Page 18 of Magic in My Bones

I glanced up from my textbook, a wry smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “I haven't really thought about it yet. I suppose I should come up with something fitting for a future moth familiar.”

Thistle, apparently deciding the caterpillar posed no threat, plopped gently on its back. The caterpillar paused, its tiny antennae twitching as it assessed the sudden presence of the sprite. Then, to my surprise, it began to crawl forward once more, undeterred by its newfound passenger.

Luca's eyes sparkled with delight as he watched the unlikely pair. “They seem to be getting along well,” he mused, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Kinda like you and Professor Crowe, huh?” He gave me a knowing wink.

My cheeks grew warm. “I don't know what you're talking about,” I mumbled, suddenly finding the pages of my textbook incredibly fascinating.

Luca's grin only widened. “Oh, come on, Ren. I miss out on about eighty percent of most social cues and even I see it.”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. The caterpillar, with Thistle still perched on its back, had made its way to the edge of the desk. I watched as it began its descent, lowering itself on a delicate strand of silk.

“He’s a professor, Luca,” I said quietly.

“So?”

“So, there are rules. Even if there was something there, and I’m not saying there is, I’m pretty sure it’s against the rules.”

“Only until Professor Reedy comes back from medical leave,” Luca said with a shrug. “Crowe is just filling in for her, you know.”

As I pondered Luca's words, a flicker of movement caught my eye. The caterpillar had reached the floor and was now determinedly making its way towards my bookshelf. I watched, transfixed, as it navigated the treacherous terrain of discarded socks and crumpled papers with a single-minded purpose.

“Uh, Ren?” Luca's voice pulled me from my reverie. “I think your little friend has found something it likes.”

I followed his gaze to see the caterpillar perched on the spine of my grimoire, its mandibles working furiously as it munched on the ancient leather binding. Thistle fluttered nearby, seemingly cheering on the caterpillar's destructive endeavor.

“Oh, for the love of—” I jumped up, carefully scooping the caterpillar into my palm. It wriggled in protest, a scrap of leather still dangling from its jaws. “You can't eat that,” I chided gently. “It's a very important grimoire!”

Luca chuckled, his eyes dancing with mirth. “Looks like you've got a little book worm in the making there.”

I shot him a wry look. “Great. Just what I need. A caterpillar with a taste for forbidden knowledge.”

As I held the squirming caterpillar, an idea struck me. “You know what? I think I've got the perfect name for this little guy.” I grinned at Luca. “I'm going to call him Grim.”

Luca raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Grim? As in, short for grimoire?”

“Exactly,” I said. “It's only fitting, given his apparent fondness for devouring ancient tomes of forbidden knowledge.”

Thistle flitted around my head, leaving a trail of glittering fairy dust in his wake. He seemed to approve of the name, if his enthusiastic aerial acrobatics were any indication.

I gently placed Grim back on the desk, watching as he immediately set off in search of more literary sustenance. The little caterpillar had a voracious appetite, and I couldn't help but admire his tenacity.

As I watched Grim's determined progress across the desk, a sudden realization hit me. “Oh, shit!” I exclaimed, leaping to my feet. “The queer alliance club meeting! I completely forgot!”

Luca glanced at the clock on the wall, his eyes widening. “Didn't that start, like, five minutes ago?”

I cursed under my breath, hastily shoving my books into my satchel. Grim, startled by the sudden flurry of activity, curled into a tight ball on the corner of the desk. I scooped him up gently, placing him in the terrarium I'd prepared earlier. “Sorry, little guy,” I murmured. “Duty calls.”

Slinging my satchel over my shoulder, I turned to Luca. “I've gotta run. Can you keep an eye on Grim for me? Make sure he doesn't eat my homework?”

Luca grinned, giving me a mock salute. “You got it, boss. Thistle and I will make sure he stays out of trouble.”

I flashed him a grateful smile before dashing out the door, my heart pounding in my chest. The ancient stone halls of Blackstone Academy stretched before me, a labyrinth of gothic arches and flickering lights. My footsteps echoed off the worn flagstones as I hurried through the corridors, dodging the occasional startled ghost or mischievous watcher spirit.

As I rounded a corner, I nearly collided with a towering suit of armor. It creaked ominously, its empty helm turning to follow my progress. I muttered a hasty apology, sidestepping the enchanted guardian and pressing onward.

I'd never been to an LGBTQ+ alliance meeting before. Hell, I'd never really been part of any sort of community like that. Growing up in a small town, there hadn't been many opportunities to connect with other queer folks. And after coming out as transgender, well... let's just say my social life had taken a bit of a nosedive. But here at Blackstone, things were different. Here, I had a chance to find my people. To belong.

As I approached Willow Commons, I could see the warm glow of lights spilling out from the windows. The building was a cozy little cottage tucked just off the main courtyard.

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