I asked. “Is that where all this hostility is coming from? Unfulfilled desires? All I have to say, Rhys, is that you’ve mistaken me. I don’t fancy men.”

He sputtered a moment and backed away. His blush deepened, and he glanced around as if to check if anyone was watching.

Recovering at last, he pointed a finger at me. “Stop playing around. Do you know how long I’ve been preparing for this? Eleven years. Eleven!

“And now, I’m paired with some righteous, self-important asshole who doesn’t know more than two spells. Because that’s the only other explanation.”

“You talk far too much,” I said aloud as I began to turn.

… for someone with so little experience, I wanted to add. But for all he knew, we were from the same generation.

Rhys was cold.

Shocked, maybe.

But there was a glint in his eye more dangerous than fury. “I’m going to put you in the ground.”

“Plenty of people have tried,” I deadpanned.

Without another word, he stalked back to his spot across from me, seething.

I sighed in relief. Good gods, that man needed a drink.

I’d never met anyone so full of tension and unresolved emotion. It’s a miracle he hadn’t exhausted himself from it alone.

Just as I turned away, Rhys’s voice rumbled out, paired with a sizzle.

The first hit from his electric whip tore through my shirt. Blood ran down my back, hot and flowing.

I whirled, getting my shield up just in time for the next attack.

Rhys’s eyes were wild as he snapped his whip again. The hit shattered my defenses upon impact.

“What are you doing?” I demanded, the first flames of true ire rising in me at last.

Others had stopped to watch and gawk.

“Didn’t they just finish their second match?”

“Rava hasn’t called the third yet.”

“They were definitely done with their second match. I saw them talking…”

The voices of our fellow students faded into nothingness, and I settled into the battle.

He’s different this time around. Why does he hate me so much that he loses his hold on his self-control?

This isn’t noble, not even in the Underworld.

His whip crackled brighter. There was more power in this version of it. More danger.

He isn’t going to show mercy, and he clearly doesn’t care about the rules of the exercise any longer.

He’s trying to prove a point. Something he sees as bigger than this class. Than himself, even.

A man who fought for principle was more dangerous than any other.

26

My next shield shattered too. However, I did care about the rules of the exercise. Mainly, ensuring I didn’t kill him.

Somehow, I had to make it work.

And I needed to use my spells.

I ran through a dozen different scenarios in the time it took Rhys to pull his whip back and cock his elbow for the next strike.

Only one seemed feasible.

“Get back!” I ordered to the students hovering nearest. Here’s to hoping they listened.

Palm to the ground, slightly tilted away from me, I summoned the fire spell. Just as Rhys’s whip lashed toward me, fire exploded.

I sustained Fire Flare for several intense seconds, then cut off the magic.

Smoke and sand clouded the air.

A massive wall of brown and gray blocked my view from Rhys. I knew my spell hadn’t broken his, but it was enough to kick back the whip.

And now, I had a smoke screen.

Other students coughed and called out, asking for help.

“If you have even the slightest bit of common sense left,” I shouted, shield ready. “You won’t strike blindly and risk injuring bystanders. But perhaps you’re more monster than mortal, Rhys Aarinth.”

I didn’t hear a response.

When I spotted Clove rushing toward me, I held a hand up. “No closer! He’s completely foregone the rules, and I don’t trust him to care about your safety!”

Clove looked stunned, but she stayed in her place. The class waited in silence, everyone anticipating Rhys’s next move.

I kept my eyes on the smoke, but also my periphery. There was no telling where he’d be coming from, but at least I bought some time —

Something brushed my hand. I jerked away, only to see Clove’s fiery gaze on me. “We’re a team,” she insisted.

“And if that continues, you must learn to listen to me,” I returned.

She straightened. “Deal with it!”

I was ready to physically remove her from the arena and somehow bind her to her seat when a form emerged from the smoke.

Ready with my knife and spell, I replied instead, “Then get behind me and be ready with a healing spell should I need one!”

This time, my shout got through to her.

She moved swiftly behind me, keeping closer than I’d have liked. Her staff was already glowing.

That’s when I realized there were two forms emerging from the smoke.

Rava’s gnarled, scolding face came into view. He had a hand hovering beside Rhys’s throat.

My opponent seemed to be wrapped in transparent chains, as if energy itself had formed into a prison and trapped him.

His lips were also sealed shut by the same substance.

Rava’s disappointed expression fell on me. “I believe this is yours.”

* * *

Rava pushed Rhys onto the floor and, with a flick of his fingers, cleared the smoke and dirt.

After it settled to the floor, he pronounced, “Another instance like this, and you will not be allowed to step into the boundaries of the Academy, Guild, or Tower again.

To me, he asked, “Do you wish him to be removed from class? It was you he transgressed against. I’d be willing to let the first transgression slide but will be just as willing to expel him. Do you have a preference?”

It was an easy decision for me to make.

“Let him stay,” I said easily, much to Clove’s surprise.

She set a hand on my wet shirt. “He’s clearly just shy of insane. Let Rava kick him out.”

“No,” I told her. “He needs to improve his self-control. If he’s going to get that anywhere, it’s in this class. I won’t steal that opportunity from him, even if he deserves to be punished. It’s not worth setting him free into the world so untrained.”

She was shaking her head. “He’s clearly dangerous.”

I tried not to sound bitter when I replied, “We need him. Ria needs him, especially if the threat that comes from our Tower is true.”

And even more if Ria could be invaded by demons.

She was holding my gaze. Fear and uncertainty poured from her.

Clove sighed and relented. “It’s your decision. I’ll support you. But if he slips up again, you can’t give him another chance.”

We’ll see.

I didn’t reply, but I nodded to Rava. “Let him stay. Give him extra assignments. Whatever you see fit, I don’t care. I’m not about to offer him an excuse to lash that anger out on the world.”

Rava’s sharp eyes narrowed on Rhys. “If you stray an inch, you’re out! This is my final warning.”

He waved his hand, releasing the furious mage once more.

27

Student: Luc Vale

* * *

1. Mana control. You expel far too much energy when using elemental spells. Though your mana capacity is commendable, your control MUST improve.

2. Spells. The extent of your knowledge is clearly limited. Change that, and do so quickly! Refer to the list of recommended reading below, and come to me if you require assistance.

* * *

This was the extent of my independent study instructions from Rava.

They weren’t exactly surprises.

Clove had two instructions too. She needed to learn how to push the limits of her mana pool and grow her internal ‘storage.’ She also needed to improve her offensive skills.

The next day in class, Rava focused solely on lecture. He discussed the history of the Tower, the Guild, and Amarantha as a whole. Many of the students looked bored out of their minds, but I was riveted and took extensive notes.

It was all new to me, after all.

One of the more fascinating subjects was a woman referred to as the Great Oracle. Every generation, a woman was born with an innate ability to prophesy over the land.

She was seen as a guardian and guide to all of Ria.

In the ancient history of the Great Oracle, she was said to have saved the realm from war and famine, whirling storms of ice, and forest fires that would have ravaged entire mountainsides if it weren’t for her warnings.

In all of the lessons, that one stood out the most. I wondered if I’d ever have the pleasure of meeting her during my time here.

The day after these lessons, Rava took us to the Tower Guild Library, an impressive five-story building with thousands and thousands of books and endless information available.

We were each tasked with reserving three textbooks that would help us with the issues Rava noted from our classroom battles.

Once Rava approved the texts for each of us, he left us to study for the rest of the afternoon.

Clove and I found a solitary corner behind a wall of books. A window looked over the sea, where clouds and mist grew in the horizon.

It was nearly too distracting for study, but soon enough, we were both engrossed in our learning.

It was worth it too. In my tome on light mana origins and control, I began to see what journey was before me if I were to learn true control.

* * *

Light mana, or heavenly mana, is spoken of as another entity. If a mage wishes to control their mana effectively, they must learn to perceive the energy as the sentient force that it is.

Each person will interact with their mana differently. However, all strategies must be a form of relationship and balance.

A mage must always be on equal footing with their mana.

Never above, and never below.

It is commonly accepted that each mage has an innate understanding of their mana and its needs. Many studies have shown that when a mage…

* * *

This was the fifteenth chapter I’d read about mana control. Unfortunately, none of them appeared keen on giving me real, actionable techniques on interacting with my mana and controlling it.

All of the advice was based on sentiment and theory - pretty words describing balance or something similar.

I needed a guidebook. Something to point me to the path that would gain me the skills as quickly as possible.

If I didn’t master this, I wouldn’t last another class session involving battle. Knowing new spells wouldn’t be enough, not if I pushed a geyser of mana into each spell.

Clove was laid out on the study table among the books.

Her foot tapped absently to a rhythm I couldn’t hear. She flipped through her study material while the afternoon sun streamed through, lighting her pink hair to a warm glow.

Hell beasts below! She looks like a sunset.

Sensing my attention, she glanced over, smiling softly. “What’s wrong?”

“How do you control your mana?”

Her lips pursed. She put down the book and stared at the ceiling, collecting her thoughts.

“My mana always felt like a spirit inside of me. Not like a ghost — I know. That sounds creepy. But it was living. It rose up when I was angry. It simmered with my sadness and leapt around when I was excited.

“Not sure this is very clear or helpful, but I sort of always…” She grimaced. “I always knew how.”

Groaning, I snapped the book shut and set it aside.

You and everyone else, Clove.

“I’m sorry!” she gasped, swinging her feet over, jumping down, and moving to sit on the arm of the overstuffed chair I occupied. “Heavens, I’ve never been asked to explain it before. It’s just so cerebral. I’m not sure how to put it into words.”

She made a couple of humming sounds while she shifted on the chair arm.

“We’re all born with a connection to our mana. Unique to us. When we use up mana and need to recharge naturally, the new mana that enters our body automatically enters that same connection.

“This is a horribly morbid example, but say your pet bunny dies.”

“If you insist,” I replied, humoring her.

What is a bunny? A type of fish, perhaps? Some mortals kept fish in bowls as pets.

Clove continued. “And the bunny knew you. Loved you. Played with you every day. Now, imagine that the moment your bunny dies, it’s replaced by a new bunny that acts and thinks exactly like the one before.

“It’s identical and takes on all the knowledge the old bunny had too. That’s how our mana works. We build a relationship with it constantly.”

In essence, I needed to focus on the connection I had with my own power.

Nurture it.

Understand it.

Obviously, I was able to use my mana with the spells. But the lack of control I had over mana usage was a clear indication that I wasn’t properly bonded with my power.

At the risk of sounding suspiciously ‘Not From This Realm’, I said, “I believe this is the problem I’m having. I must build that relationship. And fast.”

She hummed again and crossed her legs. “Yes, I suppose so. I’ve heard of people having trouble with this type of thing. Maybe you should visit a Mana Mage.”

“What’s a Mana Mage?”

“A professional who specializes in helping people work with their mana. I know of a woman nearby. She’s kind of a local expert, or so I’ve heard. If someone damages their mana connection, she can help them rebuild it. Heal it. Maybe she’ll have some advice for you.”

“That sounds promising. When can we go?” I wasn’t going to learn much from these books any longer. That much was clear.

We returned our books along with the lending card so the librarians could keep a record of which tomes we were studying.

And then Clove took me into the city. We walked past The Night Owl and into a district I hadn’t scryed into before.

There were alchemy shops, an apothecary, dry goods stores, and one proclaiming itself a ‘Companion Emporium.’

Windows displayed caged creatures. Inside one, there was a sign proudly displaying the words Telepathic Bunny for Sale!

My eyes darted down to the creature locked within the cage.

Good gods. It’s so… fluffy. And miniature.

“Come on, we’ll look at the animals later. The mage is just inside here!” Clove pulled my arm and led me into a shop that just called itself ‘The Barrow.’

The interior was so much warmer than the crisp, salty air outside. Here, the walls were draped with ancient looking tapestries. Colorful silks and candles were inside glass bowls and vases.

It looked like a witchery, something I’d find in the demon cities of the Underworld.

Oddly enough, I felt quite comfortable in here.

Clove, however, did not.

“Are you well?” I asked softly as she clung to my side.

The hair on her arms was standing on end. “I’m not going to lie to you. This place creeps me out.”

“You’ve never been here before?”

She shook her head. “Can’t you feel it, though? The way the air feels denser? Darker?”

Now that she mentioned it, there was more to the shop than the gloom. Shadows clung to every corner, almost sucking up the light. Heavy spices and a hint of smoke lingered in the air.

“We’re going to be fine,” I assured Clove. “Just stay at my side like you are. If it’s too much, you can wait outside.”

“No,” she dismissed. There was a stubborn frown on her face. “We’re a team, and teammates support each other.”

I lifted a brow. It wasn’t as though I was struggling. There was no real need to support me. But Clove needed this for some reason. “Very well, Clove.”

We passed an apothecary-like shelf lined with dark bottles, only labeled with a tiny tag. Despite the cramped interior, not a speck of dust settled on the cluttered shop displays.

“Well, hello!” a sultry voice purred from behind us.

Clove gasped, and we both turned to find a woman surveying us with calculating eyes.

28

She was curvy and tall, draped in lilac silk.

A jeweled collar was clamped around her throat, the clusters of gems glittering in the candlelight. Her long, brown hair was nearly to her hips.

The smile she gave me was all seduction.

There was something about her that was familiar. I’d never seen her before, but I could swear that she felt like a person I’d meet in the Underworld.

Another demon kin, perhaps?

It was unlikely. But potentially possible.

The woman sauntered toward us slowly. “What can I help you two with today?” Her dark eyes flashed with interest as she surveyed me.

“I’m interested in your services regarding mana connections,” I said.

For a moment, her eyes widened in surprise. But then, she took on the seductive persona once more. “I provide a number of… services. Regarding mana connections, of course,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Which one do you desire?”

Her gaze fell on Clove, still pressed against my side. “Interested in dispelling pests?”

Clove tensed. I could feel her anger growing.

“I didn’t think this was the place for insect repellent, madam, nor am I searching for one. I seem to be missing a vital connection with my mana. One that is stopping me from controlling my output. What is your name?”

“You may call me Barrow,” she said with a wink.

“That’s all you need to know about me. But I must admit, I’m intrigued. I don’t ask questions of my clients. Respect for privacy is tantamount in my industry. But I’m very curious as to why such a powerful mage needs help from my humble self?”

How can she tell that I am powerful? This woman is much more than she appears.

“If you don’t ask questions of your clients, why am I the exception? I’m not here to explain myself to you, Barrow. Help me or admit that you cannot. That’s all I ask.”

Her seductive smirk faded just for a second. It was replaced by something a touch colder. “Very well. I’ll help you. For a fee, of course.”

“Your price?”

“For you? Answer my question.”

I suppressed a groan. “I have coin.” I didn’t. Not enough for her, likely, but it felt important to put up a fight. At least to feel like I tried.

Her laugh was sultry and full of victory. “I’m afraid I won’t accept any other form of payment from you.”

I crossed my arms and took my time observing the room. “What’s your question?”

She replied, “Oh, it’s very simple. Why do you have a demonic aura?”

Whatever she was expecting, it wasn’t a laugh.

Her brow furrowed. “The question was serious.”

Clove had let go of me when I’d begun to negotiate with Barrow, and she was now glancing between the two of us, nervous.

I said, “Now I know why you seemed so familiar. You’re carrying a demon curse, aren’t you?”

Barrow managed to keep her expression the same. But her cheeks flushed. Just slightly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I had to speak carefully, especially with Clove here. Barrow could obviously see auras, so there was no use lying about mine. I just had to be strategic in my explanation.

“And here I thought we were about to be honest with one another,” I said.

“Where did you get it? Family member? Direct hit? Oh gods, I know there are a dozen ways to pick up a curse. But sometimes the stories are just too fascinating not to hear.”

Her fist clenched. The seductress now looked more like a furious assassin.

There we have it.

“How would you know?” she hissed. “Get out of my shop.”

I leaned lazily against one of her display cabinets. “I don’t think I will.”

“Then I’ll —”

“I might not know much about Amarantha, but I imagine the citizens won’t take kindly to a cursed person living among them. Touching their mana. You really shouldn’t have pried into my business, otherwise I might not have put it together.”

Clove groaned. “Dear gods, Luc. Just explain yourself! You’re torturing her!”

Ria was still a mysterious land. But I knew more than enough about demons and how their curses affected mortals.

“There are two ways people can see auras. One, you can be born with a gift. Usually passed down through family members.”

I held up two fingers.

“The second comes if you’ve been touched by a demonic curse. This can also be passed through family members, but it fades after a few generations.

“If I were to guess, Barrow got the curse directly from someone close to her. A parent. No further than a grandparent.”

Considering the fact that she was still alive and mentally sound.

By the end of my speculation, Barrow was deflated.

She walked behind the counter and pulled out a dark bottle from beneath.

She poured herself a shot of dark amber liquid, tossing it all back at once.

Grimacing, she said, “Fine. You win. My father was an adventurer. He fought a demon infestation in a nearby town and got hit by a demon’s spell.

“Little did he know, it was a curse. Three years later, my mother gave birth to me. It took about seven years for the curse to rear its ugly head, but of course, Father noticed my cursed energy from the moment I was born.

“By the time I was ten, he’d gone completely, irrevocably mad.”

She examined the dark bottle and then poured herself another glass.

“Mother put him down herself. I helped her dig the grave. Had to be quiet business or our neighbors would have burned our whole farm. Peasants are so fucking superstitious, after all.”

Her words were light and matter-of-fact, but bitterness clogged every syllable.

I looked over to see Clove’s hand held over her heart. There were tears in her eyes. “That’s awful,” she whispered.

Barrow gave her a humorless smile.

“Not as awful as I’ll feel when I’m the one raging around threatening to murder people or slice myself open. Not everyone’s so lucky as me.”

“My curse isn’t quite the same,” I told her, which was the understatement of the century. “I cannot see auras, but I felt yours the moment I walked into your store. It’s comforting, to be honest.”

Barrow gave me one wild, wide-eyed look and then snorted.

She covered her mouth and nose, giggling.

“That was the last thing I expected to hear. Oh my gods… comforting, he says to me. That is rich, handsome stranger man. Tell me your name.”

