I looked at the sickly boy. “Has he practiced magic before?” I asked, knowing well that the grade throttling enchantment in my pills would degrade its strength if his body wasn’t used to the flows of magic.

“What does it matter?” Vaughn asked what Winter and the king pondered.

“People who don’t practice magic can only have the strength of a grade eleven or higher pill. People who do practice can receive the strength of a grade five. The lower, better grades like one to four are for seasoned wizards.”

Further questions amassed from the three men, and I had to explain all my pills effects for each colour, and that every pill I made going forth would be grade one albeit throttled to ensure the safety of the user. I spent a good hour with explanations, making sure to dodge questions that would identify my teacher. He wouldn’t wish to be troubled after all. I changed the topic back to the little prince, asking for a vial and some useless junk I could transmute, and once again, they stood in awe at my skill of transmutation.

I acquired the necessary herbs that would perform the role of a quick-acting painkiller. The king fed the bitter potion to the boy, and a green pill was washed down by the rest of the potion. Of course, I was kept in the castle in case my treatment had backfired and they sought to execute me, which rubbed me the wrong way as it would anyone. But, I had the utmost confidence in my pill because the boy did practice magic secretly under Vaughn. The archmage went unpunished because of the fortune being a magic practitioner brought the boy. Being employed in the king’s service was quite a double-edged sword.

Winter left me, having to carry out business back at the school, but I was under surveillance for the time being. Suddenly, I felt Chiron trying to contact me through the ring. What does he want? I probably shouldn’t answer. It felt horrible ignoring him, but I had to endure it.

By midday, the king barged in my room, teeth in full show, not of an angry clench, but of a beaming grin. “I don’t suppose you’re here to execute me?” I said jestingly.

“Saving the life of a prince is a crime only punishable by death,” he joked back, hardly able to keep his laughter contained. The boy, glued to his father’s leg, hid from me. “Go on,” the king said, ushering him over to me. The discolouration was gone, his skin looked spotless. The shy kid ambled over to me, healthy as a horse, “Thank you,” he said, under his voice. How cute, I thought.

“And what’s your name?” I asked, patting his head.

“Marcus Aran,” he replied, a little smile on his face.

“I’m Emily, and I heard you like magic. Is that true?” I asked, gaining a little nod from him. He was ashamed because he’d shirk his lessons to practice it. “It’s okay, I’m sure dad will let you use it now.”

The boy left after our talk with Vaughn but the king remained. “I’m, honestly indebted to you. How would you like to be rewarded?”

“Hmm, I haven’t thought about it but I do have a suggestion. How about you send him to Arcanist Academy. They teach history as well.”

“I, have thought about it. Perhaps, he’ll grow under Winter’s tutelage. Alright then, I shall send him if he’s capable enough for the try-outs next year. But I’m still concerned,” he furrowed his brows, “my people are still dying by the minute, can’t you help them too?”

“Sure, what’s the population of Venreval?”

“About thirty million,” he laughed, “why do you ask?”

“Thirty, huh? I can have double that amount made. It’s a bit of a do it all pill so you can use the extra for any other ailment.”

“I know you’re strong enough to cast that barrier, that’s how I knew I should seek your help, but, sixty million? Surely you jest, lass.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Winter said, coming through the door. He came back? “Miss Crescent made an astonishing seventy million pills by herself in one night alone, grade five no less.”

The king looked at Winter, then at me, repeating this cycle for a while. “Would you like to become head physician of Venreval, miss Crescent? Or perhaps head chemist? You’re much too resourceful to not be offered a suitable position.”

“Uh,” I wasn’t sure what to say, mainly because I was already head chemist at the school, but head chemist of Venreval? I felt like accepting would be much too arrogant of me, “I don’t think I’m capable of–”

“No one is as capable as you,” the king deterred my hesitance. What am I getting myself into?

“I’m, going to have to decline, I don’t want to leave the school yet. I’ll still deliver your green pills.”

He thanked me, more than I ever thought a king would. My prejudice painted him in an uptight and haughty light, something I’d fault my nervousness for. It was such a surreal experience. I would only hear of kings in tales my mother would tell me, but to actually talk to one and save his son no less, was an unbelievable experience.

