You Really Do Have Beautiful Eyes

We have arrived at the hallowed grounds of the Magic Academy. Unlike the sleek, contemporary structures of the modern world, this majestic institution is a towering testament to an era long past. Its architecture, steeped in antiquity, stands as an imposing reminder of centuries of knowledge and tradition. The building is vast, its spires and arches reaching skyward, evoking a sense of grandeur and timelessness that seems to stretch beyond the confines of the present.

Once we exit the cart Albert shows Julian and I were the dormitories are. Julian instantly knows which room is his and has his servants carry all his belongings to his room.

"Which one's my room?" I ask Albert.

"Um." Albert says, thinking how to reply.

"We're sharing." Julian replies.

"Isn't it... indecent for us to share?" I ask, my face flushing as I glance away, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Julian shifts awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, we each have our own beds, and there are curtains around them if we want some privacy... but as for the bathroom... yeah, we're gonna have to share." He looks down, clearly trying to avoid eye contact.

Another servant comes and brings my belongings to the room.

"The tour day is tomorrow, so you can unpack if you want to." Julian says.

"Why are we early?"

"The housemasters wanted to have you come in early to prevent a big commotion with you arriving with Julian." Albert says. "Now, I'm going to unpack in my room. It's at then end of the hall. If you need anything just give me a shout." Albert kisses my forehead.

"Do you wanna go take a bath first or shall I?" Julian looks at me.

"You can go first. I'll wait."

"Okay." Julian takes a towel and leaves.

I take in the room, struck by the marble that surrounds me. The walls, tall and smooth, are made of white stone with faint veins of grey and gold, their shine reflecting the soft light that filters in from above. The floor is flawless, like a mirror, and the silence in the space feels almost sacred, as if the room itself demands quiet.

Two marble desks sit at opposite ends, perfectly symmetrical. Julian's desk is sleek and minimalist, its sharp edges reflecting a sense of order. The surface is completely bare, untouched, offering no distraction. My desk mirrors his in design, equally empty, a polished slab of stone that gives the room a sense of calm austerity. The cool marble beneath my fingers contrasts with the heavy atmosphere, making the room feel both distant and intimate.

This room is designed for purpose, not comfort, a place that demands focus but leaves room for thoughts to echo.

I had been so excited to arrive that I hadn't slept, and now the room's stillness makes me dizzy. I lie down on the bed by the window, the rose-gold sheets a sharp contrast to the navy blue on Julian's side. Whoever chose the decor may have gone a little overboard, but at least the bed is comfortable—more so than at the mansion, I dare say.

I wake up to find myself under the covers and the curtains around my bed. Did Julian put the covers on me and close the curtains around my bed? That doesn't seem like him. What time is it anyway?

I slide out of bed, my feet touching the cool floor, and glance around. The room is draped in darkness—how long have I been asleep? The silence feels heavy, and I assume Julian is tucked away behind the curtains, lost in his own dreams. I move quietly across the room, my footsteps soft against the floorboards, and begin filling the bathtub. The sound of the water gushing fills the otherwise still air, but as I pause to check the temperature, I wince. It's still ice-cold.

With a sigh, I set to work, pouring soap into the water as I try to warm it by hand. I don't have the luxury of fire magic like Julian. I can't conjure heat in an instant. No, it's all me, labouring over the cold water, my muscles aching and my hands raw from the constant effort. Two hours slip by—hours I didn't notice passing as the water gradually warms. By the time I finish, my body is drenched in sweat, my exhaustion a sharp contrast to the calm stillness of the room.

"What are you doing?" Julian's voice snaps through the quiet, startling me. I jump, my heart racing.

"What does it look like?" I huff, my breath coming in quick gasps as I try to focus on the task at hand.

With a sudden tug, Julian grabs my arm and pulls me upright, forcing me to stand. His grip is firm, almost impatient. "You see that large bulb on top of the bath?" he asks, his tone both informative and slightly exasperated.

I glance up at the intricate fixture above the tub, a bulb-shaped object that hums faintly, almost as if it has a life of its own. "Yes," I answer, trying to hide the confusion in my voice.

"That's how you heat the bath," Julian explains. "All you need to do is channel some of your magic into it, and it'll warm the water. Give it a try."

I nod, but doubt lingers at the edges of my thoughts. Stepping closer to the bulb, I place my hands on the cool surface, feeling smooth texture. I concentrate, summoning the magic inside me, but no matter how hard I focus, nothing happens. The familiar pulse of power remains out of reach.

Frustration gnaws at my patience, and after a few minutes of futile attempts, I sigh, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up my neck. Julian watches me for a moment, then steps forward, muttering under his breath.

"Let me show you how it's done," he says, his voice tinged with annoyance. He places his hand on the bulb, and in an instant, a soft glow radiates from it. The water in the tub begins to steam gently.

"See? Easy." Julian steps back, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Now go take your bath."

"Thank you," I mumble, my shoulders slumping slightly in defeat.

Julian's eyes narrow as he watches me, his tone softening. "You need to learn how to use your magic. Everything here at the academy is powered by it. We don't have all the fancy gadgets and gizmos that you probably had at your mansion."

I flinch at his words. "I know," I reply quietly, the weight of my failure heavy in my chest. "That's why I'm here. To learn how to use it."

Julian pauses for a moment before turning to leave the room, his footsteps echoing on the stone floor. "Are you going back to sleep?" I ask over my shoulder.

He shakes his head, "Once I'm awake, I can't go back to sleep," he mutters. Then, with a half-smile, he adds, "Besides, someone has to dry your hair when you're done."

By the time Julian finishes drying my hair with his magic it's sunrise.

"I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat?" I ask.

Julian sighs. "I feel more like your servant than your protector."

I scoff. "Protector? I think I prefer bodyguard."

"Stop calling me that. There's food in the cafeteria. Let's go."

The cafeteria is so polished and shiny, befitting for nobles. The tables and counters are made of marble, the chairs are crafted from expensive leather, and hanging on the ceiling is a crystal chandelier.

I order scrambled eggs, a big stack of chocolate chip pancakes, and a cup of coffee. As the waitress sets my plate down, Julian looks at it in shock.

"What?" I snap, my annoyance rising.

He gives me a questioning look. "I was just wondering how you're still so thin after eating all that."

"I can eat whatever I want," I reply, trying to keep my cool. "And anyway, I'll burn it off with all the crazy training they make us do here."

Julian raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Right."

What's his problem?

Just then, Albert walks over. "I thought I'd find you two here," he says, eyeing my food. "Sera, is that really what you're eating?"

"Apparently," Julian answers before I can.

I shoot him a look. "Lay off."

Albert puts his hands up. "Alright, alright. Anyway, the tour's in ten minutes. You ready?"

I nod. "Yes."