Sex Wizards - Mastery Ch. 10

Author's Note: This chapter warrants a bit of a content warning for sensory deprivation gone bad. Hope you all enjoy!

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I take the weekend to relax and recover. By the time Monday rolls around, I feel ready to get back to it. That morning, I go to Arlon's office with my collar around my neck.

To my surprise, I'm not the first one there. I hear Allisande's voice from behind the closed door, though at least it seems like a civil conversation this time. Her voice is too quiet for me to make out what she's saying. I'm not about to let her be the reason I get spanked for being late, so I knock.

"Come in, Dominai," Arlon calls. I smile as I step inside and close the door behind me. Arlon motions me over, and I give Allisande an apologetic grin before I kneel by his desk.

She raises an eyebrow and asks, "Am I ever going to be able to cast divination with Dom again, or are you keeping him?"

Arlon chuckles. "We have an agreement that every Monday, he belongs to me," he says. "What he does outside of that time is up to him."

I glance up at Allisande and wink. She rolls her eyes, and I can't help but chuckle. I'll find her and Margeurite tomorrow. Between abjuration practice and being collared, it's been too long since I've been in the silver, and I feel a little bad about my absence. I haven't given up trying to seek out information on Diran, and by the looks of it, neither has she.

"What brings you in so early?" Arlon asks. He rests his hand on my head, and it feels nice to be back under it.

Allisande takes a seat across from him with a sigh. "A question of magical theory," she says.

Arlon leans back in his chair. "Alright, lay it out."

"Margeurite and I had a thought about an alternative use for the silver," she says. "We've used it for dream walking to communicate with diviners in our sister tower, but we wondered about using that same theory to communicate with others."

Arlon frowns, and I get the feeling divination is not particularly high on his list of favored schools. "What others?" he asks. "Non-magical?"

Allisande shakes her head. "No, they were wizards. They're just dead."

I blink in surprise. Arlon pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. "Allis..."

"Hear me out!" she says with a scowl. "You won't let me try and infiltrate the palace to question Jaret and Lucien, so what if we can get in contact with the two that were killed?"

Arlon's hand clenches on the arm of his chair before he takes a steadying breath. "Allis, I know you want to get information, but this is bordering on heresy. What you're suggesting is necromancy."

"I disagree," Allisande says simply. "We're not defiling a corpse. We're using the silver to try and contact someone. Just because that someone is dead doesn't necessarily make it necromancy."

Arlon scoffs. "Try telling that to the clerics of the Lightbringer and again to the priestesses of Quietus. They will argue that any magic that tries to pierce the veil between life and death is necromancy," he says and rubs his eyes. When he focuses on Allisande again, he looks tired. "Are you asking me if I think it's possible or if you can try it?"

Allisande smiles sweetly. "I'm hoping the answer for both is yes."

Arlon swears under his breath, brows furrowed. He drums his fingers against my head, and I don't think he even realizes he's doing it. I see the conflict behind his eyes and lean up so I can kiss his hand. He blinks and looks down at me as I bow. "What's your opinion, Dominai?"

"I think I agree with Allis that it's not necromancy," I say. From what I've read, the rules forbidding necromancy are pretty cut and dry. It's as simple as don't defile a fucking corpse.

"Thank you."

"But to dream walk, you need something to connect you with the person you're trying to contact, right? A lock of hair, or a personal item," I say. It's a part of divination I haven't practiced in the silver, though I've cast with Margeurite before. "How are you going to get that from wizards that have been dead half a year?"

Allisande looks pleased by the question. "Because I believe there are ways to create a connection that runs deeper than a physical trinket. You proved that physical intimacy is enough to break through a non-detection," she points out before leaning forward, an excited gleam in her blue eyes. "Dom, I think you might have sealed a connection with Virico the moment you put an arrow through his eye. Arlon, same can be said for you when you took down Reese."

Arlon glances down at me, and I see the same unease on his face that I feel in my gut. I didn't like learning the name of the man I killed, even if he did deserve it. The idea that his ghost is connected to me by virtue of the arrow I let fly makes my skin crawl.

"In other words, you need us to test your theory," Arlon says through a sigh.

"It sure would be appreciated," Allisande says brightly. "Otherwise, we're at another dead end."

I think that more than anything, convinces Arlon. We're all desperate for information, and it seems to be enough to push aside the grandmaster's misgivings. "Fine," he says. "I'll let you put me in the silver. This evening?"

