Page 4 of The Darkness in the Magi

Lucius raises his wrists, and I reluctantly follow his lead.

“Earth, fire, water, air, nature, dark, and light—blessed be the blood of old that runs through our veins…”

The addition of ‘dark’ and ‘light’ makes the whole situation far too real. Typically, only five elements are stated in theceremony, as magi and wardens gravitate towards them and to list the hundreds of fringe elements would be exhausting.

To say the word ‘dark’ aloud is terrifying and exhilarating, because being stygian was never a punishment to me. It’s what I’ve always wanted.

And now, under the judgmental gaze of Lucius the lux warden, I get to spread my wings.

Too bad he’ll clip them.

Chapter 3

SOPHIE

As the bond between Lucius and I forge, our runes glow, dark mingling with light. I can feel the lux warden in a way I never knew possible, which is…confusing.

His emotions are cold. Icy.

But there’s something underneath that. A burning deep inside him, hidden from the world.

And judging by the look he’s giving me, he senses I feel it.

Which is just another reason for him to hate me.

Once we’ve been properly tethered, the maven mother turns to Lucius. “Your responsibilities as head warden will pass to Torin. Take the next couple of days to get acclimated to your bond. Then we’ll decide what to do with you.”

What to do with you?I guess I won’t get to taste freedom, after all.

Except now I’ll no longer be alone in my cage.

I’ll be withhim.

Which could very well be worse than being alone.

Because now that I can truly feel him, I can tell he loathes his bond.

Without giving me another glance, the maven mother exits with her warden in tow, leaving me alone with Lucius.

Odd sensations swirl through my insides. I know more than I ever have, and the power that runs through my runes makes me eager to study.

Though I doubt the lux warden would like that. Can’t have me getting too good at my craft, can we?

His runes shine brightly, making his blond hair look luminescent.

Lucius has long been known for his physical perfection. As a girl, I’d watch him fighting in the yard with the other wardens, teaching them how to infuse their weapons with power.

Now, all I’ll ever do is watch him because I doubt he’ll let me near a tome.

Perhaps if I were to act agreeable, we could develop into something more than bitter enemies. Of course, we could never grow as close as some, as many magi and warden share a bed, but we might see ourselves lost in conversation on occasion. And maybe there will be room for me to learn my craft if I can gain his trust.

I give a small curtsy. “It pleases me to get to know you?—”

“No, it doesn’t,” he barks back.

Frowning, I continue with, “I think you will find?—”

“Speak not, stygian.” His lip sneers in contempt. “I care not for your lies.”

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