Aegis stumbled out of Nazraya's classroom, legs like jelly.
"Same time tomorrow, pet." Nazraya's voice drifted after her. "Do try to build some stamina. Your trembling is... distracting."
The door clicked shut.
[Fuck.] Aegis took the kind of deep breath that felt like her lungs might come out unintentionally.
Two hours. Two whole hours of "basic shadow manipulation" that consisted of Nazraya making her channel her mana, or aether, through her fingers while critiquing every micro-movement. The professor's idea of teaching involved standing directly behind Aegis, hands on her wrists, guiding her through the motions.
"Your Aether flow is pathetic."
"Focus, or the real magic we'll be working with will eat you alive."
"If you're going to stare at my chest so intently, then what are we even practicing magic for? Is this just an excuse to be in my presence?"
Every little quip of hers was delivered in that signature honeyed voice, breath hot against Aegis's ear.
