Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,185

I can handle them.” Moving past her, he opened the door and then offered her his arm. “Shall we go?”

She stared at him for a moment, but when he didn’t move, she finally reached out and draped her hand over his forearm. He looked up and down the hall before finally choosing the correct direction and then heading for the stairs. As they descended, she reminded him, “You know there’s a curfew on right now, don’t you?”

“That’s a damn shame,” he agreed. “But not a bad idea, considering the circumstances. I’m sure we can find someone willing to cook for us.”

That earned another odd look from Laina, but she didn’t say anything. As they stepped outside, she glanced around, but she didn’t see Darla. The former assassin appeared behind them seconds later, as if by magic.

Will didn’t react well to being surprised. As Darla started to announce herself, he turned and ‘pushed’ with his hand again, sending her flying into the side of the Alchemy building. She was pinned there, and he glared at her menacingly for a moment before Laina got his attention.

“What are you doing?” she demanded. “Let her go! She’s my guard!”

Will stared at her for a moment, then sheepishly apologized. “Oops.” He gestured, and the force holding Darla vanished, allowing her to slide to the ground. “Sorry about that, miss. I’m a little jumpy given the current circumstances.”

Darla started to reply, but Laina was standing out of Will’s line of sight and she held a finger in front of her lips to indicate the other woman should remain silent. The Arkeshi dipped her head and bowed, then moved to stand beside her mistress.

He stood for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then set off in the direction of the school gate. Laina and Darla exchanged looks but followed without comment, and soon they were walking down the streets of Cerria. After only a few blocks, men appeared around them.

“You should know better than to be out wandering with a curfew on. Identify yourself,” said the leader of the guardsmen.

Will paused a moment, then announced, “William Cartwright, and my companion is Miss Laina Nerrow, daughter of Baron Nerrow.” He glanced at Laina with an unspoken ‘right?’ in his eyes. She merely nodded.

The leader of the guardsmen bowed. “Forgive me, milord. The king has instructed us not to interfere with your movements.”

He nodded, smiling. “Well that’s just swell! Give the king my thanks!” He waggled a finger at Laina. “Let’s go m’dear!” With that he resumed marching down the street as though he hadn’t a care in the world.

As they walked, Laina glanced over at him. “You seem very different.”

“I’ve recently come into a great deal of power,” Will said, lifting the enchanted rod and twirling it between his fingers in an elegant gesture. “You know what they say about power?”

“It corrupts.”

He grinned. “No! That it’s fantastic! Honestly, you wouldn’t believe the amount of confidence I have right now. That and some truly unbelievable urges!” His eyes traveled downward briefly as he gave her a lewd appraisal.

She visibly restrained herself, making an effort not to gag at the thought.

He gave her a direct look. “You wouldn’t understand. I feel like a sixteen-year-old right now, full of vim and vigor. I can hardly bear it!” For a moment, he focused on her eyes and Laina saw a strange flash of turyn swirl in front of his face for a moment. “I can tell you’re in love with me, by the way,” said Will confidently.

Her eyes flew wide and her nostrils flared with rage. “I am no such thing!” Her elementals responded to her anger, manifesting in the air beside her, one a burning figure, the other a rocky presence of stone.

Will glanced at them. “Neat.” Then he seemed to dismiss them as his attention returned to her. “You know it’s the truth. I can read your emotions. Admit it, you want me as much as I want you.” He stepped closer, and a force-dome appeared around them, leaving both the elementals and Darla standing helplessly a few feet away. Shocked into disbelief, Laina gasped as his hand slid around