Magic and spilled drinks

Zaria’s POV

Valerian sent me the dress with a flower and a note. “ Be my date for the spring ball”.

I smiled, then I remembered that Malacar was avoiding me completely, and I knew he was protecting me. But I missed him so bad. Looking in the mirror, I didn’t recognize myself, and something weird was happening to my hair; the tips turned red. Hmm, I wonder why?

The knock on the door made me jump. I opened it to see Valerian, in an impeccable suit; yeah, he was handsome. But nothing compared to Malacar; oh Goddess, now I’m comparing them.

His eyes went over my body, and they met mine; I saw his desire. Shit.

You look…amazing…there are no words…

Like a Goddess, Noctis said from behind him. Now can we go?

I took one of each arm, and we walked to the massive ballroom. The dress was a deep night satin, with straps and a low back. As soon as we walked inside, Malacar’s eyes focused on me, despite the woman hanging on his arm. Who was she? Jealousy ruined my mood.

Oh look at you, human. Two men catering to you, Astrid said. Of course she’ll show up after Valerian and Noctis left to get something to drink.

Jealous, Astrid? I asked her

She laughed loudly, making the others stop, and turned to watch her tantrum. Cardelia and Valira stood behind her, like bodyguards. Her fingers started to crackle.

I should teach you a lesson right here. Her hand pointed to my dress and started to rip mid-thigh.

She thought I would panic, or scream, or be afraid. looked confused at me.

Astrid, I foresee this, and Valerian will be really pissed, as he bought me this dress. But I got another from Noctis, so go ahead, have some fun before he comes back.

She lunged at me, and Shadow came between us; it was like she hit a wall, bounced back, stumbling.

You have no right to bring these... monsters. That’s when I lost it. My lips moved on their own, and black smoke was wrapping around her throat; the air stood still. ...

Malacar’s POV

I turned to see her dressed in torn, Astrid, lunging at her, and I dropped the glass out of my hand. Madelaine held my hand tight.

Let go, I growled. Shadow was already between them, but her lips started to move, and the tips of her hair grew brighter red. Astrid's face turned purple, and everyone froze in place, the air heavy. I made my way to her and pulled her into a hug. Zaria, I said in her ear. Stop this!

I pulled away as everyone gasped.

She tried…to kill me… Her hand grabbed a drink from a student and was coming at her. Noctis jumped in; the drink spilled on his suit.

Astrid, leave now, I shouted at her. You ruined the night. This is not your academy to do what you want! Then silence.

You’ll hear from my father, she shouted back.

The dean looked at Zaria’s dress and paled. Then ran after Astrid.

Change, Zaria. Valerian, go with her. I don’t trust…

Master Malacar, I will protect her.

So far you’re bad at it, I said between my teeth. Be more aware. I was angry and afraid Zor might lose control and come out. I replayed the scene that unfolded before my eyes. How did she slow time? Or what did she do? My hands were shaking, afraid for her, of what they might think.

Noctis appeared next to me. You feel it too…

I opened my mouth to say something, and nothing came out.

Your secret is safe with me, master Malacar. Tell me, what is she?

I don’t know yet, maybe a witch?

Oh, Master Malacar, if you lie, make it believable.

She is from the Forgotten Souls Kingdom. He smiled. I assumed he was pleased with the answer.

I suspected it too; she has a balance of light and darkness. We need to keep that balance, or she will…

Don’t say it, Noctis, and since you’re protecting her, do a better job.

You mated with her, he whispered. I stopped in my tracks. When I turned, my eyes turned red; I knew from his reaction.

I have no problem killing what stands in her path and mine. Be careful with your words, Noctis. Eventually she’ll find out the truth. I wonder what she’ll think of your faction?

After everything ended and they all went to the dorms, I paced in my room waiting for her. She knocked, and I opened the door, pulling her inside, into my arms, and kissing her desperately, inhaling her scent.

Malacar…who was that woman?

What woman? I asked, confused. Then I remembered Madelaine. No one important, a cover.  She was jealous; I felt it.

My heart is yours. I told you that long ago; why doubt me?

You’re mine, Malacar; no one can touch you but me. Her foot stomped on the floor.

I chuckled. I imagine how I feel when Valerian and Noctis are touching you. Her eyes got bigger.

Forgive me, she said, and I kissed her again, her hands undoing the buttons of my shirt, and I ended up ripping the dress from the frustration and anger of the evening.

Later on, her body lay limp on me. I wanted her again, but she looked beat, my hands touching her soft skin.

Malacar, hold me, she mumbled.

I am holding you, I said, chuckling. Then she turned and gave me her backside. I let out a breath and closed my eyes. I will not hurt her. My arms pulled her against me and her body warmth…well, it's not like I can control it…Fuck.

She let out a soft moan, feeling the arousal on her lower back, my hand caressing her breasts. I was kissing her neck and slid in slowly. She took my fingers in her mouth. I started to pick up the pace, my hips slamming into her. Zaria came undone, screaming my name. I bit her shoulder gently. Zor wanted me to mark her, but that had to wait.

The alarm blared, and she groaned. Malacar, I want to sleep more…

I kissed her lips and helped her dress, cursing that I couldn’t keep her with me. Feeling guilty, I exhausted her.

A knock on the door made us freeze in our spot. Zaria took her stuff and walked into the bathroom.

I put my lounge pants on and opened the door. Valerian.

Master Malacar, you’ve got to come and see this now.