As the night fell, I returned to my cozy hotel room, a spark of excitement dancing in my eyes. The events at the lodge made me feel more energetic. I found myself itching to find out more and discover the cosmic mysteries.
Tossing and turning in bed, I pondered the enigmatic path I had embarked upon, feeling a sense of unease that I couldn't quite shake. A tinge of unease clung to me, refusing to let go. Was it just my rookie nerves getting the best of me? Doubts about my abilities gnawed at my thoughts, like pesky butterflies fluttering in my stomach. But hey, I told myself, even the most daring heroes feel a little shaky in the beginning. It's time to push those doubts aside and embrace the adventure that lies ahead.
The weeks flew by in a whirlwind of thrilling new experiences. Balancing my duties at the apothecary with my magical studies proved to be quite a challenge, but it filled me with a rush of excitement. The lodge, oh, the lodge, became my sanctuary—a haven where the lines between what's real and what's magical blurred in the most extraordinary ways. Each day, I eagerly returned, craving the enchantment that awaited me within its walls.
A few days ago, Emrys, another assistant of Mr. Hawthorne, finally made his long-awaited return. Emrys was not only a trusted colleague but also a dear friend of mine. He had been absent for some time, tending to a sick relative who lived in a distant village. But now, with his return, a wave of relief washed over me. The gears of my work schedule at the apothecary shifted, allowing for greater flexibility. My job no longer posed a conflict with my visits to the lodge.
Guided by the lodge's teachings, I delved into the basics of magic—learning to harness my focus, finding serenity through meditation, and conjuring vivid visualizations. Yet, if I'm being honest, a restlessness stirred within me. I yearned for something more—for the secrets of high magic to be unveiled—even though I knew full well the dangers it posed to novice practitioners. Still, I reminded myself to be patient, for haste could lead to disastrous consequences. Progressing slowly was better than no progress at all. The path of magic had no shortcuts, and any such temptations were perilous to the very essence of the human soul. The initiation process I was undertaking was no small feat—it spanned an entire month, during which Mr. Vandenberg and the other high officials would assess my readiness in every aspect. While it may be a lengthy journey, they assured me that it was necessary to ensure my preparedness for the profound mysteries that awaited. And so, with determination and a touch of trepidation, I embraced the arduous yet transformative road that lay before me.
As days turned into nights, I marveled at the subtle changes occurring within me. The world around me seemed to come alive with a vibrant energy, as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the hidden wonders that had always been there. The whispers of the unknown grew bolder, no longer mere murmurs but resonant echoes in my ears.
And so, because of my enhanced spiritual senses, I was able to slowly perceive the astral realm. However, the reality I encountered was far from what I had anticipated. Night after night, I found myself plagued by vivid nightmares and visions that shook me to the very core of my being. The unfamiliar and unsettling images seemed to seep into my consciousness, leaving me both fascinated and disturbed.
The lodge members assured me that such experiences were a normal part of the path I had chosen. To protect myself from any unforeseen consequences, they advised me to practice protection magic, a shield against any potential harm that may arise. So every night, before I went to sleep, I would meditate and make a magic circle.
As the days passed, my dreams grew more vivid, as if someone was trying to communicate with me from beyond the veil. A mysterious man, shrouded in darkness, would always appear in my vision. His features began to take shape, his form becoming clearer with each dream. It was as if he had something important to say, but he did not.
One evening, as I wearily returned to my cozy room after a long day at the apothecary, a strange sensation prickled along my spine. It was as if an invisible presence loomed over me, casting an electric charge in the air. Instinctively, I held my amulet tightly.
The room looked the same, except for a heavy presence. I just realized that I should have cast a protective spell in my room whenever I leave for work or go to the lodge. I wandered around, searching for anything unnatural, but I did not see any entities.
Just as I closed the door, a male voice, smooth and velvety, broke the silence from behind me. "Ah, greetings, Miss Masha Montclair. Quite the fascinating endeavor you've embarked upon, wouldn't you agree?" he said.
Startled, I spun around, my heart racing, only to find myself face-to-face with a mysterious man who seemed to have materialized out of thin air. His eyes danced with a playful glimmer, and a mischievous smile played on his lips.
My gaze met his gleaming eyes, and a surprised gasp escaped my lips. This was not a vision of the astral realm; this was an actual, physical man before me. His attire was a dark robe that hung elegantly, the fabric emphasizing his lithe and muscular frame. Dark hair cascaded down his back, tied loosely in a low ponytail, revealing a face that was striking and refined. There was something about him that reminded me of a dark angel who descended on the physical realm.
"Masha..." It was his deep yet gentle voice again that caused my attention to snap back into reality.
Still clutching my amulet tightly, I took two steps backward. My hand shook so badly that I could barely keep my balance. "Who are you?" I managed to ask in between rapid breaths. I tried to ignore the slight tremors shaking through my body.
"Masha." His voice drifted through the air like warm wind caressing my cheeks. The sound was soothing and enticing. "You must know me."
I kept staring at him. I was still not sure if I was hallucinating or not. I pinched myself, but I heard him speak again.
"Permit me to introduce myself," he stated, his voice carrying a subtle yet distinct edge of amusement. He inclined his head slightly, a gesture that seemed both courteous and mischievous. "My name is Nikolai."
