W hen I woke up, I knew I was trapped.
A curvy leg was thrown over my hips. One arm was locked over my chest, a hand tucked behind my back. Someone breathed deeply against my bare chest, her cheek nuzzled into my neck.
Pink hair was — quite literally — everywhere. Thrown across my face. A strand in my mouth. Trailing over my abdomen.
“How does she have so much hair?” I wondered aloud.
Clove moaned and shifted herself closer, grinding herself against me before settling into stillness once more.
There was a knock on the door, one that only I heard, and a voice. “Registered students! Your first class begins in two hours. This is a wakeup call.”
“Thank you,” I called.
Clove sighed and mumbled something unintelligible.
I tried to extract myself smoothly, but to no avail. She was surprisingly determined and strong when she was sleeping, and I didn’t want to wrench her off.
“Clove?” I asked, looking down.
Her brow furrowed. She shifted again.
I lifted my hand and tapped her back, touching only bare skin. Her shirt must have ridden up.
“Mmmm,” she replied brilliantly. Then she moved, exposing her smooth abdomen and the soft underside of her breasts.
Mortals were so strange. No demon kin — man or woman — would bother with this level of touch or affection. I don’t believe I’d ever slept with any of my sexual partners.
Perhaps it was because of my new mortal body. But holding her like this was shockingly enjoyable.
Strange, but enjoyable. She was warm and soft, and pressed against me intimately.
I wasn’t sure how to interpret her touch, however. Clove was physically inclined and enjoyed being close to me. However, I would not consider her actions last night as anything real. No true man would misinterpret drunken affection as a viable invitation.
So, was this her normal habit with all of her companions?
Carefully, I extracted myself from her hold. Still, the demi didn’t blink an eye open.
I entered the washroom and did my best to refresh my clothing. I’d only purchased one shirt at the shop, so I’d have to make it last until it made sense to get more.
When I returned, Clove was awake.
She was sitting up and rubbing her eyes. When she noticed me, she opened her mouth to say something, eyes alight with excitement, and then her eyes fell downward.
“What’s wrong?” I demanded.
Her face had fallen. Happiness melted into… fear? No, that wasn’t it. Regret?
I went to move forward, then paused. “Clove. Are you okay?”
“Please put on a shirt,” she pleaded.
I gestured to the washroom. “It’s drying at the moment.”
“Why are your pants unbuttoned, then?”
What? What kind of a question was that? I wasn’t exposing myself. “I was… getting dressed. Are you unwell?”
She groaned and flung herself to the side, burying her face in her pillow. “Just kill me now. Gods, please.”
Jam’s words came back to me from the night before.
Do you want me to draw you a diagram, mister? She clearly wants to take you to bed. And do a whole lot more than sleep.
“I’ll go get my shirt,” I announced. It didn’t matter that it was still damp from the wash. It would have to do for the time being.
When I came back, Clove was mostly dressed herself. Finishing, she slid the two rings onto her fingers.
“What do you think we should expect from today?” I asked her.
She pulled on her boots next. “I’m not sure. Nessie just told me that today is for meeting teachers and getting the feel of our own strength. We’ll be placed into smaller classes. No more than fifteen people each. I wonder how many people passed.”
“The Night Owl was not as full last night as before,” I commented.
“True. I hope no one died.” She stiffened and whirled. “Do you think anyone died ?”
“It’s possible, I’m sure.”
She paled. “I mean, I know the upper levels can get super scary, but do you think anyone would have applied for the test without the proper training and power levels?”
Like you?
It wasn’t a very fair thought. Clove was clearly competent in battle. She could keep a goal in mind, even when under pressure or under attack.
But her mana levels were low. Too low.
We’d have to fix that.
We walked down to the inn’s dining area together and ate breakfast. There were a few students doing the same, and some gave us a friendly smile or wave.
Jam was lounged on the top of her bookshelf. She had a mug of coffee and a plate of food. Her sharp eyes followed us, flashing with amusement.
When she met my eye, she winked.
After, we headed toward the Academy early. We’d learned our lesson yesterday, when we’d been expected to come ahead of time and expect the unexpected.
The streets of Amarantha were lively already. People were staring at us, too; almost like they knew the fate we were walking toward.
The Tower rose above us like a promise and a threat. As we approached the entrance, Nessie greeted us. This time, she wasn’t on her platform.
Her red hair flowed around her, and the grin she gave us was more wicked than friendly. “How’s the power couple this morning? Aw, Clove! You look tired.”
“I’m fine,” Clove lied.
“She’s incredibly hungover,” I corrected.
That earned me an elbow jab in the ribs, but it was worth it. “How are you this morning, Nessie? Looking radiant as always.”
Clove grumbled, “As always? You’ve known her a day.”
Nessie reached over and ruffled Clove’s hair. “C’mon, Clovie! You’ve seen more than anyone how incredible and radiant I am on an everyday basis.”
Clove snorted and tried to get Nessie back, but the redhead dodged expertly. “I’ll just give you some milk, and then we’ll see how incredible and radiant you are.”
Nessie shuddered and explained to me, “I’ll be on the toilet for at least seven hours. Trust me.”
“Oh, I have every intention to,” I agreed. “So, are you our guide today?”
“Nope! Your classes, rooms, and teachers have all been assigned.” She pulled out a thin pane of glass — no, crystal — about the size of the average paper.
She tapped it, and it began glowing. She read it over and nodded. “You’re in study room twelve with Finley Rava as your instructor! Down this main path, through the courtyard, and to the left. You’ll see the big room numbers. If you get lost, I’m sure someone will find you wandering around eventually!”