Transformative Nights

Off To School

I sighed, gazing up at the stars as I prepared to make my way home. Finding and admitting those with magical potential, one or two individuals at a time, was taking far too long. It was rewarding, yes, but the process was excruciatingly slow. The sheer scale of the task weighed on me more than I cared to admit. For every recruit we brought into the fold, there were countless others slipping through the cracks, undiscovered and untrained.

Still, the thought of Jonathan gave me a spark of hope. If he adapted quickly to life at Aurum Arcanum Academy and honed his abilities, he could be a valuable ally in this effort. He had the raw determination and charisma to connect with others in a way I rarely could. Perhaps, in time, he might even help me find and test new students. The prospect of sharing this burden with someone else—a capable someone—was more comforting than I expected.

The weight of my thoughts made the journey home feel shorter than usual. The cool night air seemed to carry me effortlessly, and before I knew it, the familiar silhouette of my estate came into view. Landing lightly on the balcony, I shifted back to human form and stepped inside, my boots barely making a sound on the polished floor.

“Asa,” I called softly. My trusted butler appeared almost instantly, his expression calm and professional.

“Yes, Master Chai-Hao?” he replied.

“How is Jonathan?” I asked, glancing toward the wing of the house where he was staying.

“Sleeping soundly,” Asa reported. “He showed signs of restlessness earlier but has since settled.”

I nodded, pleased. “Good. Let him sleep in. When he wakes, don’t ask him what he wants. Just bring him food—something hearty.”

Asa inclined his head. “Of course.”

With that, I dismissed him and retired for what little remained of the night. The stillness of my chambers allowed my thoughts to wander once more. There was much to do, but tonight, I allowed myself to feel a flicker of optimism. Change was slow, but it was happening.

By the time morning came, the house was alive with the quiet hum of routine. I took my time preparing for the day, my thoughts lingering on how to approach Jonathan. After finishing my own breakfast, I made my way to his room. Asa informed me that Jonathan had already eaten and was waiting, likely unsure of what to expect next.

I knocked lightly on his door before stepping inside. Jonathan was sitting on the edge of the bed, his expression alert but cautious, as if bracing himself for whatever I might say. I couldn’t help but smile faintly. He was adjusting quicker than I had expected.

“Good morning, Jonathan,” I said, my tone calm but firm. “I trust you slept well?”

Jonathan replied in a curt tone that he had slept well. I strolled over to him, my gaze lingering on his refreshed yet wary expression. As he should be, for I am both his caretaker and predator. The feeding may be sensual, but I am no fool and will not let this stubborn man resist me. With a commanding voice, I instructed him to lie on the bed, feeling the resistance in every muscle of his body. Straddling him, I met his eyes as my fingertips traced up his arm. Our first meal was here on your wrist, while our second dinner was at the crook of your elbow. It is only fitting that we continue our journey north, perhaps stopping for breakfast at your collarbone. Leaning down, I tugged at his shirt and bit the flesh above his collarbone near the shoulder.

His body writhed beneath mine, causing a reaction in myself that was impossible to ignore. Jonathan stilled immediately, coughing and turning away from me. His adorable response only fueled my desire and I moaned into his shoulder while nipping at it once more.

Jonathan's face contorted with frustration, his eyebrows furrowing as he struggled to find the words. "Is there any way that could be less..." he trailed off, his voice barely a whisper. I leaned in, trying to read his expression. "Less what?" I asked. But Jonathan stayed silent, refusing to admit to whatever was troubling him. As I stood before Jonathan, his defiance was palpable. I could see it in the way he tensed, in the way his jaw clenched as if that alone could hold back the words I knew were tempting his tongue. He wanted to stop the sensual nature of our exchanges, to pretend he could banish it with sheer will. But such things were impossible. It was woven into the very fabric of what I was—and, whether he admitted it or not, into the way his body reacted to me.

Still, I had hoped. Hoped he would let slip even the smallest admission of how good it felt, how undeniable the pull between us was. But as the silence stretched, it became clear that he wouldn’t give me that satisfaction. His stubbornness was admirable in its own way, though it left me disheartened.

I sighed softly, the barest hint of disappointment in my voice as I stepped back. “Get dressed,” I said. “One of my other butlers will take you to the school to meet the Headmistress.”

His relief was almost comical. It washed over his face in a wave so obvious it made me smirk despite myself. Did he truly think that distance could shield him from the truths he refused to face?

“I won’t be joining you,” I added, watching as his shoulders relaxed further.

With a small, sharp nod, he turned toward the wardrobe, eager to be rid of me. For a moment, I lingered, the weight of his avoidance heavier than I’d expected. I had centuries of patience, but even I could not help the flicker of frustration that sparked in my chest. Without another word, I left the room, my footsteps echoing softly down the hall.

Soon after, the car carrying Jonathan pulled away from the estate, the sleek vehicle disappearing down the winding drive. I gave it a few minutes before stepping outside and shifting into my crow form. My feathers gleamed under the sun as I took to the sky, the wind rushing past me as I headed for the school.

I would meet him there—not as myself, but as the Headmistress. The guise was one I’d perfected over the years: poised, authoritative, and entirely human. It allowed me to move through the halls of Aurum Arcanum Academy without raising suspicion, a necessity for maintaining the dual nature of the school.

The flight was short, and as I landed on the window ledge of my office, I shifted seamlessly into the form of the Headmistress—a tall woman with sharp features, her hair swept into a flawless bun. My tailored suit added to the air of professionalism, though the glint in my eyes betrayed the enjoyment I took in this particular role.

Soon enough, Jonathan would arrive, unaware of the truth. I allowed myself a small, private smile. Let him think he had escaped me for a time. Our paths were far too entwined for him to stay distant for long.