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thenightcallsme · 7 months

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The Arcana: Julian's Route | Chapter 8

!! THIS STORY IS A DETAILED RETELLING OF THE ARCANA, INCLUDING PAID SCENES IN BOTH PROLOGUE AND JULIAN ROUTE. ALL CHARACTERS EXCEPT THE MC ARE PROPERTY OF THE ARCANA FRANCHISE !!

A/N: This is a reupload from my AO3 cause I want to branch out. Enjoy!!

Summary: In a small shop in Vesuvia lives Vivian Caelum, a student of the magical arts who works as a shopkeeper for her tutor, Asra Alnazar. Her name is not known in the streets as her master's is, nor does she have full control over her magic yet. But one night, there's a knock at her door; Vivian is needed at the palace to help Countess Nadia upon her personal wishes. Soon, what she thinks is a small task is something she would never have expected her magic to be used for: Vivian must find Count Lucio's murderer. Will she be able to track down the infamous murderer and finally put the Countess's years of restlessness to ease? Or will the killer captivate her in ways she can't explain? Is she even running after the right man? Something deeper than she thought is happening within her beloved city, and she's about to understand the vastness of the magical realms.

Pairing: Julian Devorak x Fem!Magician Reader

This Chapter Contains: descriptions of blood/wounds

Word Count: 9,927

find the rest of the chapters in my masterlist here :)

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A flock of birds take flight outside the window, startling me from a distant, foggy dream that has already slipped through the grasp of my memory. It takes me a moment to realise that I'm slumped over a desk in the library, books and papers scattered around and beneath me. Faust slithers up and over to my face, giving my nose a friendly lick of her tongue.

Hours last night were spent pacing the length of my guest room aimlessly once I returned from my fountain. I mulled over every question I had for Asra, every further question his words arose. But I know not a single theory I created was worth entertaining. It was all pointless, all the happier versions of the real answers I will one day get.

Breakfast was a relief, another trey of tiny golden pastries dusted lightly in sugar, a small bowl of pomegranate seeds, and a dish of caramelised Aldradyian fruits. I smile warmly at the sight of them. I haven't been given this in my usual breakfast before. They must have been prepared by the request of Nadia.

Portia's arrival, which meant my day could start, was a second relief. Spending another waking second in my room felt like torture. I was dressed and prepared well before she arrived, which made her laugh. She's usually the one to roll me from my bed and force me to dress while still half in the dream she tore me from. She told me I'd have the day to myself on account of the Countess's headaches. With no other tasks needing urgent attention, I decided to try my luck once more in the library. That only lasted an hour.

I sit up with a groan, peeling a piece of parchment off my cheek and survey the mess. Of course, I have found nothing. No extra trace of Julian, no information to tell me where he could have gone or what really happened, no lead to his whereabouts that doesn't require a tracking spell. It has been the same for the past few days.

"Oh come on. I really need to get in there!"

I perk up at the distant sound of a feminine voice. I lean over the desk and listen. It sounds like she's having an argument, though I can't quite hear the other party involved. I stand slowly, stretching the sleep from my limbs, and leave the library, making my way to the veranda and down to the garden.

"Please? You're really trying my patience here."

Portia?

I follow her voice further than I've gone before through neatly cut bushes shaped like animals and trees blanketed in white bell flowers. I've made it to the point where a thick, lush forest stands before me. A gravel path cleaves cleanly through it. Curious, I follow.

“How DARE you! Don't you know WHO I am?!"

The second voice is louder as I pass the tall birch trees and the dense bushes of berries and leaves and flowers, a shrill shriek that pierces even the heavy foliage. I frown at the sound of them. Sunlight pierces the dense foliage up ahead. I push a rouge branch from my path as I emerge into a small clearing.

Settled squat in the middle of the copse is a small, cozy-looking cottage, surrounded by a huge, overflowing garden of flowers and old, droopy trees. It's made of white bricks that have weathered over time, grown over by curious vines of ivy. The front door is open wide and Portia stands at the bottom of the steps leading to the porch.

"That's it, Pepi, honey, get 'em!"

