“Can you heal it?” Athone asked, gently rolling Magus Ossacus onto his side, looking at the wound on the back of his head.

Velaya’s heart was beating heavily, and her mana was poised, ready for her. “I don’t know. I haven’t healed a head injury before. Can you?”

Paladin and Druid magic were similar with their healing abilities. Paladin’s Holy magic affected the body. It could make them strong, which led them to often be ideal soldiers. But it also meant they could heal wounds. A Druid’s magic was built on the physical properties of nature, and seeing that animals and people were included in that, it meant they were also blessed with the ability to heal.

Athone shook his head. “I wouldn’t trust myself, but his bleeding is getting worse.”

The blood was pooling below them and Velaya’s flashback to the night of her attack reared up before her.

“Vel? You hear me?” Athone’s voice pulled her back. “We should get him out of here. Away from that.” He motioned up to the man on the stone bed above them.

The man was barely moving, but when Velaya looked at his fingers they were bloodied, and his nails were bent and broken.

“I don’t think we should move someone with a head injury. Rose will bring someone.” Velaya said, dragging her attention back to the healer. His eyes were closed and his breathing seemed more laboured than it had a moment ago. She placed her hands on either side of his head to stabilize him. “Outside of here, the next door over, is a supply closet. See if there’s any bandages or wraps or healing potions there.”

Athone nodded and jumped to his feet, careful to avoid the pool of blood, and left the room.

“Miss Rose…” Magus Ossacus’ voice was weak.

“Shh, quiet sir. Help is coming.”

“Heal… heal it,” he continued to mumble, and Velaya’s eyes kept darting back to the door hoping someone would arrive. She could hear Athone in the room next door rummaging through supplies.

“Heal me.”

Her eyes darted back to the Magus and found his open, and surprisingly focused beneath his crooked glasses.

“I haven’t healed an injury like this before. I may cause further damage,” Velaya said with all the calm that he’d always offered to her, despite the fear welling inside.

“You can,” he coughed and blood splattered across his pale lips.

“Shit! Ok, I’ll try. Just lay still.”

Keeping her hands on the sides of his face, she reached within and, using her mana, she pulled on the Physical magic of the Druids and pushed it back out through her hands towards him, willing them to heal.

Green tendrils of smoke unfurled from her fingers and wrapped themselves around Ossacus’ head. She strained, focusing on the wound and poured her mana into it. She could feel the magic working under the surface of his skin, pulling the tissues back together. But there was bone there too. His skull was fractured. She tried to force the Druidaic magic into the cracks but it wasn’t enough. She gritted her teeth and while the Physical magic still worked, she knew she needed more. So she reached deeper into her well of power and pulled in the Light.

Velaya’s hand now glowed a soft white that mixed with the green tendrils and she pushed the Light into Ossacus’ skin, forcing it to focus on the bone. She could feel it working. Both Light and Physical magic twinning together around her fingers and across his head. When she felt there was nothing left to heal inside of it, she willed both schools to seal the gash. She watched as the skin pulled itself together, leaving nothing more than a faint line.

She cut off her mana, stifling the glow. The adrenaline of her magic was replaced by fatigue, and she fell back onto her heels, letting her hands fall to her side. She felt as though she’d been running underwater with the tow pulling at her and had just broken the surface, and was left panting to catch her breath.

“Holy shit,” Rose’s voice carried from the doorway, and Velaya turned to see her standing there, eyes wide. Athone stood just behind her carrying gause in his hands that he let drop to the floor. Before both of them, and strolling into the room, was Archmagus Ena.

The Headmistress's face revealed nothing as she passed the table without looking at the Corrupted man on it. She knelt beside Velaya and placed her hands on Magus Ossacus’ chest, a faint golden glow just below her fingertips.

“I think you may be right,” Magus Ossacus said, his deep voice surprisingly strong. As Velaya looked back at him, relief washed over her. The colour had returned to his face and lips, and his eyes were open and seeing clearly. He even let out a low chuckle as he heaved himself into a seated position.

“Easy now,” Archmagus Ena said softly.

“I’m alright. I only need mana,” he said and turned to look at Velaya. “Thank you my dear. Whoever has been teaching you how to heal deserves a raise.” He winked at her, and despite her exhaustion, she smiled. A whisper of a chuckle came from her left and she turned to see Archmagus Ena was staring at her too, scanning her face.

“Mister Valreale,” she called to Athone, who still stood with Rose at the threshold. “Please fetch us two full mana potions.”

