[Rien's POV]
I quickly read and memorized the letter, then crumpled it in my fist.
Sigh, honestly…
All that ink and ceremony just to say wait. Five dense paragraphs of noble speak nonsense, and for what? "Remain at your residence until further notice." I almost got a migraine trying to read it.
"Tch."
I sighed as I flicked open the glass case on my gas lamp, the hinges chiming softly as it popped open. I tossed the letter inside, watching it quickly curl, char, and dissipate into ashes, glowing faintly from the flames gently licking the paper.
I made sure that the letter was completely gone before I slumped back onto my bed. Even though mages had become everyday and integrated within society, the academy's existence wasn't exactly something you just talked about.
…You didn't leave proof lying around, either.
I took a deep breath and slowly eased my hand off of the revolver, making it safe before sliding it back into my drawer.
Fuck, man…
That knocking on the door really scared me. My heart was still going a million miles per hour. I fell back onto my pillow and tried to close my eyes.
Pitter patter, pitter patter.
Tick, tock, tick, tock.
The clock on the wall and the rain drumming down above accompanied the beating of my heart. I sighed again, tangling the sheets around me. Eventually, I gave up and my eyes popped open.
…Guess I'm not sleeping tonight.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The next morning, I stumbled awake to find myself completely tangled in the blankets.
"Ugh…"
I managed to wrangle myself out of the sheets and kind of just lay there for a while. My head was pounding, and I felt like I was going to throw up. What time was it?
The clock above my nameplate read 9:00 am.
…Wait, 9???
Oh, shit—I was going to be late for work. And seeing as I wasn't in a high position or an alpha, I couldn't afford to be late. People like me didn't get that grace. Besides, they'd definitely note it, and I'd probably get punished for it.
My bedsheets fell to the ground, and I let my nightgown slip from my slim shoulders. "Shit, shit, shit—"
Last night's letter was quickly forgotten as I quickly threw on a white button-up and grey tie before worming my way into a pair of dull trousers. I pulled on a vest over top and grabbed a jacket. My keys I stuffed into my watch pouch.
I tucked my mother's revolver into my jacket's inner pocket before bolting downstairs. I grabbed a courier's cap on the way before running out onto the street, slamming my door closed and locking it behind me. The morning air was tinted slightly smoke and damp stone, along with the sea breeze.
"Ah. Good morning, Rien. Heading out?" My neighbor waved from her balcony.
"Yes," I replied, pulling my cap on. "Sorry—I've got to run!"
"Have a good day at work!"
"Thank you!" I sprinted down the crowded, bustling streets of the city—a large, bustling port called Vaulnere.
Vendors of various sorts crowded the streets between large bridges that intersected the city, haggling, laughing, and bantering with each other while pedestrians streamed alongside them. I kept my head down and moved with the crowd. Every so often, a horse cart would run by, dispersing the crowd as it rattled past.
Bright beams of sunshine peeked between the peaks and spires of buildings while seagulls and kestrels screeched overhead, their pale white wings flashing through the deep, blue sky. I didn't see any griffons or sky serpents or any other magical creatures out today, but they'd be flying around too.
I doubled my pace and soon arrived in front of Majorie's journalist guild office, where I worked. I hurried inside. The receptionist, a kind omega, greeted me as I rushed by. Her desk was cuddled neatly near the wall, as always.
"Hey, Rien, they're waiting for you up on the third floor."
"Got it—thanks, Yuki."
The office seemed to be more busy than usual—I caught snippets of conversation as I rushed by. Something about a mage that happened overnight?
Eh.
It probably wasn't too important. I bolted straight to one of the elevators. The elevator gates swung open with the push of a brass button and I slid inside.
*Tchu-gu-gu-gu!*
Breathing heavily, I mashed the brass button on the console for the third floor. The elevator whirred to life and began rattling up. I leaned hard on the railing, catching my breath.
*Ku-chunk, ku-chunk, ku-chunk…*
Eventually, it stopped on the second floor, where a girl wearing a black cloak stepped into the lift. Her long, navy hair fell elegantly like ribbons of a curtain around her underneath the cloak's hood, which obscured her face.
It wasn't strange for mages to wear their cloaks or robes in public, though it was a diminishing trend in the magical community. Notably, though, there wasn't a clasp representing a clan, atelier, or house on her cloak. I guess she was an independent mage? But still, most independent mages still wore something as a clasp…
But hey, I wasn't a mage—yet, so I won't judge.
I nodded politely and shifted to the side for her. "Morning."
She just nodded once and leaned back on the railing, perfectly still. Even though the lift was rattling, she didn't budge at all.
Guess some mages really were built different, haha…
It was weird. While she was beside me, the air felt heavier, almost. I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath until the gates opened. Either way, I didn't slow—I was late enough already. I bolted for the editor's office and threw the door open.
"Sorry I'm late, I had a rough night yesterday," I said apologetically.
A couple of men and women similarly dressed to me were sitting around a small table. One of them smirked and sighed jokingly. "We'll get you up to speed…"