A seal point cat with a pudgy face and round eyes hops onto Portia's shoulder, batting at a white cockatoo. The bird is pacing on the roof of a small work shed, shrieking and nipping at Portia as she tries to enter. A particularly well-aimed strike from the cat dislodges the cockatoo, sending it flying. It clips Portia's head with its wings in its escape, muttering in anger. The second voice wasn't a person at all, but the cockatoo. Faust slithers from my bag and up my arm to perch on my shoulder, interested.

"Ooo, that awful bird," Portia grinds out. "He makes me so mad, Pepi."

"Hey, Portia!" I call, waving.

She jumps at the sound of her name. “Oh, hello!”

Portia's cheeks flush in embarrassment. She smooths her apron and quickly recovers, smiling at me. I stifle a hearty laugh behind my hand as I approach. This lovely cottage must be where she lives.

Just to be sure, though, I ask, "Is this where you live? It's beautiful!"

"It sure is. Welcome to Casa de Portia. My own little oasis on the palace ground." Portia beams with pride. "Though, I'm surprised you managed to find this place. It's a little off the beaten path. Just watch out for the graspgourds. They're feisty today."

A curious vine slithers across the floor and around Portia's ankle as she says so. Annoyed, she swiftly kicks it off and stomps on it while muttering about how ruthless they are. She drops to a bench carved out of a large log. I go to sit down with her, but she suddenly jumps and cries out.

She looks at me in horror. "Ah! Why do you have a snake on you?!"

I laugh and Faust's tongue flickers on my cheek affectionately. "Her? Oh, don't worry about Faust. She's the friendliest thing."

"Is she...yours?"

"Asra's. But we kind of share her, don't we, Faust?"

Faust hisses in agreement, red eyes twinkling.

Portia places a hand over her heart and lets out a breath. "Sorry about that. Never been fond of snakes."

Portia goes utterly still as Faust leans over to inspect her. Faust knows exactly what she's doing as she nudges Portia's nose. She backs away, bending down to pick up a rake.

"You don't mind me working a little while we talk, do you? I've got a lot on my hands when it comes to maintaining this garden," she says.

I wave my hand dismissively. "Not at all. As long as my questions don't distract you."

She begins to rake at the leaves on the ground. "Questions? Go ahead."

"So...Julian's your brother?" If I wasn't sure before, I am now. The naked shock and hurt on Portia's face tell me all I need to know.

She looks down. "Yes. I'm sorry about that scene outside your shop, you know. I was just surprised to see him there."

My mind wanders back to Julian exiting my shop, caught red-handed breaking and entering again. I'll be damned if he does it again. I give Portia a sympathetic smile.

"I was, too," I say.

Portia smiles a little and huffs a laugh. "He's got a real flair for the dramatics. I'm glad to see that hasn't changed."

"I guess it runs in the family," I tease.

“Me? Dramatic? Vivian, how dare you?" she teases back. "I sure learnt from the best. Ilya taught me everything I know. Now...I didn't know you two knew each other. Did that happen before or after milady hired you?"

My cheeks flush under the scrutiny. “I, um…”

Portia gives me a look. She can see right through the lie I’m trying to muster. I sigh.

"I first met Julian the night the countess visited my shop. He arrived shortly after she left." I purse my lips. "He scared the absolute shit out of me, spoke a whole heap of riddles, and then left. The next time I saw him was my first day working for Nadia. I found him at a tavern and he persuaded me to have drinks with him. I was intent on having him tell me what really happened, but I ended up going nowhere. Outside the shop was the last time I saw him. He broke in again and could not stop flirting with me."

Portia listens intently as she rakes up the leaves. "Hmm. Sure sounds like my brother. But...why didn't you tell milady?"

The look on Portia's face is not unkind. I know I can tell her anything with consequence. I drum my fingers along my chin, considering her question. What is it that is compelling me most to keep Julian a secret?

"I didn't want to condemn a man on incomplete information," I answer simply. "If it's my word that knots the hangman's noose... It doesn't feel right to send him to his death without really investigating his innocence."

Portia shakes her head. "I don't really know what mess Ilya's gotten himself into, but if he has you in his corner, I get the feeling everything will work out alright."

"...Portia?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

Portia reaches over to my hand and gives me a squeeze. "Of course! That's what I'm here for. Pep talks and expert gardening skills. …Oh my, it's getting late."

I peer overhead at her words and at the sun, already well past noon. Late light dapples the clearing, dancing on Portia's face. Maybe I should get back to examining Julian's desk. I sigh. ...As if I have not done so already.

