Lexington

3. Iyra

3. Iyra

"Heav'n has no rage, like love to hatred turn'd, Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorned." - William Congreve

LUC WALKED THROUGH the halls of the large building, not knowing where he was going or when he would arrive at his destination. He stared at the walls as he passed them, examining the posters and reminders that had torn and curled at the corners with age. Lando was marching onwards before him. He had pulled on some boots and a jacket before leading Luc to a weird part of town that he had never seen. It was built up and busier; they had obviously left the residential area of this new unfamiliar town. When they had arrived at the main entrance of the building, the large sign reading 'Welcome to Lexington College', helped Luc realise where they were, but the reason why was still undiscovered.

The pair continued onwards, the long halls lit artificially. The shadows still kept Luc vigilant of quick and sinister movements. Outside the weather was stagnant, with no breeze and no lasting sunshine. They soon arrived at a door, clear of scratches, dents and any signs of heavy use. Lando pushed it open slowly and Luc followed inside after him, closing it shut and flicking the lock behind him.

"There's no need for that, Lucius Verella."

He turned around. At the large desk a woman sat calmly; beautiful and graceful even in the slightest of movements. She was reading a book, her straight brown hair hung around her face, cut precisely at her shoulder. When she looked up, Luc studied her features more thoroughly. Her chin and cheeks were sharp, golden eyes piercing and deep. Her porcelain skin was clear with an almost ethereal glow. She was undeniably magical. The same clicking sound Luc had heard sounded again and he turned back to the door, now unlocked. He whipped his head back to her with a questioning glance.

"Yes, I'm a witch," she began, placing the book down softly, "No, Orlando and I have not shared a bed, and it is possible I'll help you. It honestly depends on what you need."

"Straight to the point - I like it, Iyra," Lando's smile grew to a grin. He was bouncing on his toes with child-like excitement. However, Lando's portrayal of a happy relationship between himself and Iyra was not reflected on her face. The truth was Iyra and Lando had met coincidentally when Lando first arrived in Lexington. She was not even considering his undead state, but she knew he was one to be wary of. Their relationship, if any words could even be used to describe it, was minimal and self-serving.

"What is it that you boys require of me?"

"Hold on a moment," Luc said, "how did you happen to know my name?"

Iyra smiled coyly, the associated sentiment not sincere enough to reach her eyes. Her voice was mystical; it spanned the room with a seductive melody, "You're notorious among supernaturals, Luc Verella - even in a small town like Lexington. That is probably the reason why you are both coming to see me."

"She's good, right?" Lando grinned proudly. He looked to Luc for assurance but again, Lando seemed to be the only being in the room looking cheerful. Luc looked fleetingly back at her before observing the room he was standing in. The ceiling was high, like a typical lecture hall. Stadium-like seats began a few feet before him, and graduated upwards to the back of the hall.

He span around on his heels, "I want to ask you some questions first, Iyra."

"Go ahead," she stood and moved around to the front of her desk and resting on the edge.

Luc began pacing rather intimidatingly across the front of the presentation area. He could feel Iyra's stare on him as he moved around her territory. He could feel her unease like a heat on the back of his neck despite her cool demeanour. He enjoyed the upper hand on the witch, the conversation fuelled by his confidence.