As another peaceful day unfolded within the walls of the Cathedral of Shadows, the absence of the Ripper's presence hung in the air like a shroud of mystery. Speculations swirled among the students, questioning whether the Ripper had met their demise or if fear had momentarily stayed their hand. Yet, the truth remained elusive, concealed within the veils of uncertainty.
Today's lesson took a captivating turn as Calcaw, the enigmatic maiden of the night, assumed the role of the substitute teacher. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her attire, reminiscent of a Victorian widow, exuded an enchanting macabre allure. She introduced herself to the class, her voice carrying a hint of melancholic elegance, and announced that the focus of the lesson would be the Four Columnae—the pillars of witchcraft that every witch and warlock should strive to master or understand.
Calcaw began by elucidating the first pillar, Concilium, the art of controlling someone's mind. She described the intricacies of manipulating thoughts and influencing others, emphasizing the importance of ethical boundaries in the use of such powers. Next, she delved into Divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown. Students were intrigued by the various divination techniques, ranging from tarot cards to scrying mirrors, which she elaborated upon with captivating anecdotes, such as the man who predicted his own death, the shaman who has foreseen the fall of his tribe before it happened and the list goes on.
Transmutation, the third pillar, was explored with great enthusiasm by Calcaw. She explained how one could alter or change the form of an object or even oneself through incantations and focused intent. The class was spellbound as she shared tales of remarkable transmutations throughout history. Finally, Calcaw shed light on Telekinesis, the power to manipulate objects with the mind. She invited the twelve students to demonstrate their abilities by lifting a simple object—a pen—using only their thoughts.
Amidst the lesson, a spirited dialogue ensued between Aman and Mazigh. Aman, impressed by Mazigh's extraordinary strength and agility from their last misadventure, challenged him to lift the entire classroom with his telekinetic prowess. Mazigh, buoyed by his unwavering confidence, accepted the challenge, guided by the whispers of the voices within. With awe-inspiring determination, he focused his mind and gradually lifted the entire class into the air. The maiden of the night and the other students stood in stunned amazement at Mazigh's incredible feat.
However, the strain of maintaining such power took its toll on Mazigh. His nose began to bleed, a stark reminder that the manifestation of these abilities drew upon his life force. Calcaw, quick to react, assisted him in gently lowering the class back to the ground. Addressing the class, she reminded them of the delicate balance between power and health, cautioning against reckless abuse of their abilities. "Grow first," she emphasized, "then you can achieve even greater heights."
As the class concluded, Calcaw requested Mazigh's presence in her office. Intrigued, he followed her, a trace of apprehension mingling with curiosity. Inside, she tended to his nosebleed, her touch gentle and comforting. She handed him a handkerchief, his gratitude evident in his eyes. A silence enveloped the room before Calcaw reached into her drawer, retrieving a ticket—an invitation to a masquerade in the French Quarter.
With an enigmatic smile, Calcaw extended the invitation to Mazigh, inviting him to partake in an evening of intrigue and entertainment, but he must come alone, it is after all a privileged gathering. He accepted the invitation, grateful for the unexpected opportunity that lay before him. With a heart filled with anticipation, he bid the maiden farewell, his thoughts already wandering to the mysteries that awaited him that night.
As Mazigh returned to his home, the invitation clutched in his hand, a flurry of emotions surged within him. The prospect of the masquerade stirred a sense of adventure and curiosity deep within his soul. It was an opportunity to step beyond the confines of the Cathedral's walls and immerse himself in the captivating realm of the French Quarter.
The streets of New Orleans whispered with the anticipation of the upcoming evening. Mazigh prepared himself, donning a tailored suit and a mask that concealed his features, adding an air of mystique to his presence. As he stepped into the night, the lively energy of the French Quarter embraced him, its vibrant atmosphere pulsating with music, laughter, and secrets.