"I'd better get back to work," I say as I get up, gently petting Portia's cat. "I'm glad I came out to talk to you. I want you to know that I'm glad we're friends. And friends...they would do anything for each other—which now includes keeping one's wanted brother out of trouble."

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Today is my day off. Nobody in the Palace requires work from me. I don't need to be doing the work I've volunteered to at all today. Now that I'm inclined to help Portia, that means slowing down my search for the doctor until I can find evidence that proves something else was at play. A witness, another suspect, a real culprit that could have framed Julian. Something. Anything. Letting myself have the day off is the best thing for now.

The sun has reached the climax of it's journey across the cloudless sky; I still have half the day left. Who's here to argue with a few hours spent taking the long way back? The worn path I have my eye on should wind through the forest, ending by one of the gigantic aqueducts feeding Southend's canals. So I head in the opposite direction I came from down a path cleaving through the surrounding forest.

My sense of time is a little off as I wander further down the path. The sun, which should be just starting its descent by now, is near invisible beyond the thick canopy of treetops. Sunlight barely breaches the tightly knit layers of leaves to light the way. In fact...it has gotten strangely dark. Faust it still coiled closely around my neck, head rested on my shoulder as I go. But eventually she stirs, slithering around my torso and down my leg. I stop my walk to let her find the dirt path. She lifts the front of her body to look up at me expectantly. I drop to a crouch beside her.

"Are you going somewhere?" I coo reserved for her.

She flickers her tongue, blinks slowly, then sort of nods. Asra's familiar has a strange sense of what I say, which both unnerves me and brings me at ease.

"Do you want me to follow?"

She shakes her head. I'm almost compelled to scoop her up in my arms and taking her anyway, but Faust is smart. She knows how to handle herself. If she somehow found her way to me from Asra, she can no doubt find her way home—or back to him. Wherever she wishes. I give her small head a little rub.

"Be careful. And don't get into trouble."

With that she's off, and so am I.

The horizon peaks through the foliage overhead, and soon enough I've broken through the forest's edge. The gnarled tulipwoods, oak trees with sprawling foliage, and firs that stand tall and proud like soldiers at attention break way into rolling fields. Now beneath the warm light of the sun, they look a bit limp and thin for this time of the year. Hundred of feet below the fields is the sprawling city of Vesuvia. The Palace's golden rooftops shimmer blindingly, even from here. The shadows of its soaring spired are thrown across the city as the sun reaches for the horizon behind it. From up here, with the city looks beautiful. Peaceful. I can just see the slums in the fields below, but even they look less run down and liveable from this far away. Swirls of smoke leave the chimneys of stacked buildings to dance in the air, twining together like lovers.

Civilians aren't allowed in this part of the forest without permission, as it is still Palace grounds. Unused grounds, it seems. But the guards recognise me now. Whoever may soon pass on patrol won't think twice when they see the countess's magician. For now there are no silver bodies in sight.

Cutting across the fields like the twisting body of a snake is a steadily flowing brook that must feed into the aqueduct beyond. The unkept grass obscures most of the water from sight, so as my eyes pass over it, the colour barely registers. When it does, I stop in my tracks, stomach heavy.

Red.

There's no mistaking it. Crimson stains the slow-moving stream, seeping steadily into the banks. With trepidation, I follow the flow upstream with my eyes. Seeping from the stonework of a forgotten corner…

I turn back to the forest I emerged from in horror and realise the source of the darkness. Rot and decay. The trees at the edge of the field here are dying, the colour of the bark and leaves dull and drained. Even the grass droops limply towards the ground. I kick off my heels, taking them in my hands as I break into a slow run and follow the polluted river bank. Soon, the vast open fields give way to rocky cliff sides as the stream reaches its end, flowing from a limestone structure.

An aqueduct towers before me. It's one of the many that sources Vesuvia's canals, designed to provide water for its many denizens. The water that feeds into the aqueducts flows back out and down a raging waterfall feeding the vast moat surrounding the city. The moat connects to canals that divide the seven districts. Eventually it all goes back out to the sea. Putting my shoes back on, I begin the journey along it.

