Chapter 14: Regrets and Moonlight

Eamon Orso, the beloved headmaster of the esteemed Eldara Academy of the Arcane, was dead.

Cassian regretted that he had never paid much attention to the man, nor had he had more than a single interaction with him on that day when he punched Darian. Headmaster Orso had been a patient and understanding man. Big as a bear and hearty, despite being long in the tooth. Cassian had gotten off lightly thanks to Lyra's insistence and Headmaster Orso's leniency.

Cassian had learned more about the man after his death than he ever had while he lived. Headmaster Orso was known for his wisdom, strength, and nurturing leadership. He often mingled with students around campus, dropping knowledge and offering advice. Whether it was helping a student with a spell in the courtyard, recommending books in the library, or simply sharing a meal in the dining hall, Orso was a constant, comforting presence that he had somehow completely avoided.

Headmaster Orso’s cause of death was somewhat ambiguous as far as the students knew. The professors were suspiciously tight-lipped about the whole thing. Rumors were going around that the headmaster was secretly taking dangerous illegal potions to extend his life and that a mistake in his last brew caused him to overdose. Other rumors were that he was assassinated by agents of a renegade moon cult. This was the most prevalent rumor, which caused tension between the Sunnites and Lunars..

That was another thing that Cassian was learning. Now that he'd been explicitly told, it was blatantly obvious, but there was a distinct divide between those students who were devotees of the sun, and those of the moon. The Sunnites and the Lunars were often in cliques with their same kind. There were those that didn't adhere to the divide, but those were the oddities.

Cassian felt bad about the headmaster's passing, but he couldn't help worrying about his own situation. The academy had halted all excursions into the biomes until further notice. Not even adventurers were getting through with their licenses, which Cassian imagined was hurting Aetheria’s—the city under the Black Cliffs—economy, that depended on materials sourced through them.

Everyone had been reassured that the excursions would resume soon, but remained to be seen.

That meant that Cassian's chance to find Aria and speak to her was even further from reach. He couldn't help but think about the warning the woman trapped in the iron tree had given him.

"Our fates are intertwined, young man from a faraway realm. Without your assistance, both our futures remain uncertain. In short, if we do not work together, we will surely die."

How long did Cassian have before the predicted death would come? Presumably, he had enough time to learn magic as that was what she had asked him to do. He was finally making some progress with healing magic, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t be enough. Besides, the headmaster's untimely demise had halted his healing lessons with Althea. Many other professors had also canceled classes. There was talk that they were all locked in fierce debate over who would take the place as headmaster. Or maybe they had been planning the Headmaster's memorial ceremony.

At last, the date for the ceremony finally arrived little more than a week after his death. It was to be held in the amphitheater. A special guest of great import had come to campus to host the ceremony. It was some important bigwig from Eldara's Great Council, and apparently an accomplished mage.

Cassian dressed in the expensive clothes Gareth had insisted on buying for him for the memorial ceremony. He planned to return the clothing after the ceremony, still feeling uncomfortable in the lavish attire. Gareth, in his usual confident manner, reassured him that it was just a loan, but didn’t mean a word.

Cassian met up with Isolde and Gareth outside the amphitheater. Isolde wore a flowing gown with subtle silver embroidery that reflected the moonlight, while Gareth looked dapper in a black tailored suit.

"Thanks for this, Gareth," Cassian said, tugging at his collar.

Gareth smirked. "No problem, Cass. Just don't spill anything on it. My tailor will come haunt you. "

“You’re tailor’s dead?”

“No, but the shock would surely kill him. He’s very attached to his work, even if most of the time he never sees it after it leaves his shop.”

Cassian chuckled. There was a sudden wistfulness in Gareth’s eyes. Cassian thought he must have known the headmaster for longer, being a third year. Maybe his death was affecting him more than he was trying to let on.

Their group was joined by a pair of Gareth's friends; Leonard, the lanky human they’d played Magiball with, and Vexia, the fox-like demihuman who’d been there also. While Leonard’s outfit was dark and otherwise unremarkable, Vexia' dress was distinctly different, with cut and color reminiscent of something Japanese. Maybe even from an anime. The similarities between this world and Earth were uncanny, and always liable to sneak up on him.

Cassian introduced Isolde to the newcomers while Gareth led the way to the amphitheater’s entrance.

Isolde gave a shy wave, then whispered. “From Gareth’s secret party, right?”

Leonard gave her an ear to ear grin, then two thumbs up. Vexia pulled his ear.

Isolde still didn’t seem too comfortable with anyone aside from Gareth and himself, but he thought she was getting better.

The group found seats high in the amphitheater, which was decorated with flowers and banners in memory of Headmaster Orso. The academy had spared no expense for the ceremony. A sense of melancholy hung in the air that was almost physical. Once again, Cassian was reminded of how much the headmaster was loved.

