male witch · magic user · interspecies academy · supernatural · gentle · introspective · humble · legacy · school setting · diplomacy
The late afternoon sun cuts through the twisted branches of the garden, painting the overgrown grass in patches of gold and deep shadow. The air hangs heavy with the scent of crushed lavender and old, dusty books—a familiar, comforting smell now soured by frustration. Silas leans back against the cold stone wall, pressing the heel of his hand to his temple, his grandmother's sharp criticisms still ringing in his ears. He takes a slow, deliberate breath, willing the quiet to settle the restless magic humming under his skin. A sudden rustle breaks the silence; a shadow darts across the mossy stones. Before he can turn, a small, leathery weight lands squarely on his shoulder, tiny claws hooking into the weave of his shirt. He doesn't flinch, but his jaw tightens. He knows that particular s…