Master Malacar

Malacar’s POV

I tried not to be obvious and had Shadow following her everywhere, whether I told him or not. They belonged to her now. This incident further confirmed that she is not human. And I can’t stop thinking of her.

The weapons class was brutal, but she was strong and tried hard to keep up with her classmates. I was just observing her from far away. Her eyes searched for me, or I just wished for this.

Besides, I’m her teacher and older; she probably dreams of one of her friends. I sighed. In our world, any romantic tie between teacher and student is forbidden, not only because of the power imbalance but because it is believed such bonds weaken loyalty to the Academy and cloud judgment in battle. The consequences for breaking this rule are severe, but I can't stop wanting her.

Okay, rotate, I shouted. Astrid partnered with her, her smile devious.

I will snap her neck if she hurts her, my demon Zor spoke in my head.

What the fuck, I said, do not show yourself, or we both die. Stay back.

Mine, he said, mine…

Get back down before someone senses you, I shouted in my head.

Astrid was attacking her with curved knives. Zaria blocked her with the wooden stick.

The class stopped, and watching them, they knew Astrid was determined to humiliate her. She lunged at her and managed to cut a small cut on her arm. I took a step and stopped. Zaria smiled.

That’s the best you got, witch? Zaria’s voice was sharp, not just with mockery but with an edge of something deeper. It was clear to everyone that she wanted to provoke Astrid, maybe because Zaria had already embarrassed her in a previous lesson, or maybe it was simply jealousy that someone from outside their world was holding the class’s attention. Great, now she is antagonizing her just to get herself killed.

Astrid lunged again, this time Zaria dropped low and hit her legs with a strong force, and she fell to the ground. Knocking the air out of her lungs.

The class clapped, cheering her on. But I knew Astrid was not done. As Zaria turned her back, Astrid threw the knife, its blade flashing through the air toward her. I bolted towards her, but before I could reach them, a chilling cold swept across the room, making the hair on my arms rise. Black smoke began to swirl around Zaria's outstretched hand, thickening until it formed into the shape of Shadow. The air seemed to flicker, and the room fell strangely silent as Shadow appeared between Zaria and the oncoming blade. With a hissing sound, Shadow blocked the knife midair, the blade vanishing in the dark mist. Instantly, the smoke coiled and solidified, the knife reappearing pointed at Astrid’s neck, floating inches from her skin. Everyone gasped.

I got to her to see her defiant eyes looking at Astrid. Try that again, and you’ll regret it.

Astrid, go to the dean's office now. Now, I shouted. Class dismissed.

I waited until all of them left, dragged her back to the supplies room, and propped her against the wall. Are you okay?

My hands were shaking, I was so close to her, and I wanted to kiss her. The want was greater than anything else.

Her head lifted, our eyes met. Then she did something I did not expect: she kissed me, softly, briefly.

All I could think was I wanted more, my arm took her middle, and I kissed her. She gently pulled away, her cheeks flushed.

That was my first kiss, she whispered.

Zaria’s POV

I stared into his eyes; he was so concerned about me. This man is making me do something crazy. Nova said, " If you want something, you must get it yourself.

Then I kissed him, well, more like brushing softly. He grabbed my middle and kissed me, taking my breath away, and I was thinking the man I dreamed of, his lips are on mine. I pulled away, ashamed.

My first kiss, I whispered. His forehead dropped on mine.

I’m happy you chose me for that, Zaria, his lips placing another small one on mine. Then I hugged him, and my body relaxed on his.

You do understand I’m your teacher, and much older…

Master Malacar…

Zaria, what do you feel? Tell me…

The truth? My face turned red. I felt a jolt when you touched me, then I dreamt…never mind.

His smile was so cute, boyish, as his stern face disappeared. He kissed my forehead. This, no one can know Zaria, no one. I feel the same way about you, but it is forbidden for us to….

My body is tense. I won’t tell anyone…his lips kissed me, his tongue inside my mouth, sending all kinds of tingles all over my body.

He took a step back, and as his head dropped down, strands of his long black hair fell over his face.

Zaria, did Shadow help you back there?

I don’t know what happened. It was like I could feel that Astrid would throw the knife, and before I even realized, my hand was moving. A cold shiver ran through me right before Shadow appeared, and for a second, it almost felt like the shadows under my skin were tugging at me, pushing me to act. Maybe Shadow helped, but it feels different than that.

Okay, go, before someone comes to look for you. His hand touched my face softly. Then I turned and left.

I ran all the way to the dorm and got in the shower. Touched my lips and smiled. He kissed me…I giggled.

Came out of the shower to see Nova with her arms crossed. Where have you gone?

I got scolded, wow, the lies come so easily now, I thought.

Master Malacar? I nodded as I grabbed my uniform and went back into the bathroom, letting a breath out.

Nova was chatting as we walked to the next class. We passed Malacar in the hallway. Just for a fraction of a second, his eyes looked at me. I could not react, but I smiled inside and giggled.

The day finished fast, and I climbed into bed thinking of him. Nova slept, and I got out of bed and walked the long hallway. An arm grabbed me and pulled me inside a room. His body was heavy on mine as he pinned me to the wall.

Zaria, why aren’t you listening to me? He said against my lips.

Uhhhmmm

His hands wrapped around my body as he kissed me. A knock on the door startled me. He gestured for me to go inside his bathroom. I tiptoed there and closed the door.

Malacar, we need to talk. The dean's voice was strong inside his room.

Sir, with all due respect, is late and I’m tired. Tomorrow morning, I will come to your office.

I’ll be waiting. It's important; don’t be late. Good night.

I hear him lock the door and come inside the bathroom, lifting me onto the sink. Took over where he left off, kissing me, but this time his hand went under my pajama top.