“Of course, Headmistress,” Athone said and disappeared again.

“Miss Rallothyra, come help Miss Rosemore.”

Archmagus Ena helped Magus Ossacus to his feet, and Rose assisted Velaya, giving a wide berth to the man on the table. The four of them left the room and Velaya and Ossacus were eased into chairs within the office space. Rose stood next to Velaya, looking pale. The Archmagus sealed the operating door using the magic of the Tower as Athone returned with the mana potions.

“Drink it all,” Ena instructed Velaya and Ossacus, before addressing Rose, “Please take a seat Miss Rallothyra.” She guided Rose to a chair, a Dark aura around her hands as she helped ease her down. A hint of colour returned to Rose’s face.

Footsteps rang through the room as three more people rounded the half wall and joined them in the office. Magus Tessa, Tytus - the Shaman Magus, along with a very short man with spiky green hair and ears that extended long over his chubby head.

“Mister Ossacus!” Mograg cried out, hurrying to his chief’s side.

While Tessa’s eyes scanned Velaya, Tytus addressed the Archmagus, his face severe. “What happened?”

“Just another failed test,” Ossacus said, shooing away Mograg. “Nothing to worry about.”

“I told you to wait for ten bloody minutes while I grab a bite of food,” Mograg scolded. “Can’t even wait for me. Always having all the fun.”

Tytus’ eyes had left the Archmagus’ as he glanced at the operating room door, before looking back at Ossacus. “You’re covered in blood and you’ve scratches all over your arms.”

“Shit,” Velaya said, and everyone turned to her in surprise as she looked at Magus Ossacus. “Sorry, I forgot about them.”

Ossacus’ laugh was deep, vibrating through the chair. “Not to worry my dear, your Physical magic still lingers. They should heal shortly. You got the one that counts.” He tapped his skull, where the faint scar was already disappearing.

Mograg’s chubby cheeks broke into a wide, toothy grin. “Oh! Well done Miss Rosemore. I dare say we may have to keep you here.”

Velaya could feel Tessa’s eyes on her but she was watching Tytus and saw the redness under his beard as the only sign of his anger.

“When?” He directed his question to Archmagus Ena. His voice was far too calm and quiet.

“He arrived yesterday afternoon, and this is not a matter to be discussed here,” Archmagus Ena matched his calm. “We shall discuss it further in my office once I am confident Magus Ossacus, Miss Rosemore, Miss Rallothyra and Mister Valreale are all ok.”

No magical abilities were necessary to sense the tension in the air.

“Does Barrett know?” Magus Tytus said.

Velaya saw it. The slight twitch of the Headmistress’ hand.

“Not yet. Await me in my office,” her voice left no room for argument.

“Very well, Headmistress” Magus Tytus responded too politely and left without another word.

Archmagus Ena turned back to the others, the silence thick.

“Magus Ossacus, are you fit to show me?” the Headmistress asked.

Ossacus nodded and stood. “I am.”

“Good. Mister Varleale, please take a seat,” she pointed towards the chair Ossacus had abandoned. “The rest of you, please wait here.”

Athone, looking paler than normal, sat down as the healer and Archmagus returned to the operating room, closing the door behind them. Tessa hadn’t moved from where she stood and continued to watch them all.

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Mograg waved his hand in the air and plates full of food appeared on the desk behind them. He began passing them out to Velaya, Rose and Athone.

“Eat up kids,” he said and busied himself with rummaging around the office.

The three students said nothing as they ate the potatoes, fish and vegetables with only the sounds of Magus Ossacus’ assistant humming to himself and banging drawers open and closed.

Lady Velaya.

The sudden voice of Magus Tessa within her head made her jump, as Velaya’s fork slipped out of her hand and clattered on the plate. Athone and Rose startled and turned to her but she was looking at the Sorcerer.

Magus Tessa’s back was to them, as she absentmindedly flipped through papers on the long desk.

“I stabbed my gum,” Velaya offered what she hoped was a sheepish grin to Athone and Rose. Athone offered her a tight smile and turned back to his food. Rose watched her closely for a moment before she returned to hers. Velaya began eating again, keeping one eye on Magus Tessa.

You have permission to reach into my mind. There is an urgent matter I need to address with you.

Velaya’s fork paused in mid air. She’d never attempted to use Dark magic to enter someone else’s mind before. Magus Tessa herself had forbidden her - until now.