A raven with thick, glossy black plumage swoops in a wide arch overhead. It dips down, reaching eye and circles me curiously. As if satisfied with its analysis, it extends its clawed feet out and takes rest on my shoulder. It opens its pale beak as if to cry out, but simply nibbles on the hem of my shirt. Gently, I lift a finger to stroke its head. It leans into my tough rather than flying away.

"Hello," I coo softly. "You look like the bird from the tavern."

Its beady eyes watch me warily. In fact, all its feathers are ruffled as if on high alert. Surprisingly, it stays on my shoulder as I continue along the white stone bridge. However strange it is, I let it keep its perch on my shoulder willingly. The aqueduct lowers over the city's moat and joins together with another water line, both heading deeper into Vesuvia. Buildings erupt from along the edges of the first cobblestone streets in the distance, the first sign of urban life as I reach the outskirts.

The sun has set now, the last golden light escaping from the sky and plunging the city onto darkness. Lamps line the whether-worn stone bridge. They're held up by iron the twists like tree branches and holds the glass lamps in an overgrown embrace. The lamps have already been lit in preparation of the night. But they do not offer much guidance. The flames burn low.

All is quiet for a while as I make my way across the stretching bridge, beside the sound of my heels, the rush of water, and the occasional soft caw from the raven. Then—

"Vivian?"

I stop dead in my tracks as a tall figure hidden by the darkness catches my attention. It's a man who calls out my name in astonishment, a man who sounds all to familiar. Slowly, he emerges into the dim light of a lantern. Pale skin, auburn hair, a wide mouth and steely eye. Standing before me, face half cast in shadows…is Julian.

"Julian?!"

At the sight of him, the ruffled, black raven leaps from my shoulders, spreading its wings wide and swooping up and around the man before me. It takes perch on his shoulder, nipping curiously at the eyepatch band hidden in his hair. I stare at both Julian and the bird in surprise and astonishment.

So it was the raven from the tavern. I had thought its appearance in the market the day I fled from Julian and found his sister was a coincidence. I had also thought the bird belonged to the Rowdy Raven, or to a frequent patron of the tavern. But no. It seems to have a liking for Julian. I can't help but recall old wives tales as I watch the huge black bird nuzzle against him. Ravens are omens of death and ill will, but they also associate with lost souls. How ironic.

Julian stands at the edge of the aqueduct, a dark silhouette framed by ghostly, silver moonlight. Behind him, the city towers like a behemoth, a chaotic sprawl of colourful buildings stacked atop each other. In his hands is a mask with a long, curved beak. His plague mask. He turns it slowly in his hands as if contemplating what to do with it.

"Hello, darling." He smirks at me in greeting, but it looks almost sad. "Fancy seeing you here, hmm? Out for an evening walk?"

"No...not exactly," I say. "What are you doing here?"

Julian sighs, gaze dropping to the reservoir below. The red of his coat reflects and refracts in the water, splashes of crimson dancing against one another. There's something about him that's far away no matter how close we stand.

He looks at the mask in his hands. "Me? I was just thinking. Funny, fickle thing, life, isn't it?"

"Should you be standing so close to the water?"

"What, this water?" He raises a brow. "It's harmless. It won't do anything to me, or anyone, anymore. Sure, a few people might get sick if they go for a swim, but... Isn't it a miracle? They went and figured it out—or outlasted it. Wonder how they did it?"

"You're going to get rid of it...aren't you?"

"The mask? Well, life finds a way, doesn't it? The plague is over, and so is people's need for me. Who needs a plague doctor if there's no plague? It's like... Like a Count with no city. A barkeep with no drinks." He extends his arms with a flourish. His auburn hair falls into his good eye, obscuring it. "So here I am, throwing away the last piece of a past I can't reclaim. Pity, isn't it?"

With one final glance at the mask, Julian lets it slip from his gloved fingers. It drops to the water below with a soft splash. Pale shapes just below the surface are drawn by the disturbance and move to swarm the mask. I can barely see rows of teeth digging into the beak. ...Those eel-like creatures at the Palace, the ones Portia told me about. I've never seen them outside the Palace. Then again, I've barely ever had a need to cross the aqueducts. They must thrive in the reservoir. I've never seen so many at once.

Julian leans over the edge and watches it, the dramatic facade slipping away like a mask of its own. Beneath it is what I felt from him before; that distant, forlorn feeling. Somewhere deep down, I feel for him, for the past that went down so wrong—whether by his hand or to protect someone else.