"Done," Allisande says before looking at me. "What about you, desk pet?"

I flush and look to Arlon. "Speak freely," he says. "I won't force you to something like this."

I run a hand through my hair. I don't like the idea of it, but if it works, if we're able to get a lead on Diran, it'll be worth it. "I'll do it," I say.

"Ideal. We'll make an evening of it," Allisande says with a smile even as Arlon does a poor job of hiding his displeased groan. She comes around the desk and kisses Arlon's cheek as she puts a hand on my head. "Thank you. Both of you."

She sweeps out of the office, and Arlon sighs as he leans back in his chair. I rest my chin against his thigh and look up at him, trying to gauge his mood. He seems less than excited about what we've both agreed to, and when he glances down, he must see my unasked question.

"Divination is not my favorite school," he admits. "It's all very inexact, and it requires a level of vulnerability that is... difficult for me. If I hadn't been so hellbent on full mastery, I probably never would have attempted it." He hooks a finger through my collar and draws me up to straddle his lap. "I have a feeling you will have more luck with this endeavor than I will."

I settle comfortably on top of him and stamp down a flash of arousal at the familiar position. Even fully clothed, I can't deny what he does to me. Godsdamn, but he's trained me quick.

But nothing gets past Arlon, and he grins as he pulls my face close. I expect to feel the nip of his teeth against my neck, but instead, his lips barely brush my skin as he purrs, "Good morning, Dominai."

A full-bodied shudder runs through me, and I can't stop my cock from stirring this time. "Good morning, sir." His presses a deliberately soft kiss against my neck, and I barely stop a moan. Fucking hell, ten minutes in, and he's already got me back into a headspace like I never left.

When he releases my collar and rests his hands on my hips, I feel a little dizzy, heady from his very presence. He cups my cheek and taps gently to get my attention. "You are allowed to speak freely. How have the last few days been for you?"

I lean into his hand and can't stop a contented little sigh. "Good, for the most part," I say. "No casting though. I think I needed a chance to recover."

Arlon chuckles. "You and me both."

I smile at that and turn to kiss his palm. "Did Cancassi come to talk to you?"

"They did," he says. "I've given them one of the larger rooms on the first floor of the main tower. It has a private magiline bath in it to help with their leg. I've also gathered a few volunteers to help with the move after lunch, once Cancassi is up. I volunteered you as well."

I chuckle at that. "I am yours to command, sir," I say. "Though I'm happy to do it."

"Thank you for convincing them to come see me. I didn't realize how badly they were hurting," Arlon says. "The Crux is too large for me to see everything, but it's still frustrating when I feel like I've overlooked something important."

Even as comfortable as I am with Arlon, my stomach still knots with nerves when I ask, "Did Olbric come to see you?" I'm not trying to pry, but I have a feeling he might've after we talked. It'll make what I'm going to ask next a little easier.

Arlon gives me a curious look. "No, he didn't. Should he have?"

I shake my head and look away. "No - no, we just had... an interesting talk a couple of days ago," I say.

"Interesting how?"

It's hard not to feel like I'm betraying Olbric's trust a little bit, but if I want to do this, I need Arlon's help. "He told me that seeing us in the baths stirred up some jealousy. Jealousy for both of us," I say. "He told me that you've never been able to collar him."

"Not for lack of want," Arlon says through a sigh. "Olbric is so godsdamn beautiful it takes my breath away sometimes."

I chuckle at that. "I know the feeling." I know I shouldn't, but I feel a little shy when I add, "I told him that I don't think I can be collared by anyone else but you. So instead... I offered to collar him. And he agreed."

Arlon blinks in surprise before a grin spreads across his face. "Bold move," he says appreciatively. "Do you feel ready for that?"

I groan and bury my head against his shoulder. "Not at all," I say. "We were talking, and it just sort of came out. I asked him to give me some time to figure this out because, fucking hell, I don't want to screw this up."

"You won't," Arlon says, and his conviction helps push aside some of my doubt. "I assume you're telling me this because you'd like my help?"

I look up at him. "Please?"

Arlon chuckles and rests his hands on my hips, his thumbs stroking up under my shirt. "I was going to let you do this on your own time, but now I'm going to assign you some work." I blink at him in surprise. "How many times would you say you've cast?"

