Chapter 6 - Let's Talk about Elementary Magic

The moment I step into the classroom, silence falls upon the room. Dozens of eyes snap towards me like I’m a monster that’s wandered into a place it doesn’t belong.

I give a smirk and stand taller as I become the centre of attention. I lift my chin as my gaze darts around the room. The room resembles a typical lecture hall. There are five rows of long benches rising upwards, a central aisle carpeted in deep red, leading to the top-most row. At the front stands a single lectern and a blackboard that dominates the wall.

I move into the room and look for a place to sit. The first four rows are nearly full of students who are all glaring at me, but I ignore that and set my gaze on the top row. Fine, I can have the fun of looking down on everyone, that suits me just fine.

As I climb the stairs, whispers float around me. ‘Monster’, ‘Cursed’, ‘Dangerous’. I force a smirk onto my face. If they want to believe I’m the most vile creature imaginable, then I’ll just have to act like it.

I settle into a seat in the top row, spine straight and keeping my expression ice cool, just like a proper villainess would show.

The room falls into silence once more as the doors open and a head of blond hair walks in. I try to hold back a groan as the prince, hand in hand with Lavinia, enters the room. Although it looks like Lavinia is hanging off the prince, tongue hanging out, more than the prince is willingly holding her hand.

Behind Adrian looks to be his little entourage. A boy with green spiked hair and a twisted wooden staff clutched in his hand, he wears simple dark green robes, and his dark brown eyes constantly dart around the room as if looking for any would-be attackers. His gaze lands on me, and his lips turn down in a scowl as if he's already decided I’m the enemy. I search my memory and remember, his name’s Theodore Gastiel, the son of the Royal Court Mage, and childhood friend of the Crown Prince. The second boy, well, I think he’s a boy, to enter is a boy so pretty he could be mistaken for a girl. His long dark blue hair tied loosely behind his back, a calm smile spread over his pale face, which doesn’t meet his blue eyes. He’s wearing a black jacket that has a golden cross embroidered in the upper right side of his chest. Oh yes, that must be Nicholas Crelet. Even though he was an orphan raised in the slum, he was able to be adopted by a Marquis and trained in the church because of his magical affinity.

I tear my gaze away from them and fake a yawn as if their mere presence is a bore. But that doesn’t stop a shadow from hovering over my desk, engulfing all light.

“What do you want?” I mutter, not even bothering to glance up.

“Is that any way you speak to His Highness?” Theodore snaps.

“It’s fine,” Adrian says smoothly, placing a hand on Theodore’s arm. “You’ll have to forgive her. She had no one to teach her proper manners.”

“You’re so magnanimous,” Nicholas drawls, lips curling into a smug smile.

I sigh and finally drag my gaze to meet Adrian’s. “What can I do for you, Your Highness?” I lace the words with as much sarcasm as I can squeeze in.

Adrian’s lips twist into a smirk. “Only to issue a warning. You had better be careful, as your little tricks won’t save you next time. Underhanded tactics will not win here. I will make sure of it.”

I bat my lashes. “What, sweet, innocent me? I’d never dream of using underhanded tactics, Your Highness.”

Theodore slams his fist against my desk. The sound reverberates through my arms, and I jump back despite myself. His face twists in fury. “How dare you speak to him like that!”

My teeth grit, but I keep the smile plastered on my face. “Then please, do tell me exactly where I was disrespectful.”

“You… you…” Theodore’s mouth opens and closes like a fish stranded on a dock as he stutters.

Adrian lays a hand on his shoulder, tugging him back. “Enough. I’ve said what I needed. Let’s take our seats.”

Before Theodore can sputter another word, the professor arrives. An older woman sweeps in, grey braid pulled tight, silver rings with multi-coloured gems glisten on each finger. She wears the same deep blue robes as the other professors, but this one is baggy enough to swallow her small frame. Her dark blue eyes scan the room, her face breaking into a smile when she spots the prince, but moments later, a scowl etches itself on her face when her gaze lands on me. Great, I can already tell this professor absolutely loves the idea that I’m in her class.

She wipes the expression from her face as her gaze moves over the rest of the students, coming to a stop in the centre of the room. “Welcome to Elementary Magic,” she announces. “I am Professor Cordelia Montares. Some of you may also know me as the Silver Witch.”

The room erupts into whispers, and I prick my ears to listen to the hushed conversations. Apparently, this professor was important, an ex-court mage, master of the five elements, and creator of spells powerful enough to single-handedly end wars. Cordelia smiles faintly, basking in the fear and awe her reputation strikes, then raises one hand. The chatter dies instantly.

“Now. Let us talk about elementary magic.”

Her hand flicks towards the board as writing appears across the blackboard in glowing letters. I try to pretend I’m interested, but this is the same boring crap you’d receive in every fantasy RPG game. It appears that the world’s magic is divided into six elements: wind, water, earth, fire, light, and darkness. Each of those elements has its own secondary element, such as ice, lightning, wood, holy, sound and soul. Then there are elements that can be awakened only when one masters both the primary and secondary elements. Now, that’s the one thing that’s got me interested. My gamer mind already wants to know what element I can unlock by mastering the beginner elements, but first, I need a goddamn element so I can use magic. How am I supposed to get that?

I’m pondering how I can get magic to use for myself when Adrian’s voice cuts across the silence.

“Professor Cordelia, wouldn’t it be better to learn by example rather than theory?”

Cordelia’s eyes narrow as she scans the room until they land on him. Her frown melts into a smile. “An excellent suggestion, Prince Adrian. Are you volunteering?”

“Not at all. I wouldn’t want to show off. But…” Adrian’s lips twist into a sadistic smile, and he leans his head on his arms as he looks at me, and an unpleasant shiver rolls down my spine. “I believe Lady Leanan Viermont would be more than willing to demonstrate.”

Every head swivels towards me.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. There’s no way I can get out of this, can I? I sit up straight and stare directly at him as if telling him I’ll gladly take on his challenge. “Of course I would.” My voice drips with venom.

Professor Cordelia gestures. “Down front, if you will.”

I push myself up and descend the stairs, head held high.

“Now, are there any volunteers to partner against Leanan Viermont?” Professor Cordelia asks.

The room recoils as if she’s asked who wants to fight against a monster. Then footsteps thunder down the stairs. Theodore bounds down the stairs, two at a time, until he stands right in front of me, staff still clutched tight in his hand.

“I’ll do it, Professor.”

Professor Cordelia smiles. “Theodore Gaistel, right?”

Theodore nods. “It’s a great honour to be recognised by the Silver Witch.”

“How is your father adjusting to the court mage’s seat?” she asks.

“Still uptight,” Theodore says through a sigh. “But he doesn’t want to disappoint his predecessor.”

“Good,” Professor Cordelia purrs, then sweeps her hand. “Okay, begin.”