“Luc Vale. I might add that there’s no guarantee you’ll go mad like your father. All curses are different, and unless you can find the exact demon who gave it to you, I can’t tell you anything more.”

“I’ve been told the same by several people,” she said, completely blasé.

“In any case, I can assume you won’t go spreading the rumor around town? Amarantha isn’t as superstitious as the country folk, but there are always those few who will cause a stink if they want.”

“That depends,” I said. I let her feel the weight of the threat as I paused. Then, when it looked like she was ready to squirm, I finished, “Will you help me today?”

She let out a small breath of relief. She walked to the front of the shop, closed and locked the door, then strode past me through a doorway in the back of the room. “Come with me, please.”

Clove laced her fingers into mine and squeezed. She wore a strange, pained expression. “I’m sorry you were cursed.”

“It’s not yours to apologize for.”

She fell silent as we entered the back room. It was simple. There was a mat on the floor and a shelf with a line of crystals.

Barrow was touching the crystals. Just a tap of her finger on each. “Lay down,” she said. “Tell me as much as you can about your mana problem.”

“I already explained,” I said, laying my back down on the mat.

“I expel too much mana. It maxes out certain spells and makes them dangerous. I believe I lack a proper connection with my own mana.”

“That’s likely the problem,” she said, still touching her crystals. Finally, she plucked a light blue one and tossed it to me.

I caught it. It was cool in my fingers. “What’s this?”

“Centering stone. Filled with light mana. It’s going to help the process a little more.”

“What will you be doing?”

“If you can’t naturally feel the connection to your mana, something is blocking your way. The same power that allows me to see your aura will help me sense what’s blocking you.”

“Do it,” I ordered.

She knelt beside me and placed a hand on my chest. “On the count of three. One, two —”

Mana poured into me. Slicing. Cutting.

I gritted my teeth and grunted. “You… said… three.”

She smirked. “Did I? Now, shut up, pretty boy. I’m working.”

29

In all my years, I’ve never had anyone sift through my mana like Barrow did. It was like having a hand around your bones, your muscles, and veins.

Plucking. Pulling.

“Interesting,” she hummed.

I cursed as she pushed more of her energy inside of me.

She said, “You’re blocking your own mana. It’s like you have a strangled hold on your energy. Trying to control it. Form it. But instead of controlling it, you’re just blocking the natural flow of things.

“I imagine when you use your mana, it blasts right through this block, since that’s the only thing it can do.”

“Great,” I wheezed. Hell, it was like my lungs had literal weights on them. “How do I change that?”

“Patience, patience,” she cooed, though I got the feeling that she was enjoying this a little too much.

Especially after I dredged up her shame and her secrets. Might have been a bad move before letting her in like this.

Her eyes were closed, and her full mouth pursed in concentration as her mana invaded mine.

Suddenly, there was an intense pressure on my head from all sides.

Barrow chucked. “Look at that! It really is all in your head. Do you feel that weight, Luc? That intensity? That is your own will clamping down on your mana.”

The pressure was there. Fucking hell, it was there. But it was so strange because I didn’t even notice that I’d been creating it.

My training with dark mana likely formed unconscious habits. If I didn’t always have control over my mana, it would overcome me. It wouldn’t obey.

Now the same training that helped me succeed as a demon kin mage was killing me as a mortal mage.

Let go! I ordered myself.

The pressure increased.

“Stop that!” Barrow snapped, sounding concerned for the first time. “That’s the mentality that got you here in the first place!”

“Not… helping,” I growled.

“Release it!” she ordered.

“F-fuck…”

“What?”

“…off.”

There was a general noise of offense that shot out of Barrow’s mouth, but I wasn’t paying attention to her anymore.

I settled my consciousness into myself. The pressure was throbbing into my head.

My time was running out.

I could feel my body wanting to shut down and pass out from the pain.

That meant this was my only chance. Today, at least.

Instead of flooding more concentrated order into myself, I gathered all of my internalized control and released it on a breath.

I relaxed the muscles in my face.

I imagined the force on my head melting into smoke.

There is nothing to control. There is nothing to dominate. You are not the king of your own power.

There was a trickle of light mana that spread into my awareness. Like cautious, curious tentacles, the energy reached inside of my brain.

Yes. Yes, I want you, I told it.

I expelled the rest of the internalized pressure.

The light mana rushed into me, filling me in a completely different way.

I gasped at the sensation. Shivers ran down my spine, through my blood.

“That’s it,” Barrow encouraged. “You did it!” She kept her hand on my chest, still exploring the changes. “You can feel the difference, can’t you?”

“It’s time for you to leave,” I stated, removing her hand from me.

Instantly, her invasive energy disappeared, allowing me to truly breathe in the changes within me.

It was… so much different from dark mana.

Dark mana was like a lake held by a massive dam, with my strength the only thing from keeping an overflow from breaking through and destroying me.

Light mana was like an endless pool that reached to my knees. There was no beginning or end. It was even. Calm. I could stroll through it without a problem.

This whole time, I’d been subconsciously trying to hold it back with the same dam. Without even realizing it.

I summoned a thread of the light mana, just to test it. Under my breath, I said, “Fire Flare.”

The smallest burst of flame shot out of my palm.

I dropped my head back and laughed. “By the demon’s balls, that’s fantastic.”

Clove dropped to my side. “You’re drenched in sweat. Your skin looks feverish, Luc.”

I felt like demon shit, in fact.

I sat up and unbuttoned my drenched shirt. The direct air helped. “Will you heal me?”

For a moment, Clove seemed at a loss for words as she stared at my exposed skin. She was chewing on that lip again.

She placed her hands over my shoulders and shut her eyes.

“You’re not exactly wounded, as far as I can tell. More like inflamed. Wow, that process must have hurt.”

Barrow drawled, “It does.”

Clove shot the woman a glare before returning her focus on me. She held my gaze as warmth spread from her hands and into my body.

My head fell back, and I groaned in relief.

Clove’s fingers tightened over me. Finally, she let go.

I grazed her collarbone with my knuckles.

“Thank you. Truly. You saved me an evening of drinking and one miserable ice bath.”

Barrow cut in next. “Alright. Well, I sincerely hope that I never see you two in my shop again. Off you go.”

When I didn’t rise, she snapped, “Now!”

“Such a different tune,” I commented. “And you were so friendly when we arrived. But I’m so sorry to tell you that we’re not done just yet. Clove is next.”

“What?” the two women exclaimed simultaneously.

“From what I’ve observed, she has a lower-than-average mana pool size. You’re going to explore her insides and tell us why.”

Barrow looked ready to explode. “Or I gather, you’ll tell people I’m cursed.”

I wouldn’t actually, but she didn’t need to know that. So, I shrugged. “For a professional like you, it should be an easy task.”

Barrow plucked the crystal from the ground and placed it back on her shelf. She began muttering under her breath.

Cursing me, most likely.

“Get her on the mat,” she grumbled.

Clove winced and leaned into whisper, “I don’t want to upset her. And after all she’s gone through, is this even fair?”

“Of course,” I answered. “First of all, there’s no way to verify that she’s telling the truth. She could be hiding worse secrets and using the story of her father’s curse to cover it up.”

Clove swallowed hard.

“Second, if she is telling the truth, then we are allies.”

“How?”

Barrow answered for me. “Because when you’re cursed by demons, you don’t have allies. Curses are rare. Therefore, so are friends.”

I rose to my feet and faced her. “I have a certain interest in curses. If there’s any information I come across regarding curses, I’ll gladly share it with you.”

“Sure,” she deadpanned, clearly not believing me. She glanced at Clove. “On the mat.”

Clove obeyed, looking nervous the whole way down.

Barrow tossed her a yellow crystal and kneeled at her side. “This won’t hurt as much, just so you know. Relax.”

She placed a hand on Clove’s chest.

Clove instantly seized up, gasping in pain.

I barked, “I thought you said it doesn’t hurt as much!”

“I lied. She was too on edge, and that makes the entire ordeal that much harder. I did her a favor, demon boy.”

Good gods. She better not call me that in front of anyone else.

“Be quick about it.”

She didn’t reply, instead shutting her eyes and continuing her work.

After nearly a minute of Clove squirming on the mat, Barrow said, “Ah. This one’s pretty rare, actually. You have a strong urge to push yourself and your limits.

“Normally, that’s a perfect recipe for mana pool growth. But you’re too afraid of failing. No matter what you do, you’re holding yourself back, so you never have to risk it all. Where is the pressure?”

Clove gasped, “My… heart…”

“Good. Handle it.”

Shouldn’t she be giving her a little more instruction?

But Clove didn’t seem to mind. She scrunched her nose harder. She was practically panting.

Barrow removed her hand.

Clove gasped, jolting upright like she’d just woken from a nightmare. “Oh, hell. That was… different.”

Barrow got to her feet. “Good work. Now get out.”

Satisfied, I moved to the door, but Clove advanced on the cursed mage. Without warning, she hugged Barrow. “Thank you.”

Almost disgusted, but a little fascinated, Barrow pushed Clove gently off of her. “Right. It wasn’t a favor, cherry. It was blackmail, and no one thanks anyone for that.”

Clove was about to argue, but I pulled her away. “Time to go. I believe you have some new spells to teach me.”

We walked back to The Night Owl. The mood was quiet and contemplative as Clove and I absorbed our experiences and our changed mana.

There was a sense of relief coming from Clove. Like she’d just found a part of herself that had been missing.

I, on the other hand, was elated. I hadn’t realized how empty and lost my energy had felt since arriving and expelling the last of my dark mana.

And now, I knew why. Finally, I was truly connected to my mana.

When we entered The Night Owl, Jam was sitting on her usual bookcase.

When she spotted us, a feline smirk graced her lips like a secret, and she hopped to the floor.

“What are you up to?” she asked.

We sat beside the fireplace in the common area. I answered, “Clove is about to help me learn some spells. What about you?”

Clove had taken her boots off and had her toes tucked comfortably beneath a smoldering log while the cold ocean breeze blew through the windows.

I was told that Keegan kept the fire going specifically for Clove and Mabel.

Jam’s brows rose as she noted how embers fell onto Clove’s skin. But instead of crying out in pain, the salamander demi sighed in relief, her skin glowing softly.

Jam replied, “Nothing much. My room is cramped and boring. I was people-watching on the shelf. But I do have some studying to do.”

Our eyes fell on Clove, who was scribbling on a piece of paper. She looked up and explained, “Just writing down my top three recommended spells. I think you’ll like these.”

Jam and I retrieved our study materials from our rooms and returned to the fireplace. She returned to her bookshelf, which was right behind us, to study.

“If I read on a couch,” she’d claimed gravely, “I’ll fall asleep instantly. This really is the only way.”

Currently, she was stretched out on her back, a book held above her. Her black tail was draped over the edge and flicking back and forth over our heads.

I’d finished my assigned reading, and now, I had the freedom to explore what kind of spells this world had to offer.

There were many categories of spells. Some were complex housekeeping or construction spells. Others helped plants grow and produce fruit.

Even more were customized for specific industries.

There were three whole chapters on sailor’s spells for those determined to cross oceans and rivers, trade, or fish.

These weren’t exactly combat spells, but I still insisted on exploring them. One of my favorite offensive spells in the Underworld had been one meant for cleaning teeth. There was a bounty to be found in the depths of everyday, mundane spells.

I flipped through the next chapter but kept thinking about the fishing section.

There was something fascinating about a realm that relied on boats to transport goods and dropped lines and nets into a sea for food.

In the Underworld, the only seas we had were usually filled with some toxic mineral and predators we couldn’t even eat.

Our only fresh water had come from rivers and streams, so there wasn’t a multitude of seafaring activities.

I paused on a diagram of a fishing ship.

Clove inquired, “Luc? What are you smiling for?”

In the little drawing, a man’s hand was thrown out to indicate he’d just casted with his mana. Five thick lines extended from his hand, shooting off small metal arrows with smooth ridges.

In the next drawing, those little spears were shown piercing a tentacled monster’s body.

And in the next, long, angled barbs extended from the tips of the arrows, essentially hooking themselves into the beast’s flesh and piercing vital organs, I was sure.

After the barbs retracted, the sailor dropped the spell, and the beast sunk to the ocean floor.

It was delightful.

The spell’s name was Kraken Hook.

I stored that information away for later use and turned to my friend.

Instead of answering, I said, “Let me see the spells you’ve written down.”

30

She handed me the piece of paper and then leaned over to see what I’d been looking at in the book. Her eyes widened.

“Oh, Luc… that’s an advanced spell. You’re not thinking of using it, are you?”

“Of course I am. Perfect for long-range incapacitation.” The instructions for the spell were shown below. On the bottom of Clove’s paper, I scribbled them down.

“You are crazy,” she sighed.

“No,” I countered. “I am ambitious.”

“Are you planning on going monster hunting at sea?”

I held up my hand, showing five fingers. “With minimal effort, I can see five different uses for this spell.”

“Five? Really?”

“Yes. And I noticed that you don’t often use these spells you’ve written down. Why not?”

She gave me a wobbly smile, full of self-judgement.

“They take up too much of my mana. I’m pretty much done for if I even cast three of those. It’s not worth it. Well, except for Light Dart. I just keep forgetting about that one.”

* * *

Time Stop

Description: Can pause an offensive attack in its path for two seconds. The more powerful your opponent’s spell, the harder it will be to stop their spell.

Connection needs: Memory

* * *

Light Dart

Description: Sends three sharp, tiny darts of pure light energy into an opponent. Will temporarily stun them and weaken their senses, particularly eyesight. The stronger the opponent, the less effective it is. Especially effective against demonic or Shadow based creatures.

Connection needs: Vision

* * *

Body Block

Description: Full-body mana shield capable of blocking all moderate physical and magical attacks. Spell takes a constant stream of mana to sustain. Duration lasts until spell is released or mana pool has been depleted.

Connection needs: Limitations

* * *

“These are very useful,” I agreed. “I think I’ll assimilate the last two if time permits.

I know that will be a stretch given the Mage Fatigue, but I’m going to try. And Time Stop, well, I’ll see if I can’t figure that out when I’ve fully recovered again.”

Clove agreed with my plan, but I stopped her before we pressed our hands together.

“Hold on. I have a question for you. If Barrow helped remove your mana pool block, how do you expect to expand your containment levels?”

I already knew the answer for dark mana. But I wanted to see if it was the same in Ria. Or, if there was some other strategy that light mana used.

Clove fidgeted and sat in her chair again.

“The fastest way? Besides just letting time build me up naturally and slowly? That would be pushing myself to my mana limit and to the edge of absolute emptiness.”

“Ah. That strategy.” I gave her a sympathetic sigh.

So, that’s another thing that the Underworld and Ria have in common.

It was a sound practice. But it made you feel like absolute shit when you did it. There’s nothing more uncomfortable and exhausting than expelling your mana to the dregs. It could take several days to recover, in some cases.

“Yeah,” she affirmed, trying to keep an optimistic lilt to her voice. “It’ll be okay. After tomorrow, I’m going to do my first one. I’ve tried it before, but obviously, it didn’t help. I stopped after my sixth attempt or so.”

Interesting. She experienced that level of fatigue six times without any result. She’s stronger than I’ve been giving her credit for.

“I commend you,” I said. “That must have been difficult to do.”

“I did a lot of vomiting,” she agreed with a laugh. “But I’m sure this time will be fine! Better, since hopefully it’ll work.”

Her false smile faded as she looked down.

“Clove,” I said.

“Huh?”

“Look at me.”

Reluctantly, she lifted her gaze. It was filled with fear.

“We will succeed, you and I. And you will find the strength to ascend. You have nothing to be afraid of.”

Sometimes, a person simply needs those words spoken to them. Words have a different, intangible kind of magic. And it had nothing to do with mana.

Her worry softened, and her eyes began to shine with the hint of tears. All she could manage was a choked, “Okay.”

Jam dropped down from her bookshelf, books, notes, and writing utensils balanced perfectly in a stack.

“Besides! You have me as a friend. And I can’t wait to practice with you two. Yes, I’ve already decided we’re sparring together. If you don’t like it, then too bad! Learn your damn spells already, Lucky. My daggers are waiting…”

Her voice trailed off as she traipsed away to order food.

Clove giggled. “I do like her. Honestly.”

I smirked. “Same.”

Bree ended up stealing Clove and asking for help in the kitchens, and the demi decided to recruit Jam for help as well.

Mabel could only do simple things, like washing small dishes and peeling vegetables, so Clove had to put in her work as well.

I began learning the new spells. I ordered them in priority.

Clove gave me Body Block first.

The pain reminded me of the other defensive spell I’d learned, but it caused full body aches as well. I endured the pain, and pulled back, relieved to have finished with half of the process.

Body Block was simpler than Shield Strike, but I was excited to have the freedom to fight with less concern for my well being.

I didn’t want attacks going around my shield like what happened with Rhys. And I would be able to use the shield spell on Clove while still being protected.

Overall, it granted a wide variety of versatility.

The connection requirement was limitations.

What could that mean? A thousand things, of course. But how does it relate to me?

I shut my eyes and waded into the expanse of my mana. It greeted me with what I felt was affection.

Like an old friend.

I need this spell, I told it. Yes, I understand I need to connect with you about limits.

My light mana swirled around me, encouraging me to go on.

I’m only one man. Even as the Dark Prince, I am only mortal. I can’t protect myself on all sides. And the shield spell can only do so much.

We all have limits. My Father does. Mana does.

Even though I felt the truth of my thoughts, I knew it wasn’t enough for my light mana.

I opened my eyes and thought for a time. I needed to understand what my mana required, but so far, nothing was clicking.

As patrons entered and left The Night Owl and others sat over their meals with friends, I sunk myself back into my mana.

I am full of limits —

Someone dropped their utensils on the floor, and a loud cackle rang in my ears.

I flinched but pulled myself back to focus.

Limits are in all of us. We cannot do everything.

The door must have swung open, bringing in a new roar of people.

They were talking and laughing, and one was sharing a story about how his neighbor killed all their potted plants.

