Page 110 of The Holy Academy of Witches

Cillian: Okaay?

Sage: Anyways, I was just wondering. Is this OK? Us? Texting? Us texting now? If not I can stop. I have other things I can do, should do really. Only I wanted to ask… about the texting, and the girls… and possibly another thing. If you’re not too tired.

But if you are that’s fine too!

The text was sent off in a moment of haste. Rereading it, I felt the need to climb out of my own skin. What. Was. Wrong with me?

Cillian: Sage, are you drunk?

I think at this point dying would be easier than recovering from my own stupidity.

Sage: No, but I think I should be.

Why did I keep hitting send?!

Cillian: Okay, well I’m fine to talk now. I just wont respond if I’m busy, otherwise you can text me anytime. I’m not sure what you wanted to know about girls but I’m sure Adeline would know more on the subject?

Sage: OK, yes. Well, actually… I just meant are you seeing any? For fairness sake, I mean. So I know how to handle it if another boy approaches me.

Cillian: Has another boy approached you?

Sage: And if they had?

Yeah that was good, back on familiar ground now.

Cillian: I’d ask for their name.

Sage: And if I refused?

Cillian: You wouldn’t.

Cocky bastard.

Sage: Why’s that?

Cillian: Because you have a favour you want to ask of me.

Shit. I hated that he was right.

Sage: Can we do this next part over video chat?

Cillian: Give me a few minutes.

Sage: Why?

Cillian: I assumed we weren’t at the place in our relationship to do video calls in the nude. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

He always knew just what to say to fluster me. I hated that too. Like he took some sick joy in making me trip over myself.

Sage: No, no. You’re correct. Call me when you’re… done.

I paced the room, trying and failing to control the burning in my cheeks. Visions began prickling at the back of my mind. Why was I so easily affected by him? Every emotion felt amplified, reverberating in my chest like a concert. Was it the bond? Heightening my awareness of him? My determination to get the scroll steadied my nerves, soundproofing the shaking in my chest to the point I could think again.

Deciding I was acting weird enough without alcohol, I changed out of my now crumpled uniform and into my nicest pyjamas, for no reason, and began rereading one of the textbooks to ensure I didn’t make a complete fool of myself tonight.

“Sage.” His voice was rough, from what I couldn’t tell. But his ice blue eyes seemed a fraction less detestable than before. I hated that.

“Did you do the wards at your… place?” I blurted, breaking the eye contact that was stirring unknown and unwelcome feelings.

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