Page 6 of Magic in My Bones

I couldn't help but chuckle at his dismay, reaching down to give his smooth skull a comforting pat. “I know, I know. But duty calls, my bony friend. We have young minds to mold and mysteries to unravel.”

I gathered up my book and empty teacup, casting one last wistful glance at the moonlit garden before heading back inside the cozy warmth of the cottage. Bones followed close at my heels, his bones softly clinking with each step.

As I settled the teacup in the sink, my gaze fell upon the folder the Dean had given me, now resting on the worn wooden countertop. The weight of responsibility settled heavy on my shoulders, mingling with a thrill of anticipation that sent a shiver down my spine.

Teaching the introductory necromancy course was no small feat, even under the best of circumstances. But with the added challenge of the unusual spirit activity and the tantalizingpromise of access to the Chain of Echoes, I knew I was in for a semester unlike any other.

I hummed an old protection charm under my breath, the Gaelic words as familiar as breathing. “Codladh sámh,” I whispered to the garden spirits, promising them peaceful sleep. Some traditions traveled well across the ocean, and the spirits here seemed to appreciate the old language as much as those back home.

I pulled my favorite raven feather quill from its stand and began drafting lesson plans. The candlelight flickered across the parchment as I wrote. Bones settled at my feet with a content rattle, and somewhere in the garden, the moonflowers sang their silver song to the stars.

“Well,” I mused, dipping my quill in ink that shimmered like captured moonlight, “at least it won't be boring.”

3

A Sanctuary of Shadows

Ren

I opened my eyes,disoriented until I remembered where I was.

Sitting up, I took in the austere furnishings of my room at Blackstone Academy. My half of the room still had bare stone walls, an unadorned desk, and plain wardrobe. It was a far cry from Luca's cozy, plant-filled space, but the simplicity offered a blank canvas.

A few stray leaves had blown in through the cracked window, their crisp edges curled like ancient parchment. The air held that peculiar autumn chill unique to old buildings and smelled like a mix of stone dust, aging wood, and a hint of magic. I could smell what I hoped was coffee brewing, though it could easily be a potion gone wrong.

I swung my legs off the bed, stretching, savoring the pull of my muscles and the slight twinge along my chest. It had been months since my top surgery, but the twin scars beneath my pecs were still pink. It was a badge of honor, a sign of how far I’d come, but it wasn't exactly my favorite conversation piece.

I was bending over for a clean shirt when I noticed Luca sitting across from me, staring with wide eyes.

I froze, my heart in my throat. Luca’s gaze was fixed on my chest, on the scars that marked me as different. After last night's easy friendship, I’d let my guard down. I swallowed, my mouth dry. I wanted to run, to disappear into the cracks of these ancient walls.

But before I could bolt, Luca leaned forward, grabbing the shirt from the floor. He held it out to me, his expression unreadable. “Here,” he said softly, his voice still rough with sleep.

I stared at the shirt, my mind racing. Was this a peace offering? A silent acknowledgment that he'd seen, but wasn’t going to pry? With a shaking hand, I took it, mumbling, “Thanks.”

“You're welcome,” Luca replied, his tone neutral. Silence stretched between us as I pulled the shirt over my head, its softness like a shield.

I knew I should say something. The words tangled on my tongue. “I... I'm sorry I didn’t tell you last night. About... about me. I wasn’t hiding it, I just…” I sighed. “If you want me to move—”

“Woah, woah, hold up,” Luca interrupted, raising a hand. “Why would I want you to move?”

I frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t want things to be weird between us.”

“Ren, you're still you. Nothing’s changed.” He grinned, reaching for a plant. “I have a healing tea blend for scar tissue if you'd like. Moonflowers and dawnberry leaves. Unless that’s weird?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “No, it’s really sweet. Thanks, Luca. But... I didn’t tell you. About me being trans. I thought…” Itrailed off, unsure how to articulate the fear that had lodged deep in my bones.

Luca's expression softened. “You don’t owe anyone an explanation. That’s your story to tell, in your own time.”

Before I could speak, Luca held up a hand. “Hold that thought.” He scrambled out of bed. “I need to pee. Like, now.”

And he was gone, darting for the bathroom.

I stared after him, a surprised laugh bubbling up from my chest. Trust Luca to diffuse an emotional moment with a well-timed bathroom break. His ability to roll with the punches was one of the things I was coming to appreciate about him.

Still smiling, I finished getting dressed, pulling on worn jeans and my favorite hoodie. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to wrangle it into some semblance of order.

Luca returned moments later, cheeks flushed and curls even wilder. “Crisis averted!” He flopped back on the bed. “Bladder emptied, teeth brushed. Ready to face the day!”

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