She put her fork down on her plate and looked at her mana potion. There was half a bottle still remaining and she didn’t know how much mana was required to do this, so she finished the rest of it.

She knew she still had mana leftover, even after her healing, but she’d been too tired earlier to stop Tessa from entering her mind. She felt more exhausted now so she reached in deep, stirring her pool into a frenzy, and pulled on as much Dark magic as she could. It filled the pool and looking over at Magus Tessa she cast her mind and magic out towards her - similar to what she had done with healing Ossacus, only she focused on the Sorcerer’s mind. At the same time, hiding her darkly glowing hands under her cloak - pretending to wipe her fingers.

It hit her hard and unexpectedly. Vivid images flashed within Velaya’s own mind. Images that did not belong to her but she recognized what they were immediately. Memories. Memories belonging to Magus Tessa.

A vision of a young girl with raven-dark hair skipping along the hallways of Valreale Castle while an older lady laughed behind her. Another of her, looking the same as now, standing in the Archmagus’ office shaking hands with her. A third memory of her as a teenager on a small boat along with a young man with unkempt dark hair sitting next to her, a fishing rod in his hands. Velaya couldn’t make out his face before another vision of a slim, tall man with pointy ears and a long white beard, wearing the Tides, stood along with a bunch of other Magi in a large rounded chamber - the same one they had all first arrived in with Ena on their first day. There was shouting and anger and faces of concern but she couldn’t make out who they were or what they were saying-

I think that’s more than enough.

Tessa’s voice filled her head and the visions stopped. Velaya was left staring at the current Magus, her back still to her, in the infirmary once again. But a channel remained, a thin thread of Dark magic connecting their minds to each other. Velaya reached out and gently pulled on it.

Forgive me, madam. I did not know what would happen.

Nevermind that, Magus Tessa’s urgent voice within her head responded. Tell me, have you heard from your brother?

Not a muscle in Velaya’s body moved.

Please breathe, Lady Velaya.

Velaya cast a sidelong glance to Rose and Athone but they were busy eating and didn’t notice her long exhale. She turned her attention and mind back to Magus Tessa.

No. I write to him daily but have yet to receive a response.

Have you heard from your parents?

Velaya’s palms had begun sweating as fear began to seep into her.

Mother writes to me every week when we get the post.

Have they made any mention of him? Tessa asked.

No, he was to set sail for Elyzeme. What’s happened? Velaya could feel her own panic being sent through the mental connection.

His ship was last spotted in Goldwell. It has not been seen since.

Vealay tried to steady herself, and responded, The Cenavalis Sea is vast. He would only be making the crossing now. It’s possibl-

You do not understand, Magus Tessa cut in. The Trelladain King does not share the same opinion that your family or the Ayradora Kingdom does on what to do with those affected by the Corruption. If word has made way to King Robert that trials are being conducted here…

The door to the operation room opened and Velaya felt the connection to Magus Tessa break, watching her as she turned to face Ena and Ossacus. Velaya tried to pick up anything from her face, but it was as calm as ever - there were no signs of her having had a frantic, silent conversation. She avoided Velaya’s eyes.

“Good, I see that you’ve gotten some food.” Archmagus Ena said, addressing the three students. “Miss Rosemore, you must finish yours. The use of magic you displayed here was quite… potent.”

Velaya nodded, turning her unseeing eyes back to her plate. She was no longer hungry - she felt as though she would be sick. Panic and confusion had wrapped themselves around her mind

Archmagus Ena addressed them all again. “Mister Valreale, I would like for you to accompany Magus Ossacus, Magus Tessa and I back to my office. Miss Rosemore, once you’ve finished your meal, you and Miss Rallothyra are permitted to leave. I would like to thank the three of you for what you’ve done here today.”

Ossacus let out a deep chuckle. “Yes, me as well.”

“I must ask that you all remain silent regarding what you saw,” Ena said, looking at Rose.

“Of course, Headmistress,” Rose’s voice was weak.

“Mograg!” Ossacus called out. “Two Soundless Sleep tonics for the lovely ladies if you please.”

Mograg nodded and disappeared into a back room.

Athone stood, putting his plate on the chair and joined Tessa and Ossacus who were already leaving the office, his posture tense.

Archmagus Ena followed after them but as she passed Velaya she gently laid a hand on her shoulder and offered a small squeeze before removing it. She left without speaking.

