Another Ally
-Jessica Anaxia, 19 years old-
Jessica turns her head to the side, looking out the carriage window at the passing countryside. She is currently on her way to the Lycan Dukedom to inspect the first batch of lumber that was recently harvested. She is in a foul mood though. She would have much rather teleported to her destination, but this was a highly scrutinized deal, so she has to play the part. That, and she wants to hide her teleportation magic as much as possible. She could never know who was watching her, so she wants to keep all her cards close to her chest. Almost no one outside of her household knows of her magic.
Her thoughts then turn towards Alexis Lycan, the duke of the domain she was travelling to. He is a mysterious man with an even more mysterious power. Jessica bit her thumb in glee as she continued looking out the window. Her mood instantly improves as she thought of the duke. He is a puzzling individual, and she couldn't get an accurate read on him. But luckily, she likes solving puzzles. He is awfully charismatic though and carries himself like a seasoned lord. It also helps that he is easy on the eyes. Though she thinks he is a little too underweight and unhealthy looking to really sway her heart.
She sighs in boredom before looking at the other occupant of the carriage, her personal knight Alette. She is a petite woman with short black hair and brown eyes. Her slender frame led many men to underestimate her, all of whom were now buried.
"How much longer?" Jessica asks in a dispassionate voice, visibly irritated. She hates traveling by carriage.
Alette smiles softly before looking at some landmarks in the distance. "I would say about another half day, miss."
"Ugh." Jessica pouts, puffing her cheeks out and crossing her arms. Alette thinks she looks cuter than anything, but she keeps that to herself.
"I would suggest practicing your magic to pass the time, miss." Alette eventually says to her mistress.
Jessica grumbles before following her suggestion and conjures small flames around herself. After a few seconds, she is already bored again.
-
Jessica arrives in the village of Starfall and steps out of the carriage with the help of the elderly driver. She would usually hop out herself, but she wants to keep up appearances. She is wearing a brilliant white dress with red roses woven onto the sides, trailing up towards the sleeves. She wears no jewelry besides a pair of red earrings. Not to flashy but definitely eye catching. She enjoys the attention it brought her, as any young noble lady would.
She surveys the villagers. They have life in their eyes and purpose in their steps. It is a far cry from the first time she visited and spied on Alexis' speech from an alleyway. Back then, the villagers were dead eyed and full of despair. It is quite shocking how much they have changed in such a short while. Hope was a powerful thing indeed.
While she is absentmindedly watching the people carry on about their lives, a man arrives to greet her. She slowly drags her eyes towards the man and has to do a double take when she sees him. She couldn't believe her eyes.
"Welcome back, Jessica Anaxia." A silky-smooth voice says. It belonged to Alexis Lycan.
Except now, he is more muscular and fit. His skin radiates life and is smooth and unblemished. Gone is the look of malnutrition and neglect. His ash-colored hair is now longer than hers. It is wrapped in a ponytail, tied with a piece of brightly colored cloth. He is breathtakingly handsome, causing her to gasp when she saw him.
"A... Alexis?" She starts before shaking her head hard. "Forgive me... Duke Lycan, I mean." Jessica says in a fluster. She is completely thrown, and her game is off. The sight amuses Alexis.
-
Alexis Lycan, 18 years old-
Alexis watches the woman in front of him try to compose herself. He holds in his childish laughter out of respect for her.
"Yes, Lady Jessica." Alexis says while smiling gently. "I know my sudden appearance is shocking. Let us move locations and I will tell you more."
-
"Shadow Magic?" Jessica whispers aloud in awe. "How did you acquire it?" she asks eagerly.
Alexis shakes his head slowly, apparently apologetic. "I'm not sure. I woke up one day a few weeks ago surrounded by strange smoke." Alexis then looks towards Sabrina, who was behind him. "I was understandably distressed, but my maid here, Sabrina, shook me out of it. It went away a few moments after that."
Alexis faces Jessica once again before continuing. "I haven't been able to reliably summon or control the smoke again."
He understandably cannot tell her about Arabella and his contract with her, so he lies to Jessica to an extent. The best lies have truth woven into them.
Jessica looks disappointed, it was obvious that she wants to know more about acquiring it. New magic is very rarely discovered nowadays. Much less a seemingly new element at that. That would capture the curiosity of anyone.
"I appreciate you telling me, Duke Lycan." Jessica replies, bowing slightly. "I swear on my honor to not tell a soul. But! I request that you allow me to mentor you." She says excitedly and leans forward. When it comes to magic, she becomes entranced. A magical prodigy indeed.
Alexis tilts his head to the side while he thinks this over. He could use a cover to openly practice his magic. It will create all sorts of problems if he suddenly shows his proficiency in an unknown element out of nowhere.
"Very well." Alexis nods his head. "I would appreciate any help you could provide me."
"Yes!" Jessica yells as she jumps up and grasps Alexis' hands and brings them to her chest. She has a dopey look on her face and a faraway look in her eyes.
Alexis has successfully acquired another ally. He hides his smile as he watches the woman in front of him.