devotion till violence. professor riddle

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ XVIII. shattered mind in the inferno light

AUTHORS NOTE.    Before you start the chapter, here's an explanation for the lack of chapters over the last few months (yes, an explanation and not an excuse!). I've been very sick for almost two months and since I have severe migraines that come with loving hugs every time I'm sick or debilitated, I've barely been able to think during this time.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Add to that my depression and loss of motivation after a rat (my stepdad) deleted the draft of this chapter. Then we have my studies, which start soon, and all the insurance and personal forms I have to take care of because the German state refuses to do anything logical and simple.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀Not to mention that my illness has also weakened my brain function, making me sound like a primary school pupil. (And I've once again developed a morbid obsession with the game 'Love and Deepspace'.... I thought I was over it).
⠀ ⠀ ⠀So: forgive me.

DESPITE THE TURMOIL IN her mind, which was spiralling deeper into a storm of paranoia and delusion with each passing second, Alethea dared to claim that she was utterly convinced that she was seeing things among the branches of the Silent Woods that she wished she had not.

Believed she could see figures in the darkness of the trees that she should not have seen. (No mortal should see such things if they wish to remain sane... but perhaps that no longer applied to Alethea). They had ventured so deep into the forest that Alethea was certain that — if it were daylight and the sun's fractured rays could pierce through the crowns of the trees — they would be able to catch a glimpse of the Thistle Lake between the trees.

"Focus," Riddle commanded, prompting Alethea to shift her gaze towards him. With only the firelight from the many torches illuminating the scene, the flames flickering almost playfully across his face, casting shadows on his flawless skin, her professor appeared somewhat more discontented.

His forehead was slightly furrowed and his eyes were fixed on her with such intensity, as if she had stolen something from him. Beside his figure, leaning against one of the large stones, Érebos sat with a nonchalant attitude, watching the flock of bats flying overhead, not paying the slightest attention to either student or teacher.

"Forgive me if I seem a little unsteady on my feet, sir." Alethea met her young professor's gaze with a cool smile. The book in her left hand was slowly fading from her thoughts, almost as if she was unconsciously pushing it away, or as if something was urging her to do so. "The last time I was in these woods, I found a corpse that was, it seems, not quite a corpse."

It was a feeble attempt to lighten the situation, that was haunting her with memories, with humour, only to be met with a disapproving look from Riddle. "If you feel unable to continue, we could perhaps pause the lesson for a time. I certainly do not wish to expose you to any further traumatic experiences, Miss Desmond."

His voice was so innocuous; the night bore witness to his innocence. His words could almost (to foolish, gullible souls) be mistaken for concern, yet it was his black eyes that made no effort to hide the true ulterior motives lurking within.

Bastard.

How they glowed with satisfaction and glittered with arrogance, knowing full well that she needed this lesson not only to finally understand her magic, but also because she wanted it. It was the curse of humanity to exploit and enjoy a position of power once one found oneself in it.

Alethea pressed her lips together, raised her chin and narrowed her eyes, refusing to beg or swear that her words had been born of mere whim. She would not give him that satisfaction, and judging by the slight rise of the corner of his mouth, he knew it too.

With a new smirk on his lips, he tossed a small object towards her, which she deftly caught with her right hand despite the dim light. The cold glass almost burned in her hand, which had been warmed by the warmth spell Professor Riddle had cast over her shivering form. Alethea opened her hand and looked down at the vial.