Winter and I went back to the academy and I decided to set up the magic obelisks Winter had requested. Turning random boulders into a fine gemstone, the onyx, was a little harder than I’d imagined, but all still easy enough. Throughout my day of work, I’d have a group of students, staff, and Mandy from time to time shadow me, quite unapologetically. I reckoned it was because they were curious of my power, maybe still doubting that I could accomplish what the rumours that spread like wildfire said.

I enchanted the obelisks with fortification against physical and magical damage, with sufficient magic regeneration and as I was about to cast the barrier, I stopped, remembering that I’d have to give it conditions so that it’ll allow people belonging to the school inside. Was I to go around and create a condition for each individual student or staff? Impossible, and highly stupid.

I retired for the day into the sweet solitude of my quarters and began creating a large sum of green pills, but my laziness that day inspired some creative measures. I transmuted some junk lying around campus into a hollow, translucent magical pillar. The pillar would have an area to feed it junk to it on top. In the body of the pillar, there would be six points of enchantment that would mimic my pill creation process. I basically made a magical device that, when enchanted, would transmute and enchant the things in it. Whilst devising how I’d do this, I realised I missed out on an extra layer of enchanting my pills.

After finishing it, was time to test it out. I took some pebbles and placed it into the feeder. As the stones passed through the first point, they were transmuted to the needed herbs. The second point enchanted them to increase strength, duration, and integrate grade throttling into the leaves. At the third point the herbs were transmuted into a paste and enchanted once more, but this enchant lacked grade throttling, as it was not necessary to do it twice. At the fifth stage, the pillar transmuted the paste into a pill and enchanted it once more at the sixth point, this time, for duration only.

Three duration enchantment stacks, I wondered, should be around three days, right? I created two others pillars, one for red and blue pills to go with the already functioning green pill. With pride, I smiled at my inventions, but decided to keep them secret. I feared people would try to take advantage of me for them, so I kept it in the dark until I was strong enough.

Whilst staring off into space, my doorbell rang, and in came the spritely Mandy. She took her cloak off and nosedived into the bed. I bounced a little, being seated on the edge of the bed when she planked onto it.

“Don’t you have things to attend to?” I inquired, finding that she returned rather early, to my room nonetheless, but it didn’t bother me.

“Mm, I’m already done for today. Did you lose track of time? It’s near sunset.” She wormed about. Grabbing me by the loose skin at my sides, “Hey!” I screamed out, a strange response to an equally strange ticklish pain. Not long after, she took notice of the pillars near my alchemy station and asked about it. So much for being discreet.

“Pill creation devices,” I turned around with a concerned look in my eyes, “you mustn’t tell anyone about this, not a soul, okay?”

“You really love alchemy, huh?” she muttered. “That reminds me, I have,” she looked away, “something to tell you.” She sat up on the bed, “Meet me at the pier,” she ran off to her room afterwards. I decided to give her a little time.

I was about to re-evaluate my pillars, to smoothen out any design flaws, but my uncle brought my bad memory to light when he tried to contact me again. I couldn’t believe I forgot something so important.

“Uncle Chiron?” I talked into the ring.

“Emily!” his voice sounded rushed but forced, as if he didn’t want others to hear our conversation, “Do not cast the barrier spell. Whatever you do, whatever they may tell you, however you may feel, casting it will bring an end to an entire species. You must not cast the spell.”

“Entire species? Slow down, I don’t understand.” I urged the man, but he only reinforced the notion of cancelling my plans for the spell. I was between a rock and a hard place now. Do I leave the academy open to attacks and allow others to get hurt? Or do I disobey the person who saved me even though I know he’s quite knowledgeable? The end of a species, what was he talking about? Attempts to contact him went fruitless.

I bid a temporary farewell to my room and teleported to the pier, strolling along the boardwalk. A gentle breeze accompanied me to the edge of it and I looked calmly at the setting sun and orange waters.

