A way out?

"You must be a big shot. What a good thing for me," I smiled sarcastically and noticed the expected twitching of his lower jaw.

"Yes," he replied tied up. "Master must think of something to protect us from the Consortium."

"Consortium?" I asked further, without giving in to his anger.

"The honorable leaders of this institute."

"And who forms the Consortium?"

"It is formed by the most powerful Magoi of the 13 kingdoms, the most eminent master of Heka manipulation. Who have gathered here to pass on their teachings to the next generations," he looked at me unexpectedly, fixed me with his penetrating gaze for a few seconds before he continued. "This institute has been visited by Magoi for centuries, to learn from the best. Students from all nations and all levels of society gather here to learn."

So there were schools of magicians in this world. It sort of reminded me of Herry Potter. But why hadn't I heard of it until now... Did he especially keep that from me...

"The master chooses a student to teach for five years."

I nodded thoughtfully and wanted to ask more, but suddenly the door opened and Diarmid was standing next to me. "The master has found a way. He will visit you shortly. Be patient for a while longer." As usual, he was too fast, you didn't even see him coming. He was like a ghost. Suddenly there and then gone again. I looked at him questioningly before my lips began to form the word that didn't quite seem to fit my context. "A way?" What was he up to?

But the more I looked at him, the more I lost myself in his sexy vision. I began to suspect that this man was the perfect image for a sun god. He was so hot. And not as pukey as my roommate. I melted. While my hormones tangoed. He was all gold. Hair of gold that ran down his shoulders like a soft river. Golden tanned skin. And those eyes. ...like liquid gold. "A way to get us out of this damn situation. Into which YOU have catapulted us," Aeneas casually explained. But his accusing look was obvious. What an ass!

I stared at him angrily. He was much easier to bear if he just would keep his mouth shut. My ears were already bleeding from his annoying voice! What the hell was wrong with him! I hadn't asked him to make a deal with me either. It was a fucking mistake! Got it! I was filled with rage. What the hell was I doing here? "I've catapulted us into!" I didn't mean to sound so cynical, so hard. But slowly his manner got on my nerves. This condescending behavior, this concealing and hiding. After all, I was not a criminal, not in my own estimation. And anyway, if anyone was to blame, it was that good-for-nothing master who had sent me here. Without warning! He should have known better. But instead he kept putting me in these hopeless situations. I didn't want to be here either - no way. Actually...

"You should wear this." Diarmid handed me a white cloth bundle. I hesitated for seconds before I reached for the garment. It was a simple toga for men. Long. White, of course! Made of high-quality fabric. A thick golden belt for the hip lay on the bundle of fabric. Short sleeves. High-necked.

I looked skeptically at the bundle of cloth.

"Let Aeneas help you get changed." Said Diarmid casually, who no doubt noticed my expression.

I smiled thankfully at him, but inwardly rejected his suggestion. The proud idiot would certainly not help me. I would have to manage on my own.

I turned away. Marched to the other side of the room. There was no point in asking for privacy.

He wouldn't give me any. So what? If he insisted on seeing it. I didn't care, maybe it was just for the best. The sooner I set my limits, the better for both of us.

Naive. I was so narrow-minded, thought I could see through everyone. To know them all. Thought they were the same. All the same because they all have that same expression. That same old gaze after they realized what was behind the veil. That gaze that burned on my skin.