35. Ignatius

35

IGNATIUS

The corridors of MistHallow are bustling with activity as I make my way to the Elemental Magick lecture hall, my last lecture of the night. Rounding the corner, the scent of autumn leaves and woodsmoke fills the air, the scent of the elemental magick that permeates this part of the academy. The stone walls here are adorned with intricate murals depicting the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - intertwining in an eternal spire. It's breathtaking, and I slow down to admire the artistry.

Sensing a certain energy in the air, I half turn and see Adelaide is standing by the lecture hall door, looking slightly lost and more than a little overwhelmed. Her dark hair is slightly tousled, as if she's been running her hands through it nervously, and there's a crease between her brows that I find endearing.

"Adelaide!" I call out, picking up my pace to reach her. "Fancy seeing you here. Elemental Magick, right?"

She turns at the sound of my voice, relief washing over her features. The smile that lights up her face sends a warmth through me that has nothing to do with my fire magick. "Hey, firestarter. Yes, Elemental Magick. I'm not even sure why I'm in this class. I thought vampires were all about Blood Magick?"

I grin, falling into step beside her as we enter the hall. The room is circular, with workstations arranged in concentric circles around a central dais. Each station is equipped with various tools and materials - crystals, bowls of water, small potted plants, and curiously empty glass orbs that I suspect are for air manipulation.

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my dear," I say, guiding her towards two empty seats near the middle of the room. "Vampires, like all magickal beings, have the potential to tap into elemental magick. It's just not as instinctive for them as Blood Magick is."

"Well, I'm here to learn what being a vampire is all about, so I guess, hit me with whatever!"

"That's the spirit, Addy."

She grins as I shorten her name, and I gesture for Adelaide to take the seat by the window. I notice the way the moonlight plays across her features. She's beautiful, in a way that goes beyond physical appearance. There's a spark in her, a potential that's just waiting to be unleashed.

"So," I say, leaning in slightly, our shoulders almost touching, "How have your classes been so far apart from the Blood Magick incident?"

Adelaide groans, burying her face in her hands. I have to resist the urge to reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't even with that. But the rest have been fine. No more magick and no more bullies."

"Bullies?" I ask harsher than I meant to.

"Ugh, some vampire named Asher. He was a proper arse."

"Hmm, yeah. He is out to get Corvus, so I guess you got caught up in the crossfire."

She glares at me. "Oh great, thanks for telling me that part. He failed to mention it."

I chuckle. "I wouldn't worry about Asher or Lucian. They're both idiots."

"Lucian," she murmurs. "He had a pop at me as well the other day. Zephyr dealt with him."

"Vampires are weird. I wouldn't worry about it."

"No shit," she mumbles.

Adelaide's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I'm lost in their depths. The air between us feels charged, like the moment before lightning strikes.

Before I can respond, the professor enters the room, calling the class to order. He's a tall, willowy man with hair the colour of autumn leaves and eyes that seem to shift like quicksilver. As he begins the lecture, his voice resonates with power, each word seeming to vibrate with elemental energy.

I'm hyper-aware of Adelaide's presence beside me. The way she leans forward, hanging on every word. The little furrow that appears between her brows when she's concentrating. The way her hand occasionally brushes against mine as we take notes, sends little sparks of electricity through me each time.

Halfway through the class, the professor announces that we'll be pairing up for a practical exercise. "Today, we'll be focusing on fire manipulation," he says, his eyes glowing with an inner flame. "Nothing too advanced - just creating and controlling a small flame."

I turn to Adelaide, a mischievous grin on my face. "Well, well. Looks like you're in luck, partner. Fire happens to be my speciality."

"Guess it is my lucky day, or whoever got stuck with me would be sorely disappointed when I epically failed."

With a flourish, I hold out my hand, palm up. I summon a small flame, no bigger than a candle's. It dances in my palm, casting a warm glow over our faces. The fire responds to my will, shaping itself into intricate patterns - a blooming flower, a fluttering butterfly, a spinning galaxy of sparks.

Adelaide's eyes widen in wonder, the firelight reflected in their depths. "That's amazing," she breathes, leaning in closer to watch the display. "How do you do it? And how the fuck am I supposed to do that?"

"It's all about focus and intent," I explain, my voice soft. The proximity of her face to mine is distracting, but I push through. "You have to feel the heat inside you, the spark of life that burns in every living thing. Then, you coax it out, give it form and purpose."

I gently take her hand, guiding it to hover over mine. Her skin is vampire cool against my fire-warmed palm, but she doesn't hiss and pull away as I half expected her to. "Close your eyes," I instruct, my voice low and intimate. "Feel the warmth of the flame. Now, imagine that warmth spreading through you, from your fingertips to the top of your head."

Adelaide's eyes flutter closed, her face a mask of concentration. I watch, fascinated, as a faint glow begins to emanate from her skin. It's subtle, barely noticeable to anyone who isn't looking for it. But to me, it's like watching the sunrise. The air around us grows warmer, charged with potential.

"That's it," I encourage, my thumb unconsciously tracing circles on the back of her hand. "Now, imagine that warmth gathering in your palm. Give it shape, will it into being."

For a moment, nothing happens. Then, ever so slowly, a tiny spark appears in Adelaide's palm. It flickers uncertainly, barely more than an ember. But it's there, a testament to her untapped potential.

