Magic Index: Temptation's Risk (Completed)

Chapter 1: Temptation's Calling

Ever since the defeat of Shanna in Kailume, Lina has been worried about everyone else back in the capital of Galahdor. She hoped that she would be able to return to Tessele and the rest, report her success, and heal up more. However, troubles were looming in the underground tunnels. Two members of the once-Lotharian Order were still alive and thriving because of certain sneaky tactics. Given orders by someone beyond their realm, Arthur and Velrissa were both in a makeshift throne room built by some lowly thieves looking for a quick rule. They both agreed on Arthur being held accountable for who gets let in and what they do. Velrissa has a very specific job meant only for her.

    "To think that Ereldra would've failed. The majority of her team fell within hours while we survived and lasted to see the light. Funny way of seeing things, isn't it Arthur?" the succubus grinned while Arthur charted on a map of specific points to attack. She watched him, her small arrowhead tail swayed.
    "I wouldn't necessarily call it funny. However, Nimruil and his little bimbo priestess definitely had what was coming to them. They were very cocky and that became their downfall." he looked up to his partner in crime who stared at him with adoration. Arthur adverted his eyes back down to complete his plan. Velrissa strolled around the table, grinning as she traced a finger up his arm.
    "Remember how we first met, Arthur dear?" she said, pulling his attention away from his map. "The small militant village you were so accustomed to. So full of hungry men."
    "I do remember. I also remember your sickening taste for discarding the ones you feed off of. Tell me Velrissa, if I fell to you during our initial meet, would have done the same?" he questioned, his eyes unwavering as Velrissa put on a pouty face.
    "Awww, Arthur. Don't say that. Even if you did lose to me, I would've at least made your death painless." she planted a kiss on his cheek before he pulled away and returned to his work.
    "I'll check on our men and women after this. It's almost nightfall. You should get going." Arthur went back to mapping as Velrissa stood back up quickly and clapped her hands together before walking out of the room. "She is going to be the death of me."

Outside in the open air, Velrissa was high in the sky over all of the rebuilt Vertash. Looking down, the succubus spotted a caravan that had just pulled up at the gate entrance. She sensed who was in there but ultimately ignored them in search of her potential prey. As she continued soaring through the clouds, she found a very isolated town just outside the walls. She landed on a nearby grassy knoll, scoping the place out as she sniffed out several decent targets. Her eyes glowed and her hunger grew.

    "I'm sure Arthur won't mind if I have a little fun for myself." she soon descended on the small town.

                                                                                       *****

The very next day, Lina went to the Slyborne House to visit both Malanie and Tessele. When she got news of the high elf returning from the hospital, Lina made it her number one priority to see her second teacher after so long. Once inside the house, she saw many more mages on the floors, going from room to room like worker bees. She smiled at the energy the entrance room held before she headed to one of the small meeting rooms. She knocked on the door, waiting to be let inside.

    "Come in." Tessele's familiar voice was heard on the opposite side. Lina walked in, smiling at both of the Archmages. She speed walked over to Malanie, hugging her tightly with her arms locked around her waist. The high elf hugged her back, softly stroking her head. Tessele watched the two share their moment with a soft smile on her face.
    "It's been so long since I saw you. I'm so proud of the mage you have become." she spoke, her voice a soothing song in Lina's ears. They pulled back a bit to look at each other. "Tessele has kept me updated with your progress. Saving a whole village from possible enslavement is such an amazing accomplishment. You truly are a mage."
    "Thank you, Malanie. It means so much to hear that from you. I know I made Tessele proud as well. I couldn't have done it without any of you teaching me the ways. I am forever grateful." Lina looked between her mentors. "So, are you fully healed, Malanie?"

