Crescent (Book 1)

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Vervale's banner flaps wildly in the wind, russet flying from the castle towers. From my view through the library windows, I've watched the day pass slowly. After a grueling session with Saren, she directed me here with a new stack of books to spend hours poring over: History of the Waltz, Ballroom Dancing, and Movement and Seduction. I can only guess that my dancing lessons will come soon.

It's easy to spot soldiers crossing the battlements toward the frosted tower entrances. Just after midday, a trio of soldiers passed through the doors. Darkness is falling fast, and they've yet to come back. I know it won't be long before I'm called to dinner, so I stand. The pages and covers of my books flutter shut and magic somehow carries them back to their respective shelves. The candles about the library flicker out few by few until all that's left alight are the lanterns surrounding my table. In the lowlight, I can just barely make out a lantern floating across the bastion. A lone figure cloaked in black hobbles across the path, lantern high as they head toward the tower entrance.

I recognize that limping gait immediately. Jackaby. What's he doing out so late? The tower door opens, and Jackaby disappears inside. Not a moment later, I feel a gust of wind. Without turning, I know that it's Nic who stands behind me. "Come to take me to dinner?" I chirp, forcing my features into a flat line.

He grins in the lantern light and holds out an arm for me. "That a problem?"

I'm not in the mood for company, but I shrug and take his hand. "Why would it be?" The world dissipates, fading into a space void of color or sense. When the world appears again, we're in the kitchens, and I fall against him as everything quits spinning. "How do you do that?" I ask, mainly out of wonder. I blink a few times, adjusting to the light from the roaring fireplace. The table is set for three places tonight, and Moira already sits at the far end. She gives a small wave as she sips from her goblet.

"Call it a neat party trick." Nic's boyish grin is teasing as I push off of him and straighten my clothes, standing upright. He reminds me too much of his father, and being so close to him is unsettling. Especially after seeing the things Ceth has done. I wonder if the same darkness lies in Nic.

I hum my reply, strolling toward one of the empty seats across from Moira. Nic takes the spot at the table's end, and servants appear with overflowing platters.

Moira cuts into her steak, peering at Nic. "How was training?"

His hair is shaggy, and it hangs over his eyes as he shrugs, obviously bored. "Best in my class."

"You're the only one in your class." Moira shoots him an amused look, and I smile as he bites into his food.

"Doesn't that also make you the worst?" I ask casually. Nic's green eyes flash, and a dimple forms in his cheek as he leans toward me.

"We could always go head to head, sweetheart. I'd love pinning you to the-"

"Dominic!" Moira shrieks.

I roll my eyes and smile again when Moira swats him on the arm. "Maybe you should stick to someone your own size."

Nic leans back, giving me a look that makes my stomach queasy for all the wrong reasons. Something primal churns in his eyes, and my smile drops. How old is he again? "I think we're equally matched, wouldn't you say?"

Hardly. He, like his father, is much taller than me- Much more muscular.

"Enough," Moira scolds him, and I slice into my steak, duly ignoring him as she clears her throat and turns her attention toward me instead. "What about you, Lady Brenna?" She shoots him another look. "I know you're going to start dancing soon. We can still find time for planning somewhere in your schedule."

I don't have much control over my schedule anyways, but it's already crammed full with my lessons. With Ceth gone, I have more freedom, and maybe I can use it to my advantage. I nod, an idea suddenly blooming in my head as I remember the books spelled away in the library- and Jackaby going to the towers. "Tomorrow... I was hoping to see Jackaby if Saren allows it."

"Jackaby?" Nic interjects.

"Is everything alright?" Moira raises a brow, and I clear my throat as I look between their confused faces.

"I'm fine. I just have some soreness I'm worried about." It's a blatant lie, but Moira responds with something about changing tomorrow's plans. Nic does nothing more than shake his head in dismissal as Moira lectures on, but I listen to her think out loud. I do my best to nod my confirmation, but I know one thing for sure: Jackaby was at the towers for a reason today. I want to know why.