"Julian, are you—" I begin to speak, but the ragged, screeching call from the raven sounds. It must have left to survey the area without me noticing. It flies around our heads in a frenzy. The Palace guards are coming.

All of a sudden, Julians eye lights up. "Guards. Look lively, Vivian, we'd best make tracks."

“We?” I echo.

"Wouldn't want to be caught with me when you work in the Palace, would you?" Before I can protest any further, Julian has a tight grip on my wrist.

He leaps into action, only letting my arm go when we've cleared the aqueduct and sprint down the street. I silently curse myself for putting my heels back on, finding the stone street dangerously slippery. Especially as close to the creature-filled canal as we are.

Then, just as I find myself with good footing, I slip on a wet stone. I cry out in alarm as I tumble back and into the canal that cleaves between this street and the next one over. The icy feeling of the canal's water engulfs me as I'm swallowed by the darkness. I barely took a breath before I went under, and already my lungs sing in agony. I struggle against the water, kicking frantically to the surface. Those eels could be anywhere.

And then I feel it.

Slipper and sleek, something brushes my ankle.

In the dim light that pierces the water's surface, the faint silhouettes of a dozen eels circle me carefully. Their skin is sickly and translucent, revealing twisting organs, splaying veins, pumping hearts. Their flat faces are split by wide jaws lined with rows of huge teeth that look unnatural in their somewhat small heads. Beady eyes stare back at me in hunger.

As soon as the first one launches to strike, I throw both hands before me and unleash my magic. A burst of energy shoots from my palms and hits the eel's silvery neck. The burst cleaves through the sleek skin and severs its head clean off. Its body goes limp and sinks to the riverbed. The demise of their companion does not stop the rest.

They're on me in seconds, and my magic isn't enough to kill them all. As soon as I send another three to their deaths and kick away a fourth, powerful hands grip my arms. Julian tugs me from the canal, but neither of us is fast enough to fend off the last eel. It shoots forward with incredible speed, maw wide and teeth latching onto my side. I barely suppress my scream as my hands grip its flat face and try desperately to pry it free. Its teeth only sink further into the flesh beneath my ribs, drawing blood and sending a shocking wave of pain through my body.

The eel comes up with me to the street above as Julian pulls me from the water. I gulp down air and let out a grunt of pain as the eel feeds off my blood. Julian kneels beside me on the street, one arm wrapped around me to sit me up. His free hand hovers over the eel.

"On the count of three, okay?" he says breathlessly. "One, two—"

I suck in a breath as Julian grips the eel behind its head, forcing its mouth open. He tosses it to the ground roughly where it rolls back into the canal. My hand shots to my side and I flinch from the scorching pain as I press my hand over the injury. Warm blood meets my palm.

Julian hoists me up. "Up you go, then. I've got you."

I breathe comes in gasps as I stumble away from the reservoir with his help, soaking wet and slipping on cobblestone. My clothes clings to my body like a second skin. A shiver runs beneath my skin as a cool breeze sweeps through the street. Blood blossoms across my left side beneath small tears in the high waist of the black skirt I wear. The bejewelled wrap I wear on my upper half is otherwise unharmed

"Shit." I barely manage to speak through clenched teeth, my magic wary as I attempt to wring the water from my hair and clothes. “That really hurts."

Julian looks behind us as pairs of marching footsteps grow close. He takes my arm again. "Can you manage?"

"I...think so."

"Good, because we can't stop now."

Julian half drags me with him as we run at a slower pace. Thankfully, the adrenaline coursing through my veins blocks out the pain as I stumble along with him. My weight is getting alarmingly hard to uphold. We round a corner and Julian leads me down an alley. He finally stops in the shadow of the building beside us and peers down at me, concern in his greyish eye. My breath comes fast and laboured.

"Can you stand on your own?"

I look up to him from where I struggle to cling to his arm, shaking and dizzy. “You think?"

"Right. Foolish question." Before I can protest, he reaches his other arm beneath my legs and hoists me into his arms, carrying me further down the street. "Hold onto me."

Hesitantly, I place my arms around his neck as he hurries me through the alleyway. Asra told me Julian could be who he wants to get what he wants, but he bothered to turn back to pull me from the canal even with the guards on his heels. Though, I suppose he must stay in my good graces if he wants to live.

