Page 48 of Self Studies
Saffron sighed. “She did. I explained that this morning when you asked.”
“You did.” Mercedes gloated. “Just like you tell me everything.”
I didn’t move my gaze from the floor. Sweating and still pulling my heavy bag behind me, I focused on walking.
Her tone took on a lofty note. “And even if you hadn’t, new students are always big news. Especially when they don’t untag themselves on Mêler.”
I stiffened, suddenly aware that, apparently, I had control over something I thought I didn’t.
My bag almost hit the back of my ankles; I tugged it so hard. The holes in my introduction to this place were ridiculous. All my textbooks had tables of contents and introductions that prepared you. Everyone tossed me into chapter thirteen with nothing. And even if I got up the courage to ask questions, I didn’t know the right ones.
Anger helped me pull my useless bag along.
We slowed down at the massive foyer at the front. With the sound of students bouncing around the ample space, I thankfully didn’t have to hear the Greek God and my bitchy roommate’s kiss before Mercedes sauntered off.
Saffron motioned me toward a sun-lit doorway. “Keep walking.” He gently pressed against my lower back. “It’s outside and to the left.”
My nostrils flared. I both wanted to smack his hand away and lean into the support at the same time. Instead of doing either, I leaned forward to give my bag another pull.
Saffron stopped me. “You’ve got to put some muscles on. No one’s going to carry your bookbag for you.”
I dropped the strap of the bookbag, my back going rigid. Even with no experience with fitness or anything remotely athletic, I understood that muscles didn’t grow because you wanted them to. I clamped my mouth shut and clenched one of my fists.
Saffron gestured to my bookbag, and I bit my lips so hard it hurt. Slowly, I squatted down and got the two straps mostly over my shoulders. Even lifting with my legs, the thing didn’t budge. I let go of it and angrily grabbed one of the straps, dragging it once more.
Despite his words, I only got a few more feet before Saffron put a hand on my shoulder and stopped me. Taking the straps out of my hands with a disappointed sigh, he tried to lift the bag with one arm. Only the bag didn’t move.
I did a little happy dance as he readjusted his grip. My jig ended when he easily lifted it the second time and settled the bag against his muscular back.
“It’s heavier than I expected,” Saffron admitted.
He opened his mouth to ask a question but shut it. Once again, I fell into line behind him as we exited the main entrance.
Warm fresh air hit my face. I paused to breathe it in. I still hated Mercedes, but maybe running in the mornings would be an excellent way to start my day too. It was something I’d never done before.
“Keep walking,” Saffron reminded me.
I scowled but followed him around the back of the Institute. A large, smooth concrete dome I’d not noticed before looked to be growing out of the dirt-packed ground.
“This is called the Sphérique,” Saffron explained, pointing at the dome. “The lockers are free; just don’t forget your combination.”
Saffron shoved my bag into a locker in a wooden shed built off the side of the small arched entrance. My shoes and phone joined my bag. As we entered, magic curled around my feet, cleaning them. Out of place desire traveled up my legs. I wiggled my toes in my socks and peered down at my feet. Under them, familiar symbols covered the floor and kept going.
I gasped in awe and turned a circle, taking in the space. Dizzying spirals of runes covered every surface. My little brain lit up with joy as patterns, familiar and new, surrounded me. I traced the swirling lines of a containment spell, inlaid with silver that went up the walls. Leaning back to look up, it morphed into two more designs circling the ceiling. Unlike the sunlight and track lighting inside the main building, charged runes steadily glowed a light blue on the walls.
A familiar face filled my view. I squeaked, falling backward, and Professor Garnet caught me in his arms. His red-rims glowed with only his power while his brown hair lay neatly on his head. He’d gotten rid of my magic. Despite no longer being connected, my pulse still quickened, and heat pooled between my legs.
The professor righted me and made sure I was stable before stepping back. “Incredible, isn’t it?”
I didn’t trust myself to do anything but nod, still looking at his eyes instead of the room. Professor Garnet smiled as he turned to the rest of his students.
Unlike me, his attraction seemed to have exited with my power. I swallowed my disappointment.
Ram appeared in my view. I cringed, pulling away from him as he mouthed the word ‘lover.’
My gut soured. I hurried away from him, resting my back against the wall to take in everything at once.
Five mages, including Saffron and Ram, stood around chatting and occasionally glancing at me. I tried not to squirm under their scrutiny.