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But Seraphina just laughed softly. “I think I can make an exception, all things considered. And besides...” Her face grew serious. “Your company is most welcome.”
Reassured, I slipped over the sill, careful not to tear the curtains with my claws. This remarkable girl continued to surprise me at every turn. I only hoped I could prove worthy of the faith she showed so readily. Straightening, I stood uncertainly in the middle of the room as she shut out the night once more.
“I hope I didn’t frighten you, waking to find me lurking outside your window,” I rumbled. The words sounded even more ominous, spoken aloud in my gravelly voice.
Fuck.I winced.
But Seraphina just laughed. “I’ve endured worse frights lately, trust me. At least yours is a friendly face.” Her eyes gentled with concern, reading my unease clearly. “Rhys, are you unwell?”
I looked away, throat tightening. Did disappointment emanate from my very pores now? “You needn’t worry about me,” I deflected gruffly.
“But I do.” Her hand found my arm, radiating earnest empathy. “You’re… wounded and exhausted. You’ve borne a burden alone for too long, haven’t you?”
My stoic mask cracked beneath the soft question. This girl saw through to my core as no other could.
When I didn’t answer, she continued lightly, “Well, you’re here now, and we’ll just have to find a way forward. But tonight, you should rest.” She beckoned me to sit before the fire.
Overpowered by her sweetness, I did as she asked. Then, without a word, she fetched a basin of warm water and soft cloths. With delicate care, she cleaned and dressed the gashes marring my flesh, her fingers whisper-light. The wounds from my escape were ugly and deep, but under her ministrations, the pain faded. Her nearness was a balm greater than any elixir.
Bemused, I watched as she carefully groomed my stony wings and tousled hair, her gentle touch soothing away the journey’s weariness and the day’s bitter sting. Lulled by her humming, I found myself nodding off in the chair’s enveloping warmth. I was distantly aware of Seraphina draping a blanket around me before the world faded to peaceful darkness.
I awoke some time later, still ensconced in the plush chair before the dying fire. Seraphina must have let me sleep through the night. The blanket was tucked around me; her lingering scent enveloping me in floral notes of jasmine and rose. I marveled again at her selfless care for a cursed creature like me. Even in slumber, her presence soothed my weary soul in ways I’d never known.
For the first time in long months, my sleep had been untroubled by restless dreams of the curse. The lightness lingered even as dawn’s rosy fingers stirred me from my peaceful reverie. I stretched, momentarily confused to find myself still nestled in Seraphina’s chambers. Then the memory flooded back of her kindness the night before, taking in a monster without question or fear, asking nothing in return.
I found her sleeping curled in a window seat, golden sunrise haloing her delicate features. My rare smile came easier as I watched her. However black my days grew, Seraphina remained a point of light for my wayward soul to navigate by, a beacon of hope that cut through the lonely dark.
Perhaps in her gentleness, I could find renewal to continue struggling against futility a while longer. The druids’ cure had proven false, but Seraphina’s compassion was real. I would shelter that flickering candle flame within me when despair’s biting winds raged.
Steeling myself against the long war still ahead, I ghosted to her side, careful not to wake her. “Thank you,” I whispered before launching again into the brightening sky.
The days to come held no promises, but I would face them with new perseverance. For Seraphina’s sake, as much as my own, I would fight on.
CHAPTER8
Sera
Rain patteredagainst the windows as I hurried to class, mirroring the gloomy mood that had settled over Blackthorn. But despite the ominous weather, a small smile lingered on my lips. Last night, Rhys had appeared at my window, his stoic company a respite against the menacing darkness.
We had sat in easy silence before my hearth, taking comfort just from each other’s presence. He wasn’t much of a talker, but with Rhys, words were often unnecessary. Our bond flowed between us, steady and reassuring as the ocean’s tide. He was the eye of calm in the gathering storm.
I wished I could unveil the mysteries that shrouded his past, the burdens he carried. But I didn’t press, respecting his need for privacy. When he was ready, Rhys would open up to me. Until then, I was simply grateful for each moment we shared.
Lost in daydreams, I didn’t notice the other students give me a wide berth in the halls, their whispers following in my wake. The Headmistress’ warnings had bred paranoia and suspicion between even the closest of friends. I kept my head high and ignored their distrust. I had the support of Professor Bishop, but more importantly, I had Rhys. I trusted him completely. He’d not hesitated to save me from that nearly lethal accident in the courtyard—come to think of it, it might not have been an accident after all…
The shrill bell jolted me from my thoughts. Not the class bell, but the one that signaled an immediate gathering. A second later, magical overhead speakers summoned us to the castle’s ballroom.
Apprehension replaced my pleasant musings as we flooded towards the lavish chamber, which was seldom ever used. What new crisis was upon us? The crowd’s nervous energy buzzed through the cavernous, mirrored hall as we awaited the Headmistress inside. Tall windows revealed the rain still falling in relentless sheets, sky and spirits both dreary.
At last, the imposing double doors groaned open. The Headmistress strode in, black robes flowing behind her like wings. Without preamble, she began, “I have an announcement to make.” She paused, allowing the tension to build. “For centuries, the Starry Night Ball has been a tradition at the closing of each school year. Despite the current climate, tradition must prevail, and this year will be no exception. The ball is of the utmost importance, and as such, I have decided to form a committee to ensure its success.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, whispers of excitement and curiosity filling the air. My stomach churned with unease, knowing that any involvement in such an event would put me directly in the spotlight—a place I had been desperately trying to avoid.
“Those chosen for the committee will be tasked with organizing every aspect of the ball, from decorations to the entertainment. The teams will work in pairs, after class, tirelessly, to create a night that will be remembered for years to come.” Headmistress Blackthorn’s voice was unwavering, her stern demeanor unrelenting.
“Any questions?” she asked, her gaze sweeping over us once more. The silence was tangible as students exchanged nervous glances, none daring to speak up. “Very well, then.”
Having said that, a large scroll suddenly materialized on the wall with a faint popping sound, clearly enchanted. Students immediately crowded around the parchment, jostling eagerly to see the list of those selected for the prestigious planning committee.