I swallow. "I dunno - a handful or two?" I say.

Arlon hums at that and tilts my chin up to make me look at him. I've started to realize just how often I try to avoid eye contact - not just with him, but with everyone. "Now that you've seen what I do to put someone into the right headspace, the next step for you to build your confidence is to actually do the damn thing," he says. "So I want you to spend the next couple of weeks casting. I want you to cast in different schools, even the ones that scare you. Find someone to monitor if you're uncomfortable, but cast all the same. Cast with Olbric and pay attention to the type of conduit he is. Learn what makes him tick when he's in that position. Talk to him. Negotiations are important with collaring. Find out what you both want out of this."

I swallow but push my unease aside as I drag my fingers through my hair. "Yes, sir."

"You won't be perfect," Arlon says. "You'll probably make mistakes and feel foolish at times, but don't let it discourage you. Trust yourself. And then, when you feel ready, collar Olbric and bring him here. I can't collar him myself, but I can monitor you while you do it."

I throw my arms around him so abruptly I think I startle him. I bury my face against his neck, gratitude flooding me. "Thank you."

Arlon chuckles and returns the embrace. "You're very welcome," he says. "I look forward to seeing you embrace your dominance. You just have to find it first."

I smile against his neck. "I will," I say, and for once, I feel confident in the answer.

#

I spend most of the morning under Arlon's desk, sorting through spell notes and tallying the number of focuses used. I get a bit of voyeuristic pleasure seeing who is casting what and with who. Olbric and Cancassi have been going at it this past week with transmutation and illusion, though Galiva is notably absent with all the time she's been giving to the clinic. It's nice to see Iona and Marvin's names pop up as well. There was a time after we got them back from Diran that neither of them would cast or conduit, but they seem to be reclaiming it on their own terms.

Just after lunch, Arlon sends me off to help move Cancassi into their new room with permission to speak freely. I'm glad for it, because the second Cancassi sees me, they scowl. "I thought you were just finished being collared!"

I hook a finger coyly through a ring on my collar. "Guess I wasn't quite ready to be free yet. I still belong to him one day a week."

Cancassi chuckles as they look me over. "Arlon truly has made you his bitch."

I kiss their cheek and say, "But right now he's lent me out to be yours. What should I grab first?"

Alix, Ambra and Olbric all show up to help, and we make quick work of moving Cancassi's things down to the first floor. The Maeve has more clothes than I could have imagined tucked into their drawers and closet, and I spend a couple of trips just moving those. It takes so many trips up and down the stairs that even I start to hate them before we're through.

It takes over an hour to get everything moved and then another to get it all organized inside of Cancassi's new room. By the time we're finished, Cancassi looks exhausted but happy as they sit heavily on their new bed, carefully stretching their bad leg out in front of them. I flop down behind them with a groan even as Alix settles on the ground beside us.

"Still can't believe you get a big one," Olbric says as he sits next to Cancassi. He pulls out the silvery magiline wrap he's used to soothe some of my aches and pains in the past, and holds it out to Cancassi. "Here. A housewarming present. Or roomwarning, I guess."

Cancassi looks at him in surprise. "This took you a full year to make - I can't accept this."

"Like hell you can't," Olbric says. "Besides, I'm two years into a bigger one."

Cancassi takes the silvery cloth in their long fingers before setting it on their lap. They pull Olbric into a tight embrace. "Thank you."

Olbric smiles and kisses their cheek. "You're welcome. You'll put it to better use than I would anyway."

"You still staying away from evocation?" Ambra asks quietly from her seat in the chair by the window.

"Not avoiding it. Just... taking a step back," Olbric says through a sigh. "I'm not ready to be sent back out again."

"You know Arlon wouldn't make you go," I point out.

Olbric waves a hand. "I know. I just can't help but feel guilty. If I don't go, then someone else has to."

"You're allowed to take care of yourself first," Alix says quietly. "Arlon understands."

I look at the quiet wizard in surprise. He's sitting with his arms around his half crossed knees, but his hooded eyes are focused on the floor. He's got the sun-kissed copper skin of an islander, and straight black hair that he keeps cut short. He's as androgynous as Cancassi, with high cheekbones and a pretty face that makes him look younger than he probably is.