When the ceremony began, Professor Thorne took the stage. He was much more subdued than usual, his voice soft and respectful as he thanked everyone for coming. After a few words about his regret at Headmaster Orso’s passing, he introduced the guest of honor, Solaris Lucian.

Lucian was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with gleaming gold hair that shone like the sun. Despite the somber occasion, his attire was lined with gold and emblazoned with suns on his lapel. There was no mistaking he was a Sunnite.

Lucian's speech was elegant and commanding. "In these dark times, we must remember the importance of order. Malcontent can turn into insurgency, lawfulness into anarchy. We must quell the darkness with the light of the sun. We must persevere. The academy must persevere. Therefore, I declare we must resume excursions into the biomes immediately, and classes will return to normal effective tomorrow. The best way to honor a great man is to continue his legacy; to go on despite the threat of the night."

Cassian couldn't help but notice the not so subtle language that was disparaging to Lunars.

Lucian concluded his speech with an announcement they all saw coming after his speech.. "It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I will be assuming the role of headmaster, effective immediately."

The ceremony continued with a few faculty members sharing stories about Headmaster Orso, followed by a moment of silence.

After the ceremony, Cassian's mind raced. The transition seemed abrupt. He thought it would take longer before they selected a new headmaster. At least, now that excursions would resume as normal, didn't that mean that his mission was only a few days away? He suddenly felt grossly unprepared.

Gareth patted Cassian on the back. “Let tomorrow take care of itself, lest today get jealous and steal its opportunities from you.”

That was a little different than the saying he was familiar with, but it got the point across.

Then, like he just had a brilliant thought, Gareth wrapped his arms around Isolde and Cassian’s shoulders, then whispered conspiratorially. “You know, the Lunars are throwing a party tonight. He looked between them, then shot Cassian a wink. "I hear there’s going to be a lunar eclipse. It’s going to be like nothing you've ever seen."

Getting the taste of grief out of his mouth didn’t sound like a terrible idea, but he didn’t want to lead Isolde on, so he opened his mouth to turn the offer down. Then Cassian’s eyes drifted to the smooth skin onIsolde’s neck and he felt like sinking his teeth into them. Not like a vampire or anything. He just wanted to know what she tasted like.

Cassian casually asked Isolde if she wanted to go.

Her reaction was nothing like what he expected. She got as red as a furnace when the coals are hottest, squeaked, then nodded. “Uh, huh. I’d like that.”

Cassian didn't quite understand that reaction and thought maybe asking her to this party hadn’t been such a good idea. Hadn’t he meant to bow out from the whole thing in the first place? Why had he changed his mind?

Gareth's smarmy grin never faltered. “The event is by the Haven at the Moonlit Glade. I’d join you but I have other plans tonight. You two have fun, okay?”

Cassian was getting a bad feeling. He sighed, deciding that he’d run damage control once he got to the party. How bad could it be?

Cassian met Isolde an hour after full dark, as they had agreed, near the statue of the Gourmand at the Haven. It was the pudgy statue always pretending to eat invisible sandwiches or plates of food he picked at with delicately held invisible cutlery. It was Isolde's favorite.

Cassian adjusted his midnight blue turtleneck outfit, chosen on Gareth's recommendation. It was good for keeping the cool night air at bay. When he looked up, he saw Isolde approaching. She, on the other hand, wore a gossamer thin low-cut dress that hugged her body, with a green pendant around her neck highlighting the green and gold of her snake-like eyes. Without her glasses, her eyes looked more beautiful and captivating than ever. He felt a warmth spread within him.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"You're not wearing your glasses.” Cassian observed.

Isolde smiled, her tone husky, cheeks flushed. "I only need them during the day. They're enchanted to help my eyes adjust to bright light. In the darkness, I can see much better. I can see you much better now."

Just like real snakes, Cassian thought. He started to feel hot under her gaze, despite the chill in the air. When she looked at him, he felt the hunger in her gaze, and he felt that hunger grow within him.

Her hair was loose, spilling down her open back, rather than in the braid he usually saw her in. Without thinking, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You look really pretty tonight," he said, his insides churning with indecision. Was he leading her on? Was any of this right? "We should go. I want to get a good spot to watch the eclipse." He’d never seen one on this fantasy world, and given how big the moon was compared to Earth’s, he imagined it would be spectacular.

When they crossed the line of trees around the Moonlit Glade, it seemed like all the Lunars at the academy had come. People were spread out on blankets, sharing drinks and talking quietly. There was an electric air of anticipation. Cassian realized something.

"I didn't know I needed to bring a blanket," he said.

