Page 100 of Magic in My Bones

Beside me, Ren's eyes were wide with wonder, his face alight with the shimmering glow of the departing spirits. His hand tightened in mine, and I returned the squeeze, a silent acknowledgment of the significance of this moment, of the journey we had shared to get here.

As the last of the spirits faded into the night sky, Dean Blackwood lowered her hands, the final notes of her chant echoing in the stillness. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath, as if in reverence for the profound magic we had just witnessed.

Then, with a single, decisive motion, Dean Blackwood brought the Chain of Echoes down upon the stone altar, shattering it into a thousand glittering fragments. The sound was like a thunderclap, a declaration of finality that reverberated through the necropolis.

As the last echoes of the shattering Chain faded into the night, a profound silence descended upon the necropolis. It was a silence born not of emptiness, but of completion, a sense that a great weight had been lifted, a long-held breath finally released.

I felt it in the very marrow of my bones, this subtle shift in the fabric of the world. The air itself seemed lighter, the shadows less deep, as if the spirits' liberation had somehow purified the very essence of this sacred space. Even the candles seemed to burn brighter, their flames dancing with renewed vigor, casting a warm, golden glow across the faces of the assembled throng.

As I gazed upon the sea of faces, each one etched with a mix of awe, relief, and quiet contemplation, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Pride in our community, in the strength and resilience of those who had gathered here tonight. Pride in the legacy of Blackstone Academy, in the generations of mages who had dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge, to theprotection of the innocent, and to the delicate balance between life and death.

But most of all, I felt pride in the remarkable young man standing beside me.

I turned to Ren, my heart swelling with a bittersweet mixture of love and unease. “Ren,” I began, my voice low and earnest, “I need to speak with you about something important.”

He looked up at me, his brow furrowing slightly in concern. “Of course, Dorian. What is it?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the words that needed to be said. “I've been thinking a great deal about our relationship, about the profound bond we share. And while I cherish it more than words can express, I cannot ignore the ethical implications of our situation.”

Ren's eyes widened, a flicker of uncertainty dancing across his face. “What do you mean?”

I reached out, resting my hands gently on Ren’s face, my thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “Ren, you mean more to me than words can ever express. What we share has changed me in ways I never thought possible. But because of how much you matter to me, I’ve decided to retire from teaching at Blackstone Academy.”

“But Dorian, you can't! Teaching is your passion, your calling. You have a gift for guiding young necromancers, for helping them understand and harness their powers. Blackstone needs you. Your students need you.”

I smiled at him, bittersweet and tender, shaking my head slightly. “I can’t, in good conscience, continue to guide you as your instructor when my heart is so irrevocably tied to yours. You deserve to grow without the weight of that conflict hanging over us.”

His brow furrowed, and I saw the glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes. “But what if… what if this changes everything? What if you regret it?”

I let out a soft, breathy chuckle, the sound as much for him as it was to steady myself. “Ren, I could never regret choosing you. What we have is worth any sacrifice. With you, I’ll get to do something even more precious than teaching. I’ll get to stand beside you as an equal. I’ll get to love you freely, without the boundaries of duty or position. That’s the kind of future I want for us. A future where neither of us has to hold back.”

Ren’s breath hitched, and as I watched, the tension in his features began to ease, replaced by something softer, something hopeful.

I leaned in, pressing my forehead to his. “We’re going to be okay, Ren. This is just the start of something even better. I promise you that.”

Dean Blackwood approached us, her expression softening as she took in our intimate moment. “Dorian, Ren,” she greeted us warmly, “that was a beautiful ceremony. The spirits are finally at peace.”

I straightened, turning to face her with a respectful nod. “It was, Dean Blackwood. And it's thanks to your wisdom and guidance that we were able to see it through.”

She smiled, a rare sight that lit up her usually stern features. “It was a team effort. Every one of us played a part.” Her gaze shifted to Ren, and I saw a glimmer of pride in her eyes. “Especially you, Ren. Your bravery and determination have been an inspiration to us all.”

Ren ducked his head, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “I couldn't have done it without everyone's support. Especially Dorian's.” He glanced up at me, his dark eyes shining with affection.

My heart swelled with love and pride, but it was tempered by the knowledge of what I had to do next. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Dean Blackwood, there's something I need to discuss with you.”

Her brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded. “Oh? I presume it has to do with your relationship with Ren here?”

I had a momentary surge of panic, but I quickly composed myself. “Yes, it does. Ren and I... our relationship has evolved beyond that of student and teacher. We've developed a profound connection, one that transcends the boundaries of academia. And because of that, I feel it would be unethical for me to continue as an instructor in the department of necromancy.”

Dean Blackwood held up a hand, silencing me before I could continue. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a glimmer of something in her eyes. Amusement, perhaps, or understanding. “Dorian, I appreciate your candor, but there's no need for a lengthy explanation. It's been quite evident for some time now that you and Ren share a special bond.”

I blinked, taken aback by her matter-of-fact tone. “You... you knew?”

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Of course I knew. I may be old, but I'm not blind. The way you two look at each other, the way you gravitate towards one another… It's as clear as the runes on a freshly inscribed scroll.”

A flush crept up my neck, and beside me, Ren shuffled his feet, looking equally abashed.

Dean Blackwood's expression sobered, and she fixed me with a stern look. “That being said, Dorian, I must express my disappointment. As an educator, you have a responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries with your students.”

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