I was going to have to take this outside, wasn’t I? This would be more effective in the quiet. Maybe I could return to my room.

There was so much life in this inn. It was too distracting, and I knew there was no use staying here if my focus continued to be drawn and snapped away.

I nudged Clove and asked her if she could give me Light Dart now so that I could retreat to form connections with the spells in private.

She shrugged. “It isn’t the way most do things, but that sounds about right. Sure thing.”

We joined hands, and she transferred Light Dart to me. I endured more pain, and a multitude of confusing sensations, mostly involved in blinding flashes perceived in my mind’s eye.

When I was done, I thanked the woman.

Gathering my book and notes, I planned on telling Clove my destination when a new idea crept inside of me.

31

I settled back down, belongings in hand. Eyes shut.

Maybe there was a reason my mind was being drawn away. Maybe it wasn’t even my fault.

Perhaps my mana was trying to tell me something.

Again, the energy within me greeted me with open arms. I thought, We all have limitations.

But there is one exception.

Cackles and chatter and slamming cups echoed in my ears.

I imagined I heard the sound of Clove’s soft voice. I visualized catching a glimpse of the sharp wit in Jam’s gaze.

Life has no limit at all. Even when we expel energy, it returns to the cycle.

Even as our bodies die and decompose, they return to their origins. Our souls join the nothingness of the ether, of energy itself.

Even as I cast this shield spell, even though it has energetic limits, I am giving the energy back to this world.

Expelling mana that will find its way back to me again one day.

My mana surged upward, enclosing my consciousness with its acceptance.

I couldn’t hold the smile back. So, this was how assimilation felt when I actually had a bond with my mana.

It was euphoric, if I was being honest. Even as weariness settled over me and the start of a headache formed, I was overjoyed.

Thank you, I told it.

It whirled around me, almost as if in a dance.

When I returned to my surroundings, I reviewed the rest of the spells. I had two shield spells now.

Two of the spells were offensive, if I counted Valley Leash. Considering how many different applications the spell had, I felt confident in classifying it as such.

And of course, I had one convenience spell Quick Collect.

I needed more in my attacks.

I wanted to learn something fun and dramatic like Kraken Hook but Light Dart would serve me well.

I was shocked to find that it had taken me thirty minutes to learn Body Block.

Rather than be deterred, I buckled down and began the slow process of forming a mana connection for Light Dart.

Twenty-five minutes later, I assimilated the new spell. This one needed me to understand that light was energy in a pure and undeniable way.

Of course, I knew this already, but my mana wanted me to consider it from a more personal way, as if I were composed of pure light.

Light affected every aspect of our perception of the world. Even the darkest shadow could only be put into context using light.

When the insight passed, I was struck by a second helping of Mage Fatigue. I flopped backward and rested my head on the cold ground.

My muscles filled with lead. My mind felt muddled by ale, though I hadn’t had any.

It takes so much energy to learn spells! I mused. For my mana to accept them. I feel like I could go to sleep for the rest of the day now.

The foolish part of me wanted to dive into learning Kraken Hook or Time Stop. But my eyes drooped and my head pounded.

If I tried to take on another spell, I might actually die.

Damn this mortal body!

I allowed myself a period of drifting consciousness. Exhausted and wrung out, I waited for the world to stop spinning.

Then I found my feet at last.

I found Jam in the kitchens with Clove.

The cat demi was casually peeling potatoes while Mabel munched on an apple, likely taking a break. Clove was working over a pot of roast.

When Keegan saw me, his frown deepened. “Clove! You have enough visitors in the kitchen! What do you think this is? A waiting room?”

Clove winced. “Sorry! I just finished the seasoning on this. We’ll be on our way. Mabel, you have the next two hours to play. Come back for the dinner shift and see if Keegan and Bree need you.”

“Nah!” Keegan exclaimed. His face had completely shifted as he patted Mabel on the top of her pink hair. “She’s done plenty for us today. Mabel, you’re getting extra pie tonight. Good work. Now go have fun.”

Mabel shot up and danced in place. “Thanks, Kee! Hi, Luc! Bye, Luc!”

She zoomed out of the kitchen, apple extended in the air like a trophy.

The women watched her with raised brows and smiles before returning to their chatter.

Bree bustled by with a basket of carrots, turned, then thrust them into my hands. “Chop!” she commanded, turning on her heel and marching away.

I obeyed with a chuckle and got to work.

I’d gone from marching on the Burned Plains, days and nights filled with slaughter, to chopping vegetables in a mortal realm’s kitchen.

Before, I looked forward to things like endless nights of revelry to distract me.

Now, all I wanted was a warm bed with Clove beside me, her hair inevitably tangling in the sheets. I wanted a life with a mixture of peace and exhilarating adventures.

Freedom. That’s what freedom looked like to me.

And yet, my heart was not at ease. In the pit of my stomach, I sensed something was on the brink of breaking.

Amarantha wouldn’t be safe until the Tower found balance.

Ria was in danger.

And this was only the beginning.

32

“No, no. That will get you killed in any fight with two opponents. Never leave your side exposed like that.”

We were in a private courtyard on Academy grounds. Class had been dismissed early that day after Rava assessed our progress in the morning session.

Only a few students had to stay behind for extra instruction, while the rest of us were sent out to practice on our own.

Clove was determined to become a better fighter.

Even though she’d broken the block that was keeping her energy suppressed, she had a lot of work to do in building her offensive abilities and increasing her mana pool.

I would have been fine with her focusing on a stronger defense, but she was insistent on her goals.

Currently, her blue garb was smeared with grass stains. One of her arms displayed an artful spread of mud. There were weeds in her hair.

She’d fallen at least a dozen times. One even sent her rolling down the side of the small hill and into the bushes.

As the sun burned off the last bit of haze in the sky, we faced each other on the turf.

I said, “Remember, your new breakthrough is only going to help you grow stronger. Physically and energetically.”

She rested her hands on her knees, breathing hard.

“I know, I know. You’d still kick my butt, though. I can’t believe how much stronger you are than me. It’s really not fair!”

I have nearly two centuries over you. That might have something to do with it.

“Never mind that,” I replied. “Pick up the practice sword again. I want to teach you one more thing.”

She grimaced but obeyed. The wooden weapon shook in her hand, a sign of her fatigued arms. “You do know why I need this training, right?”

I paused. “Tell me.”

“I’m afraid to take risks because I know I’m weak. If I give a fight all of my mana and I still fail, then I only have this stupid clumsy body of mine to use.

“My strength and speed are my last resort, and they’re both pathetic.”

She held the sword up, determined. “I can’t be a one-trick fighter. I need to push myself. Constantly. Even if it scares me.”

“I understand,” I told her. Because of that, I attacked.

She was awful at this.

Even by a beginner’s standard. But I respected her desire to push through her weaknesses and make herself better.

We sparred for ten more minutes, up until the point that she dropped her weapon in exhaustion.

She fell to her knees.

“Wait,” she wheezed. “What were you supposed to teach me?”

I gestured to her fallen weapon. “That you can go on for much longer than you think you can. And honestly, if we were in a Tower level, I would bet all of my mana that you would find the strength to pick that thing up and continue yet again.”

Her laugh was more of a disbelieving wheeze. “I don’t think I have the strength to wipe my piss at the moment.”

“Can you heal your own muscles?”

“Not yet. When my body’s too exhausted, I can’t heal like normal. I need to absorb some heat and let my mana restore itself. The sun helps, at least.”

“Get up. No, don’t give me that look. We’re done with that sort of fighting.”

I held out a hand, and she took it, pulling herself to her feet.

“What is it?”

“I’m going to attempt to strike you,” I explained. “You are going to try and defend yourself. I’m not going to actually hit you, but I want to see what you’ll do.”

She gave me a dubious look.

I grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re scared.”

She rolled her eyes and then assumed a defensive posture.

I gave her a moment to prepare and then struck. Gently.

To Clove’s credit, she moved quickly despite her fatigue. Her open palm shot out and caught my fist.

Stopping me.

Her eyes lit up. “I did it!”

“No, you just got knocked out.”

“What? No! I stopped you!”

She was still holding my fist, so I showed her what I meant. I pushed my fist forward.

Even without much force, her elbow bent back, and I pressed the back of her hand against her jaw.

“If I was moving at full strength and speed, I’d have hit you here.”

The glow of pride in her eyes dimmed. “Oh… duh.”

I retracted my arm. “You must train like you’ll always be the weaker person. At this point in your training, it’s the most likely scenario.

“Now, instead of trying to stop me using your force, you must stop me by using mine.”

Her brow furrowed. “That makes zero sense.”

“Hit me. Play along. Please.”

“Fine.” She squared her shoulders, readied her fist, and struck.

I caught her wrist with my opposing hand. Then, with my other, I pushed her elbow and used her own momentum to twist her arm.

Like a sort of violent choreography, her body was forced to turn, leaving her trapped. If I pressed her elbow any further, her arm would snap.

I said, “Now, I would release a spell into you if I had mana to spare. Do you know what I’d do next if I were you?”

“What?” she asked

Leaning forward, I whispered into her ear. “If my mana was used up, and all I had left was the will to live? I’d run.”

I let go.

Even though my hold hadn’t hurt her, even though the sun was warm on our skin, she rubbed her arms like she was cold.

Without turning around, she said, “I want to try.”

“Good. Do you remember the hand positioning?”

She turned, her face a mask of concentration. “I was paying attention.”

“Let’s do a slow practice.” I extended my arm, almost as if punching in slow motion.

She gritted her teeth, grabbed my wrist, and caught my elbow, pushing it.

I turned my body dutifully, showing her the natural effects when you capture someone’s arm like this. “And there you have it,” I applauded. “Excellent work.”

I had her practice the movements about a dozen more times, each with a faux slowness.

Much of physical combat came down to muscle memory and practice. The more she performed this move, the more natural of a response it will be.

“Again,” she said by the twelfth time. “But I want you to go full speed now.”

When she let me go and I turned around, there was a fresh, bright glow to her cheeks. She was feeling better. More optimistic.

“Ready?” I asked.

“Ready.”

I struck. My fist barely grazed her shoulder, but she wasn’t fast enough to catch me.

Damn. Remember what you are, Luc. You are not the same kind of mortal like her. Slower.

I apologized and was about to promise to slow myself down when Clove shook her head.

“No! Do that again! If I can perform this move with your punches, I can do it with anyone. I won’t even ask how you manage to be so darn quick.”

She smiled. “Again. Please.”

She didn’t know what she was asking. Her reflexes were too slow. She wouldn’t be able to land a hand on me if she tried.

“Let me go at half-speed,” I requested. “Take small steps at a time.”

A little put-out, but in a good mood, Clove relented. Grinning, she bounced side to side on her toes, fists ready. “Alright, Luc. Give it to me!”

It took six more attempts for her to snatch my wrist properly, and two more after to get the elbow and twist. All at half-speed.

“Fantastic!” I exclaimed when she’d finally completed the full maneuver and I obliged, allowing her to twist me successfully.

She let go and then pounced a hug on me.

“That felt amazing! I can’t believe I did that! Oh, I’m so going to use this one. I’m going to teach it to Mabel too. She’s got to know how to kick some butt.”

I patted her on the head while she clung to me.

She was probably absorbing my heat at the moment, and I was happy to give her everything she needed to recover from training.

“You were excellent,” I told her plainly. “Are you ready to take a break?”

She glanced up, a little shy. “You told me that the best thing I could do is run. After I get my opponent in that position and use up all my energy, that is. Right?”

“Correct.”

She bit her bottom lip, thoughtful and curious. “What would you do? Besides blast them with an overpowered fire spell,” she teased.

I stepped away. “I’ll show you.”

She bounced back, too, excited. “Okay… ha!” Her fist came flying at me.

33

After grabbing her wrist and maneuvering her body around, I chose my next sequence carefully.

In reality, I’d break my opponent’s arm and incapacitate them with a strong spell.

But without magic, and without true injury, I had to act differently.

I pulled her to the ground, making sure she landed on her back.

Clove gasped and yelped as she fell. Once her back was on the grass, I swung my leg over, straddling her, and settled my weight on her ribs.

I captured both wrists next, trapping them above her head with one hand.

“This is what I’d do,” I informed her. “In this position, it’s very difficult for my opponent to hit me or turn me over. You need to get as high up on the chest as possible, with your knees beneath their arms like I’m doing here.”

She was looking up at me with wild, shimmering eyes. Her mouth was slightly parted, cheeks pink.

She was completely limp beneath me, like there wasn’t another ounce of fight in her. That felt strange, considering…

Awareness snapped into me.

In this position, with my legs trapping her like this, I was completely pressed against the soft underside of her breasts.

She must have seen the realization in my eyes as I began to lean away, because her brow lifted in supplication. “Luc,” she pleaded.

But for what, I wasn’t sure.

Demon kin women were much closer to Barrow’s version of sexuality. Bold. Daring. Upfront.

Clove was made of soft touch and subtlety. She wanted companionship and safety, not ravaging lust.

Except now? Lust was all I could see.

It was written across her vulnerable expression.

The way she tilted her chin up, as if exposing her delicate throat to me.

I could feel the heaving of her chest against my manhood.

How her hips squirmed behind me.

Fascinated with her, I lowered a hand to her cheek, softly stroking down her jaw.

The shaky whimper Clove gave me was a gift I hadn’t known I wanted.

It was a sound I wondered if she’d make spread out on a bed, completely bare. Her eyes fluttered shut.

Yes. This was what she was asking for.

“Please, Luc,” she sighed.

Sharp as a slice of a blade, a new voice greeted us. “Hey, you two — oh.”

Without budging, I flicked my gaze up to see Jam frozen mid-stride.

Her eyes were wide with surprise for a moment, and then she covered her shocked expression. “Should I come back later?”

Clove was already panicking and trying to tug her hands back down.

I released her and stood smoothly, clasping Clove’s outstretched hand and pulling her to her feet.

“We were training!” she told Jam.

Jam’s brows rose. “Training?”

“Training! Yes! Just training!”

“If you say so…” she said teasingly, suppressing a smirk that made her eyes glitter with mischief.

“Remember that you promised to practice with me, too. On fighting,” she added hastily, the grin finally making its suggestive appearance.

I replied, “I recall you informing us that we’d be practicing.”

Her ears twitched as she laughed. “Same thing to me, Lucky. I don’t care what you want to call it. You’re fast as hell, and I need to be able to beat the balls off of guys like you.”

“I’m flattered.”

“Right… so…”

Clove, unable to handle her own tension, exploded. “We should go get lunch! Do you want to get lunch?”

Jam and I blinked at Clove, who seemed to have shocked herself as well.

Jam replied, “Are you sure you’re hungry for food, Clove?”

I coughed into my hand to hide my smile.

“Of course,” Clove wheezed. “What else would I want? Let’s go, then. So hungry. Who doesn’t love food? Food is so nice.”

“To The Night Owl, then,” I announced.

We spent an hour discussing the Tower and combat strategies with Jam while sipping ale and eating. This also provided me with a chance to learn more about her abilities and specialties.

Jam was not only a feline demi, but she was also a rogue.

Light and quick on her feet, she was the perfect person to deliver damage as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As long as she could avoid taking any damage, that is.

The more we talked, the more I began to wonder if it would be wise to ask Jam to join our party officially.

As far as I could see, she hadn’t partnered with anyone just yet.

Even in the short time I’d seen her fight during the class battle, it was clear she was incredibly fast and skilled.

If she joined our party, she would be excellent at delivering damage alongside me, and if she took damage herself, Clove’s healing power was the perfect solution.

Even more, I liked her. Clove did, too. A party with excellent rapport and skill was priceless.

Clove tugged on my shirtsleeve, motioning me toward her when Jam went to use the restroom.

“You know, if we need to build a party in this class, we should have her join, Luc. I know we only just met her, but —”

“I agree. She’d be a useful addition.”

Clove lifted a finger, almost as if she’d been expecting me to argue. “Oh! Well, yay!”

Jam sat back down, lifting her empty drink and sighing sadly. “So many hours of the day. So little time to drink. We should probably get back to training and studying.”

Much like before, Clove practically shouted when she asked, “Will you join our party, Jam?”

Jam froze in place. Her left ear twitched once, twice.

She was so startled that I was certain she’d refuse, when she broke out into a smile. “Yes!”

After accepting our invitation, Jam joined Clove and I as we visited Nessie’s office to file the official paperwork for our new party member.

Then, Jam insisted on training together to get a feel for how things would work.

By the tits of the High Succubus, did that cat demi have stamina.

Clove and I had already been fatigued, and whatever strength we’d had left had been eviscerated by Jam’s quick movements and endless attacks.

She hadn’t been able to beat me, but she’d certainly pushed me to the limits of my energy.

We’d all agreed that we’d have to spar more often to better understand one another’s strengths and weaknesses.

And then finally, we all agreed to stop training for the day and resume when next we had a chance.

Sticky with sweat and fatigue, Clove and I retired to our shared room in the early evening.

Clove was yawning and already untying her top in the hallway, groaning about a bath. When we shut our room door, she trudged into the washroom and turned on the faucets while I removed my shirt and examined the damage today.

I need to visit the Debshire shop and get more garments.

Clothes weren’t a priority, which was why I hadn’t taken the time to get more even though we had plenty of funds.

But this shirt was going to look like a rag by the end of the month.

In any case, I tossed it to the side to wash and shucked off my boots.

Clove scuttled back into the room, still mostly clothed. Her eyes locked onto my bare torso before flicking away. “You go first,” she said tightly.

I frowned. “You seem unwell.”

“I’m fine! Totally fine! Just decided that I needed to hydrate first before the bath.” She gestured to the jug of water on the nightstand and then laughed nervously, clearly not ‘fine’.

“You’re not going to tell me what you’re actually thinking, are you?”

Her tense smile wilted. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Exhaling, I said, “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Just go ahead. I’m fine! Promise!”

“As you wish.” I made my way into the washroom. The bath was nearly full, so I undressed and lowered myself into the large tub.

I heard the slight shuffle of feet before Clove stormed into the room and said, “It’s just that I can’t stop thinking about —”

She gasped.

I lifted an eyebrow.

