Breath In The Dark // P. BLACKWOOD

Chapter 16

(Not Edited) 

This wasn't something that many people knew about her but Morasha Kinkle developed a certain fondness for old antiques over the years. 

From rare pendant coins to chalice goblets from roman the empire to vintage cameras— courtesy of Elijah's passion for photography, from late eighteenth-century Romantic paintings to Han Dynasty works. Not dolls, though... never dolls.

Now and then she appreciated the stories held behind each piece of art and admired their resilience to withstand centuries. They saw the ages come to pass and remained to tell the stories their creators could not tell themselves.

And that was the reason why Mora's attention hadn't left the old grandfather clock that stood tall in Father Blackwood's office. She could hear the antique clock when all else was still, as though it was meant to relax the hearts of anyone within close proximity.

That old deep wood and classic curvy shape, more towered over everything than simply sat there. It was a thing of beauty that would last, ticking all the same day after day with reliable precision.

It was comforting.

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock.

And yet, all Mora could think was how she wanted to get the fuck out of that office.

"Miss Kinkle, as we both know, today is your last day at the Academy as per our agreement," the warlock stated, "However, before your departure, there are a few things I'd like to discuss."

Mora stayed silent, so he continued.

"For starters, I had asked your teachers to submit reports, merely observations on your progress and, uh, I have to admit—I am impressed. I have gone through your dossier and I have to say, Mora, I am most pleased by what I've seen."

He pulled an open folder closer and let his eyes scan the contents, "Your scores in the Ancient Runes and your Eld classes started off slow but in the past week have ended on a very good note. As well as Sacred Geometry, Demonology, Arithmancy." He flipped through the pages, "Though I see you are having some trouble in Latin and Potions." He tapped his index, ruminative. "May I ask why you still refuse in joining our Choir?"

"I don't sing."

Tick, Tock, Tick.

Mora watched with a blank expression as the man cleared his throat, "Hmm. Well, all in all, it was spotty in the beginning but there is a clear sign of determination, something we highly value here."

She gave him a curt smile in response. It was a change from the stoic visage she had for the past twenty minutes since she'd entered the office, and apparently, it seemed to do the trick cause his shoulders loosened a fraction.

Closing the file, Blackwood leaned back into his seat, "I feel the only thing left to ask is whether you enjoyed your stay? Any issue that needs my attention?" Blackwood frowned when she tense up once more. "I hope your peers, as well as the faculty, have treated you accordingly. If not, you need only say and they will be dealt with."

Sure, it was highly uncharacteristic behaviour on his part, with Faustus being... well him. But first and foremost he was High Priest, and any deficient acts coming from a member of his coven (unauthorized by him, that is) is unacceptable and it was his responsibility to take action.