    "You can say that." She then showed Lina her arm wrapped entirely in a black sleeve before she pulled it off carefully to reveal an ethereal arm completely comprised of magica. The color of the stone was an emerald green that suited the high elf well. Lina stared in awe. "How do you like it?"
    "It makes you look so cool!" Lina exclaimed like a kid, she walked around, looking at it from different angles. "I didn't think this was possible with magica. It can create limbs?"
    "Only someone who is highly skilled in the arts can accomplish such a feat. As long as the patient is in steady health, the magica will never go away." Malanie explained. It was such an emotional reunion, but a very fitting one. Lina was eternally grateful, as were her mentors.
    "Now, Lina. I need you to come with me. The Council wants a word with you about your progress." Tessele spoke, walking around the table and placing a hand on her shoulder.          "Afterwards, you may rest. I know the events at Kailume were hard for you."
    "It was, but thankfully I had my friends and really good allies to help me." she responded then waved to Malanie.

The two walked out of the room, leaving Malanie to herself. She sighed, happy to finally be back in condition to finally be putting in work again for the Slyborne House. Together, Tessele and Lina entered the hallway and walked down to the room that housed The Council.

    "How are Harfen and Lelli? Tired I presume." Tessele gazed at her apprentice.
    "You're correct on that. They helped a lot during the time we were there. Lelli did her best to keep my health and spirits up while aiding The Nightstalkers. Harfen helped with planning certain moves they were making. He has a wonderful mind for working under pressure." Lina explained herself as they continued walking. "Despite the numbers we lost, we finally were able to bring peace to Kailume and restore order."
    "I knew I chose the right mage for the job. I expected nothing better." the archmage praised her students as they soon came up to the room and entered.

Lina stopped in the middle of the room to see the entities all gazing at them both. Lina soon stepped up to the middle of the room as the small pedestal rose to meet her and Tessele together. Lina placed her hand first on the insignia.

    "Lina Ashewood, mage of Dunia." she announced as she was acknowledged. She then backed up to allow Tessele to announce herself.
    "Tessele Castillon, Archmage of Vertash." she announced as the pedestal lowered back into the floor. Their eyes sparked.
    "Lina Ashewood of Dunia, your skills and expectations exceed that of The Council. Many praises of gratitude." they spoke as she bowed respectfully from their uplifting words. "Tessele of Vertash, for bringing another helpful guide into our establishment, you have proven yourself once again as one of the top Archmages to be indoctrinated to our cause. May you forever be remembered as one of the great Mages of the Hopeful."
    "Your words bring me great joy, Council." she also bowed out of respect.
    "As your power grows, do not stray from the path, young mage. For it is you who defines the future generation of new mages to come. Many temptations may block your sight but do not give in. For now, you've earned rest. May our next encounter happen soon."

The Council returned to their statue-like state, the room quieting down. Lina and Tessele looked at each other and embraced each other before leaving the room.

                                                                                    *****

While everything seemed to be in normal shape once again, the small town just outside the walls seemed to be in disarray as a certain succubus was terrorizing the entire spot. Several men lay dead in the streets while Velrissa sucked her fingers clean of any traces. Hiding behind an alleyway, a couple was trying their best to stay quiet. A soldier of the town held his wife back, branding his weapon just in case she came for them.

    "I didn't think we have demons here." the wife spoke, her voice shaky and traumatized from the whole ordeal. The husband felt the exact same but knew he had to be strong for both of them.
    "If she finds us, I want you to run. Do not look back, you understand?" he looked at her, staring deep into her eyes.
    "You know, it's rude to speak about someone behind their back." a voice could be heard above them as Velrissa grinned hungrily at the last couple of the town. She swooped down and pinned the husband to the ground. He managed to push his wife away from the both of them. She fell to the ground, too scared to move as she watched the life essence being sucked out of her beloved through an empowering kiss. Once done, he laid still as a trace of life could be seen in his eyes before it was erased. Velrissa stood and grinned at the woman.
    "Don't be scared, darling. I have something special for you." she licked her lips and walked with an enchanting sway in her hips, soon crawling on top of the scared woman and keeping her on the ground. "You'll be feeling good really quickly."

Velrissa's eyes turned a dangerous shade of pink before leaning in and kissing the woman while caressing her body. The woman tried to resist, but her mind soon turned clouded and foggy while her eyes began to change into that of a Lesser Succubus.