She covered her eyes.

And then peeked through her fingers.

34

I stifled a chuckle, closed my eyes, and leaned my head back against the porcelain lip. “About what?”

“Huh?”

“You said you can’t stop thinking about something. What is it?”

“Oh — right. Um… about your curse.”

My curse? Oh, that’s right. The cover story I devised during our visit with Barrow.

The only reason anyone would see demon energy in my aura is if I’d inherited a curse or been directly cursed by a demon.

“What of it?”

“Who was cursed?” Her voice was a lot closer to me this time. And then she asked, “Why the laugh?”

When I opened my eyes, I found that she’d sat beside the bathtub, much like I’d done during my first night here.

Only this time, she’d propped her chin on the lip to look up at me.

There was such a strong desire to touch her. And why shouldn’t I?

I reached over and brushed a lock of hair out of her face. My fingers lingered on her cheek before falling away.

I answered, “Because I don’t know, Clove. Not everyone is acquainted with their entire family. I certainly wasn’t.”

That was true enough. I had legions of cousins who’d left the Underworld before Father closed the portals. I also had dozens of relatives — all immortal dragon kin — strewn across the damned continents of that dark realm.

“Who were you close with?”

“My Father. And the voi — the volatile cousin of mine, Marx,” I lied.

She sighed. It was a troubled sound. “That’s so awful. To think you’ve been living with it all your life.”

“Don’t be. It doesn’t hurt me.”

“Not like Barrow?”

“No.” I didn’t enjoy the lying. Even the omission of truth was getting tiresome. It was true what they said, though. Demon-touched mortals have few friends.

I would have fewer. No one could know the truth of me.

Clove sat up, worried. “Don’t be sad, Luc. You have me, alright? You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

“What a curious thing to say,” I replied, truly marveling at the timing of that particular comment. “But thank you, Clove. I didn’t realize I wanted to hear that.”

I could practically hear her heart thundering.

She squirmed in place, toying with her hair and glancing nervously at me. “There was one other thing.”

“Oh?”

She rose to her knees, leaned over the bath, and planted a kiss on my cheek.

It was so quick, I almost wondered if she’d inherited her own Demon Prince speed.

She clapped both hands over her mouth, terrified and waiting for something.

My judgement, maybe. Anger?

I wasn’t sure.

I touched the spot she’d kissed. So different from the demon kin women. So, so different.

I said, “That was a surprise.”

She winced.

I held a finger up, keeping her regret at bay.

Then, I touched the cupid’s bow of my own lip and added, “And here I thought this is where people kissed one another.”

Clove stared at my lips for several long seconds. The air was thick with steam and anticipation.

Will she do it? I wondered, fascinated by the woman’s swirling emotions.

If I was right, she’d forced herself into this bathroom to do this.

She wanted me but was battling fear as usual.

It’s a risk. She’s still learning how to take them. Perhaps this is an opportunity she’ll take.

Perhaps not.

Right when I thought she’d frozen up and changed her mind, Clove reached her fingertips to run across the surface of the water. She glanced up, checking my reaction.

She looked so shy and unsure. But beneath it was a growing thread of confidence.

Her decision had been made. Fascinating. Mortals are so damn fascinating.

Her fingers made contact with my chest. She leaned forward, and with incredible softness, pressed her lips to mine.

She was warm.

Tentative.

Brave, I thought with satisfaction and a bit of pride.

I kissed her back, and the soft, pleading moan caught in her throat was the only reaction she gave before her tongue brushed over my lip.

I was still learning the customs of mortal women. If Clove were a demon in the Underworld, we’d already be in bed.

But she was different.

This place was different. The most respectful course was to let her set the pace.

Still, I felt it was safe to claim her mouth.

I deepened the kiss.

Clove responded with just as much fervor.

I threaded my fingers in her hair, holding her while I tasted her, nibbling. Sucking.

Her hands tangled in my hair, too, ran down my jaw and neck, and explored the planes of my chest.

She broke the kiss just enough to gasp, “Closer.”

We were in agreement on that.

I slid my grip around her waist and hip and pulled her into the bath. Right on top of me.

She was still clothed, but that didn’t matter. Her legs settled on either side of me. Her full breasts strained against their ties as our bodies moved together.

If she needed friction, I was happy to oblige.

I was most focused on the thin strip of fabric separating her sex from mine as she ground herself into me.

As if it wasn’t enough that her body offered a dozen curvy places to grip and squeeze.

But now, the bath water made everything slide and rub in the most perfect way.

The next span of time was full of heat and moans and Clove’s supplicant gasps. Her top was loose enough for my hands to explore and tease until she was shaking with need.

Finally, I did away with the garment completely.

When she grabbed my hand and guided me downward, I understood what she wanted next.

“Touch me,” she said, kissing a trail down my neck.

I found her center hot and wanting. She shuddered as I made first contact with her sensitive bud.

I reached behind her neck with my other hand and gripped the back of her hair. Staring into her glowing eyes, I rolled my thumb in perfect rhythm.

Clove panted softly, then she whimpered and bit her bottom lip.

Her hands clutched at my shoulders, and she whispered, “Please, Luc. Please, keep going.”

I chuckled, my voice hoarse. “Oh, I will. Don’t you worry about that.”

Soon, her fingernails were digging into me as I plucked her sweet strings as deftly as a bard plays a lute.

It only took a minute for her to spasm against my fingers. Her nails dug into my skin as her legs clenched and she rode out her release.

Her voice deepened slightly and a primal moan rose up from deep in her throat.

Soft but filled with longing.

When she sat up and shifted, I was almost expecting her to run away in absolute embarrassment. True to Clove’s usual form.

But instead, with a hopeful, cautious expression, she reached into the water and wrapped her hands around me.

I dropped my head back and let out a sigh as she began to move her grip up and down.

The woman’s excitement redoubled as she tugged at my member. I’d been hard when she gripped me, but with each careful caress, I stiffened further.

My mind ran through a dozen scenarios at once. I imagined us taking this back to the bed. Her full lips on me, or the demi finally yielding to her own passion and allowing me to dominate her.

We were only a few minutes in when a scream tore through the inn, shrill and high-pitched.

A sound full of desperation and terror.

35

I rose quickly, lifting Clove and stepping out of the bath. “You stay here.”

“No! I’m coming with you!”

I pointed at her. “I’m just going to check.”

Before I could get my filthy shirt back on, a cacophony of shouts came from the street below.

I threw the window open. What I saw made my stomach twist.

The Tower stood tall and proud in the moonlight. From the slim, dark slits in the sides, a slow stream of black mist trickled out.

Dread twisted my insides. It couldn’t be… not so soon. Not now.

And here I’d thought that Ria had more time. That I had more time.

“Fuck,” I muttered.

Clove, holding a towel around her soaked body, went pale at the sight of it. “Luc… what is that?”

“Wash up quickly,” I said. “If you want to go to the Academy with me, at least. You’re welcome to stay here.”

I knew she wouldn’t, and just as I suspected, she gave me a tired stare that seemed to say, Really, Luc? Really?

Clove performed a simple cleaning spell on my clothing, which was a relief.

She freshened up faster than I thought possible, and within ten minutes, we were on Main St., heading toward the Tower.

Mabel had run out of the inn, scared and needing Clove. But Clove only gave her a quick hug and made her promise to stay inside.

The rest of our classmates seemed to have had the same idea. We all arrived within five minutes, waiting by our room.

Cazima’s wings rustled restlessly.

Ash’s armor was gone.

Instead, she was wearing comfortable training clothes, her silver hair in a long braid down her back. Rhys was muttering something to the bear shifter and the two youngest students in our class.

Jam seemed to appear out of a shadow. She spotted us instantly and stood by our side as we waited with our class.

But it wasn’t Rava who came to find us. It was Nessie.

She was more solemn than usual. Not a single spark of fire was in her words when she said, “Figured you all would be here. Come on. We’re going to the general assembly hall.”

Jam hustled toward us as we followed Nessie. “What do you think is happening? Why is the Tower leaking black smoke?”

Because the void is already leaking through, I answered, though I could never say it aloud.

We entered an auditorium, the seats already filling with the hundreds of students from the Academy, the stage already lined with tired-looking teachers and staff.

Rava was up there, too; the only person not sporting the school’s crest.

Clove was quiet and wringing her hands.

I reached over and held them.

“Everything’s going to be alright, Clove,” I said quietly into her ear.

She bounced her leg, anxious. “What’s going to happen to the Tower? The city? Are the monsters already pouring out?”

“No. If they were, I doubt the staff would bring us here. They know the situation the most intimately. If they thought our lives were in danger now, we’d be evacuating. Not waiting for a speech.”

Clove exhaled. “You’re right. That makes much more sense.”

From the other side of Clove, Jam leaned forward and added, “Besides, I saw some adventurers coming out of the Tower entrance. One of them was badly injured. Something happened in there. Could have been a spell gone wrong or a monster they couldn’t defeat.”

I really hope it isn’t a demon.

I was looking forward to the journey ahead. I’d learned new spells and deepened my bond with light mana.

When I’d first arrived, years of mortal living stretched ahead of me in my imagination.

But now, all I could think of was how little time I really had.

If the Tower was becoming exponentially unstable, I wasn’t even sure if I’d have the power to fix it.

A woman raised her hand in the sea of teachers below, and everyone fell silent.

Rava stepped forward. “As you all have been informed about the trouble of our Tower, this is the best place to discuss recent events. A party of five adventurers — well seasoned and experienced — were just nearly killed in the Tower’s seventh level.”

The students broke out into worried murmuring.

Rava glared them into silence and then added, “Seeing that those who have beaten the levels cannot do so again, many of our teachers and staff are unable to directly help. We are appealing to all available adventurers to help us. And we’re also turning to you.”

They’re going to ask us to beat the first level, aren’t they?

“Purely on a volunteer basis,” Rava clarified. “I ask you to consider entering your next available level with your party. You are required to have a group of at least three people for safety reasons.

“Anyone above level five will need at least four people in their party. All participants must be willing.

“My class is made up of first-year students who were supposed to enter the first level four weeks from now, once I was satisfied with their strength and progress. But desperate times call for unreasonable solutions.”

A voice called from the audience. An older woman at the front raised her hand and asked, “Are you certain that having us students beat the next level will rebalance the Tower?”

Nessie leapt forward, causing Rava to stumble back in surprise. “Yes! I have been running some tests on the Tower. We may not be able to see all the way up into those levels by ourselves, so I had the last adventurer’s group take one of my mana crystals up with them to test what was happening.

“We’re not certain what this dark misty-smoke is, but it’s clear it has something to do with the Tower’s growing imbalance. This is only the second time it’s appeared, and I’ve been informed that it’s only shown up in the higher levels.

“However, mana crystals seem to react to the dark matter’s energy. They become brighter when the dark energy is present, and they dim when the dark energy is scarce.

“After the last group of adventurers defeated the sixth level, the crystal dimmed significantly! It’s not a perfect test, but it does tell us that beating the levels helps. At least a little!”

The woman nodded thoughtfully. “That’s good to know. Thank you.”

Rava dismissed the assembly, calling for our written consent forms to be submitted by midnight with the names of our party members included.

We’d be entering the first level tomorrow morning.

36

Early the following day, a crowd had gathered outside of the Tower.

It wasn’t just students from the Academy, either. On one side of the huge courtyard, each class was grouped by their teachers.

On the other, adventurers of every size, age and build were waiting.

Dark mana poured out of the top half of the Tower. The void mist that I’d known my whole life was right there in front of my eyes, invading the mortal realm.

It wasn’t concentrated enough for me to sense it or pull any power in.

The energy was too high up, and it was dissipating into the realm quickly.

A shame, but likely for the best.

I stared at it, feeling a surprising hunger. With dark mana, I could thrash my way through the Tower completely on my own.

It might help balance the Tower enough to buy a large amount of time.

But with the high numbers gathered here to help, I knew today would do as much good. Perhaps more.

Rava held up a hand. Our class fell silent as he slid his milky eyes across us.

“We’ll follow typical procedure for any busy day at the Tower. Each group will file in together with at least ten seconds as an interval. You’ll need to be marked before you enter so the clerks can record your return.

“Rescue is not an option. Each group will be completely alone. The Tower is full of different layers of reality. The moment you cross that barrier, your party will be on its own.”

“Remember what we discussed,” I told them as we entered the Tower. “I stay in the front. You each cover my flanks. Shields up before anything while I handle the first offensive move.”

Jam chimed in. “Once we see what’s attacking us, I go in for the quick kills while you handle the strongest opponents.”

Clove added, “And I hit the big targets where it hurts and conserve my mana for any healing needed. Until we know how hard this stuff is going to be.”

“Good,” I said to them both.

Twenty minutes later, we signed our names on the clerk’s document. She was the same woman who had scored our Tower test, but nothing on her face registered that she recognized us or cared.

Ahead of us, Rhys’s group had just disappeared into the Tower.

He’d joined a party with Tamara, a woman with an incredible mana bow, and Kalanth, the bear demi human.

Don’t die just yet, Rhys. I still want to defeat you properly in a match.

“Go ahead,” the clerk said, shooing us forward.

I strode forward and pushed open the large, castle doors. A second later, they banged shut behind us.

The room was dark, cold and made of plain stone.

“How do we get to the level?” Jam asked.

Torches sprang to life along the walls and revealed an ice golem.

The earth monster was covered in a glassy blue coat of ice. Upon seeing us, it let out a gravelly growl.

“I have this,” I told the girls. This creature wasn’t a good opponent for Jam anyway.

She worked best with soft flesh, not stone creatures with ice armor.

“Fire Flare,” I called. I let out a moderate amount of mana with it. I concentrated on creating a stream of fire, rather than a blast that might ignite the trees.

Smoke would only ruin our visibility.

The fire heeded my call, though I could tell that the spell wanted to fight the guidance.

It took far too much concentration for the unwieldy spell to form a cone about as thick as my forearm.

This was the problem with basic spells. They weren’t as flexible as I wished to make them. I’d have to learn a new, higher-level spell soon.

When the spell faded, I saw that the ice had melted and was already growing back. The earth body beneath was scorched and cracking off.

Imagination. That’s what drives spells more than anything else.

The golem advanced. I could probably blast it to bits. However, I wanted to try something different and more pointed.

We’d defeat this creature without a doubt. So, I’d take the opportunity to experiment.

I ran forward.

The golem staggered, then lashed its arm out. Ice spikes flung from its hand, and a river of frost expanded from its feet and spread over the floor.

I dodged the spikes and leapt over the frost, just in case it was more intense than it looked.

Couldn’t risk that mess climbing up my legs and causing unnecessary damage.

“Body Block!” My full-body shield in place, I landed the hardest punch I could into the golem’s jaw.

As my armored fist collided with the monster, its head snapped back, body following.

I landed on the body and smashed my heel into its neck, not worrying about damage while my shield was in place.

It was an intermediate spell, so it should hold up to the limits of my strength.

The golem seized beneath me, and for a moment, I almost worried it would rise again.

But then the ice melted into water. The golem relaxed into soft mud beneath my feet.

I stood. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“Nice work!” Jam said.

“Agreed,” Clove added. “You looked very impressive flying in the air like that.”

“Like a graceful dove,” Jam shot back.

Clove squinted, correcting her friend. “Or a crazy pigeon! With really strong arms.”

I knew what a dove was. That was a bird. But a pigeon? Maybe it was related to the rabbits.

I cleared my throat. “Right. We should move on. Stay focused.”

They gave each other side glances that made me wonder how women grew such strong relationships so quickly.

Only a short while ago, Clove had been going on about how little she knew Jam. And now they were communicating. Silently.

With expressions alone.

Another thing that was the same in the Underworld and beyond.

Women were very much a mystery.

This Tower level only had one tunnel to choose from. We walked through by the torchlight, on guard and watching the walls and floor.

Finally, we entered the next castle room.

The ceiling wasn’t visible, because thick, gray clouds dusted the space with snow. The floor was no longer stone but earth. Covered in snowfall.

About a dozen trees created a center grove.

It was like a small forest dimension inside a pocket of this Tower. Impressive magic.

“Watch the shadows,” Clove suggested.

The first warning we got was the glowing eyes in the shadows of the trees ahead. I assumed there was an exit beyond.

The wolves had icy white eyes and snowy fur. There were six of them. All of them were growling, and the saliva that dripped down hit the snow with an acidic sizzle.

I said quickly, “They’re venomous. Watch the teeth.”

“I see it,” Clove said.

The trees exploded in rustles and shrieks. A swarm of light gray bats, each the size of my fist, revealed themselves.

“I’ll take the bats,” Jam said. “You two handle the wolves.”

“Agreed,” I said.

Jam’s daggers were already flying from her hand as she cast a spell that took two more down.

The sound of falling bats filled the air.

The largest wolf lunged, but I was ready. “Light Dart!”

One of the darts sunk into its eye, distracting it enough for the blade of my demon staff to slash through its neck.

The ground was painted crimson, and the wolf retreated, trying to back away from its own inevitable death.

I sent another flurry of darts at the other wolves, but only one scored a hit.

Bleeding from its chest, the injured wolf bounded straight at me, its eyes filled with rage.

I activated Body Block again, just in case my offense failed me.

Then I cast Fire Flare in its streamlined form, coating the beasts in a blaze.

They howled as their fur burned and shook their heads to try and stop the flames.

Clove shot the wolf closest to her with Sun Slice. Her aim was precise, and the fiery attack cut deep into the wolf’s throat. It died almost instantly as its spine was severed.

The wolf beside it turned on Clove, charging her headlong.

I reach out, shouting, “Valley Leash!”

The invisible spell gripped the wolf and tugged it toward the last remaining beast.

With my quarry clumped together, I blasted the two with a massive Fire Flare.

Wading forward, I finished off the two with my blade as they burned.

Silver and copper coins littered the floor.

Jam was in the trees, and she called out, “I think I got the last one! I’ll collect the loot over here.”

“Wolves are finished!” I returned.

Clove collected the coins while I kept watch, making sure there weren’t any more creatures.

I got a bit of the wolf saliva on my shirt, and it burned a hole clean through. Thank goodness I hadn’t gotten any of that directly on my skin.