So engrossed I was in my conversation just now, that Mandy’s footsteps were practically delivered to deaf ears. She caught my attention, easily so by the feminine charms she exuded with the help of a knee-high sleeveless dress you’d wear in the hot summers. Its neck was a large rounded square cut-out that shined emphasis on a subtle and thin necklace holding the wings of an angel up.

“You look really pretty,” I commented, half thinking out loud and half complimenting, “is that really you, Mandy?” I joked, a smile plastered on my face.

She didn’t say a word, only coolly walked towards me, placed her slender fingers below my chin to bring my eyes to her and stole my lips, my composure, my very concept of time. The cogs of time itself jammed. I was certain I could no longer hear the crashing of the tame waves nor could I even breathe; my mind had collapsed.

She finally let go, her peach lips fighting to stick together with mine. “I, really, like you.”

My mind’s hands rashly held onto the cliff of shock that it fell from, desperately trying to climb back to the summit. The massive vibrations of my heartbeats would chip and crack the rough walls with each pulse, giving more and more reason for my mind to fully slip into a stunned state. What was she saying? She liked, me? In that way?

Her peering sky blue eyes urged me to give an answer, “I, I have to think about it,” it was all so soon, I’d only been here a few days and now I wanted to run away and escape this pressure she placed on me. But my legs were much too frightened, like children afraid of the monsters below their beds, it was caught in suspension. I fell forward, being caught in her bosom, “I’m, sorry, this has never happened, before,” I tried to defend my lack of control.

She embraced me, whispering words of comfort to me. It felt like an atrocious crime, but I had to leave her, otherwise I’d be the one longing for her in the heat of the moment. I teleported to my room, lying in bed with thoughts full of Mandy. I was able to breathe again. A few deep ones I took before time cleared the rubble that made its gears stick.

I’d never thought she was so beautiful. I released an excited shrill and curled into myself, part of me was swimming in rapture. Just the thought of us being together thrilled me to no end. But the other part had a strange disconnect with the school, like I never actually belonged and that I should not get too close to anyone, for when the winds of change presented itself and I had to disembark, I’d only regret ever coming to the school. And to add to my quandary, I honestly wondered about casting the barrier. Do I heed my uncle’s words? Or do I possibly allow people to die? My mind pounded itself into a smooth batter until I fell asleep early in the evening.

I killed time, doing only the simple tasks and postponing the barrier of the school for a few days. I even avoided Mandy, feeling like the lowest piece of dung every time she’d call out to me or our eyes met. Using Marcus, the prince, as an excuse to leave the school, I teleported to the palace, millions of green pills in tow. I went straight to the guest room they had put me in before, to avoid clumsily interrupting any meetings that may be held in the court at the moment.

Wandering for a while, I came across a servant who directed me to the royal archmage’s room. I knocked and entered, as per the instruction written ever so boldly on the door. “Hello?” I voiced through the room.

“Miss Crescent,” a heavy voice from behind scared me white. It was Vaughn, returning with some ingredients in his hand for alchemy. I asked, why he doesn’t do the obviously convenient thing and learn transmutation, to which he replied, “I’ve been learning that since I was a child and still not good enough. It’s apparently lifelong pursuit that isn’t worth it with the human lifespan. Enchanting was much easier, and enchanters are much more widespread, however, one cannot enchant something with a spell that he cannot perform himself.”

“You should be pretty good at enchanting then,” I complimented, ogling around his room.

“Well, I wouldn’t say so. It isn’t my strength.”

“What is it then?”

“Draconic art of water. Some events led me to being raised by the dragons of the south seas.”

I immediately halted my investigation of his room, “Dragons?! Can I–”

“No, they trust no human.”

“It’s okay, I’ll just teleport away if things get bad. And besides, I fought with one already, kind of. I can handle it.”

“I can’t deny your magical prowess. So be it then, it shall at least make for some entertainment, and I can always calm them down.”

He ripped open a portal and sent me through. I was on a hot beach in a lab coat – not the most comfortable feeling – and Vaughn was nowhere to be found. Where is h–

“You, human filth!” a muddied voice boomed loudly from the shores and within it, a shadow came closer and closer to the surface. Suddenly, wings sprung out of the water and the moss green scaled beast stood up high on all four legs in an intimidation pose, yet, I was more excited than scared.