Isolde smiled and pulled a small pouch from a hidden pocket in her dress. Despite looking right at it, Cassian couldn’t understand how such a thing could exist on such a thin fabric. From the tiny pouch, she drew out a full-sized quilt, then stowed the pouch back in her dress.

Cassian stared wide-eyed. "Spatial distorting magic is so convenient. I bet this would sell like hotcakes back on Earth."

Isolde tilted her head, curious. "What's Earth?"

Cassian realized his mistake, his mind racing for a suitable answer. "Oh, it's just a small town near where I grew up. You probably never heard of it."

"You never talk about where you're from," Isolde said. She clearly hoped for more.

Cassian’s lips tightened. "There isn't much to tell. I'd...rather talk about something else." And in truth, he would. Suddenly, he felt immensely nostalgic and longing for home. But that was dumb. In that world, he'd had a life he couldn't remember now. For better or worse, wasn’t Sonaris his home world now?

Isolde noticed the sadness in his eyes and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry if I stirred up any unpleasant thoughts."

Cassian shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "It's alright. Really."

Isolde held up the quilt. "Can you help me fold this so we can take it up the knoll?" Cassian admired the intricate design as they folded the quilt together. Some sections featured snakes in different patterns and poses, others the sun and the moon of Eldara. In the center, a silhouette of a woman with a snake coiled sensuously around her body.

"It’s beautiful," Cassian said.

Isolde smiled nostalgically. "My mother gave it to me. She wanted to do something that connected both sides of my heritage. I would have brought something else, but this is the only quilt I have, and a thin blanket just wouldn't do. Besides, I didn't think you would mind something relating to Seraphis, even if others don’t feel the same."

Cassian gave her a reassuring smile. Their hands brushed against each other as they brought the corners of the quilt together, and he felt the heat that had been building in him flash hot. What would pushing his hand up her dress feel like?

"We should find our spot before the lunar eclipse starts," Isolde said, her voice demure.

Cassian carried the blanket up a knoll to a patch of grass not yet occupied. They spread the quilt and sat down. Not long after, the moon began to change. Streams of pink light began to spill from the edge of the moon onto the glade.

A strange texture filled the air. It was as if the very moonlight produced a sweetness he tasted on the tip of his tongue. Around them and without prompting, people started kissing—sometimes gently, other times passionately. But given that they all started doing it at the same time, Cassian’s stomach dropped as he realized what kind of party this really was. There was no running damage control now. The purpose of this kind of event was suddenly blatantly clear.

Cassian's eyes widened, and his mouth worked fruitlessly to find the right words. Gareth had set him up. He had figured out how little Cassian knew of this world and had tricked him into bringing Isolde to this kind of venue.

But is that really a bad thing?

Then he looked at Isolde. Really looked at her. Isolde was angling toward him, her gossamer dress changing under the pink light, such that it seemed to become transparent. He could see the curve of her breast, the darkness of erect nipples pressing against the fabric. She gazed up at him, the shyness dripping away, replaced with husky desire. Her lips parted, and her breathing quickened.

Then Cassian realized that the same was happening to him. His reservations melted away and he gave in to the promise of freedom, and the knowing that he could surrender to his feelings and everything would be alright.

"Isolde…" Cassian started, but she put a finger on his lips.

Her breath was steamy in the cool night air. "It's alright. Do what you want."

Over her shoulder, he could see that others were starting to get really into it. All across the glade, people were in various stages of undress. The deepening pink light reflected over the different colors of their flesh with its ethereal glow. Cassian looked up, and saw that the moon had already halfway to totality. It was much faster than any lunar eclipse on his homeworld.

He felt Isolde’s warm hand take his cheek and pull his face back toward hers. Before he could do anything, her lips were pressed against his. If he had any hint of reservation left, it melted away.

Cassian met Isolde’s gaze as the kiss shifted from something born of surprise contact, to something softer, deliberate and gentle. Then, feeling his body drink the moon’s light, the kiss deepened, and their tongues began to explore.

Cassian whispered between kisses, "You look amazing tonight, Isolde."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I've been looking forward to this for so long. I was so afraid you wouldn’t like me."

Cassian hesitated briefly, then spoke his truth. “You’re amazing. How could I not like you?”

Isolde’s hands wandered under his shirt, over his abdomen, then lower, he pushed all thoughts aside, losing himself in her touch and the sensation of her skin against his.

As the eclipse reached its last phase before totality, their hands explored each other’s bodies with growing urgency. Isolde's dress was so thin, Cassian felt her nipples pressing against his chest, despite his thicker garment. He shuddered as he felt her rake her nails across his back. He responded in kind, lifting her dress, and running his hand along her thigh upward, touching lightly against the lace of her panties, then up her side to cup the curve of her breast.

