Brew 13

Blaise stared, dumfounded, at the fox perched on the council desk, nose twitching. The fox leant forward, sniffing once more with an exaggerated flair. “Yes. Forest…and interestingly enough, a hint of tea leaves.”

“E-Excuse me,” Blaise stammered, feeling as if he should be offended by a talking fox.

“Rook,” the voice that called for the creature came from behind him. The voice was strong, clear and the kind of voice that silenced conversations.

Blaise looked up – finding himself caught off guard by the beautiful woman approaching him. She was striking; tanned skin, amber-brown eyes and long hair cascading over one shoulder like a curtain of flame. Her hand reached up, stroking the fox’s head, seemingly knowing just the spot that made the fox feel good.

“Be nice to the council’s latest addition,” she said warmly before turning to Blaise. With her free hand, she extended a greeting. “I am Seraphina Alderbranch.”

Blaise immediately reacted on instinct upon hearing the name ‘Alderbranch.’ He stood swiftly, taking her hand bowed, letting his forehead rest lightly against the back of her hand. “It’s truly an honour,” he said. “I am Blaise Mickleright.”

Alderbranch.

Even in a place like this – amount powerful witches, wizards and beastmen- her name carried weight. The Alderbranch family were legends, descended from the very family that formed the magical council itself. The city of Amberwood’s most revered family. The family from the city of sunsets.

Seraphina giggled and gestured for him to rise. “Pleasure to meet you,” she smiled softly gesturing back to the fox. “This is Rook, my familiar.”

Rook let out a dry laugh and sat up straighter. “I prefer the term magical partner.”

Seraphina rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry, my magical partner,” she repeated with mock solemnity.

Her gaze returned to Blaise., her expression softening. “Welcome to the council. I’ve heard much of your research – your work on the enchanted forests around Aethera. It’s rare to find someone who sees that kind of magic with curiosity and not fear. I must say, I’m intrigued.”

Blaise swallowed the fluttering building in his chest. “Thank you,” he said, trying to not sound too eager. “I plan to work hard. I want to make a difference here.”

Seraphina nodded and turned around. “I look forward to it my dear Blaise,” she laughed as Rook hopped from the desk and began to circle her steps as she walked away.

Blaise’s chest tightened his eyes fixated on her back, watching her stand tall. There was something about her – grace, poise, intelligence. And yet, it wasn’t just admiration. It was possibility.

Caelum, seated beside him still, chuckled quietly and nudged him. “Careful friend,” he warned. “Miss Alderbranch is a high-ranking council member and very much spoken for in half the capital’s gossip circles.”

Blaise barely registered the words, his gaze continued to linger on Seraphina as she mingled with the other council members – her laugh carrying through the air like wind carrying the autumn leaves.

When the meeting ended, Blaise returned to his new quarters; a narrow apartment tucked aware within the council complex. It was small – just a bedroom, a study nook and a cramped kitchenette. A far cry from his cozy house in Thistlewick.

He dropped his robe onto a chair, kicked off shoes and collapsed face-first onto his bed. “Why does everyone dress like they’re attending a royal banquet?” he groaned rolling onto his back.

The ceiling above was a dull stone, unlike the wooden beams of home. The room smelt faintly of parchment and city dust. Blaise tried to unpack earlier in the week however his books and scrolls still sat in crates, as if Blaise was unsure where they belonged in this unfamiliar space.

His eyes flicked back to the council robe, barely hanging onto the chair; one stripe embroided in silver along the hem – marking him as a new inductee. He’d noticed in the chamber; two strips, three stripes and some robes were adorned with fold edging or the council insignia. Titles that had been earned and influences gained.

He needed to gain these things – fast.

Only by gaining the influence and titles may he then start to shape Aethera into what he dreamed of. A country where witches and beastmen, fae and humans, could live side by side without fear. Where no child had to hide their magic and where the forest wasn’t a place to run from but a place to protect.

His fingers rubbed his temples. He couldn’t afford to be small. Not here.

But ambition came tangled with doubt. What if getting close to someone like Seraphina backfired? Would it look like manipulation? Would people think he was using her?

He exhaled deeply, pushing the thought aside.

As Blaise was lost in thought, outside his window, a shadow stirred.

Rook, perched on the narrow ledge, peered in through the glass. His tail flicked lazily, casting a sweeping shadow across Blaise as he lay on the bed.

The fox smirked.

“An interesting wizard,” Rook muttered, his eyes sharped. “Already catching the attention of my mistress. I’ll have to keep an eye on you, young Blaise.”

He disappeared with a flick of his tail, leaving nothing but a rustle of wind and a hint of fox-scented mischief behind.