Sex Wizards - Mastery Ch. 09

Author's Note: We're almost to the halfway point! Thanks for your comments and votes on this story. I hope you guys are liking it. I'm starting to work on part 3 of this series, so if there's things you want to see more/less of, let me know! It's looking to be a bit heavier on plot than Initiation and Mastery have been, but there will still be a healthy mix of smut, story, and character development. Thanks for reading all!

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That night, we return to Arlon's room on equal footing. He tends to my welts and bruises, and I feel downright pampered by his attentions. The cool salve he rubs onto my abused ass wrings a moan out of me as I bury my face into his pillow.

When he's finally finished, he lays down beside me with a groan. "I'm getting too old for days like today," he mutters.

I snort at that. "Bullshit."

"Says the what - thirty year old?" Arlon asks.

I keep my face buried against his pillow. "Twenty two," I mutter.

Arlon swears, and I glance up to see him run a hand through his hair. "Gods you're even younger than I thought. I was an adult before you were even a twinkle in your father's eye," he mutters.

I scowl at that. "So what?"

Arlon raises an eyebrow and says, "I usually have a rule against casting with anyone who's less than half my age. Guess I've made you an exception there, too." He gives a short laugh and ads, "I can't regret it though. This has been... a hell of a week."

I chuckle and bury my face against his pillow. "You can say that again."

"Take it from your elder," Arlon says. "Enjoy having three orgasms a day while you can. That stamina doesn't last forever."

A silence passes, and I roll onto my side with a groan only to see Arlon watching me, a curious expression on his face. "It took a lot of courage to leave your home and come here," he says after a moment. "I can guarantee that if my caravan hadn't kicked me out, I never would have left. What was the tipping point for you?"

I let out a quiet sigh. "Breaking my drawing arm sealed it, but it wasn't easy to stay in Airedale after my da died. Things were just... lonely," I say. "The cabin had too many memories."

"Were you close?" he asks.

My grin comes out crooked. "Had to be," I say. "Our cabin was smaller than this room. But he was a good man. Strict, but never cruel. At least... not on purpose."

"What do you mean?"

I sigh and flop onto my back as I run my hand through my hair. "He... had a very specific idea of who his son should be," I say at last. "Any time I deviated from that, he made sure I felt his disappointment. He was pushing me to settle down with this nice girl from town right before he died." I put my hand over my eyes and mutter, "If he could see what I'm doing now, he'd probably be rolling in his grave."

Arlon gives a quiet scoff. "Do you regret coming here?"

"What?" I lift my hand from my eyes to stare at him. "No! Of course not."

"Good." Arlon cups my cheek. "Not everyone has the freedom to decide their own fate. You made a choice to come here, to study magic that has the potential to change the very world we live in for the better. Carrying the expectations of others, living or not, will only hold you back."

My smile comes out crooked. "Letting those go is easier said than done."

Arlon presses a kiss to my forehead. "I know. We're all products of where we came from," he says gently. "Unlearning what we've been taught to expect from ourselves is no small task, but I can promise you that the work is worth it."

I draw in a deep breath and let it out. "I know. I'm... trying."

"That's all I ask," Arlon says. "But don't do it for me or anyone else. Do it for yourself, Dom. You're worth it."

#

I fall asleep wrapped tight in Arlon's arms. When I wake the next morning, I carefully extract myself, but Arlon stirs all the same. He sighs and tightens his grip on me before kissing the back of my neck. "I want to see what you've conjured," he says through a yawn.

I've learned this week that he's not the earliest of risers, and this is far before his normal time. The sun is just barely greying the horizon, but he gets up all the same. I try to hide my grin as he gets dressed, looking more disheveled than I've ever seen him. Even so, he follows me down to the conjuration yard, sleep still creasing his face.

He comes up behind me and strings ten focuses onto my necklace. I feel two castings each of the three spells we made yesterday afternoon, plus two of the evocation and enchantment he got out of me before he stopped us. "I'll keep two, and two will go into the Crux stores," he says. "You've netted us quite a number this week."

He drops one of the focuses I charged with my conjuration into my hand before stringing the remaining four onto my necklace. Sleepily, he presses a kiss to the top of my head. "Whenever you're ready."

I smile and twirl the focus between my fingers, feeling that it's a strong one. Don't see how it couldn't be after all I went through to make it. I plant my feet, hold the focus out in front of me, and release the spell.

The air in front of us shimmers, and a crack of light appears like it's been ripped into the very fabric of the sky. Behind me, Arlon draws in a breath. When I look back, his eyes are wide, all trace of sleepiness gone. A smile spreads over his face as he reaches out to grab the edge of reality and pulls it aside like a curtain.

"Go inside." I give him a look, but he chuckles. "It's safe, I promise."

I slip my head through the curtain and can't stop a gasp. It's a cabin - almost like what me and my da had in the Hobokins. But where ours was small and drafty, this could easily fit twenty people. Inside, it's a noticeable difference in temperature from the chill morning air. I step fully into the warmth with an amazed laugh.