“Here you are, be sure to drink that only once you’re settled in bed. Last thing we need is for one of you to crack your head like ol’ Ossacus,” Mograg said, handing small vials to Velaya and Rose with a simmering green coloured liquid within.

Velaya stood on shaking legs and placed her half eaten plate on the desk.

“Woah woah woah, you heard the boss - you gotta finish that,” Mograg said.

Velaya tried her best with a casual smile. “I’d rather the brisket. I’ll stop at the Great Hall on my way back.”

“Oooo, yes it was good!” Mograg exclaimed and waved her off. “Be sure to try that plum pudding too. Quite divine.”

“Thank you,” Velaya said and mustering all her strength, she focused on taking a step without staggering. She only made it one stride before Rose’s arm looped around hers, steadying her.

“Plum pudding sounds great,” Rose said lightly, offering Mograg one of her rare, charming smiles.

Neither of them said a word to one another, as Rose half carried Velaya back to the dormitories. Mercifully the Mage quarters were empty, as everyone was still at dinner and Rose dragged Velaya up the stairs and into her room, where she turned and left her, disappearing back down the hall.

Velaya sank down onto her bed and dug her palms into her eyes. She could already feel the headache coming. She knew she needed to eat something but Magus Tessa’s words continued to tighten around her. Was she really implying that King Robert Trelladain had done something to Doriel in retribution for Athone and her families’ offering a man infected with Corruption for clinical trials?

Footsteps in the hall drew Velaya’s attention as Rose re-entered the room, carrying a large goblet and a loaf of bread.

“Drink this,” Rose said, shoving the goblet into her hands. “It’s got ginger in it. It will help settle your stomach so you can finish eating.”

Velaya took the goblet as Rose moved to the door and closed it before pulling out the chair from the desk and sat down, turning to watch her.

“Drink,” she ordered and Velaya took a few small sips. “And when you’ve finished that, you can tell me what the hell you and Tessa were talking about.”

It was a good thing she’d taken a small sip otherwise Rose would be wearing her beverage, after Velaya spat it out in shock. Rose didn’t even flinch but sat waiting. Velaya finished the drink in a few gulps and passed the goblet back as Rose handed her the loaf of bread.

“How did you know we were talking?” Velaya eventually said.

“I felt it. A blast of Dark magic. You’d gone stiff as a board and were staring at Tessa like you’d burn a hole through her.”

Rose was already paler than normal and when Velaya finished telling her what was said, she looked sickly.

“You need some of that,” Velaya pointed to the empty goblet.

“Why didn’t she just say that to you aloud?” Rose asked, dragging her hand down her face.

Anxiety caressed Velaya. It was clear Tessa had wanted to keep this between them. Now she’d gone and told Rose.

“She’s aware I would’ve known,” Rose said quickly. “My affinity for the Dark was what led her to recruit me this summer.” Velaya could only stare at her. “Keep eating,” she insisted, before standing and pacing the room.

“She didn’t want anyone to overhear,” Velaya said through a mouthful.

“That much is clear,” Rose frowned, “but it was only you and Athone and I in there.”

“And Ena and Ossacus and Mograg.”

“We couldn’t hear Ena or Ossacus’ conversation when they were in … that room.”

The way she hesitated caused Velaya to reach out and grab her arm. “Sit down, Rose.” Rose didn’t fight it and she took a seat next to her.

“Mograg was making too much of a racket for him to have heard anything anyway,” Rose ripped a piece off the loaf of bread and took a few bites. For a while the two of them sat quietly eating.

Rose eventually broke the silence, and said softly, “I’m sure he’s fine. Your brother. Elyzeme is a long ways away. Trust me, I would know. When I took a charter across the Cenavalis Seas we didn’t encounter anyone else for weeks and weeks on end.”

“I know,” Velaya said firmly. “I’m used to him being gone for long periods of time.”

“So it’s likely an overreaction and you’ve nothing to worry about,” Rose offered.

Velaya shook her head. “It’s not that, Rose.”

“What is it?”

“She wasn’t addressing me like she does here and half the panic I felt wasn’t my own. It was coming from her.”

“So… Why is Tessa so concerned about your brother?”

Velaya took another bite of bread. “Good question.”

After another round of silence, Rose was watching her closely when she said, “About what happened today… in that room.”

Velaya turned to look at her, “I suspect you’ve already pieced together that man was corrupted.”

“Not that,” Rose said, her eyes intense. “When were you going to tell me you were an Omnimage?”