Julian comes to a stop a few streets down where he drops to his knees and gently sets me against a building. Secluded and deserted, the alleyway grants some safety. Boxes and barrels shield us from passers-by.

"Here, let me see that bite," he says quietly. My head bobs ambiguously. Whatever words I try to form are stuck behind my teeth. "I'll have to take that as a yes."

The doctor in Julian has suddenly fronted. His gaze turns cool and calculating as he rolls the hem of my skirt low on my hips, revealing the steadily oozing wound. My blood is warm as it trickles down my side. I stare blankly at the stars twinkling above as I let his practised hands work. I trust him, even though I maybe shouldn't. He presses his gloved hand to my side, causing a shock of pain to ripple beneath my skin.

"The bleeding won't stop. Dammit," Julian mutters.

With a look of displeasure, he leans back and begins peeling off his gloves. Slowly, I turn my head and watch. On the back of his left hand is the murderer's brand, stark and irreversible on his pale skin. I can't suppress a shudder as he lays the other hand over my open wound. His skin is ice-cold. I hold still, focusing on wrestling with consciousness.

"Deep breathes," Julian says soothingly as he brushes the hair from my face. "This will only take a minute or two."

Gently, his marked left hand slips around to the small of my back and he twists me around to lay against him. I lean my head against the arm that cradles me. Not once does he retract his other hand from the wound. Realising I can feel the pain fade, a wave of profound relaxation settles. I turn to him again, a curious look on my face.

"...Why are you helping me?"

Julian's eyes flicker to mine as he studies me. "It's the right thing to do, isn't it? It's human. You're willing to keep my whereabouts a secret from the Palace even though your job is to hunt me down. I have to repay you somehow."

"You...know about that? I-I thought you only knew about my affiliation with the countess." I turn away, suddenly unable to meet his gaze. I feel...guilty.

"Oh, I had no idea," Julian explains. There is no anger in his voice. "Portia told me after she dragged me away from your shop. She said that being around you was like playing with fire. But you're on her side, aren't you?"

I smile as I think of Portia. "Of course. Turning you in...I wouldn't want to do that to her." I turn my head to look at him again and grin. "You know, we must stop meeting like this."

Julian barks a laugh and presses a hand to my forehead, checking my temperature. "In such strange circumstances? Yes, I agree. Now, if you're well enough to joke, you're well enough to sit."

With his hand on the small of my back again, he helps turn me around to sit and face him. My head swims with the change in altitude. As I regain my balance, he continues.

"At least you didn't catch me breaking and entering this time." He leans back from me. "I'll admit, I was surprised to see you in the neighbourhood."

His eye drifts away from me and he looks towards the street. I follow his line of sight to a distant aqueduct's end which spews a chaotically cascading waterfall of red. It’s much higher than I thought. Swallowing thickly, I turn back to the doctor, and something catches my eye. The outlines of a magical mark glow brightly on the skin of Julian's throat. Its design is unmistakable, so much so that I can't help but let my jaw hang open in surprise. He turns and catches me staring, a shadow passing over his countenance.

"Ah." Julian's lips are pursed into a grim line. "Do you recognise your master's handiwork?"

I watch in horror as dark, fresh blood blossoms underneath his waistcoat. Concerned, I lean forward and grab his shoulders as he caves in on himself, one hand pressed to his forehead and the other to the blood. How the hell is he bleeding? What did I miss?

He draws in a sharp breath. "This was his parting gift to me; a curse. I am able to take away bodily wounds, as you can see."

Confused at his words, my hand subconsciously drifts to my wound...only to be met with soft, unmarked skin. There is no sign of what was once there—not even the sliver of a scar.

"And in return," he continues. "I get to experience them myself."

He sways forward and I clutch him harder, keeping the doctor upright. I swallow, eyes frantic at the sight of blood now running freely down his torso. He knew this would happen, and yet he still helped me.

Goddammit, Julian.

"Are you going to be fine?" I ask.

He waves a hand idly as if it is no more than a scratch. "It won't last, it never does."

That must explain why he healed so quickly from the glass bottle I struck him with the night I met him. I eye the wound. "But why would Asra give that to you? He never told me he could…inflict such a thing on someone."

Julian sighs. "It's a curse from a witch who fears commitment. Then again...I've never been bitten by a vampire eel before. This might be interesting."

