Chapter 36 The Cat's Out Of The Bag

A few sun-cycles have passed since Nott’s request. Even though, I’m doing my best, Nott keeps pestering me every chance he gets… This is one such occasion.

“How much longer will it take?” Nott has his arms crossed, impatiently tapping his index finger on the portly, oaken table. He does it with such regularity, it’s as if he truly believes the very action would quicken my pace.

“...Even if you ask me that every sun-tick, I can’t read any faster.” We’re sitting in the library, the warm glow of candles lighting up this gloomy morning. After great turmoil, autumn has fully defeated summer - Because of this, daylight keeps shortening.

His mouth scowls further, but he doesn’t say anything else.

Seriously, can’t you at least study or something? Why are you just sitting there rushing me… I honestly wonder how he even made it into top three…

After a while longer, I feel his glowering gaze off me. He picks up one of the books on the pile and begins reading it.

“…”

“…”

“…”

The last candle goes out, the darkness hushing our vision. At this point, long stretches of time seemingly disappearing whenever I read, don’t surprise me anymore. It always manages to shock Nott though.

“Wha- How long were we here for?” He drops the book in bewilderment.

“By the looks of the sky, it’s the dead of night.” The hiss of a match can be heard, a small flame envelops our line of sight. Fenrir smirks as he lights another candle on the table.

“F-Fen! When did you get here?”

He laughs at my expression, “Just now. Ru, Vani, and I tried to find you in your room. You weren’t there, so I came to grab you. Come on, they’re waiting outside your window.”

“H-Huh? Did we have another late-night excursion planned?”

“Nah, it’s an impromptu thing.”

A surge of thrill courses through me, “Let’s go then!”

Nott kicks the leg of my chair and I remember his presence. “Hey, what do you think you’re doing? If you have time to slack off, then keep researching.”

T-This selfish bat-prince! I’m about to open my mouth in protest before Fen places an arm around him.

“If you wanted to come, you could’ve just asked! The more the merrier!”

“Wha- You stupid mutt, I don’t want to-”

“Yes, yes. Whatever you say, your majesty.” Fenrir offers in mock civility, all the while continuing to drag him along.

I can’t help but giggle.

*

Hushing our steps through the girl’s corridor, I successfully sneak them into my room. “Ravens, Aey. Did your collection grow again?”

“Naturally.” I puff out my chest in pride.

Nott gives a sidelong glance at my wonderful assemblage of books. It fills the shelf provided by the University as well as half the floor. “A pig indeed. Eating and living like one.” He mumbles under his breath.

I grab the sturdiest and nearest novel to me, immediately chucking it at his head. Fenrir still has his arm wrapped around Nott’s shoulder, so Nott grabs it and forces him towards the flying projectile. It squarely hits Fen with a thwump.

“A-Ah, sorry! That wasn’t meant for you!”

“Urgh,” Fenrir gasps out, “A-Aren’t you supposed to be super weak? Were you just acting in Arms & Aegis this entire time?”

Hey! That’s that, and this is this! My cheeks feel warm at his comment.

Nott is staring at me silently, “Hmmm.” is all I hear him say.

Vaniriel must have grown weary of waiting, for she hops onto my balcony. The surge of growth on her head is a striking tangerine-orange now. Both leaves and hair glow in the pale, autumn moonlight. I beam at the sight of her and quickly go to unlatch the veranda door. “Vaniii, these two are bullying me.”

She gives a withering stare to Nott. “Leave her alone.”

Vani…! I knew I could count on you!

“You were the one chucking books!”

“And I’m just an innocent party that got in the line of fire!”

At once, Vaniriel’s wilting stare is directed towards me instead. “…Aey.”

“A-Ah, let’s go. Time’s-a-wastin’!”

I hear a sigh before she picks me up in her arms and gracefully falls to the grass beneath. I can’t hear Nott, but I can see his mouth muttering ‘What in Twice…’

The two plop down and Ru raises his eyebrows questioningly. “The Second Kindred Prince will be joining our excursion today?”

“Yep.” Fen answers before Nott even has a chance to protest.

I know I shouldn’t find another person’s distress enjoyable… But, with that said… I think it’s hilarious how Nott’s face is gradually growing more and more irritated the longer the evening progresses.

“...What about the enchantments?”

“Gone.” Vani states.

“...Is this what you three idiots do all the time?”

“Basically!” Fen doesn’t even take offense to Nott’s caustic insults anymore.

Looking between the four of us, there’s a bridge of silence before he growls out a “Sure, whatever. Let’s go.” in defeat.