“Uh, hi,” I replied, a little chipper to have it understand that I posed no threat.

“Hi?” the beast’s usually deep voice went a notch higher, “why have you come here?!” it asked, loud and angry enough to tell the whole ocean of my presence. The wings stood up again, showing the gills by its neck and the fins that stuck close to the side, usually hidden under the wings. It bashed its whale-like tail into the ocean, causing a large ripple.

“I just wanted to see you, well, I’d have liked to see as many dragons as I could. I also wanted to ask a question.”

“Leave.” It said, in a calm manner that troubled me a little. The dragon went back into the water, soundless. A few seconds into my bewilderment, a humungous one, looking much like their leader would if they were decided on size, landed on the beach next to me.

“You dare trespass into my terri–” it stopped in the middle of encroaching me, “you,” it said in a very composed voice, “who ar– no, what are you?” It posed a strange question that I assumed would be obvious.

“Uh, a human? Why do you dislike us?”

“Do not lie to me, half-breed! I can sense Razz’ol’s presence from a mile away, yet when I come to see him, you are what I meet!”

“I knew something was strange about you,” Vaughn said, suddenly appearing. “Natrix, I don’t think she knows what she is yet.”

“Vaughn Black! It has been, a long time. And yes,” it walked around us, “her stupidity certainly explains her ignorance. I sense Razz’ol within her, but I do not know why. She also has, other impurities. Vaughn, take her to the salamanders, they may know what mixture is concocted within her.”

With that, he flew off, not at all answering my question, only managing to convoke more questions in my mind. Perhaps this is not what I needed at the moment, but it was interesting. Maybe they had an answer to why Eblis’ blood didn’t kill me, provided the grimoire’s story was factual.

“Let’s go then.” I looked up at him and he only chuckled.

“Are you out of your mind? You’ll be ripped to shreds instantly, and I will not be responsible for that. If you wish to visit the salamanders, get help elsewhere.” He left, casting his teleportation and leaving me behind. More dilemmas, geez.

I wondered, teleporting back to the academy, was this ‘Razz’ol’ just another name for Eblis the Devourer? If he called me half-breed, then am I really half demon? I thought, finally, it was time to read the scroll, something I should’ve done the moment I came to the academy.

The dingy discolouration marred the message a little. I took a breath, preparing myself mentally. After Mandy’s confession and Chiron’s warning, I hoped for this to be something forgettable.

‘The strength of love can blur boundaries. It can cast aside the differences we are so loyal to upholding. He is the general of the salamanders, a strong clan of dragons. He is revered, respected, feared. And I am a lowly farm girl with nothing to her name. He flew down into my path, his eyes resting on me. I was scared he’d eat me, but he was simply curious, wondering what a human was doing so far out. Rare herbs were no easy task to find, and so I embarked. He took me to those herbs on his back, being careful not to let me slip. For many years, I’d return to his homeland, looking forward to meeting him more than I did finding herbs. I knew little magic, but my brother knew a lot. Chiron refused to grant me my wish at first, saying it was blasphemy. His mind only changed after meeting Razz’ol, and he agreed to inseminate me. Emily, dear, if you are reading this, know that, you are not fully human.’

I took a deep breath, setting down the scroll for a while. What did I just read? How could I not know I was part dragon? How did they even pull that off? I continued reading, a little bit of caution instilled.

‘Dragons weren’t so angered by humans, until the day that dreadful demon came. His presence alone released a deadly gas. People dropped like flies, but not dragons, they were strong against it. And because I was pregnant with a dragon’s seed, I survived long enough to birth you. But, your veins were glowing a bright purple, the very purple blood that many others died from after inhaling the gas. But you didn’t die, you lived, healthily so. Right now, though, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it.

I want you to know, should you ever read this, Razz’ol and I love you, but he might not show it. Give him time. Also, know you are both human and dragon, and regrettably, demon. I don’t know what path you’ll choose or when I’ll die, but I’ll always love you.’