"Thank you," I whisper, smiling shyly. "Really."

He blinks owlishly at me, unable to believe my words. Despite the simple thank you, he flushes and looks down. "Don't mention it. That is, well... Circumstances being as they were...I'm just glad you're all right."

Before I can react, he perks up, eyes darting to the street beyond. I hear them coming a moment after he does: the countess's guards, doing rounds of the outer walls. Julian is quick to his feet, pulling me up with him and ushering me against the wall and behind a stack of barrels. His back connects with the wall as he pulls me in, wrapping an arm around my waist. I don't dare speak, let alone breathe, as their footsteps grow closer.

Still, I am extremely aware of how close we are. This close, I can see the pain painted on his face. His stare is fixed behind me, but as if he senses my gaze, it moves to mine. For a moment, we stare at each other. Just as he's about to say something, a thud sounds from the entrance of an alleyway.

Instead of whatever he wished to tell me, he says, "Not the time. Let's go."

He grabs my hand and tugs me out of the alleyway, breaking into a run that I barely match. The city passes us by in a blur of lights, dark colours, and alleyways hidden in shadows as we evade capture, weaving around buildings with ease. I hear a guard yell behind us to stop, but we do no such thing.

We're moving so fast, I almost don't see it. There, nestled between two tall buildings...a garden. A thick padlock set in a rusted iron gate blocks our way inside. It would make the perfect hiding spot, but we could lose time getting in.

Julian picks up speed, and my hand threatens to slip from his. If I'm going to act it has to be now. I have no idea if he's listening, telling him would be a gamble, a waste of time. So I pull hard on his hand and tug him towards the garden. He quickly catches onto my intentions and helps hoist me over the top of the gate.

I land rather unceremoniously, and Julian drops down next to me with light feet. The garden is overgrown and unused to the point that the bushes and vines of blue flowers twist up the fence, giving decent coverage. He helps me to my feet and dusts off my clothes as we catch our breath.

Only then do I take in the magnificence of the forgotten garden.

Pillars etched with intricate patterns hold up archways surrounding the perimeter. Steps lead up to an elevated section where a broken marble fountain stands, its lost beauty only left to the imagination. In each corner of the garden are statues of a bull's upper half, frozen in mid-charge.

Years must have passed since this place was last touched, the plants left to fend for themselves. Julian and I step around roots that have overtaken the cracked stone floor, settling by the dilapidated fountain.

"This place is wonderful," Julian breathes. "A pity how unloved it is. Quick thinking."

I look around, my eyes lingering on the strange blue flowers. They have a faint, luminescent glow to them. "I wonder how many places of the city have fallen to neglect like this?"

"Oh, too many to count." He makes his way carefully over to one of the grotesque statues, stepping over wild vines that block his path. "Ah, and look at this brute. Hello there, handsome."

A grin tugs at his lips as Julian wraps an arm around the bull statue's muscular shoulders. He turns back to me, his good eye bright with delight. I stifle a little laughter.

"Dangerous looking creature, isn't it?" he observes.

I fold my arms and lean against a pillar. "I like a little danger."

I pick my way over to the statue as well, staring into its stone face. It almost seems to be regarding me. Julian, whose arm is still slung over the statue, watches me with growing interest. He tilts his head to the side.

"Ohhh?" he teases. "I shouldn't be surprised. You're the type of girl who seems to be full of hidden depths."

I raise a brow. "Really? Being able to do magic is as interesting as I get."

“Liar. But tell me...do you really mean that about danger? Do you know what you're getting yourself into?"

There's a strong feeling suggesting that there's something more to Julian's question. I go quiet for a moment as I consider. But...I don't know what I'm getting myself into. I just know that it's right.

I shrug. "Isn't the not knowing what makes it exciting? Knowing what you're getting yourself into is like ruining the surprise of a present. Otherwise, what would be the point of the wrapping and the guessing?"

"I wouldn't say that's the most exciting thing about it." His eyes are suddenly curious, pinned behind me. "Hold still for a moment."

He lets go of the statue and reaches slowly forward, plucking a flower from my shoulder. It must have fallen from the luminous vines coiled closely above. It glows a bright, vivid blue in the dark, star-shaped petals curling in as he touches it. The blue light it emits highlights Julian's face, catching on his eyelashes.

I can't help but admit that he looks strikingly handsome.