The air inside is fresh, and I smell a hint of pine. I put a hand against the wood wall, feeling the smooth grain under my fingers. There's a cookstove in the corner and a stone chimney that runs up wall behind it. There's even a large bed in one corner and a large wooden bath that steams with hot water. Golden light comes from a source I can't place. There are no windows, but I can't help but think it's the most comfortable space I've ever been in.

Arlon's footsteps sound on the floor behind me, and I can't stop an amazed laugh. "I made this?"

"You did," he says. "And do you want to know the best part?" He reaches behind him, where I can see the slit of the courtyard through the crack in the door. He grabs the very real knob and closes it before he says, "With the door closed, no one on the outside will be able to find it. You've created a truly safe space here."

I run a hand through my hair, grinning from ear to ear. It takes me a second to notice Arlon watching me, a curious look on his face. "I told you to think about this week when casting it," he says as he walks over to me. "I didn't know what to expect from the spell but this..." He cups my face, thumb stroking my cheek. "Dom, I'm honored that you felt safe enough to create something like this."

I put my hand over his and lean into his touch. "Thanks for making sure I was safe," I say. "I was glad to have you looking out for me."

Arlon smiles and his kiss makes warmth rush through me that has nothing to do with my conjuration. "It was my pleasure."

#

The sun hangs just over the horizon by the time we walk out of safety of my spell. I feel strange when we part ways outside of the mess hall, but I hold onto the fact that if I don't see him sooner, I'll see Arlon on Monday. Freedom is definitely going to be an adjustment period, but at least I'll get the weekend to rest and recover.

I head into the mess, and this early, Cancassi is the lone figure in the otherwise abandoned hall. They sip from a steaming mug and are so intent on the book in front of them they don't notice me as I grab my breakfast. It's only when I take a seat across from them that they look up, copper eyes immediately looking towards my neck.

"You've been released," they say with a smile. "It certainly looked like you had earned it. You were in it deep last night."

It takes me a second to realize what they're saying. I try and rub the heat from my face with no luck. "Fuck, that's right - you and Olbric were in the baths, weren't you? I thought I had imagined it."

Cancassi gives a musical little laugh. "Gods, you were out of it, weren't you? It seemed like you enjoyed yourself."

"It's been a good week," I say even as I rub my neck, searching for the collar that's not there. Instead, it's in my pocket until Monday. "I'm kind of at a loss for what to do now."

Cancassi's grin turns sly. "Olbric has certainly been eager for your freedom," they say. "Or I could always help you find direction. I have had a specific enchantment spell that's been on my mind lately."

I chuckle and shake my head. "I think I need a few days to recover first," I say. My cock doesn't so much as stir at the idea of casting right now. I feel drained dry. "Give me until the end of the week, then absolutely."

Cancassi smiles. "It's a date then," they say.

Once I'm finished with breakfast and Cancassi's cup is empty, they ask if I can walk them up to their room. "It's only on the second floor of the illusion tower, but the stairs have been killing me."

"I'm sure Arlon could move your room to the first floor," I say even as I grab their book and offer them a hand up.

Cancassi takes it and stands with a groan, their beautiful face twisted into a grimace. "I think it's just pride stopping me at this point," they admit. "I keep thinking it'll get better, but winter has been hard, and it's barely even started."

"I'm sorry," I say as we walk out of the mess together. They lean heavily against me, their limp noticeably more pronounced. "Have you found anything that helps?"

Cancassi sighs. "The baths do. Olbric's magiline wrap does some too," they say. "The tincture that Galiva gave me takes the edge off, but the side effects are a little too much for me."

"Side effects?"

"It's hard to function," they say. "I get tired and dizzy, and all of me feels... leaden. I only use it to sleep."

We reach the stairs, and Cancassi sighs as they look up at them, visibly daunted. It twists my heart in my chest, and before they can attempt the first step, I pull them into a tight embrace. Cancassi relaxes against me, arms twining behind my back. I pull away just enough so I can catch their lips and am rewarded with a contented little sigh. When we part, I rest my forehead against theirs.

"I'm real glad you're still alive, Cass."

Cancassi gives a small laugh, and I realize that tears had spilled down their cheeks. "Me too." They let out a shuddering breath. "It's just adjusting to this new kind of life that's proving difficult."

"I know," I say and kiss their temple. "When I broke my arm, I remember feeling the same way. It's how I ended up here."

Cancassi chuckles against my shoulder. "Magic can do incredible things. Maybe we'll find something to help me, someday," they say. "But if that doesn't happen, I'll adapt. And if I don't adapt, I'll have you and everyone else to carry me up and down stairs, right?"

I smile and scoop them up before catching their lips again. "Always."

#

Part of me thought Olbric would be waiting for me on my release, but I was wrong. He's not in his room, and I don't catch him in the mess hall, either. I don't find him until that afternoon when I walk by the illusion tower on my way to the library. He's found a quiet spot in an alcove on the first floor that's tucked into a niche in the wall, so hidden that I nearly pass him by.

He's intent on the book he's pouring over and doesn't notice me as I approach. He's got a frown on his face, but behind his spectacles, his eyes are still. It looks like his thoughts are anywhere but on the words in front of him.