Clove was already shivering.

Fuck.

She was a salamander who loved heat. Even with the layers she was wearing, the chill still reached her.

I pulled off my cloak and draped it around her shoulders.

“Hey! What are you —”

“You need it more than me. You’re not a winter creature. Keep your heat contained as much as possible.”.

Pressing my palms to Clove’s chest, my fingers curling over her shoulders, I cast Fire Flare using the smallest touch of mana I could possibly produce.

My hands glowed like coals, and Clove shuddered in relief.

Some of her color returned. “Thanks, Luc.”

Jam came out of the trees, shoving coins into a pocket. “Not so bad! How’s everyone feeling? Good? Great. Now, what else are we supposed to kill?”

37

As we crept through the next tunnel, no monsters attacked from the walls.

It was quiet, but our guards were up. Only the sound of our footsteps echoed around us, mingled with soft breathing.

We turned a corner and found a high stone archway with bright pale light shining through.

When we passed through and our eyes adjusted, I said, “This feels like the final battle, doesn’t it?”

The girls both nodded their assent, neither of them taking their eyes off the foreboding landscape.

It was nothing like the inside of the Tower we’d grown used to.

High above us, a winter sky glared down, white and heavy. Snow piled between thick forest trees. At the edge, a flat expanse of ice stretched beyond.

Jam gasped and pointed. “There’s the door! At the other end of the frozen lake!”

I squinted and spotted it, too. On the opposite bank was a door I could just make out in the haze.

Jam must have incredible eyesight to have seen it so quickly. If she hadn’t pointed it out, I doubt I would have noticed it there.

“It’s too quiet though,” Clove whispered. “Maybe, if we make it to the door, the level will be considered complete.”

“It’s worth a shot,” Jam agreed.

It didn’t take more than a minute to walk across. But when we approached the tall iron door, it was clear that this wouldn’t be so easy.

“Why isn’t it opening?” Jam growled, kicking it.

I mused, “Likely because we haven’t earned the key yet.” I turned, scanning the barren, quiet scene. “The Tower will not allow us to skip the final battle. We must earn our way out.”

Jam grunted and stomped on the ice. “Well then where is it?”

The ice groaned and snapped, making us all wince.

“Sorry,” Jam groaned. “Is the lake going to swallow us now?”

“No,” Clove answered. “Just look at the frozen cracks we can see. They’re at least two feet thick. You’re very strong, but I doubt you’re able to break this.”

“Get back to solid ground,” I hissed.

They didn’t question me. Not with the heavy tension in our nerves and the gravity of our situation.

Wordlessly, we ran.

If the final monster wasn’t visible in the sky or the trees, then the most likely place it’ll be is –

From the left, a dark shadow moved from beneath the ice.

Oh, for the love of burned shit –

“Faster!” I urged.

The ice creaked with each of our pounding footfalls, but a sharp succession of cracks came next.

That definitely wasn’t from us.

We were almost there. The bank waited for us, our only beacon of safety.

Only a few steps behind us, a monster shattered the surface.

The ground buckled under us, the thick sheets of ice tilting as the monster climbed itself out of the water, roaring.

Freezing water poured all around us.

Spears of blue mana exploded and rained down on the snow and into our hiding spot. This was the monster’s first attack, and it still hadn’t fully pulled itself out of the water.

I caught one on my shield.

The girls had their defenses up, too, but one of the spears shattered the ice path before us, forcing us to go around as more smashed nearby.

Shield Strike broke, and one of the spears cut down my arm.

“Luc!” Clove shrieked.

“Keep going!” I shouted. We had seconds to react, and the obstacle of the breaking lake surface to navigate. It was slowing us down.

I turned to face the beast as the girls ran on.

Surprise flitted through me as the beast spread two white wings and launched itself into the air.

Is that an ice dragon?

“Valley Leash!” I concentrated on its long jaw, latching the spell’s intention there. Then, I whipped my hand to the side.

The spell fought against the dragon’s strength. But my power won out.

Its head snapped to the side, throwing off its flight and sending it careening back down toward the lake.

The dragon’s body twisted and its tail lashed, raining more spears down. But this time, it missed.

I’d bought us a few precious seconds.

The thick lake ice was tilting, some pieces threatening to flip over completely.

Clove was on her hands and knees, terrified just a few paces ahead.

Jam used the terrain to her advantage, leaping up to the edge of a tilting platform and launching herself off.

She landed on the bank and rolled to her feet.

Clove’s platform began to tip. She slipped on the soaked surface and slid down toward the water.

I reached her just in time and scooped her up in my arms. I followed Jam’s lead, propelling us off the edge and onto the snow.

The monster had recovered from my attack, though.

The wind from buffeting wings froze the dampness on my skin.

And here I’d thought that fire and demon nettle were the only things that burned.

We took cover in the trees. It was only then that I allowed myself to properly examine our enemy.

“Dragon?” I wondered aloud.

“Ice drake,” Clove whispered, shivering in my arms. “D-dragons are m-much bigger.”

I set her on her feet and activated Fire Flare in my hands to warm her again.

As she absorbed the heat, I scanned the drake, which was circling the bank from the air.

It was definitely smaller than what I’d imagined a dragon would look like. Sleeker, too. Its body resembled a snake more than anything, and its four legs ended in webbed feet.

Blue mana energy glowed in its throat.

“We should retreat and strategize,” I suggested.

We moved as far back into the trees as possible. Though the Tower’s dimension-bending room appeared endless, it had limits.

We found the stone wall of the Tower beside a snowy hillside. We needed every bit of cover we could find.

“It’s so big,” Clove said, horror-stricken. “This is just… this is the first level of the Tower. And we’re fighting a drake.”

Jam, brows furrowed in determination said, “Likely caused by the Tower’s overflowing mana. But we can’t change that now.”

Looking between us, she added, “The drake has several weak points. It has armored scales, but all of its joints are vulnerable. I’ll hit them with my enchanted daggers layered with spells. One is bound to stick.”

Clove lifted her staff and nodded in agreement. “I’ll help.”

The blast of chill air that came through the trees warned us the drake was coming nearer.

“Shield ready before anything,” I ordered. “If you see an opening, drop your barrier and attack. Go for its eyes and then beneath the arms. The belly, if you can.”

“Got it!”

“Jam, did you recollect your knives from the other battles?”

“As if I wouldn’t have a spell for that,” the cat demi scoffed.

“See if you can pierce the scales from afar. If not, stick to spells.”

“You got it, Lucky.”

“Ready?” I asked.

Frigid wind tore through our clothes. The drake crashed down onto the trees ahead. Its growl ripped through the Tower.

“Now.”

Clove’s staff sent off a beam of fire, hitting just shy of the drake’s eye.

Jam’s largest throwing blade sailed through the air, glancing off its side.

Damn.

Its body was glowing blue. Brighter and brighter it became, and as it did, the temperature dropped.

It absorbs mana and any level of heat around it to charge up.

Crystals formed on its body. It was pulling moisture into itself, too.

An elemental attack.

The girls’ hits are hardly fazing it. It’s unlikely I can defeat it with one spell, but maybe I can stop it from eviscerating us.

I hit the drake with my maxed-out fire spell. The pillar of raging fire wrapped around the monster’s chest and neck, which destabilized its charge-up.

It took the drake several seconds to recover, but none of our following spells were taking it down.

Clove even hit its body with her stone spell, the same one that helped us get past the tentacle monster.

But the magic glanced off the armor.

It was too powerful.

It whipped its tail, and shards of ice shot down at us. They were long enough to pierce through my chest completely.

Clove wasn’t as quick on her feet. Jam’s skills were in quick attacks, not defending herself against this kind of power.

I have to protect them.

38

I positioned myself in front and blocked the attack with Shield Strike. It was the larger barrier, and would protect the girls, too.

Thankfully, they’d had their shields up, too. Because mine shattered.

Ice gouged into my thigh. One thick spike stuck out, its jagged tip red with my blood.

Fuck, that hurts.

Since I’d taken the brunt of the attack, Clove and Jam were at least able to protect themselves.

“Luc!” Clove shouted.

“Hit its wings,” I snarled. “The stone spell, Clove. We need it on the ground among the trees, so it won’t be able to move as well.

“If that thing takes to the sky, it will have the advantage. We can’t let that happen.”

Her wild eyes stared at me. “You’re hurt!”

“We’ll die if you don’t do it,” I pointed out.

Her resolve hardened and she nodded. Her aim was flawless.

The drake screeched as the thin, delicate wing tissue hardened into gray stone. The monster tried to straighten its appendage, but only succeeded in smashing into a tree and shattering the wing completely.

I used Light Dart next, though I doubted I’d succeed in stunning it myself.

My only hope was that all of our spells together would weaken it.

We could batter it to bits until it died. However, the more time we spent trying to kill this thing, the more opportunity it had to injure or kill us.

It wasn’t just me in this Tower. And Clove and Jam weren’t battle-drenched, immortal dragon kin, either.

If they died, no reincarnation magic would revive them, or me for that matter.

This kind of fear gave me a level of focus I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It reminded me of my very first battles, when I’d experienced true terror for the first time.

Mortal life was so finite.

So fragile.

It pushed you to give it your all. My desire for a long, full life in Ria was stronger than anything else.

Anyone could call me greedy, and I’d agree.

However, I refused to allow Clove or Jam to fall before me.

The spear of ice still in my thigh, I hobbled forward as fast as I could manage. I wouldn’t give the monster another second to threaten us.

It opened its mouth, dripping teeth snarling.

What will kill it with the highest efficiency?

Clove’s scream pierced me as I charged straight toward the monster.

The drake’s gaze zeroed in on me.

That’s right, you frozen shit. Come and get me.

Then, it moved faster than my eye could track. All I saw was the deep blue of its throat before teeth closed around me.

There wasn’t any time to lose.

The wet cave of its mouth was glowing blue with mana. Hands against the roof of its mouth, in the complete darkness, I summoned all of my strength.

“Fire Flare!”

Power ripped through my fingertips.

I tasted mana on my tongue.

Heat and light washed over me for a breathless second, almost scorching my skin.

All of my focus went into tunneling the fire into the drake. Again, the spell fought me.

But I molded it into shape, into a tight channel of power.

Time stood still, yet I knew only a second had passed.

That’s all I needed to blow the drake’s upper skull and jaw completely off.

The gray sky opened up above me. I was surrounded by the red, raw mess of its ruined head.

Before the drake collapsed onto the snow, I leapt off.

Jam and Clove were immediately at my side, touching me, reassuring themselves that I was alive.

Jam smacked my arm, pulling me out of a daze I hadn’t realized I was in. “You idiot! That wasn’t teamwork! That was suicidal bullshit!”

“You think I got myself nearly eaten without a plan?” I asked. “You wound me, Jam.”

I pulled Clove into a tight hug while she grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like, “I agree with the cat.”

Jam’s gaze snapped behind me.

The drake’s body shimmered, and then it dissolved into smoke. Gold and silver pieces clinked as they hit the ground.

I lifted a hand. “Quick Collect.”

The coins floated up and streamed into the pocket I held open.

Across the destroyed lake, the ice began to shift and creak, the huge pieces moving unnaturally and re-flattening themselves.

In the center, a shining key floated.

Together, we walked to the key. Clove reached up and plucked it from the air. It was smooth, dull iron.

Just like before, the familiar castle door appeared beside the one leading to the second entrance. As we approached, the key disappeared from Clove’s grip and the matching door opened.

“Until next time,” Jam said tiredly, saluting the dark corridor before following us out of the Tower.

The bright sun hit our skin. Fresh, warm air filled my lungs.

Satisfaction filled me to the brim. We’d beaten the first level.

* * *

My high spirits didn’t last long, however.

Reality was impossible to escape, and although the day had been a success, there was no guarantee the Tower could be saved.

By the end of the day, the Tower had stopped leaking those trails of dark mana.

It appeared as though sending a massive throng of adventurers and students in was a fantastic strategy.

To add the cream to the coffee, as Jam had put it, no one in our class or the other classes had died. Forty-two students in the entire Academy suffered major injuries. Two were unlikely to recover very soon.

But no one lost their lives.

Spirits were high throughout the city. However, victory would be short-lived unless we kept up with the Tower’s pace.

Even then, it wasn’t guaranteed that the Tower could be stabilized again.

There were too many factors. One being how much stronger the light mana spring continued to grow.

Adventurers always visited the Tower. Hundreds came in and out every day. And yet still, the Tower had dark mana leaking out of it.

“Hey, cheer up,” Clove said.

The Night Owl was full of celebrating students. Cazima was perched on the rafters above and giving a sparring performance with Elisa, a spider demi in our class.

Elisa didn’t have any extra legs. Instead, she had an extra pair of eyes on her temples. She also had a spider silk skill that helped her trap her opponents with incredible ease.

The two had an enraptured, slightly drunk audience below as they sparred and giggled.

“Can you tell me something?”

Clove and Jam gave me their full attention.

“How many demon attacks have there been lately? In the last year or so?”

They glanced at one another, considering.

Jam said, “When I arrived, there had just been one. And then two weeks later, there was another demon in the forest.”

Clove added, “I think we hear about a few every month. But now that I think on it, there have been more lately. Ever since the day you came to town, there hasn’t been one.

“But there were a few months where things got a little scary. We had three in a week one time. Thankfully, Amarantha has its fair share of fighters.”

Clove looped her arm around my waist, scooting closer. Her hip and leg lined up against mine, warm. “Worrying doesn’t change a thing, Luc. It’s not like any of this is your fault or your responsibility to fix. We’ll all do what we can.”

Jam smiled sympathetically and reached across the table to take my hand and lace her fingers into mine.

Clove leaned her head against my shoulder.

Death wasn’t something I was ready to accept. I’d save the Tower. Save Ria.

And I’d get the life I wanted.

“There we go,” Jam encouraged. “Let that strain go, Lucky. You worry way too much.”

I forced a smile. “You’re right.”

Inside, all I could think was that we should be much, much more worried.

This was far from over.

39

I turned to the girls. “Are you ready to practice?”

Jam hopped off the counter, tossing the potato into the roast and flinging the peeler behind her. “Hell yes. My fingers are already aching.”

It had been two days since we’d beaten the Tower’s first level, and life had finally begun to feel normal again.

The Tower was quiet, and more adventurers had been filing into battle, urged on by their desire to help Amarantha.

“Hey!” Clove snapped. “You don’t just throw a half-peeled, whole potato into a roast pot. Do you have any good sense?”

Jam gave me a conspiratorial glance. “Not really. I’ve joined up with you two, after all.”

“That’s the spirit,” I shot back.

Jam linked her arm into mine and Clove’s and dragged the salamander demi forcefully away from the pot.

“Wait!” she protested, reaching for the long, wooden spoon but missing it just barely. “It needs more salt!”

I tossed back, “We need to train. That’s more important than salt-to-roast ratios. It’s time to focus, Clove.”

She sobered at this and stopped struggling. “Oh, heaven. You’re right. Okay. To the Academy, then.”

When we made it to the grassy field we normally used for training, the afternoon sun beginning to set and the salty breeze cold on our skin, we strategized.

I said, “We can do this in two ways. Clove and I each take turns sparring with you, Jam, so we can better understand your fighting style and observe you while you battle the other. Second… actually, never mind. That’s the most logical way to begin.”

Jam held up a hand. “Hold up. I want to see you two fight as well. But first, I want to fight Clove.”

She spun and walked away a few paces.

Bemused, Clove said, “She has so much energy. It’s kind of impressive.”

I created some distance and watched the girls face off. As it turned out, Jam was Clove’s natural enemy.

Where the cat demi was surefooted and swift, Clove was slower and less balanced.

Clove was excellent at hitting large targets with precise spells. But when it came to Jam’s speed and lithe form, it was nearly impossible for her to succeed.

Clove fought Jam three times, getting her back slammed to the ground or a knife pressed to her throat every time. None of the matches lasted for more than thirty seconds.

At the last defeat, Clove just threw her head back and laughed. “You’re amazing! How are you so fast?”

Jam shrugged. “I’m just built like that. If it makes you feel any better, I am actually horrible at healing spells. It’s the reason I won’t accept them from any random person.

“For some reason, even though I’ve learned the spells, I am terrible at performing them. I’m convinced it takes a certain kind of person to be a healer.”

Clove shook her head, still amazed at Jam’s abilities. “If you say so. Man, I’m so happy you’re on our team now.”

“Same!” Jam squeezed Clove into a quick hug and then said, “It’s your turn, handsome! Get your broody butt onto the grass.”

We faced off.

I had the advantage, since I’d seen how Jam favored her blades and quick, precise offensive attacks.

As Clove signaled the start, I quietly cast Body Block under my breath.

Jam’s lips moved too.

Just barely.

Seconds later, something pinged against my shield.

Jam’s narrowed eyes widened in surprise. It took her half a second to respond, charging forward quickly, another spell on her lips.

She wasn’t using her throwing daggers for obvious reasons. She didn’t actually intend to wound me in a sparring match.

It was time to push my uses of Light Dart. The attack shot from my palm.

Jam dodged and rolled. One dart landed in the grass. The other two followed her.

She bared her teeth, her tiny fangs sharp. She pulled out two blades and threw them. One managed to smack a dart away.

That left one more for her to deal with.

I could have sent Fire Flare at her in that moment. But I held back. I needed to see how she’d handle this.

I didn’t have to wait long. The dart was losing steam, and she leapt out of its range just in time.

It hit the grass and died, fading into nothingness.

I summoned Shield Strike just as Jam jumped into the air, ready to come down on me in a punishing attack.

Shield Strike appeared right in front of her. She didn’t have the space or time to react or move. Her body smacked into the shield.

She rolled off and rose, freezing in a deep crouch.

My blade kissed her throat.

Jam huffed, a good-natured, sheepish smile on her face. “Nice move, Lucky.”

I dropped my arm. “Thank you. I like to see my opponents properly exhausted by the end of the match.”

She pointed at me in warning. “Watch it, buddy! No one likes a sore winner.”