He offers the flower to me, a quirk to his lips as he twirls it in his fingers. I reach out to take it from him, but he stops, shaking his head and pulling it back just slightly.

"Ah ah ah. Careful." He tsks. "There's poison in those petals."

I stare down at the fragile, unfamiliar flower in his gloved hand. "There is? But it's so...elegant. What is it?"

He cocks his head. "Deadly starstrand. A single drop of poison distilled from this flower could kill a babe in its crib. It's killed tyrants and kings, innocent and guilty. It could topple entire empires with a careless hand."

He offers it to me once more, gazing eagerly into my eyes.

"Do you still want it?"

I pluck the flower gently from his hands, lifting it to my nose to smell. There's something acrid to it—an underlying note of iron and sickness that stings the air.

Looking back up to him, I say, "You said the poison has to be distilled. Does that make it harmless to touch?"

Julian snickers. "I mean, if I were you I wouldn’t eat it. But you're right. It won't kill you like this."

Gently, Julian reaches out to the flower. Confused, I let him take it back as he grins at me. I go completely still as he reaches out. Leather-covered fingers brush against my ear as he tucks the flower behind it, touch lingering for a moment before dropping to my shoulder.

"There you go," he says, his grin widening. "You suit it wonderfully."

I stare at him for a moment. "You know, it sure sounds like you're not afraid of danger."

"Afraid of danger?" Julian laughs as if it is merely an understatement. "Darling, I live for it. Positivity enchanted by it, I am."

"So...pain doesn't scare you either?" I ask. "You seem to have coped with that bite terribly better than I did."

He shrugs. "Why should it? In my line of work, you can't be afraid of a little pain. You might say I have...intimate knowledge of it."

I don't know what drives me to it—maybe something about his words. Placing a hand on his waist and taking a step forward, I press my other hand lightly against the wound. He swallows at whatever it inflicts, smiling down at me slyly.

"Oho. Are we dancing? I didn't know you could. What's your poison, then? Tango? Waltz?"

There's a taunting tone in his voice. He knows exactly what he's doing. I hate to admit it, but I fall right into the trap. I take another step closer, pressing fully at the wound now. It doesn't seem lethal. In fact, Julian bites his lip and makes a muffled noise. I flush, realising exactly what it's doing to him.

And yet I don't stop.

He steps back, pulling me with him as his back hits the crumbling wall behind him. There's a desperate look in his eyes. So he likes the pain. It does something to him that he enjoys. His fingers dig into my shoulders, gripping me like a lifeline. He lips barely form my name before we're interrupted by the sound of loud footsteps quickly approaching. A scowl passes over Julian's face and I step away, hiding my hands behind my back. What was I doing—

"Right on time," Julian seethes. "Let's leave before our guests arrive, hmm?"

With the garden's sanctuary compromised, Julian takes my hand roughly and tugs me along, helping me out and into the opposite street.

Julian leads me deeper into what I recognise as the South End, evading our pursuers. Shouts sound from a bit behind us, furious that we won't stop. Thank God they can't recognise us under the blanket of night. Julian seems to know this area like the back of his hand—or at least, all the relevant escape routes.

We're approaching a dilapidated residence at the edge of the district. A few chickens wander around the empty yard. Julian stops before it, a look of relief on his face.

"In we go, Vivian," he says.

I give him an incredulous look. "In? Please don't tell me we're breaking in."

"Breaking in? Why would you think such a thing?"

"Hm, let me think, Julian."

"Okay fine. But that was only your shop."

Without answering further, he pulls open an unlocked window and clamours through it, landing inside the dark house. He leans back out for me and stretches his hands out. Faced with no other option, I'm forced to take his hands and let him help me through.

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A/N: Thank you for reading this far!! For a while, if you are interested in this story and wish to read more, you may notice that this work is left untouched for a while. That's because I'm more focused on my Avatar works at the moment. But don't worry, it shouldn't take a lot of effort. I actually have up to 15 chapters pre written from an unfinished attempt at this I had uploaded to Wattpad years ago. All I need to do is edit the next seven chapters and write the rest :)

#The Arcana #Julian Devorak #Asra Alnazar #Nadia Satrinava #lucio morgasson #portia devorak #julian devorak x mc #julian devorak x apprentice #The Arcana Julian Route

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