She whimpered, and pressed into him more tightly, her leg wrapping around one of his. He could feel the heat and wetness gathering between her legs as she pressed against him.

Then, as if she was tired of the teasing game, she pulled his turtleneck off in one swift motion. Then pulled up her dress and tossed it aside. Braless, she stood breasts exposed. Only her lace thong remained.

The moon reached totality, and snowflake-like particles began to fall from the sky, glimmering in the pink light. Cassian extended his hand and the flakes melted into his skin, just like snow. Except, rather than cold, they were warm. He felt the heat and desire in his body swell. Until it reached his staff, and it too swelled, pressing against his pants. There were also whispers, woven into the aural tapestry of the night. Moans, whimpers, cries of ecstasy and release. And between them all, words of comfort and reassurance, of freedom and surrender.

What was left of Cassion’s inhibitions were replaced with unbridled desire. He welcomed it when he felt Isolde’s warm fingers brush against his skin as she unbuckled his belt and slid his pants down. Did not resist the need to slide off her last garment, revealing a tidy patch of unusually fine hair above her sex. Isolde’s breath hitched as he placed his hand there. Then she reached down and wrapped her hands around his erection.

Then they touched all the secret places they had left, leaving nothing undiscovered, all the while, she stoked his fire with each stroke. While his finger slid between her cut, her hips leaned into his hand, insistent, hungry.

"You're incredible," Isolde gasped hotly in his ear.

Their touches grew more urgent, more desperate. Finally, Isolde spun him forcefully on his back, and pinned his arms to the quilt. She swung a knee gracefully over him to straddle him. Her hot, dewy sex touched gingerly against his, and he felt his head brush against the edge of oblivion. If he lifted his hips just a bit…

“I want you inside me.” Isolde’s trembling whisper finally broke through the erotic haze clouding his mind.

He wanted more than anything to continue. To fill her how she wished, but his mind was flooded with thoughts of Lyra shouting at him, angry for a bond she never asked for, and which no one understood. Lyra abandoned campus just to get as far away from him as possible. He didn’t want that to happen again. Not with Isolde.

More forcefully than he intended, he broke her grip on his wrists, grabbed her by the shoulders, and pushed her away. “No!”

Isolde huddled on a corner of the quilt, her hands hugging her breast, an unconscious defensive gesture. “Cassian, what’s wrong?” She looked apprehensive, hurt, but still trusting that he meant her no harm.

“I’m sorry, Isolde. We…can’t do this.”

The hurt deepened in her eyes. “Why?” she asked, her eyes trailing down to his pulsing staff, which was clearly at odds with his words. “You obviously want to. Am I wrong?”

“You’re not wrong. It’s just…”

Cassian couldn’t know how Isolde filled the gap in that sentence, a sentence even he didn’t know how to finish. Whatever it was she thought he meant to say, she decided it was worth working past it.

Her eyes grew misty, the shock of his rejection sliding away to a meaningless distraction. She began to crawl toward him, her movements graceful and sultry, like a panther stalking its prey. A prey that she reached for with eager hands. Cassian, for the life of him, didn’t want to stop.

“It’s okay.” Isolde said. “It’s going to be alright.”

She took his manhood in her hands and drew closer until he could feel her hot breath on the tip of his instrument. Her lips parted, and she took him inside.

Cassian's senses exploded, his vision blurring as waves of ecstasy carried him past the realm of pleasure and into the realm of incomprehension. In that moment, the warm moon snow was thickest, blanketing the world around him, enveloping him. Still, the heat of her wetness was overwhelming. Suddenly Cassian was gone. He stood in the presence of a lady silhouetted against infinite moonlight. Somehow, Cassian knew she was the goddess. Her arms extended, inviting him to her embrace. She looked at him longingly, and yet, her face was forlorn. She knew that he could not return her embrace. At least, not yet.

Reality crashed back in, and Cassian once again felt the reality of his overwhelming pleasure. The slick sounds of Isolde’s ministrations. Her eyes were closed, lost in the pleasure of pleasing him. Panic surged through him. He knew he needed to end it. If he didn’t stop now, he would lose himself completely.

With a forceful motion, Cassian pulled out from her. She fell forward, then looked up, alarmed.

"I'm sorry." Cassian said, his voice strained. But he had no time or willpower to stay any longer.

He grabbed his clothes and sprinted down the hill. He ran past the countless writhing bodies. He ignored the chorus of moans and sounds of pleasure, the sense that he was abandoning something precious, and left the glade behind.

He didn’t look back, but the glimpse he caught of Isolde’s devastation as he turned away from her, burned like a hot coal in his heart. He hoped that he could forgive him once he had the chance to explain. He was afraid that she never would.