“Is that even, like, a thing?” Clove wondered aloud from the ground. She was sprawled, eyes closed, still recovering from her sparring with Jam.

“No,” I answered.

But Jam wasn’t done. “Clove said you’re the strong front man when it comes to offense. What other spells do you know?”

I explained Valley Leash and summoned a leaf to my palm. This time, the tree remained blessedly rooted.

After, I casted Fire Flare, giving it a bit more of my mana. A wave of fire painted the girls in red light.

Jam took a hasty step back. “Holy shit balls. What was that? Did you just hyper-power a spell?”

“Yes,” I said. “I can do it with certain elemental and energetic spells. Those are more fluid and don’t offer a definitive physical form. My defensive shield spells aren’t influenced by the amount of mana I can force into them. I have to learn more advanced shield spells to achieve stronger ones.”

I also noticed that Light Dart didn’t respond to boosted mana output. That spell had its form and kept it. It wouldn’t intensify any further.

“Interesting,” she replied. Her green eyes rounded. “Hey, Caz! You’re looking better!”

The winged demi smiled as Jam jogged up to her. She had red splotches on her arms. They looked like healed burns.

I’d known Caz had been one of our classmates who’d gotten hurt. I was glad her recovery was well on its way.

Clove shot to her feet, looking like she’d just been struck by lightning. And was happy about it. “Sleepover!”

“Sleepover,” I deadpanned, feeling an odd sense of déjà vu.

“Jam should stay the night with us! Bree told me Jam isn’t renting a very big room. It’s mostly for one-night stays. Travelers looking for a cheap room before they move on. She can’t be comfortable.”

Her eyes got wider. “I can have another bed brought in. Maybe Keegan has a spare somewhere! It’s the perfect party-bonding idea!”

By the Light Realm, she’s adorable.

I wasn’t sure what world Clove came from, because it couldn’t possibly be Ria. She practically outshone everything around her and didn’t even realize it.

“That’s a good idea,” I replied. “But I have one question.”

“Oh yeah?”

I trailed a knuckle down her collarbone, sending shivers over her skin. “Will she be bathing with us as well?”

Clove’s entire face rivaled the brilliance of an Underworld sunrise.

Jam chose that moment to return. “Woah, Clove! You look like someone just lit a fire inside your cheeks. Is that from your salamander thing? Clove? Clove, why is your pulse so fast? I can practically see it pounding at your throat. And you’re not actually breathing either.”

Clove’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came.

Jam gave me a confused huff. “Is she feeling okay?”

“Oh, she’s feeling just fine,” I replied.

She wasn’t convinced and observed me for a few long seconds. “Whatever it is, all I can say is that you look way too satisfied with yourself right now. For the record.”

* * *

Four hours later, we crowded into Clove’s room, exhausted. It was still early in the night, but we’d spent the entire day training.

I dropped onto the bed, already half-unconscious.

Maybe it was the drinks I had in the last hour. Maybe it was the Tower cursing me.

But it had been a long, long time since I’d been this drained.

Someone tugged my boots off. The girls were talking, but I couldn’t concentrate on their words.

Clove collapsed into bed next to me. Her familiar weight pressed against me.

I didn’t expect the other body to do the same on the other side of the bed.

The girls laughed, murmuring to one another over me. Someone’s hand crept beneath my shirt and spread over my abdomen.

It was warm. Which meant it was Clove.

Jam responded by tossing her arm over my chest. She chuckled and said, “He takes up so much space, doesn’t he?”

Clove’s body shook as she laughed beside me.

And then, blessedly, I lost all consciousness.

40

When I woke, it took me a while to become aware of the bonds tying me to the bed.

Legs were tossed over me. Feet lazily hooked themselves beneath my calves. Breath fell hot against my neck, and arms flung across my torso.

Someone’s thigh was resting on my waistband and rubbing me as it shifted.

I opened my eyes and clenched my teeth.

I was covered in a tangle of pink hair. A flurry of black locks tucked into my side. There was so much… skin.

Clove usually put on a nightdress, and normally, she’d be under the covers in the morning.

But today, her undergarments were on display.

The dress was hiked up around her waist, and the thin fabric did nothing to hide the outline of her breasts.

Jam, on the other hand, opted for the shortest silk shirt I’d ever laid eyes on. It barely reached the bottom of her ribs.

And though her hips were mostly covered by the blanket, I spotted the thin black line of fabric that told me she didn’t have any real bottoms on.

I rested my neck back on the pillow and mouthed a soft curse.

Mortal women were so strange.

I knew for a fact that if Barrow were in this bed, she’d likely act like a demon kin woman would.

With utmost intention and forwardness.

But demon kin women didn’t sleep together like this. Wrap themselves around a man like this. Require as much affection as Clove did. Offer as much trust as Jam was so quick to.

I must have shifted too much, because the girls began to stir.

Clove was the first to realize the situation, considering it was her inner thigh warming a most significant part of me.

She gasped and tried to untangle herself, but she was trapped by my arm and the blankets.

It only took her a few seconds to sigh and relax back down. “Maybe just a few more minutes.”

She looked up when I shook with suppressed laughter. “Hey, you’re awake! Why haven’t you gotten up yet?”

I lifted a brow, my eyes scanning the scene.

She closed her eyes and added, “Okay, dumb question.”

Jam moaned. She stretched her hand out and buried it in Clove’s hair.

Clove and I shook with more laughter, waking Jam up.

Bleary eyed, she took our situation in. “Good gods, buy me a drink first, you two.”

Clove started giggling, and Jam attempted and failed to detangle herself from the shiny pink hair.

“How do you live with this?” she demanded, genuinely astonished.

Clove snorted. “Normally, I don’t sleep with companions, okay? I’ll have to start braiding my hair for bed or something. This is just ridiculous.”

The sun was barely rising. Outside, sounds of the waking city crept in. A cart rolling down the cobblestones. Someone cried out about hot water and coffee. A child laughed.

Jam got up first.

I watched her sashay to the washroom, her bare ass on full display.

Clove covered her own eyes. “I asked her if she needed to borrow clothes to sleep in, but she said she always slept in… those.”

“What are they?” I wondered.

“I think those are her undergarments. They just don’t cover a lot of surface area.”

She yawned so hard her body shook and then nuzzled into my side again. Her hand drifted downward, down my stomach, stopping at the waist of my pants.

She hovered there for a moment and then said, “You know, if we were alone, I would have liked to make sure you were as… awake as possible.”

Her finger brushed down the length of me.

I let out a strained breath. “Is that so?”

“Uh huh,” she affirmed. Her palm came next, pressing down, her fingers curling around me through my pants.

“Fucking hell.”

Something smacked to the ground in the washroom, startling Clove out of her activity.

She sat up suddenly. “Are you okay in there?”

“Fell into the tub!” Jam called. “But I’m okay. This thing is huge, you know.”

Clove got dressed hastily, and I was surprised to see a stack of clothing on the shelf where I’d been keeping mine. “What are these?” I inquired.

“Yours!” Clove replied shyly. “I had a seamstress deliver them. I think they should fit you.”

I held them up. “Did you spend your own coin?”

“It was nothing —”

“You shouldn’t have done so.”

She huffed and spun, facing me with hands on her hips. “You saved my life, Luc Vale.”

What’s this about?

“We both know fully well that I wouldn’t have made it through that Tower test on my own. Much less that first level. Denying that is just stupid. It’s fate that you came into my life when you did. And I’m damn thankful for it. So please accept the gift, okay?”

The last came out as more of a plea than her other words.

She was being vulnerable here. My denying her gift wouldn’t make her feel any better.

Besides, the clothing felt wonderful. I’d spent more time than this in only one set of threads.

This experience was just as uncomfortable. “Thank you,” I told her. “It was extremely thoughtful of you.”

Relief rippled across her expression. Her shoulders dropped their tension. “I’m glad you like them, Luc.

We made our way down to The Night Owl common area. Henna greeted us with a hug and reassurance that all was well in the Debshire business and household.

According to her, there had been no more word from the organization who’d blackmailed them.

However, she did reveal that Debshire had overtaken a large portion of the abandoned product that we’d left that night, something that did not surprise me in the least.

I’d need to visit the Mayor once more. I had a feeling there was more to the port dealings than there appeared and needed to clear that suspicion up.

And perhaps, help a friend in the process.

We spent the day studying and recovering from the Tower battle, exchanging comparisons and stories with our classmates.

Even the shieldmaiden, Ash, joined in on the conversation.

As the sun set and another day passed, Clove and Jam sat beside me around our table while we studied. I was choosing new spells to learn, while the girls were researching black mist in Ria.

I hadn’t the inclination to steer them away and wasn’t about to offer my own guidance. I would not touch that topic.

Eventually, Jam’s green eyes slid to Clove. There was a hidden, underlying message in that gaze. “Maybe you two can retire early tonight.”

Clove’s voice was higher than usual when she replied, “Oh! Yes! I’m feeling a little tired, Jam. That’s a good idea.”

Her tone was different.

Almost as if she’d been expecting Jam to say that…

Jam let go of my hand.

She was trying and failing to hide her smile. “I have to see Rava about an assignment. I’m supposed to research how to improve my strength, so I can take more damage. I’m at a literal block wall. He said he’d give me a few books tonight and some suggestions.”

Her gaze flicked to Clove again.

Ah. I understand. They’d decided on this beforehand. Which meant the plan was to get Clove and I into the bedroom alone.

It would be rude to deprive the girls of their devious scheming.

I pretended not to notice their obvious colluding and took a casual sip of water. “Perhaps some quiet would be nice. We did have a long day.”

Jam straightened and wriggled in her seat, looking very proud of herself.

She wears victory very well, doesn’t she?

It took all my strength not to glance down and catch Clove’s expression. She was quieter than usual, and I had a feeling her cheeks were on fire.

I slung my arm over Clove’s shoulders and then stood. “Come back soon, Jam.”

Jam was beside herself with glee and doing a terrible job hiding it. “Sure! Yeah! I’ll be back. Totally. Very soon! But not, like, too soon.” She leapt over the bench and streaked to the door.

“Upstairs then,” I said. “Let’s get you in bed, Clove.”

41

I didn’t imagine the squeak that came from my companion.

She laughed nervously. “Yup. So tired. Ready for that sleep! That nap! I’m ready!”

“Nap?” I asked as we climbed the stairs. “But it’s nighttime. How long do you expect to sleep?”

“Oh! Uh, I don’t know,” she said.

“You’re acting a little strange.”

“Am I? Why? How so? I’m not strange. I feel fine.”

I stifled a laugh. Gods, she was so bad at this. It was delightful.

We made it to the room, and I lit the candles with my fire spell. All it took was pinching the wick softly and expelling a small tongue of flame.

After, I began undressing. First, my shirt went.

Clove hadn’t moved from her spot by the bed. She stood there, dazed and a little frozen.

I trailed my gaze down her curvy form. “Do you need help?”

“H-help?”

I approached her and tapped the knot of her shirt. “Getting ready.” I pulled gently on the tie, giving her plenty of time to understand what I meant.

Her mouth parted. She looked stricken. Heated.

“This is what you wanted. Isn’t it?”

“How did you…”

I raised a brow and pulled the knot completely undone. “I think it’s very cute that Jam helped you get me up here. But honestly, Clove. All you had to do was lean over at the table and tell me you wanted my c —”

Clove covered her mouth and giggled. “We were that obvious?”

“Painfully so.”

She pushed my chest lightly. “That’s so embarrassing!”

“What is? Telling me what you want?”

She looked down.

I cupped the back of her neck. Instead of forcing her to look at me, I pulled her into a hug. She was still nervous and clearly not used to this kind of thing.

She likes physical comfort. Warmth in every sense of the word.

With my touch and stillness alone, I wanted her to feel safe and appreciated. Intimate. Understood.

Desired.

Sure enough, her body relaxed.

She looked up, shy. “I want to make you feel good, Luc.”

“You already do,” I replied.

Her hand trailed down, curving around my waist and dropping to my waistband.

She slid her palm to the front of my pants. Through the fabric, her delicate fingers spread down the length of me.

My breath caught. Shivers cascaded down my body.

I didn’t think.

She had that vulnerable, hopeful glint in her eyes, and all I could do was lean down and capture her mouth with mine.

Clove moaned against my lips, kissing me back. Soft, sweet, and warm.

My own hands moved on instinct. I wanted to touch her — all of her at once. A barrier had been lifted, and now my desire rose, hungry.

Still stroking my length, Clove’s other hand gripped my shirt as I began to explore her body.

Even dressed, she reacted to nearly every subtlety. A gasp when my knuckle brushed the soft underside of her breast. A shudder as my thumb trailed down her navel.

Even as I kissed her, I could tell she was barely holding herself together and practically shivering with the tension. It was as if she was trying not to writhe against me and lose composure.

Gods, she’s beautiful. Perfect.

I slid my hands over her ass and lifted her up, guiding us both onto the bed.

She clutched to me, her legs encircling my waist, and kissed a trail across my collarbone while I pulled at her ties and undid clasps.

I laid her on her back, never taking my eyes off that brilliant gaze. Her undone clothing parted and fell open completely. I helped her shrug everything off, and then I tossed the articles onto the floor.

“Is this still what you want?” I asked, trailing my mouth down her jaw, down her neck.

Her pulse throbbed against my lips as I tasted her. She began glowing pink beneath her feverish, flushed skin.

“Yes,” she sighed; her voice was soft as a feather. “Please don’t stop, Luc.”

That’s all any man needed to hear.

Her legs were locked around me, and she rolled herself against my body, her sex rocking into mine.

I was fairly certain that mortal bodies were sensitive like demon kin women’s. But I certainly wanted to be sure.

I cupped one of her breasts. My tongue circled the peaked nipple.

Clove whimpered, her back arching.

Her nails dug into my shoulders.

Hell yes.

“Oh my gods, that feels good,” she moaned, legs tightening around me.

I continued teasing her, licking her. When I finally ground my hard length against her sex, Clove clutched my hair so hard, it actually hurt.

I moved down even further, kissing down her stomach.

Her eyes flew open. “Wait!”

I rose up and leaned back on my heels as she propped herself up, an uncertain glint in her eyes.

“Are you unwell?”

“No!” she denied. “I just want…” She bit her bottom lip and stared at me.

Right below my navel.

She explained, “I said I want to make you feel good. First, I mean. Since you did the… in the tub… can I give you… oh, damn it!”

She covered her face in her hands.

I moved toward her, settling myself between her legs. I took her hands and guided them down.

Her wide eyes were full of interest.

I asked, “Have you done this before?”

“If I haven’t?” My pause gave her a chance to add, “I mean, with my hands, yes. It wasn’t much, but that’s not what I want to try. Can I try with my… mouth?”

“I’d never say no to such a polite request,” I replied.

She glanced up, concerned. “Are you making fun of me?”

“I’m not capable of that right now. Trust me.”

She helped me unfasten my waistband. I removed the rest of my clothing.

When I was completely bare, she asked, “Will you lay down?”

I did as she requested and the pink-glowing demi girl straddled me.

The apex of her thighs pressed against my manhood. I gritted my teeth, and forced myself to relax and let her have this time. She needed my patience when all I wanted to do was shatter her with pleasure.

Clove might be feeling hesitant, but she wasn’t uncertain.

She was determined.

She spent her time touching me. Tracing the lines of my arms and the ridges of my torso. It was as if her main goal was to etch every detail into her memory forever.

And by the blinding light of the upper realms, she had such soft, fluttering fingers.

She was fascinated by me.

And I was entranced by her.

Holding my gaze, I could see her gathering her strength.

Then she moved down my body, not taking her eyes off mine. Not even once.

Not when she held me in her gentle grip. Or when she took me into her mouth.

“Gods,” I choked out. “You don’t exactly need guidance, do you?”

I threaded my fingers through her hair while her warm tongue circled the tip of me. Every time her full, gorgeous lips parted as she bobbed her head down, taking me all the way into her mouth, my vision went a bit fuzzy.

By the demons of the Blood Lake, even the vibrations of her little moans and whimpers sent hot waves of fire up my body.

There was nothing in this world besides the grip of her hand, the heat of her mouth, or how that tongue lapped at me.

Eventually, when I was nearing my peak, I stopped her. “Before you ask: no, you didn’t do anything wrong. I want to save my energy for you.”

Her lust-glazed eyes were bright as she nodded. “Yes, Luc. I want all of it. All of you.”

“Then it’s your turn.”

“My — what?”

She shrieked when I rolled on top. She was just as confused when I nudged her knees apart with my head.

Then she understood.

“Don’t worry. You’re going to enjoy this.”

“Are you sure? Oh. Oh.”

There wasn’t a spark of hesitation inside of me, and I didn’t hold back as I ran my tongue over her sensitive bud.

Of course. Of course she’d taste this delicious.

Her thighs twitched and shuddered. She writhed, gasping, trying to get away and push into me all at once.

“Gods, this shouldn’t be legal,” she moaned.

Her pink glow grew brighter and brighter.

I circled my tongue faster and then slid a finger into her entrance. She was absolutely soaked, and her walls instantly clamped down on me.

It took all of my concentration to keep myself from letting blind lust take over in a frenzy.

I anchored myself by watching her down the flat plane of her abdomen. She held her breasts, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Then, she caught my gaze. Whatever she saw there made her break. Completely.

The room flooded with her soft pink light. Her skin was feverishly hot as the orgasm rolled through her, and she pulsed against my tongue.

Finally, her shaking legs fell, splaying open. Surrendered.

She was covering her face with her hands, but I grinned when I saw the smile she was hiding.

“That definitely shouldn’t be legal,” she joked, peeking at me through her fingers.

The smile faded when she felt my hardness rub against her entrance.

I kissed her, channeling all of my intention and affection into it. Hands clutched around my neck, Clove braced herself, eager.

She was hot and more than ready when I slid into her.

I was slow, allowing her to stretch and adjust.

Clove, panting, bit hard enough on my lip to draw blood.

Fucking hell, this woman is violent when she’s turned on.

“Please,” she begged. “I can’t wait… I can’t wait any more…”

“Goddamn,” I groaned. “You are going to be the death of me, Clove Willowborn.” I pulled myself out of her, and with a deep breath, thrust inside.

