Page 17 of Class Studies
I ran my hand down his arm and took his hand, squeezing it. “I saw all the options you have in front of you in Metaphysics.”
Saffron narrowed his eyes, but I plowed on. “Only a few of them looked happy. Living in someone else’s happiness isn’t the same as being happy yourself.” I shifted uncomfortably as a memory bubbled to the surface, but instead of pushing it back down, I opened up. “Damon loved movies about war before magic existed. I didn’t, but I wanted Damon to be happy. We spent hours watching films.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I’d see the joy on his face, which made me happy, but the minute I turned back to the film, the only thing I could think of was everything I’d rather be doing.”
Saffron froze, and so did I.
I talked about Damon.
No strong emotions took over my world. I didn’t feel the need to cry. It was nice to have a story I could relate to another person.
I twined our fingers together before Saffron could say something stupid and ruin this for me. “I want you to be happy. Message me when you’re done? We can get dinner and go for a walk or something.”
One side of Saffron’s mouth quirked up into a smile. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
I flushed. “Just go. I’ll be late to history.”
“You’re fifteen minutes early,” Saffron pointed out, using our connected hand to bring me closer.
I stepped back. “You’re still engaged.”
Saffron followed me, and my back hit the wall. “It didn’t bother you a few nights ago or any of the times before.”
“Don’t push your luck,” I said playfully, releasing his fingers to place a hand on his firm chest.
My magic bubbled. I closed my eyes, and the professor’s location showed like a beacon through the walls of the Institute. I assumed it was a side effect of the drugs, but obviously not. I pressed the pads of my fingers into Saffron’s chest before trickling some of my magic into him. Not enough to show, but enough that, like with the professor, I’d be able to find my Greek God if I wanted.
My Greek God, I liked that a little too much. My core purred. “How does that feel?”
Saffron’s rims blazed. “Incredible.” He leaned forward. “I don’t know how to describe it to you. It’s like having an energy drink on an empty stomach. I’m buzzing, but my thoughts are crystal clear, like your magic.” His voice lowered. “I burn for you. I already did, smelling Keith on your skin, but now it’s something more.”
He trapped my arms between us and kissed down my neck before biting the base and sucking. Little tingles of heat raced down my body. A throaty moan escaped my lips.
“We could find a spot.….” I trailed off, knowing exactly how hypocritical my actions were, but my magic’s need drove away any logic.
Saffron kissed the mark he’d left on my neck again before straightening.
“No.” He smirked. “We both need to learn control. I promised I would make it up to you.” His gaze bore into me. “You’re mine, Aphy. Mine and Keith’s. Next time I see you, I’ll officially be on the market and on the hunt. You better be ready for us.”
A pleasant tremor rocked my very bones.
Saffron pushed himself off the wall and shoved his hands into his pockets. I watched his backside until it disappeared from view before slipping into my history classroom.
* * *
My history teacher looked up from his laptop and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He straightened his vest and pushed his glasses further up his nose before returning to his work. I found my usual spot and spread out my stuff to reserve seats for Derek and his friends. Although I wanted to continue avoiding it, I pulled out my phone and opened Mêler.
Director Flemmings pinned to the top of the gray background: The Charbon Institute is officially locked down pending the investigation of a chemical leak combined with rogue magic. Signs of its mental effects have already been observed in the student body. Please use form 67B to report any health concerns and 67C to report related and relevant information.
A few students commented it was the oldest lie in the history books. Others showed blurry pictures and videos of the scuffle between the MA and the students around Saffron’s Golem, claiming a gas bubble must have made everyone act drugged.
I stopped reading comments after seeing a few blaming Saffron and his Golem. My heart sank as an uncomfortable ball settled in my gut.
Instead of dwelling on what I couldn’t control, I looked up the students the rogue MA agents had attacked. The young man was out of the medical wing; all healed up from a potion. The three girls weren’t posting much, but they’d left a group selfie on each of their walls saying ‘stronger together.’
Sighing, I went to my page and started untagging myself. Although several people seemed upset I broke up Saffron’s harem, a few praised me for going for what I wanted. I read through an exchange between two students I didn’t know about happiness—which eventually devolved into an argument about religion. At that point, I lost interest.
There wasn’t a single comment about my new abilities or anything connecting me to Ram or the situation with the MA.
“A!” Derek yelled.