Adelaide's eyes fly open, a look of pure joy on her face. The spark in her palm grows slightly, fed by her excitement. "Wait! What? How?"

Her excitement is infectious, and I grin like a fool. "You're a natural, Adelaide."

"No," she says, shaking her head and staring at our joined hands with a fierce frown. "No. It's not me."

"What do you mean?" I ask, following her gaze.

Her eyes shoot up to mine, and she smiles stiffly. "Nothing," she says. "I'm just surprised."

"You know," I say, my voice low enough that only she can hear, "I meant what I said earlier. About practising together sometime. I'd love to help you explore your powers more if you're interested, that is."

Adelaide looks up at me with a soft smile. "I'd like that," she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Good. I enjoy spending time with you, Addy."

She ducks her head, focusing intently on the small flame in her palm. It grows then flickers out, and she sighs with disappointment. "I enjoy spending time with you too, Iggy," she murmurs.

Iggy. The way she says that sends my blood pumping straight to my cock.

The rest of the practice passes in a blur of stolen glances and lingering touches. Adelaide's attempts to create fire come to nothing, but she did it once, she can do it again.

As we pack up our things, I'm reluctant to let this moment end. The connection between us feels tangible, a delicate thread that I don't want to break.

"So," I say, trying to keep my voice casual even as my heart races, "what do you say to grabbing some food? I know a place that does a great rare steak."

She giggles, and it's the sweetest sound. "I'd like that," she says.

I grin, my heart soaring at her acceptance. "Let's go then."

As we leave the lecture hall, I place my hand lightly on the small of Adelaide's back, guiding her through the crowded corridors. The simple touch sends sparks through my body, and I have to concentrate to keep my powers in check.

We make our way across the moonlit courtyard. Adelaide shivers slightly, and without thinking, I drape my arm around her shoulders. She leans into me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.

"God, you're so fucking warm and toasty," she laughs, looking up at me with those captivating eyes.

"Comes with the territory," I murmur, hoping that I can pluck up the nerve to kiss her before the night is out.

We enter the busy dining hall, which never seems to stop buzzing, and I guide her to the food counter. She grabs a steak quickly, and I grab one as well, slightly more well done, and we sit at a table nearby.

As we sit down, Adelaide digs into her steak with gusto. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"Hungry?" I tease.

She looks up, a bit sheepish. "Starving, actually. I didn't realise how much energy magick uses up."

"It does take a lot out of you," I agree, cutting into my own steak. "Especially when you're just starting out. Your body's not used to channelling that kind of power yet."

Adelaide nods, swallowing a bite. "It's like tapping into something ancient and powerful."

"That's exactly what you were doing," I say, leaning forward slightly. "Magick is as old as the universe itself. When we use it, we're connecting to that primordial force."

She looks at me, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's intense."

"Very."

We gaze into each other's eyes, and I feel a slight ping that snaps against my soul. I half rise, my gaze still pinning hers, and I reach out to tilt her chin up. I press my lips to hers.

Adelaide gasps softly as our lips meet, her cool breath mingling with mine. For a moment, she's frozen, but then she melts into the kiss, her hand coming up to tangle in my hair. The spark between us ignites into a roaring flame, and I have to concentrate hard not to burst into a pillar of fire.

The kiss deepens, and I can taste the faint metallic tang of blood on her tongue. It's intoxicating. I pull her closer, my hand cupping her face gently.

Suddenly, Adelaide pulls away, her eyes wide and pupils dilated. She's breathing heavily, and I can see a faint blush creeping up her neck.

"I'm sorry," I say quickly, worried I've ruined everything. "I shouldn't have?—"

"No," she interrupts, her voice husky. "It's not you…" She scowls and turns her head.

I turn too to see Asher and Lucian staring at us, flashes of triumph in their eyes. "Ah, fuck," I mutter. "I'm guessing they are going to go straight to Corvus with this."

"I wanted this kiss," Addy says. "Don't worry about them."

"It's not that. Corvus won't care that I kissed you. He will care that Lucian and Asher are interfering, and they will also maybe spin this, so it looks bad on you."

She sighs, and for a moment, it looks like she is going to vamp out and go on a rampage, but then she smiles. "Whatever they say about me, I've heard worse."

My heart aches for her. She sounds so resigned, like she's used to being hurt. I reach out and take her hand, squeezing it gently.

"Hey," I say softly, "You don't deserve that. No matter what they say, you're amazing, Adelaide. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

She gives me a small smile, but I can see the vulnerability in her eyes. "Thanks, Iggy. I'm still trying to figure out where I fit in all this."

I nod, understanding. "It's a lot to take in. But you're not alone, okay? You've got me, and Corvus, and Zephyr, and Zaiah. We're here for you."

Adelaide's smile grows a little brighter. "I know. It's just complicated."

"Life usually is," I say with a wry grin. "Especially when you throw magick and vampires into the mix."

She laughs, the sound lightening the mood. "You can say that again."

We finish our meal, chatting about lighter topics, but as we're leaving the dining hall, I notice Asher and Lucian still watching us, their gazes cold and their expressions calculating. Whatever they are planning, it's not going to be pretty. Perhaps it's time the four of us took the fight to them and fuck the consequences. Addy is more important, and right now, she is a bug under their microscope. No way this ends well for any of us.