After Allisande, he spent the longest amount of time in the cave, and it's obvious that it still weighs heavy on him. In the past six months, I haven't seen much of him, and I wonder if that's not why Arlon asked him to help today. Something to get him out of his room.

"How are you faring?" Cancassi asks gently.

Alix shrugs one shoulder. "Alright," he says. "Haven't made a spell since I've been back, but Arlon's assured me he won't kick me out. I think I just need more time."

He's not wearing his robe so I ask, "What masteries do you have?"

"Abjuration, evocation, illusion, transmutation and enchantment," he says.

I can't stop a whistle of admiration. The only people I can think of with more masteries are Allis, Arlon and Garrett. An idea springs to my mind, but I hesitate to say it. I hope it's not presumptuous to ask. "I've been having some trouble with casting, so Arlon suggested that I find someone who can monitor me while I try a few different schools," I say at last. "With your experience... would you be interested?"

It feels a little strange. I don't know Alix except in passing, but he looks at me in surprise before a small smile quirks his lips. I'd even say he looks a little pleased. "Sure," he says. "Just let me know when. My schedule is... pretty open."

I return the smile and catch Olbric's eye. "Once I find a willing conduit, I'll let you know."

#

On our way to the divination tower, I tell Arlon about Alix. "I'm glad that he agreed," he says. "The past few months have been a struggle for him. He's a hell of a wizard, though. Has a unique perspective that I think you'll find valuable."

I want to ask what he means, but we arrive at our door on the first floor of the divination tower, and Arlon knocks. Allisande opens it and greets us with a smile. "Thank you both for coming," she says and steps aside to let us in.

"At least it's gotten you talking to me again," Arlon says with a shadow of a grin. It's strange to see him look nervous. I didn't think anything could shake him.

It's a bigger casting room than the one I usually use. Comfortable chairs rest along the wall, as if people spend a lot of time in here. If fishing for strong divinations, people probably do.

Margeurite walks over to kiss my cheek. "We have missed you," she says. "Thank you for agreeing to this."

"Missed you too." I look at the three magiline pillars that cut a line through the center of the room. "Is there anything I should know about this kind of divination? I've never actually done any dream walking."

Margeurite slips my robe off of my shoulders. "This is all very experimental," she admits. "But focus is key. Dream walking is difficult because you are not only navigating the silver, but to an extent, someone else's mind. It can be easy to get lost."

I run a hand through my hair. "I'll bet." It's easy enough to get lost in the silver on it's own. Fortunately getting lost tends to lead me to interesting places. It's only become frustrating with this whole Diran situation. At times, I feel like I can almost see his face in the flash of colors, but it never stays long enough for me to grab on to.

"When I'm dream walking, I tend to imagine that the person touching me is the one I'm trying to contact," Margeurite says. "It makes it a little easier to stay focused."

I wince at that. All I remember of Virico is that sneer. His burned, leaking flesh stretched it into a snarl. That, and the sound it made when my arrow punched into his eye. "Yeah, that's not going to happen."

Behind me, I hear Arlon's frayed chuckle. His fingers are gentle as he unbuckles the collar from around my neck before kissing the skin underneath. "We'll do our best," he says. I take a steadying breath before I undress. Arlon does the same, and he kisses my head once more before he heads left of the center pillar. I take the right.

"How long are we in for?" he asks.

Allis puts her hand on the far pillar. "I thought we'd try three hours. We will do a verbal check in every hour." Meaning they'll take the gag out to give us a chance to stop. It's not the longest I've gone, but it's close to it. Margeurite kisses my cheek as she takes up a spot on the closest pillar to me.

Arlon sighs and rolls his shoulders. "Alright. Let's get this over with." He gives me a wry grin. "Ready?"

I let out a breath. "Ready, sir."

The silver creeps up steadily, and I relax into it. The familiar warmth covers me as it crawls up my legs and hips. I roll my shoulders before it gets to my arms and lean my head back just a little, so when the silver slides over my neck, it supports me like a pillow. It fills my mouth, pools in my ears. I close my eyes and fall into it.

After a couple weeks away, it feels nice to be back. The floor sinks away, and for a timeless moment, I just float. After a couple months casting with Margeurite and Allis, I've asked them to just let me hang for a bit to start. Being left alone in it used to scare me, but now I find it strangely comforting. I let my mind go blank, allowing the thoughts of the cave and Virico disappear into the void as I focus on the steady in and out of my breath.