Page 55 of An Arcane Education
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask.
He considers his words carefully before answering, “Because I am endlessly intrigued by you.”
I snort a laugh. “Me? Why? I’m possibly the dullest person on this campus.”
Shaking his head, Alaric says softly, “You’re more extraordinary than you realize.”
“Whatever you say.” But despite my dismissive words, I can’t help the sense of contentment that washes over me at his statement. Does he really believe that? I’m not sure why he would, considering he’s had to tutor me just to get me caught up with everyone else, but there’s also no reason for him to lie.
We talk for a while longer about the more mundane aspects of life here at the academy. He tells me that he feels lucky to have the house furthest from campus because it overlooks the coast and is bordered on one side by the forest, and I tell him about the things I’m finding most interesting in my classes. It’s a calm, comfortable sort of conversation, and I find myself drifting as the night wears on.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep when I’m awoken by the soft click of the door closing. Opening my eyes, I’m confused by my surroundings for a moment before last night’s events come back to me. I’m in Alaric’s office.
At some point, he must have draped the quilt over me because I remember it still being folded before I fell asleep, and the thought makes me smile despite my pounding headache. It’s such a small, simple thing, but he cared enough to cover me with the blanket.
My head pounds and there’s an acrid taste in mymouth, but whatever Alaric had done to my water has significantly lessened the effects of my hangover. The watery gray light of dawn illuminates the room ever so slightly, and I watch as Alaric makes his way from the door to the desk. He must’ve left at some point, though I’m not sure when, because he’s changed clothes and is carrying two to-go cups of coffee, which I only know because the aroma is permeating the small room.
“Morning,” I mutter. “Please tell me one of those is for me.”
“Good morning. And yes.” He walks over and hands me one of the cups as I sit up on the couch. I take a sip and savor the rich flavor, letting it warm me from the inside out.
“God, this is good.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Alaric settles back into his desk chair, and it’s then that I notice the bags under his eyes. He looks exhausted, and I realize it’s probably my fault. Guilt gnaws at my stomach. I took the couch he was planning to sleep on, which means he probably slept in his office chair, if he slept at all.
“I’m sorry I took your couch. I feel like an asshole.”
“It’s quite alright. But as much as I’d love to spend more time in your company, I think it may be best if you head back to your dorm.”
Mortification sinks like a stone in my stomach. Maybe this is more of an issue than I thought it’d be. “Oh, of course. I’m sorry, I never meant to?—”
Alaric cuts off my erratic rambling. “Vivian. It’s okay. I just don’t want anyone seeing you leaving my office inthe state you’re in this early in the morning. It might look… untoward.”
“Oh. Right. That makes sense.” I stand, then realize I’m wearing his clothes. “Should I…?”
I’m not entirely sure how to phrase the question, but thankfully, he understands. He rummages around under his desk then procures a plastic bag. “You can put your dress in here to carry it back. You’re welcome to keep the clothes you’re wearing for now.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I don’t want to worry about you needing to sneak clothing back to me at some point. It’s fine. But campus will be waking up soon,” he adds, the hint clear. I need to leave.
“Well, thank you. See you in a few days.”
I leave the room, taking the back door and the long way through campus, around the backs of the buildings, to avoid anyone who may be walking the main paths. I’m sure I look like absolute trash after the night I’ve had.
I need a long, hot shower and to spend the rest of my Sunday recovering from last night. But first, I need to check on Max and hope that I haven’t destroyed the fragile bond of friendship that’s developed between us.
CHAPTER 22
Weeks pass without incident as October closes in, and my days blur together into a regimented schedule of classes, studying, tutoring, and walking when the weather allows for it. The days grow shorter, the classes become more demanding, and the air carries a perpetual, unrelenting chill. The academic pressure intensifies with midterms only a couple weeks away, and the entire campus seems gripped by a frantic energy that borders on mania.
The cold, dark days press us inward. At all hours of the day and night, the common room is filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and occupied by students hunched over textbooks and scribbling notes while muttering to themselves. I have no doubt that the designated magical practice rooms are also brimming with students casting spells.
The course material is fascinating, but the sheer volume of it is overwhelming. I find myself regularly reciting information from classes in my head while I walkacross campus or take a shower, or any time I’m not actively occupied.
My foundational work and control of my magic improve slowly with Alaric’s help, and I’m now able to keep up with my peers when I’m working with my Affinity. Alaric and I never spoke about my drunken appearance at his office a couple weeks ago, which I’m extremely grateful for, but something has shifted between us since then. In public, he’s still the stern, demanding professor, but when we’re alone, he’s softer. He sits closer to me, brushing against me from time to time with lingering touches, and I regularly catch him staring at me when he thinks I’m not looking. A fondness between us has developed, and every day, it seems to grow into something stronger.
More than once, he’s opened his mouth to say something before snapping it shut, refusing to elaborate on what he wanted to say when I ask him about it.