All the way to the hilt.

She clapped a hand over her mouth, head thrown back. The unmistakable cry of, “Yes,” was the only thing I heard.

I moved inside of her, deeper and faster still. She felt like absolute bliss.

Her cheeks flushed with pleasure. I wasn’t sure she was even aware of herself as she pleaded, begged, and moaned while she twisted the sheets beneath her.

She was a damn goddess splayed out before me, pulsing and radiating with need.

I clutched her plump thighs, fingers digging into her skin, and drove into her. There was something different about my first time with a mortal woman. Clove and I were filled with just as much desire, but it was somehow more passionate and raw.

Whatever it was, I knew I’d be craving it for the rest of eternity.

I’m not sure how long we danced with our desperate cries of pleasure. It seemed like days, and yet no time at all. The love bites on her skin, the nail marks on my back and shoulders, the destroyed bed and the scent of us everywhere.

It was a haze of desire and absolute surrender.

It didn’t matter how long we endured, though. Clove fell apart twice more, the last joining my own final moment.

Bodies shaking and utterly drained, I dropped onto the bed and grinned at the woman who’d taken all of me.

Even with my inexperience with mortal women, it felt natural to curl her against me as we caught our breath.

We fell asleep in a heap of blankets and skin.

Warmer than the fires of the Underworld.

42

In the morning, we woke to a knock on the door.

I opened my eyes.

No. Not morning. It’s still the middle of the night.

I got up and pulled my pants on, then opened the door.

Cazima —no, Caz. stood in the hallway. Her brows went up as she took me in.

Her eyes snagged on my still unbuttoned pants. “Goodness. Don’t bother getting all dressed up for me.”

“What do you want?” I’ll admit I got grumpy when woken up.

“You should get to the Academy.”

“Is Nessie holding a midnight sacrificial ritual?”

She sighed and looked away, the first signs of worry appearing.

“Cazima,” I said, commanding her attention. “Tell me now.”

“I’m not supposed to. Rava wanted you there.”

Rava. Why Rava?

My breath caught.

Jam. She wasn’t back. How long had we been asleep for?

“What happened to Jam? You will inform me.”

Caz whistled, but her heart wasn’t in it. “Sharp one, aren’t you? Jam was uh… how do I put this lightly? Jam was kidnapped by a demon that climbed out of the Tower. It’s currently holed up in the administration office, and we’re not sure she’s —”

I whirled and began getting myself dressed.

Clove groaned and looked up. When she saw me, she jolted upright, holding the blanket to her chest. “What’s wrong?”

“You should stay here.”

She frowned. “Not without an explanation.”

I didn’t want to give her one. Because if I did, she’d demand to come.

It was no use, though. Once Caz told Clove, too, she prepared herself right alongside me.

We ran toward the Academy on the cool, quiet night. The Tower didn’t look out of sorts. The moon shone on the rooftops as families slept behind dark windows.

Nothing to hint that a certain cat demi was in terrible, terrible danger.

We followed the sound of people talking once inside Academy grounds. Everyone was crowded outside of Nessie’s office.

Rava was speaking to the group, and when his eyes fell on me, he paused and walked over.

“You’re here.”

“Not for long. Jam is inside still. What’s the situation?”

Rava glanced away. “I only had Caz tell you out of respect, boy. Leave the hard work to the seasoned fighters. We’ll have her out in — hey, now! This is no place for you!”

Rava and Clove followed me as I strode toward the doors.

I said, “You have ten seconds to tell me anything I need to know before I head inside. Ten. Seconds.”

Rava scowled. “Attitudes like that won’t get you anywhere.”

“Fuck yourself.” I wrenched open the door handle.

“Wait! Fine! Goodness, boy. I didn’t realize you had a death wish.”

I gave him a chilly look that made the grizzled adventurer take a step back. He was surprised that he did it too.

But he could feel it.

Even in this young mortal form, with my light mana vastly less developed than his. He could sense that I was more than him.

He said, “It’s a greater demon. Reptile class, from the looks of it.”

“Lizard?”

“Snake. I think. Was hard to see with all that black mist. I’m not sure how long she has in that stuff.”

The void won’t hurt her. They don’t know what it is yet, so they’re probably assuming it’s ‘demon energy’ that’s harmful to them.

“Did it seem feral?”

Rava frowned. “Feral? What do you mean by that?”

“Think. Was it vicious and bloodthirsty? Or did this demon appear to have a plan?”

“It certainly had a plan. It could have killed all of us, but it chose to take the girl and burrow.”

Fuck. That was a high-grade greater demon. It had sense beyond its desire for blood and slaughter.

They were old. And incredibly dangerous.

I summoned the ring into a sword and turned my wrist, preparing myself.

Rava shook his head. “And here I thought you’d never picked up a sword before. You aren’t what you seem, are you, Luc Vale?”

There was no need to answer. There was nothing more that I’d tell him, anyway. I turned my back to him. “Clove, stay here.”

“Not a chance!” she chirped. “That’s my friend in there. And you’re not allowed to battle without some backup.”

“It was worth a shot,” I mumbled.

I pushed the doors open. “Shield ready. This fucker is going to be fast and banking on surprise.”

She didn’t pester me about how I knew. She just trusted me.

“Done,” she replied, keeping to my flank and using the fight strategy we developed earlier with Jam.

Good. She’s learning.

“Promise me something,” I said as we walked through the front waiting room and into the hallway. “If I tell you to run, you listen to me. I am not going to die tonight, Clove. You will be by my side until it’s time for you to go. Do I have your word?”

She hesitated for only a moment. And then, reluctantly, she agreed, “You have my word.”

I jolted to a stop. Frozen in place. My body tense.

“Luc? Luc! What’s wrong?”

The dark mana. I can feel it again.

Just a touch. A trace in the air. It must have been clinging to the beast when it came through the Tower.

My dark mana reserve inhaled the energy greedily. It was only a fraction of what would be needed to cast a basic spell.

But the Dark Prince inside of me, the dominating spell caster, surged to life once more.

No matter the cost, I’d make sure it would be one where everyone survived this night. This wasn’t the Underworld. No one would be resurrected.

Death here was final.

I followed the trace of dark mana while my reserve absorbed it instantly. We reached the large library study that Nessie had brought Clove and I into on our first day together.

But when I opened the doors, it was unrecognizable.

Black flame burned the bookshelves, the carpets, and chairs.

There was no smoke.

Only destruction.

In the center of the room, a huge serpent coiled around Jam’s unconscious form.

43

The first attack was quick. Just as I expected.

The snake demon’s mouth opened, fangs protruding.

I had Body Block in place and took the brunt of the attack with my arm. The demon’s mouth snapped over my forearm.

Before it shattered my shield, I shouted, “Light Dart!”

The energetic darts streamed into the demon’s mouth the moment before it clamped over me.

I thrust the sword forward, aiming for the roof of its mouth.

My shield fractured. The demon turned its head at the last moment, and my sword glanced off its fang.

A beam of red light shot over my shoulder and blasted the creature in the eye.

Excellent aim and timing.

The next sword strike drove into the underside of its jaw. Black blood splattered over the ground, but the demon wasn’t done.

A voice crept into my mind. New and unwelcome.

It said, Hello, warrior. I knew the strongest among you would come for me. Now, let me devour you and absorb your strength… for you are a formidable beast indeed!

Let me taste you. Let me conssssume you.

“Not today,” I replied.

I shot Fire Flare at it, but just like I suspected, the spell had no effect against the monster.

It was a fire-borne snake demon that brought the void flames with it.

Speaking of the void…

For the first time since expelling the last of my dark mana, I felt the familiar power seeping into me.

I would make every effort not to resort to dark mana, especially with mortals around.

But I’d continue to soak up the traces of dark mana as a backup plan while I could.

I sssmelled you on her. I knew you’d come.

I blocked its next strike with Shield Strike, knocking it back a few paces. Enough to get in another slash.

The snake hissed in pain as more black blood flooded beneath it.

It was then that I caught a flash of pink.

Clove. She left her place at my back and was going to get Jam herself.

My job was to keep the demon’s attention on me.

And what a prize you are… Prince of Darkness.

There was no time to be shocked. I was only thankful the demon was speaking telepathically.

It knew I was the Prince. And it was here to absorb my power. The only question?

“How did you find me?” I asked, sending more light darts at it. However, they were too small to pierce the scales and cause real damage.

And my fire spell was virtually useless, unless I shot it through its open mouth.

“Valley Leash!” The limit of this spell was that it pulled on a section of the object it was aimed at.

So, while the demon’s neck was pinned to the ground by my power, its tail and larger stretch of body was completely free.

The demon laughed in my head. I didn’t. I simply slipped through a lovely little tear in the void and came across your deliciousss female friend.

Thankfully, tonight I’ll be taking all three of you.

It broke out of my hold and twisted around.

Clove let a beam of energy loose from her staff.

The demon hissed and went to snap at her but knocked into my Shield Strike, which stopped it only for a moment, but gave Clove the space to leap away.

I began to sweat. Shield Strike really didn’t want to face away from me, but that’s what I made it do.

It bought me precious seconds. As the demon broke the spell with its immense strength, I plunged my sword into its thick body.

It shrieked out loud this time.

Clove pulled Jam out of the monster’s coil.

I slashed again, aiming for the same place I’d cut before.

The demon moved, now completely focused on me. The monster must have realized it couldn’t afford to split its attention.

It would let the two girls go.

I was the bigger meal, after all.

Before I could open my mouth to order Clove, she shouted, “I’m running, alright! Getting her to safety. Should I come back?”

“No!”

She only hesitated for a moment. Then she turned and ran, shouting over her shoulder, “Don’t make me regret listening to your stubborn ass!”

She must be serious! She actually cursed again! Under different circumstances, I’d have to tease her.

“How did you really get here?” I asked the demon. “There’s no way something as big as you happened to find a tear in the void and slip through. Someone helped you.”

Maybe… but you don’t rule me in this world, Prince. It doesn’t matter how I got here. Just know that I have a very nice escape route.

No one, not even the Great King, will notice my absence or return.

“That is a shame. You, like many demons, want to either defeat him or be brought into his inner circle,” I replied.

“Do you think you could manage a quiet return to the Underworld with my essence in your veins? Do you underestimate my father so much? He will sense you and execute you the moment you slither back into the pits.”

For the first time, the snake demon appeared uncertain. “You don’t know who my allies are. The allies that do not care for your father’s closure of the portals.

He has cut us off at the wings. Denying us our birthright of slaughter. The mortal realms should be ours to ravage!”

“Really? I suppose it only makes sense. A demon of your caliber is bound to have powerful friends.”

The demon hissed aloud.

Black flame expanded from its body, growing larger.

Are you stalling, Prince?

I grinned. “You underestimate your conversational allure, demon.”

It snapped at me.

I blocked the blow with the sword. “And here I thought we were becoming such good friends!”

Your blood will taste like eternity on my tongue!

“And a poet too!” I quipped. “Aren’t you full of surprises?”

The demon was right.

I had been stalling.

While it was bleeding out all over the floor, I’d been gathering more dark mana.

I didn’t have the spells to defeat this beast with my light mana. But one dark mana spell was all I needed to win.

It spat void flame at me.

I activated Body Block to protect my form but slashed the sword out.

It absorbed the flame.

Excellent.

The next moment, I cut into another part of the snake’s body.

It screeched as the slice began to sizzle and steam. I will mutilate your carcass, Prince! I will make you suffer before I take everything from you and destroy this city!

I had just enough mana.

Just enough.

Turning my awareness away from my light mana, I instead addressed the teeming, lashing dark mana within me.

I gathered it, pressing my consciousness into it. Seizing control and forcing it into shape, I whispered two very potent words. “Hell Beast.”

Red smoke unfurled from my hands.

A cloud formed between the demon and me. The smoke turned into the shape of a great, dragon-like head.

I crushed it into shape, molding it into the shape and size I wished. The light mana within me recoiled.

I had to ignore it.

My only thought was the deadly, poisonous command: Kill.

The snake demon tried to escape. But Hell Beast had unerring, precision attacks. Only the demons with the highest defensive abilities could deflect its bite.

The Hell Beast’s mouth opened and clamped over the snake’s neck.

It shrieked and lashed back and forth, trying to throw off the spell’s hold. Hell Beast began to weaken.

Damn. This demon is stronger than I thought.

Regardless of its power, blood gushed from the demon’s wounds.

It too was weakening.

Finally, when the spell broke, I saw with satisfaction that it’d dealt enough damage.

I stalked closer and shifted the demon staff into a massive spear.

The air behind the snake wavered a second later.

And a portal opened.

“No!” I shouted as I charged forward.

44

If the demon returned to the Underworld, there were sure to be more demons that came to Ria again.

They wouldn’t forget this.

This demon only found me by chance. I couldn’t risk its allies in the Underworld knowing my location.

Or my father, for that matter.

I had to stop it.

But it had already made the mistake that would put it in the ground forever.

It opened a portal to the Underworld, which meant my dark mana pool was filling rapidly.

The snake pushed itself into the portal.

“Void Harness!”

Black ropes exploded from my fingers, wrapping around the snake and stopping it at the door of the portal.

The demon screamed in my head. You will die, Prince! You cannot stop us!

You cannot stop what is coming!

Through gritted teeth, I growled, “Watch me.”

My muscles burned. The spell wanted to snap, but I channeled more mana into it, forcing it to hold. Making it bend to my will.

You are my spell. You are mine to own, to conquer.

You will not break.

With a huge pull, I yanked the beast toward me.

I released the spell midway, giving me a second for the demon’s momentum to finish its path.

I finally had enough mana for another spell. I’d have to make it count.

I shouted, “Hellgate Freeze!”

The demon forgot it was connected to my mind. It’s agony was palpable as it screamed, “No! No, not that!”

Nothing came out of my hands for this spell. But I directed it into the demon.

Instantly, its body twitched and then writhed like a panicked worm on a hook.

I dodged the massive, heavy tail. The void flames around me surged as the demon tried to fight off the effects of the spell.

But it couldn’t. We both knew its efforts were in vain.

I watched, grim and satisfied, as its movements became slower and slower.

Itsss… not… over…Princcccee.

Of that, I had no doubt.

But I’d be vigilant, waiting for what was to follow.

The portal was closing. The demon had likely summoned it with a time limit, and that time had run out.

I held my hand out and called, “Divergent Flame!”

The black flames destroying the room surged into a stream. I gathered every scrap of the blaze and pushed.

The flames surged through the portal. Back into the void.

The portal closed, leaving the decimated library quiet once more.

Once again, my dark mana pool was empty. Well, nearly. There were a few tendrils left, but nothing to cast anything of significance. It would likely fade into nothingness soon enough.

I turned around and froze.

Clove was looking at me with the wide-eyed fear I’d expect her to give a demon.

Which I technically was, for all she knew.

“You… you killed it,” was all she said.

“Yes.”

“I thought you didn’t know very many spells.”

“You must trust me, Clove. I have not lied to you, but nor will I speak further.”

Not many light mana spells, that is. But I could not… would not tell her the truth.

She was still terrified of demons. She may have just given her body to me, but I couldn’t be sure she wouldn’t react poorly to my real identity.

I wouldn’t blame her either.

She examined the dying body of the demon. It was still breathing.

Just barely hanging onto life.

I asked, “How much did you see?”

She shook her head as if trying to scrub away an image. “I came in after you dodged the demon’s tail. It looked like it was in pain. And then you sent the black fire into the darkness. You closed it.”

Thank the Light Realm above and the Underworld below… she hadn’t seen the entire fight. She didn’t hear anything she shouldn’t.

But the way she’s looking at me… she knows I am hiding something.

“No,” I countered. “It was a portal, and it closed on its own accord. But I did send the flames out.”

“What were they?”

“Something like the same mist that’s been leaking from the Tower. The dark energy,” I explained, using the terms that we’d been taught to use here.

Clove looked like she was about to cry.

She flinched when I said, “You did well tonight.”

She shook her head. “No. No, I didn’t. You did well. You did it all.”

The tears did come. But she strode forward, almost as if ready to fight.

Instead, she threw her arms around me. “I thought you were going to die.”

Exhaling in relief, I held her to me. “I told you I wouldn’t. And I am a man of my word.”

“You’re so stupid.” Her voice was muffled. She squeezed me tighter.

I frowned. “Clove, where were the teachers?”

I wasn’t upset that they hadn’t come in after me. But they’d appeared determined to help.

Clove glanced up, surprised. “Oh, but of course you wouldn’t know. There were about a dozen demons released from the Tower. No one got hurt, and the demons weren’t nearly as powerful as this snake thing in here. But all of the teachers had to band together to defeat them before civilians were attacked.”

“Are they all dead?”

“Just about. Rava is chasing down the last one. They all had loot, Luc. Almost as if they’d come from the Tower.”

Just as she finished speaking, there was clattering behind me.

We looked to see that the snake demon had turned to black smoke. On the ground was a wealth of coin.

Understanding hit me.

They came through the Tower. Which meant the Tower transformed them slightly, making them a part of this world. And if they were creatures of the Tower, then they were the Tower’s monsters.

“We’re going to need a larger coin purse,” I mused. Everything on the floor was more than enough to sustain our entire party for the rest of the year.

Clove squeaked, “I’ll go borrow an Academy bag!”

She scurried away and came back quickly with a large, canvas bag with the Academy’s seal on it. “I spotted a crate of these with Nessie a while back.”

She used Quick Collect to gather all of the coin, and then I shouldered the absurdly heavy bag for us.

When we walked out, I saw the chaos Clove was talking about.

There were some demons who hadn’t yet died but were in the process of it. Lying on the ground. Breathing heavily.

Nessie shoved a staff through the eyeball and into the brain of one demon, and it practically exploded into silver coin.

“Nice!” she complimented the demon, and then collected the coins with a spell. “Oh! You’re here. Good. Rava will be relieved. He was going on all gruffly about ‘not wanting his students needlessly dying in a stubborn attempt to save everyone,’ or something like it. Glad to see your handsome face made it unscathed.”

