Page 18 of The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior

Lesser demons were bad enough, but they were corporeal and had to actually eat people to get to that energy. Nightmares were often non-corporeal and consumed the energy of sleeping people. It was said they caused nightmares and then consumed the resultant energy, although Perian’s father had always said that was nonsense. Perian didn’t know what to believe—although his father had rarely steered him wrong, and it was true that there were fewer reports of nightmares killing people. But a nest of wraiths, incorporeal and swooping around like shadows come to life? They could take out an entire village if they weren’t stopped promptly. They seemed to be insatiable, consuming all life energy available and then seeking their next victim.

Perian had always been grateful that the Mage Warriors protected them from such threats. They were uniquely suited to the task, but that didn’t mean it was without danger. It felt a lot more personal now, when he could put names to the faces of the people who might be doing that active defending.

He wasn’t sure how long it had been when the door opened and Brannal entered. Perian jumped to his feet.

Chapter Four

Brannalcheckedatthedoor, apparently not expecting Perian to leap out of his seat. “Is everything all right?”

That was Perian’s question. He scanned Brannal carefully, but he looked fine. Of course, it wasn’t likely the man had been about to tackle the nest in person.

“Fine,” Perian said. “Is everything under control with the nest of wraiths?”

Nodding, Brannal assured him, “Yes, it was actually a report that arrived last week. It was investigated, and fortunately, there were only a handful of wraiths, which were promptly dispatched. The report was sorted wrong, that’s all.”

Perian breathed out a long sigh of relief. “I’m glad.”

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Brannal pressed.

“Just looking forward to the tour,” Perian said, not wanting to get into his overblown dread. “I mean, if that’s still on?”

Brannal smiled at him. “Of course. I’ve done a terrible job showing you around so far, haven’t I?”

Perian laughed, relaxing more. “Well, I confess that I probably couldn’t get around the castle on my own.”

“Come on,” Brannal said. “We definitely have to fix that.”

They headed out once more, and this time as they walked, Brannal explained that they were currently in one of four wings that was set around a huge inner quadrangle that was filled with gardens, training yards, and more. This wing was for the Mage Warriors. This was where they lived, trained, worked, and learned. They also trained with the Warriors, as it was essential they learn to work together.

There were nine novices right now, and the Mage Warriors all spent some time training them, although three Mage Warriors—Rollanor, Simiala, and Tinnadal—were the ones who taught them most often. They had an aptitude for teaching, and they controlled earth, water, and air, respectively. There were no novices who could control fire right now.

“Is it just you and Cormal?” Perian asked.

Brannal nodded. “It is the rarest form of magic.” His eyes narrowed as he studied Perian. “Does it concern you?”

“Honestly, it’s a bit of a relief. I was wondering how many people can lob fireballs at me.”

Brannal laughed and held out his hand, and a moment later, a fireball was floating in it, just like that. Brannal gave no indication that it was even warm, much less burning hot. It just hovered there, vibrant and glowing.

Brannal’s lip curled. “Does this alarm you?”

Perian shook his head and admitted, “To be honest, when you’re doing it, alarm is not what I’m feeling.”

Brannal grinned as he tossed the ball of fire from one hand to the other.

“If you’re not alarmed, what are you?”

Perian shot him a quelling look. “Really? You think it’s impressive when you show off?”

Brannal added a second fireball and then tossed them back and forth almost like he was juggling.

Mildly, he asked, “Is it not?”

“You’d look more impressive doused in water,” Perian grumbled.

Brannal laughed, and the fire disappeared as though it had never been. Perian shivered, arousal licking up his spine.

“It’s very impressive,” he admitted quietly.

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