I blinked, a mixture of surprise and bewilderment coursing through me. His name resonated within me like a distant echo—a name I had no reason to know, yet it sparked an uncanny recognition.
He regarded me with a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite decipher. "You need not be afraid, Masha. You have done me a service by waking me from that endless slumber."
Instinctively, I grabbed the dagger from my bag. It was magically charged, so it could be used to fight any being.
"Please," he added, glancing at my dagger, "let us converse without fear. I meant no harm, indeed! How can you be so fearful?" He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on mine. "You are a magician, aren't you? Where does this fear come from? Aren't you supposed to be brave enough to deal with all kinds of demons from the deepest part of hell, or are you one of those human sorcerers who practiced magic for wealth and power, thinking it would grant them immortality and eternal happiness?"
He paused and continued, "I am no demon; I am not the sort of thing you would think a mere creature such as I is capable of possessing. I have never harmed you, nor have I ever intended to. I would never even dream of harming you, especially since you were kind enough to awaken me."
His voice rose to a mocking pitch at the last word, and he chuckled darkly. His eyes glowed eerily in the dim light of the room, reminding me once again of an evil spirit.
I tried reading the man's aura after a few minutes of trying to focus. He had a dark and bloody energy swirling about him, and it made me feel like I was being suffocated by an unknown force. His energy was powerful yet controlled, and for some reason, it also made me dizzy. He could not be a demon or a fallen angel, I thought. If he was the same man I found in the tunnel two weeks ago, then he must be a ghost or a dark elemental.
Nikolai stepped closer. "I apologize for frightening you, but your reaction was most unusual and, frankly, fascinating." A faint smirk touched the corners of his mouth.
"How do you know who I am? And what do you want from me?" I asked, still trembling. I was trying hard to remain composed despite my increasing confusion and alarm.
His smirk faded and was replaced by a frown. "It is quite easy to read people's minds, lady. Did you not learn that?"
Nikolai turned away and began pacing across the small room, hands clasped behind his back. The movement brought forth a fluttering of dark silver silk robes. "I have a proposition for you, one that could greatly benefit us both. I have a mission, you see, and I believe you might be just the person to help me."
My curiosity deepened. "A mission?" I echoed.
He nodded, his light blue eyes fixed on me. "Centuries ago, my wife was a powerful witch. Unfortunately, she was slain by a treacherous sorcerer who coveted her talisman—a talisman that grants immense power and long life. I want that talisman back, not for the power it holds, but for the memories it carries."
I stared at him for some time. How could I help him find a talisman that had been lost for centuries? "I'm sorry," I said, my voice tinged with doubt, "but there are countless sorcerers out there, many of them living secretly or in isolation. How could I possibly find the right one?"
He regarded me with an intense gaze. "That's where your unique abilities come into play. I must warn you, though—this is a dangerous path, one that not many would dare to tread. But the rewards are great."
My curiosity battled with caution as I considered his words. The mention of rewards intrigued me. "What kind of rewards are we talking about?" I finally asked, unable to resist.
A hint of a smile touched his lips, though his eyes remained serious. "Gold, my dear. A sum that could change your life. But remember this—what you seek might be hidden in the astral realm, a place where you can journey with your soul."
I blinked, taken aback by his suggestion. "Astral projection?" I stammered. "But how can I—"
He raised a hand to stop me. "I can guide you, and provide the knowledge you need. You see, I just cannot go outside and find it, not in my current state. Some of your kind have been trying to possess or attack me. But you possess the ability to travel beyond the physical realm."
Astral projection was a skill I had barely begun to explore, something I had only heard about in whispers. Yet, the allure of the reward tugged at me.
But this was too dangerous for me. Should I help him? What if I refuse, or let a magician from the Shadow Covenant do this mission? Perhaps, Victor or Mr. Vandenberg were better at astral projection, or they probably knew other methods to find the talisman.
"One more thing," Nikolai added, his voice lowering to a near-whisper, "this is a secret you must guard closely. I have reason to distrust most humans, and for your safety, it's best to keep this mission hidden."
My mind raced, and a thousand questions danced on the tip of my tongue. But one question burned brighter than the rest. "Why me? Why do you trust me with this?"
"Because you are the first one who woke me up from my deep slumber, and most importantly, you're an initiate, not a mere human." A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Before you decide, let me make something clear," he said, his tone taking on a somber edge. "You're right to hesitate, to question this proposition, but you should also understand the precarious situation you're in."
A chill crept down my spine, his words sank in. His intentions might be genuine, but the reality of his nature couldn't be ignored. My heart raced as I stared at him, realizing the truth—his charm and eloquence masked the fact that he was still a predator.
He continued to speak with a low murmur that carried a note of warning. "If I desired, I could end your existence right now, without a second thought. Your life is a mere heartbeat away from being extinguished, and no amulet or magical dagger could save you from my hunger."
His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the risks involved. My fingers tightened around the amulet hanging from my neck, its familiar weight providing a sense of reassurance.
"So," he said, breaking the tense silence, "the question is, would you rather place your trust in me and undertake this perilous journey, or would you prefer to face an end that's far less glamorous than you might have imagined?"
His words were harsh, yet his honesty was undeniable. The allure of reward and the mystery that shrouded him had drawn me in, but the cold reality of our situation couldn't be denied.
With a deep breath, I met his gaze. "I'll help you find the talisman."