She leaned forward and kissed my cheek, then planted a messier one on Clove’s forehead.

Clove stared up, incredulous. “How are you so cheerful?”

Nessie shrugged. “No one was going to die.”

“And you knew that?”

“Had a feeling!”

Interesting. Did she have an intuitive power? Or was she just stupidly blasé about everything?

The city was alive. There was a fire somewhere in the distance. People streamed through the streets in the distance, torches in hand.

There was an air of concern, but not panic. That was good.

We looked up to the Tower. In the dark, it was hard to see whether the void was still leaking through the upper levels.

But in the moonlight, it all looked clear. And I had a feeling it was.

Something small, black-eared, and furious smashed into us.

“I love you both so much!” Jam shouted as she hugged us.

It was clear she wasn’t harmed any worse than a bruise on her forehead and a few scrapes here and there.

Thank fuck.

We held each other, soaking up the relief and releasing the pent-up fear we’d been feeling for one another.

We broke apart. Jam’s eyes were shining, and she looked like she wanted to say something.

She opened her mouth, whimpered, and then grabbed the collar of my shirt, pulling.

I leaned down, thinking she was going to tell me something quietly or give me another hug.

Her lips crashed into mine.

Instinctively, my mouth moved against hers. She was all desperation and need. There was more than need in the kiss too. There was apology and relief and pain.

We broke apart, her lips wet and eyes glazed.

Then she faced Clove, looking a little guilty. “To make it even.”

She kissed Clove next.

Clove struggled for a half-second before giving in and kissing Jam back. They released each other, both laughing and blushing.

That was unexpected. But not at all unwelcome.

Rhys, of all people, approached us. Half of his face was covered with soot, and he looked ready to murder someone.

Mainly, me.

“Hey! You!” he growled at me.

I tried to move the girls behind me, but they both crossed their arms and stood in front of me like bodyguards.

Jam snapped, “What do you want, Rhys?”

He looked over them and at me. “What the fuck did you do?”

“Hey!” Clove lifted her hand and snapped three times in Rhys’s face. “She asked you a question.”

Rhys ground his teeth and looked down and the tiny cat demi. “I want to know what happened to the big demon fucker. Are you satisfied, kitten?”

I was in the mood to crush someone to death. I highly considered it and would have if not for Jam’s giggle.

She looked over her shoulder at me. “He says that like it’s an insult. Silly boy.” She faced Rhys again. “Are you offering to be my bedmate?”

Rhys’s mouth opened, shut, then opened again. “Bedmate?”

“He’s not,” I answered for him.

He snapped, “And how would you know?”

“Because you’d know to actually be kind to her. Or do you like bullying the women you want?”

Rhys grunted in frustration. “Look, forget it. I’m sorry I ignored you, alright? What’s your fucking name again?”

“Jameria! Call me Jam.”

“Jam,” he repeated, still tense with fury. “Fine. You. Luc. The fuck did you do to that demon?”

“It’s dead.”

Rhys finally looked satisfied. “Good. The black mist isn’t coming out of the Tower anymore. I used enhanced eyesight spells to see. If this is what the Tower is doing to balance itself, we’ve got a godsdamned problem.”

It was then that I saw his sword was coated in black blood. “You should clean that,” I told him.

I didn’t add that some demon blood was corrosive to metal. But that was my attempt to save his weapon from slow destruction.

“I know what I’m doing!” he shot back. “Worry about your own shitty weapon!”

Then, he noticed the smoke curling up from his weapon.

A string of curses poured out of his mouth as he hastily wiped his corroding blade over the grass.

Clove covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter and wheezing, while Jam outright cackled.

They were the best sounds I’d heard in a long time.

45

The days that followed were full of barely-restrained chaos.

The city of Amarantha was given the bad news about the Tower. Everyone was upset that the Tower Guild chose to keep the matter of the instability to themselves.

But after holding a Town Hall, where the Mayor did a fairly decent job of settling emotions and reassuring the citizens, things began to change.

A call for more adventurers went out to the surrounding towns and cities. We would need as many people battling the monsters in that Tower as possible to keep it from releasing demons.

No one questioned where the demons were coming from. For all they knew, the demons were still the Tower’s creatures. Created by the Tower.

They didn’t know that there was an entire realm beyond their imagination where demons lived. People thought little of the demons that popped up in surrounding areas. They all wanted to chalk it up as creatures that escaped from the Tower.

How wrong they were.

But at the moment, it didn’t matter. My telling them about the Underworld wouldn’t change what was happening, nor the goal.

We still had to beat the Tower down. Keep its overflowing mana at bay, so that it wasn’t on the verge of ripping through reality all the damn time.

Armories were also seeing more of an uptick than ever. Everyone and their cousin wanted a new sword. A stronger shield.

And apparently, the Academy was taking new applicants as people decided they wanted to be a part of the effort to rebalance the Tower.

Rava said he was going to take on another class, considering the unprecedented circumstances.

After the atmosphere had settled within the city, I visited the esteemed Mayor. We had business to discuss, after all.

I used the front door. The servants weren’t as surprised, considering I wasn’t dressed like — what had Clove called me on that first day? A scarecrow?

I made it to the top of the stairs before someone asked me who I was, but after one look from me, they fell silent.

When I entered his study, and the Mayor laid eyes on me, he appeared to go from very angry, to very sick.

“Now, now…” he warned.

“Put that pudgy finger down, good sir,” I said jovially. “I’m here to talk business and pleasure! What more could a man like you wish for?”

“You will have nothing from me,” he growled. “You no longer have proof of the dealings you accused me of.

“Let’s just say whatever you thought happened has been erased entirely.”

His grin widened. “Including that lovely little family you thought I’d been tormenting. All tragically lost in the demon battle.”

“Their farm wasn’t anywhere near the city,” I reminded him.

He laughed. It was an unhealthy sound, if truth be told. Like he was coughing up old watermelon.

“And who cares? Who will ask questions? My dear boy, please remember who you’re dealing with.

“I am no small chap on the street corners dealing in demon skin. I am the Mayor. I am more powerful than you could ever dream to be.”

“I found your seal. In the port thieves’ hideout. You’ve been messy lately, haven’t you, Mayor?” Since coming to Ria, I don’t think I’ve ever been so cool, calm, and collected.

His satisfaction faded.

Aha. So, my hunch had been correct.

I hadn’t really found his seal. But the sheer amount of product set up in that warehouse, plus the absurd licensing prices of any demon trade business, it only made sense that the man in charge of the city was in on the underground dealing.

Now, it was my turn to remind him how dangerous I was. “You’ve been granting cheaper licenses to fake business fronts that are dealing in black market demon products and taking a rather large cut. Interesting thing for the honorable, noble Mayor to be involved with.”

I gave him a predatory grin that I could easily imagine on my father’s face. “Don’t you think?”

“You… you have no proof.”

“I don’t waste time with squabbling,” I dismissed. “You can tell yourself that, but deep inside, you know there is no point in fighting me.”

He was gripping his armrests so hard his knuckles were white.

I let him sit in that panic for a few heavy seconds. And then, “But I think we can come to an understanding. Don’t you? You’re going to grant Debshire and her niece a fully-fitted demon product license.”

“For-for free? Are you mad?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. For a reasonable price of twelve copper.”

This, for some reason, incensed the Mayor even more. “Twelve? And what does that give me? What is the purpose of that at all?”

“It’s none of your concern. There must be a price to a license. That’s what you will give them. Make sure to keep it under wraps. Especially to keep your criminal contacts sated and the city from demanding answers.

“You will do this within the next day, or I will release the information, documents, and proof of your dock dealings,” I said firmly.

“Oh, and you’ll write down our little agreement, signed and sealed. I’ll keep that one as well, of course.”

The man scoffed. “I will do no such thing!”

I smiled casually. “You will, or your office will be seized and your reputation ruined.

“You might make it out of the city alive, but you’ve been dealing with some very dangerous people. I’m not sure they’ll let you escape while breathing.”

He was shaking with rage. “Silence! You will regret the moment you stepped into my city and stormed into my home! I swear it on the heavens!”

I summoned the demon bone staff from its ring. The air warped as I changed its end to a single, deadly point.

The blade ended at the tip of the Mayor’s throat.

I dredged up the voice of the Demon Prince. The one I used to command armies.

“You live and die by my will, leech. You eat and shit and fuck because I allow it. You wake every morning because I deem it necessary.

“Give me one reason to change my mind, and I’ll string you up by your intestines.”

I waited.

The Mayor’s ugly eyes bulged. He didn’t speak. Or move. Then, slowly, a wet stain spread across his trousers.

“Nod if you understand,” I commanded quietly.

His jowls wobbled. But his chin dipped.

I placed a piece of paper on his desk. “Sign it. Seal it.”

When his body remembered how to function again, he shakily scribbled his signature, then heated the wax.

It took two irritatingly slow tries to properly pour it. But eventually, he handed me the official document.

His confession. And my main bargaining piece for future dealings between the two of us.

“I’ll be seeing you soon, Mayor.”

I summoned my staff back to my finger and left.

* * *

Later, I accompanied Clove on her trip to the market to purchase fruits and vegetables for The Night Owl.

But she wanted to stop somewhere first.

We walked right to the pet store we’d passed on my first day here. “What is your plan?” I inquired.

She led me to the enclosure where the telepathic bunny was still displayed. Her eyes shimmered as she smiled.

“You were staring at it that day we were walking through this part of town, and I haven’t forgotten. We can’t technically have any pets in the inn, but why don’t we check it out?”

“I’m not sure how I feel about that,” I said cautiously. “What is the purpose? Will it lend us strength? Offer us a boon?”

Clove snorted. “You’re so funny, sometimes. Honestly. I don’t know where you even come up with these jokes.”

She reached into the cage and lifted the small, furry creature, holding it to her chest.

Its legs kicked tiredly, but she stroked its fur a few times, and it relaxed against her. “Aw, sweet little baby,” she cooed. “Isn’t he so cute?”

I summoned the demon bone ring as a dagger and held it, ready.

Clove gasped and shielded the creature from me. “What’s that for? You didn’t come here to skin him, did you?”

I narrowed my eyes at the bunny. Its black eyes were unblinking. Unwavering. “Some fair things are foul.”

She scoffed. “I’m already holding him, by the heavens! If he was dangerous, he would have shown it already. Now, are you ready to hold him? Or do I need to restrain you?”

I returned my weapon to my finger. “If you insist. However, I’ll be on high alert —”

She thrust the creature into my arms.

We stiffened, the creature and me.

The beast looked to be considering whether or not to make a run for it.

I considered doing the same.

Clove began to pet it again. The ears twitched. “There, there,” she said gently.

“It’s so soft,” I informed her.

“Yes,” she confirmed. “They usually are, Luc.”

46

Twenty minutes later, I was forced by the shop owner to set the bunny down, unless I was considering purchasing it.

Which, I was ashamed to say, I was.

Where would I even put such a creature? How would I feed it? Where would it shit?

“We’ll come back to visit!” Clove promised, taking the animal from me and setting it back down into its enclosure.

“I have to admit, I’m surprised you liked one another so much. It fell asleep so quickly in your arms.”

“Trust me. No one is more shocked than I.” We simply didn’t have creatures like that in the Underworld. If it didn’t have a hard shell, scales, or a thick hide, it probably wouldn’t survive long enough to open its eyes.

“I have to get those supplies,” she reminded me. “If you want, you can go visit the gear shop down the road. I hear they just returned from a marketplace a few days out. They might have brought in some interesting goods.”

That was a good idea. We agreed to meet back here when we were finished, and I went to the shop she mentioned. It was supposed to have a striped red and white overhang —

“There you are.” I found the shop and entered. It was bright inside and full of customers.

There was a large amount of product too.

But I, like most days, had a plan. There was a huge display of silver, gold, and iron cuffs with various powers. Rings glittered in the warm light. Necklaces dangled from hooks.

One particular piece stood out to me. The only one of its kind, this one was clearly locked onto the display with a complicated spell. The air around it shimmered and glowed.

It was delicate and silver. There were three black pearls set into the metal, or so the display label said.

Right beneath it were the words that made me pause.

I grinned. I’d been wanting to give Clove a gift, and this was the best thing I could have asked for.

I targeted the youngest of the shop workers and bartered him down to half the price of the cuff. Five minutes later, I emerged, victorious.

When I found Clove in the street again, she took one look at me and went pale. “Oh heavens. You look like you just committed a crime and got away with it.”

“That’s absurd!” I dismissed. Maybe my satisfaction was coming off as too feral. I tried to dampen it.

The Tower loomed over us in the distance as we walked back to The Night Owl. Once inside, I took a deep, calming breath.

This is far better than the Underworld’s ash and dull colors. For some reason, it feels like I’ve lived in this realm all my life, not only for a few weeks.

Our classmates were scattered across the common area, some studying while others chattered. Rhys scowled down at a book, furiously flipping pages while Caz leaned over his shoulder.

Henna waved at us from across the room, where she and her surly aunt ate lunch. Jam sat cross-legged on the table with three other classmates. She waved when she saw us walk in.

Mabel skittered between tables, picking up dirty dishes and refilling mugs. The tiny pink-haired girl grinned wide and zipped into the kitchen.

Peace made my heart light as we entered the kitchen and delivered the produce to Bree and Keegan.

I pulled out the box from my pocket while Clove fussed with the vegetables.

In the warm light of the kitchen, with spices and rich scents wafting through the air like old memories, she caught my eye.

I held up the box.

“Oh! What’s that?” she asked. In her interest, she twisted and tripped on her own feet.

Instinctively, I caught her in my arms, both of us laughing.

“Sorry,” she said, smoothing her hair and gaining her balance.

I held out the gift again. She took it without falling, thankfully.

I’d placed the label inside so she could understand instantly what it was.

That meant, the moment she opened the box, her eyes filled with tears. “Luc…”

“Here.” I took it from her. “Hold out your hand.”

I clasped it over her wrist.

She gasped. “Oh my gods… is this what it feels like to be normal?”

She balanced on one foot. She hopped to the other, then spun in place. “Luc!” she screamed.

She flung herself onto me, squeezing me so tight that I coughed.

Her voice was muffled in my chest as she said, “You got me an agility cuff even though they’re like, luxury gear items, oh my sweet heaven Luc, how are you so amazing, I can’t believe it, I don’t deserve that, it’s my own stupid fault I can’t stop falling and tripping and slipping, and I might even get us killed, and I don’t mean to but –”

Her words streamed out.

It was only when I lifted her up and planted my lips on hers that she stopped.

A whimper came from her throat as I kissed her, a sound of relief.

I took my time and enjoyed the feel of her body against mine.

She clutched my shirt like it was her lifeline.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,” she murmured against my lips.

I let her go and stepped back. I wanted to give her the space to try it out.

When I’d tried out the cuff in the store, the effect of its enchantments had been instant.

My center of gravity had felt more solid, my footing more sure.

It had pulled my body weight inward somehow, while making me feel stable.

It wouldn’t fix her clumsiness entirely, but it would help.

“It’s the least I could do.”

She looked up at me from her one-legged balance. Wobbling slightly, she asked, “For what?”

It was my turn to laugh. “You do realize you have been my trusted companion? My guide and my teacher? You’re incredible, Clove. Do not forget it. I certainly won’t.”

Serious and clearly grateful, Clove didn’t notice Jam’s quiet approach until the cat demi had an arm around her shoulder.

“Nice piece of jewelry, Clove. Is the wedding planned yet? Oh, stop blushing. You’re so dramatic, you know that?”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Clove giggled and covered her face while Jam teased her with a mischievous smile.

While Clove continued testing her new piece of gear, Jam moved toward me.

“I hope you’re ready for some action, Luc. You are quite the talk of our class. I wouldn’t be surprised if we started getting some casual questions about joining up with us.”

“Is that so?”

Her brows waggled. She used two fingers to playfully walk them up my chest. Then, she reached forward and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.

It was… intimate. Surprisingly sweet. Jam was sweet, but there was a touch of vulnerability I’d never seen in her emerald eyes before.

Her hand lingered on my shoulder. She shifted closer, and I slipped an arm around her waist.

Her midnight tail whipped back and forth in approval.

“You’re special,” she stated, an echo of Clove’s words from weeks ago. “I’m going to stay with you, got it? I think you’re going to do incredible things, Luc Vale, and I want to go with you to see them happen.”

Warmth filled me as I replied, “Anywhere I go will be with the help of the two of you.”

Clove sidled underneath my other arm, grinning at the both of us. “Sorry, where are we going?”

Jam snorted and captured a lock of Clove’s hair, twirling it. “I don’t know. I’m not the leader.”

The cat demi’s cheek suddenly pressed into my side, nuzzling.

This was another reason why mortal women were different. If Clove was a demon kin woman, she’d likely have Jam at the end of a blade.

But Clove simply rested her forehead against me, too.

I knew enough about mortal customs now to understand Jam was making her intentions clear.

She desired me.

Perhaps even desired Clove, as well.

She was also comfortable with respecting the connection Clove and I had.

She was supportive. Trusting, especially for a cat. She was the type of person who always had a plan up her sleeve or a secret to share.

Contentment radiated from her like the most comforting perfume, and I wondered what would become of our adventurer’s party if these relationships grew.

What kind of place is this Ria? How could life here be so different from what I’d expected?

I never knew that such strong connections could be formed so quickly.

This was nothing like the solitary life I’d imagined here. I’d expected to be a lone adventurer, and instead, I found myself between two women I’d always want at my side.

I’d planned to slip beneath public attention and avoid leadership. Now, I’m leading an adventurer’s party with these two wonderful, beautiful warriors.

Suddenly, the impending threat of the Tower didn’t seem so daunting or impossible.

The girls represented a double-edged blade. They were my strength, my support, my companions.

They were people I learned from and trusted.

On the other hand, they reminded me just how much I stood to lose.

As we walked back into The Night Owl common area with our classmates, I made a vow.

I won’t stop until I rebalance the Tower. This is my solemn oath.

Ria is mine to save.

* * *

To Be Continued…

* * *

Thanks for reading Who Let a Demon Lord into the Mage Tower? Vol. I!

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