I teared up, drops of the emotion-sacked water falling onto the scroll. But you didn’t die right away, you stayed alive for so long and kept this hidden. I laid on my bed, arms and legs spread out, staring blankly at the ceiling. There was no corner of my mind unafflicted by the recent revelations. What the dragon, Natrix sensed in me, was my father, and the power of Eblis. If not for being born part demon, I’d be a little more normal, but it didn’t upset me. I teleported back to the mountain that contained the amethyst blood and sipped of it, feeling a burning power passing through me along with its bitter taste. So, this really is, Eblis’ blood.

Next, I teleported to uncle Chiron’s cottage, but he was nowhere to be found. In fact, none of his belongings were there. The house was totally empty. Something drastic happened after the Sentry head officers visited him, asking about the dragon. That’s when it hit me, whatever they used to know a dragon was close to Chiron, sensed me! There was a strange feeling in the back of my mind, something about this whole situation was offsetting and I didn’t know why.

Why did Mandy question him so intensely?

I teleported back to the school, and this time, I searched for Mandy, instead of avoiding her. Maybe mother’s story placed a haste in my mind.

I found her patrolling along the edges of the school near the second years. She bolted to me, probably assuming I’d run away again and held my hand tightly, “Please, wait! I’m, sorry, about what I did. It was stupid of me, to hope that you’d, like another girl,” her eyes closed, unable to look me in mine.

“No, wait–”

“I’m sorry!” she said again, thinking she’d avoid a harsh rejection by emphasizing her regret, “I was too direct! I just don’t want our friendship to be over because of what I did.”

“Mandy!” I yelled a little, bringing her eyes to look at me, “I feel the same way about you and I apologise for avoiding you, but now isn’t the time. There’s something I need to know first.”

She finally stopped, her emotions calming down. “Hmm?” she questioned.

“A while back, you, Clockwork and that other man went to the forest, to visit an old man to find out about some dragon. Why?” I asked. She looked confusedly at me.

“How do you know that? And why do you want to know?”

“I know because I was there. And I’m part dragon.” I said flatly. She guffawed, holding her stomach from the pain.

“And I’m the queen of Venreval,” she jested, and her laughter reduced when she saw no snigger creeping near my lips. “So, Winter told you about it. He must really trust you. But that doesn’t make sense.” So, Winter sent them.

“Mandy, why is the school looking for dragons?” I asked the golden question and she went quiet, thinking about what to do.

“Are you really not mad at me for kissing you?” She put a finger to her chin in a cutesy manner, probably meant to have me sympathise with her.

“I, liked it. But please don’t change subjects, I need to know what’s going on,” I removed myself from her thoughts and brought her back to the important discussion.

She sighed, one long and drawn out, “I can’t tell you such sensitive information, but I could mistakenly drop the magic key needed to open the door behind the secret bookshelf at the librarian’s desk,” she said, playfully dropping the key onto the ground. She suddenly turned serious, “Be careful. I mean it. What you see there will change your perspective on the academy and if you’re caught… Well, God help you.”

“Thank you, Mandy.”

Because Arcanist Academy took learning extremely serious, and the type of people to practice magic are the scholarly kind, the library was never closed, no matter the hour. I went into the library, quite casually and began reading about portal magic, ensuring to keep my line of sight of the old, balding librarian clear. He began nodding off to sleep at sunset and finally decided to get up and fix himself something to eat, leaving his station unmanned. I slipped by, like a fly on the wall, crouching under the desk to get inside the receptionist area.

There were three bookshelves there, all jammed against the wall. Which one? I wondered. If you wanted to guard something, you’d sit as close as possible to it, right? I chose the one on the right, slowly pushing it, until I heard a click and it pivoted quite naturally. I found the door, inserted the key and the door automatically opened. With quick, stealthy movements, I pulled the shelf back in then closed the door. An empty room with a dim white magic light floated in the centre.

I pulled open the cellar door and trekked slowly, quietly, down the staircase and into the underground portions of the library. After a couple minutes of walking, I came across a huge, expansive bunker with strange black figures within large glass cells, like a prison. Reaching close enough to see through the front glass which wasn’t fogged like the side glasses, I made a frightening discovery. Dragons, chained from neck to toe!