"Good read?" I ask.

It's enough to startle him out of his daze. He looks up but his smile feels hollow. "As interesting as magical theory can be, I suppose," he says and rubs his eyes. He looks tired, too, and I frown as I take the seat across from him.

"What's wrong? You look terrible," I say.

"Thanks." His tone is as chilly as the draft through the Crux. He snaps his book closed, and I realize he's angry.

I hold up my hands. "Shit - I'm sorry, I was only ribbing you." There were times after his run-in with Diran, the memories would ambush him, and I'd see that fear light in his eyes before he'd lash out. They've never gone away, but I don't think that's what's happening now. This seems like something else. "Seriously, what's wrong?"

He looks anywhere but at me, and I get the feeling that he's trying to figure out how to answer. Finally he buries his face in his hands and lets out a deep sigh. "I don't know," he says at last. "It's been a long week. Galiva's been at the clinic, I had a botched illusion spell with Cancassi and then last night, I saw Arlon bring you down to the baths, and I just..."

I sink into the chair next to him. "Just what?"

Olbric groans and scrubs his face. I've noticed how he prefers to joke and dance around an issue rather that come at it head on, but he seems to be trying his hardest not to do that now. It's a moment longer before he answers. "I was jealous."

I blink in surprise, but Olbric keeps his face buried in his hands. I want to touch him, but he's closed himself off so much that I don't want to push him. Instead, I scoot my chair close so my knees just brush his.

I don't want to let this fester. When Arlon was making his rounds, I overheard Iona talking about Thaddius' and Ambra's relationship being strained since she's been back. I've seen how jealousy can create fractures, and I don't want anything to cause that with Olbric.

"Let's talk about it," I say gently. Olbric sighs and runs a hand over his head, but at least he finally looks at me. Unfortunately he looks away just as quick. Small steps. "What do you think made you feel that way?"

"It's stupid," he mutters.

"It's not, though. Not if you're feeling like this."

Olbric rests his elbows on his knees, head in his hand. "Because of the... political situation with my father, Arlon's never collared me," he says at last. "We talked about doing it for my abjuration mastery, but he said he didn't want to create unnecessary tension. At the time, I agreed with him. But then seeing you deep in it with him... I was jealous of both of you. Wanting to be the one to make you look like that, yet also wanting to be you." He sighs and rubs his eyes. "In the baths, it all just sort of hit me at once."

I'm quiet as I digest that. "This was an intense week," I admit. "Arlon did things with me that I don't think anyone can copy. We agreed to a standing casting day every Monday. Guess I hadn't exactly been joking when I said he's ruined me to being collared by anyone else."

Olbric deflates, and the hurt on his face sends an unpleasant jolt through me. His hazel eyes go back to evading. I cup his cheek and make him look at me. I hate feeling like I've wounded him, but I need him to understand.

"Olbric, I don't want you to collar me," I say. "Everything I did with Arlon was for casting, but what we do together - it goes beyond that. I want to laugh with you, and spend time with you, and be with you." I can't stop a small laugh. "You make me feel like no one else can. Seeing you only one day a week would be unbearable."

Olbric is quietly attentive as he listens to me. Then, he gives a short laugh. "God, and I was the one who suggested you talk to Arlon in the first place," he mutters. "Guess I have no one to blame but myself."

I snort at that and stroke his cheek with my thumb. "You shouldn't be blaming anyone," I point out. "No one's at fault. Least of all you." He gives me a small smile, and I lean forward to press a grateful kiss to his lips. "Is there anything I can do - or avoid doing to help you in the future?"

Olbric chuckles quietly. "I'll be fine," he says. "Though I think I'll avoid the baths Monday evening. I know that Arlon's helping you hone your craft, but God knows I don't need to see you in a blissful post-fuck haze that I wasn't the cause of."

I smile and hold his head between my hands before kissing him again, letting it linger this time. Olbric relaxes, sighing against my lips. When I pull away, he smiles and closes his eyes as he leans into my hand.

It sends an unexpected thrill through me, and I trail my thumb over his lips. Without a thought, Olbric pulls it into his mouth and sucks. I shiver, my eyes going wide as the thrill turns to a heady rush. It's such a familiar gesture, yet I'm usually on the other end of it.

"Has anyone ever collared you?" I ask.

"No," he says around my thumb. Is it just me, or does he sound a little breathless? His eyes are just as wide as mine as I explore the inside of his mouth before pulling my thumb away to let him speak. "Not really. Galiva and I tried but it just... wasn't right for either of us."

I hum as I trace the bow of his lower lip. "What if I collared you?"

Olbric's breath hitches, and when he gives me that searching look, he seems to find something he didn't expect. "I think I'd like that," he says, definitely breathless now.

The reality of what I've just proposed hits me like a falling boulder. "Will you give me a little time?" I ask even as a plan already starts to form in my head. "I'm... still new at this, and I want to be sure it's perfect."

Olbric face breaks into a smile, and I'm so happy to see it. "I can wait," he says.

I echo his smile and lean forward. I barely brush his lips as I say, "I'll make sure it's worth it."