1. The Challenge

The entire school was lit with candlelight, creating the dancing shadows on the wall; shadows that jumped off those walls and moved down the silk and gem decorated halls of the cavernous underground warlock school. Those shadows laughed, echoing throughout the school, covering the wailing of failed students and hidden victims. Away from the dungeon-like classrooms and laboratories, private rooms and offices were set, enclosed with the same silk curtains and floating candles that decorated the entire institution. 

Out of one of the offices emerged a blonde elf with a tome wrapped up in her arms. She walked toward the main hall when she heard another set of footsteps behind her. She continued on, figuring it was simply someone on his or her way out as well.

“Leaving so soon? It’s not even nightfall, love.” The woman stopped, cringed and rolled her eyes. That voice had frustrated her for many years and at times, she even feared it, but she tried hard to ignore those feelings as she turned around slowly. She saw the man leaning against the wall, smirking at her. She looked him over from head to toe: hating his short red hair all the way to the way he stood against that wall.

As much as she wanted to scream at him, she took a small breath and softly asked, “What do you want, Zanien?”

“Well, you know quite well what I want, Alexielle, but I’m sure you won’t comply.” His voice made her shudder. She had heard it for many years. He had been her master, her instructor, and now, after many years of breaking away from his control, she still despised his voice. 

“I already told you…” Alexielle raised her left hand and displayed the ring on her ring finger connected with a chain that connected to a bracelet around her wrist. “…I’m taken.”

His green eyes looked at her hand briefly and his gaze turned away, “Yes, you have told me many times, but what do I care about insignificant trinkets and worthless commitments?” He grinned at her, “Since when has that mattered between us?”

Alexielle glared at him in silence for a few seconds before forcing a smile on her lips, “That’s behind us now, Zanien. Stop asking. If you’ll excuse me, I have to go home to my family now.”

Zanien pushed himself off the wall and walked toward her, smiling as soon as he noticed that she was did not move from where she stood. He closed in on her, whispering in her ear, “My dear Alexielle, no matter how hard you try to be this model of excellence, I still see you as the lost little girl who needed my warmth to feel better.” He tried to kiss her ear, but she pulled away, glaring hard at him.  He laughed and took a step back. “I do hope your merits here as a professor will fare much better than your ability to control your powers.” He chuckled and continued on his way out. “I’ll see you around, love.” 

Alexielle turned and her hand swirled with a green and black shadow when she heard a voice behind her, “That may not be the best way to deal with him. He has been here longer than you.” She calmed herself and exhaled, turning to the side where another man stood. “There, calm?”

“I hate him, Daidh.”

“Oh, trust me, that’s obvious, but what will you gain except enemies? You need to play this smart, Lexi. Come, allow me to take you to dinner.”

“Daidh…”

“Yes, I know, your family is waiting, but I'm sure your dear husband won't mind. It’s just dinner.” The dark haired elf extended his arm ahead and Alexielle proceeded. They walked out of the Sanctum and to the nearest inn for dinner. 

As they awaited their food, Alexielle explained how complicated her relationship with Zanien was and her true purpose for working at the Sanctum, all which Daidh had already heard before.  “If I can prevent him from hurting another girl, then I’ve done much more than I had expected to do in that wretched place.”

“Well, that wretched place does pay us, you know.” He smiled warmly and leaned back against the golden seat. 

“I don’t understand why Talionia still has him working there!”

“He has produced some amazing warlocks, Lexi. I mean, look at you.” He winked at her and Alexielle smiled at him, slyly narrowing her eyes.

“You’re horrible.”

“Yes, but what can I do about that? It’s how I was taught.” He turned and noticed the waitress bringing their platters. “Now that is a prize, hmm?”

Alexielle glanced and shook her head. “If you’re going to be like this the entire meal, I’ll take it home.”

"Jealous?" Daidh chuckled and turned back just as the waitress arrived. They both thanked her, but Daidh reached for her hand, kissing it softly, and thanking her. She blushed and giggled as she walked away. Alexielle sighed and chuckled at his actions. “Am I bothering you, Lexi?”

“No. So, what am I going to do about Zanien?”

“I was thinking, why don’t you get him where it hurts?”

“Kick him in the balls? I’ve tried that. He takes it as an invitation.”

Daidh shook his head. “No, no. I just told you that he was successful with his pupils. Beat him at his own game and turn out successful pupils of your own. Make his students look just like any typical warlock failure.”

“Hm,” Alexielle took a few bites of her meal and stared at her companion. “That would be Sarinnia. That little bitch annoys me.” Daidh smiled, nodding. “You know she’s sleeping with him.”

“I would be surprised if she wasn’t. We all know Zanien.”

Alexielle nodded and they continued to discuss her three students who had a possibility to outdo Sarinnia. They laughed at the idea of Zanien failing and as the meal came to an end, the plan was created. “Very well, I will get Zanien this way.”

“Good. Much better than blasting him, right?” Daidh turned to look at the waitress, who appeared to be removing her apron. “I hate to eat and run, my dear Lexi, but I have a date.” He turned to look at Alexielle and the ghostly guise of a demon began to cover his body as he grinned wickedly, his white teeth visible among the shadows.

Alexielle smiled as she leaned back and shook her head. “Your horns are showing, Sayaadi,” she said, using the nickname Daidh had received among friends at the Sanctum due to his surname sounding close to the word, as well as his expertise in demonology. 

“Good.” He winked at her, mouthed a silent goodbye, rushed out of his seat and the remnants of the shadow stayed in the seat while he looked normal once more as he approached the waitress. Alexielle watched him sweet-talk the woman and she took her leave. 

Taking one last look back in the direction of The Sanctum, she sighed and walked down the street toward her home with her head high and an air of confidence.