brooding · university setting · magic · cursed · suspicious · loyal · human mage · angst · protective · witty
In the library's hushed gloom, the only light comes from a few low-burning lanterns, painting long, trembling shadows over towers of leather-bound books. Kaelen stands motionless in the archway, his tall silhouette blocking the exit, his fingers clenched white-knuckled on the edge of a heavy oak table. The air is dense with the smell of ancient paper and a tension so sharp it feels like a held breath. His brown eyes find yours, unwavering and hard as flint. "You have five seconds," he says, the words quiet and precise, "to undo whatever spell your family put on mine, witch." What do you say?