Archaic Sorcery

You arrive at your next class a few minutes late. The professor, Rebecca Dove, is just finishing introductions as you walk in.

"Sorry I'm late, Rebecca." You walk up and hand her the note Dr. Hawkins gave you. Her hand lingers on yours as she takes it. Reading it, she looks surprised.

"I'm just glad you could make it. I was looking forward to seeing you." She gives you a wink and motions to the last open seat. It's in the front row, right beside Harmony. As you sit down, you feel a sense of panic. You're not sure why. Then you realize that it's Kim, not you, who's the source of the sensation.

Strengthening your connection to her, you see through her eyes. Victor has entered their room. You can tell he's furious, but it's not a wild fury. It's measured, controlled. When he speaks, your heart fills with fear.

"I gave you my most precious tool, and my greatest obstacle, as a pet. It was a reward for your loyal service to me. I trusted it to your care...and yet you have betrayed my faith in you. You let your carnal desires cloud your judgement. You! A succubus!" You feel a sharp sting on your left cheek as Victor slaps Kim in the face. Your connection to her severs. You really wish you could hear what he says next. Though part of you is just happy to be free from surveillance, however briefly. The busty blonde beside you kicks your leg, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Are you ok?" she mouths silently. She must have seen you wince. You mouth back.

"Yeah, I'm fine." You're not fine. Not even close. But you're happy that Harmony seems to genuinely care about you.

Suddenly, a book slams on your desk. It opens to the start of an early chapter. Looking up, you see Rebecca staring down at you. She looks disappointed.

"Since you don't see the need to pay attention to my lecture, why don't you tell the class what the source of all magic is?"

Source of all magic? You have no idea! You start skimming the chapter, hoping to find the answer there. You hear Harmony release an inpatient sigh. She raises her hand.

"Go ahead, Harmony"

"The Aether."

"Yes, that's correct. But what exactly is the Aether?"

"It's a plane of energy linked to our own. Magic connects and harnesses energy from the Aether to alter our reality."

Pleased, Rebecca smiles. "Well put, Harmony." She raises her voice to address the entire class. "Understanding this is necessary to understanding the history of magic. Always ask yourself: how are these sorcerers connecting with the Aether?"

A raised hand from the back of the class catches Rebecca's attention. "Yes, Parisa?" Parisa!? You hadn't even noticed her. She and Estelle are sitting together in the back row.

"Professor," your hot roommate begins. "How exactly does contemporary magic work? How do we connect to the Aether?"

"Excellent question! It began with an ancient ritual. Long ago, on these very grounds, a cult of sorcerers performed a ritual that altered their very being, allowing them to access the Aether directly. No one knows exactly how, but there is a definite genetic component. All of us here today are decendants of those cultists. I hope that answers your question. If not, stop by the library sometime and I'll make sure you're..satisfied.."

You know exactly what kind of satisfaction Rebecca intends to provide. Parisa, however, is oblivious. You can tell she's looking forward to learning.

Soon after, Rebecca dismisses the class. Kim made it very clear that you should return to the dorm, and Victor is already in a bad mood. However, right now Kim isn't watching you. It would be a good time to find a way to break the curse.