A Dash of Poison

Chapter One: Only the weird encounters happen at night

She looked at the locket around her neck. Unlike the grandness of the castle around her, the locket was worn. The silver was tarnished, and half of it was missing, but it was still her most treasured item. Inside was a picture of her best friend; Julian, who and long since died. It was her sole comfort here.

Her days were long and grueling. She rose with the sun and went to bed after midnight. Her work was never done. The castle was grand to anyone's standards, and many of the students here coveted the prince for owning it. Wanting it to be their own, to flaunt their wealth like him. She however longed for her simple cabin at home, her plain fireplace; her sheets of cotton. Waking to the birds chirping, and the sound of the wind flowing through the leaves of the forest. She didn't need stairs coated with gold, silver platters, or fancy clothes to be happy.

She didn't want to be here, didn't want the prestige of the title of being a Kings Mage. A decade ago she would have had a choice, but five years ago the King had decreed all mages be trained to the fullest extent. War had been looming over them for almost 15 years, and soon it would break out.

She put her locket away, keeping it hidden from the Matron. Personal effects were forbidden. Everything from the hairpins they wore to the places they slept belonged to the King. She had hidden most of her belongings with her foster mom before they took her.

She opened her door, the creak echoed throughout the hall. It was early. Before Sun up. Tomorrow she would no longer be an apprentice, but a King's mage. She would shadow one of the greats for five years; and then she would be the property of the King. Tonight was the last night she had to be herself. She strolled down the narrowly lit hall. The golden flecks embedded into the wall reflecting the light.

The library wasn't far. Just up the flight of steps. She bolted up the stairs, laughing quietly. Running wasn't permitted her, and laughing looked down upon. As she rounded up the spiral staircase she ran into something, or rather someone rather hard sending her falling back down the stairs.

A strong hand grabbed her arm, steadying her on the step. Sparks shot down her arm. Once she was balanced he let go. "What is an apprentice doing up at this time, and running through the halls at that?"

"I'm sorry sir. I wanted to study in the library before the promotion ceremony." He sighed.

"You know Annaleigh, you're not supposed to on the library without a Kings Mage. Even if you're becoming one in a matter of hours."

"I'm sorry. I'm just nervous about the incarnation. It's not exactly my forte." She paused for a second, confusion hit her like a ton of bricks. "I never told you my name!"

"It is my job to know who everyone is." He growled. "I don't want any accidents tomorrow. How about I go up with you so you can practice."

"who are you? I don't think I've seen you around." She blurted out. She was wary of him, but she needed to practice that incantation. It didn't help that it was dark, and she couldn't see who was in front of her. She wanted to run, her heart was racing. Her hands were sweaty.

"Ju-" he cleared his throat. "I mean Wolf." her blood froze. Wolf. He was one of the greats, a most powerful mage. The deadliest mage in the King's magical forces. He grabbed out towards her, grabbing her arm. He pulled her up to the top of the stairs, pulling her to another room. She panicked: fighting him with all her might. She had heard rumors of his cruelty to women, and how he would sacrifice them on the full moon. His grip on her was too tight. Prying his fingers off her arm wouldn't work. He suddenly stopped causing her to crash into his back. It was pitch black, something that worried her greatly.

"Pyros" he said. The lanterns lit, engulfing the room. They were in the library. "Better Annaleigh?" He asked. It took everything she had to keep her breathing under control.