73 Results in the "A Blossom of Flames" category
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Chapter
Chapter 18 – Confessions
As she walked down the corridor, on her way to her next class, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Crispin coming towards her, his face a mixture of nervousness and determination. "Valentina," he called, slightly out of breath. "Can I have a word with you?" Valentina stopped and turned to Crispin. The slight young man stood before her, his cheeks flushed, his hands clutching nervously at the straps of his worn leather bag. The dim light from the Essence lamps in the…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 31 – The Burning Quill
Dusk had fallen over Bridgewater as Valentina, Innogen and Crispin made their way to The Burning Quill. The streets of the old town were a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and crooked half-timbered houses, their upper floors leaning over the path as if they were reaching out to each other across the street. The smell of roasting meat and alcohol hung in the air, mixed with the smoky aroma of burning logs. Lanterns flickered on the street corners, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestones. "It's not…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 45 – The Red Sash
As Valentina slowly awoke from her slumber, she could already smell a cool whiff of incense – the unmistakable scent of the Martyrium celebrations. "Ah, the smell of religious hypocrisy in the morning," Vyxara whispered in Valentina's head, the demon's voice full of mockery and amusement. "Nothing like a hot stew of guilt and self-sacrifice for breakfast, is there, little Weaver?" Valentina sighed softly and sat up, taking her worn wooden amulet of the Burning Tower from her drawer. "It's more than…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 59 – Deceit
Valentina sat in her usual corner of the library with a crumpled piece of parchment in front of her, going over her plan with Vyxara for the hundredth time. "Let's go over everything again, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head. "The messenger..." "Hobkin's friend will break the news to Faustus tomorrow evening," Valentina murmured so quietly that no one could hear her. "He is to tell him that Madame Rosalie of the 'Red Swan' has changed her mind and wants to apologize to him." "And why…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 19 – Call of Competition
Valentina took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders before knocking on the heavy oak door of the Decanate. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, and she felt her palms grow damp. "Easy, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head. "You have nothing to fear." "Come in!" a deep, authoritative voice sounded from inside. Valentina opened the door with trembling hands and stepped inside. The Decan's office was an impressive room, clearly displaying the power and influence of its occupant. Tall…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 32 – Between Two Worlds
As the bell of the Burning Quill rang for the last round, Valentina, Innogen and Crispin realized how quickly time had passed. The tavern had emptied noticeably, with only a few stubborn revellers still holding out at their tables. "I think it's time for us to go," Innogen said with a yawn that she tried to hide behind her hand. Valentina nodded in agreement, but at the same time felt a pang of regret. The evening had been so beautiful, so liberating. Part of her didn't want to let go of that feeling…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 46 – Eve of Martyrium
The Burning Tower, not only Bridgewater University's Flametowerbut one of the largest in the kingdom, was filled to capacity. Hundreds of candles and torches bathed the room in a warm, flickering light that was caught in the beautifully woven tapestries. The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft rustling of robes and the hushed murmur of the assembled students and professors. Valentina, Innogen and Crispin found seats in one of the back rows. From here, they had a good view of…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 6 – Forbidden Pages
The heavy oak doors of the library closed behind Valentina with a muffled sound that briefly broke the silence of the room. The familiar smell of old leather, parchment and dust enveloped her like a warm blanket. The tall bookshelves stretched seemingly endlessly in all directions, their shadows dancing in the flickering light of the Essence-powered lamps. Valentina took a deep breath and felt an inner calm slowly settle over her again. Here among all the knowledge, she felt safe. She had the feeling…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Dear Diary, As night comes, I find myself at my desk again, surrounded by flitting candlelight. In thosemost quiet hours, when everyone else is asleep,my thoughts inevitably stray to her, to Valentina. Oh, Valentina. Just her name makes my heart beat faster. How can one person contain so much beauty, grace and intelligence? She was two rows in front of me in Professor Emberfell's lecture and I barely could suppress the urge to just stare at her all day long. She looked just like the most beautiful…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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Valentina lay awake in her narrow bed early in the morning, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, while the events of the previous night swirled through her head like autumn leaves in the wind. The visit to the Burning Quill had stirred something inside her. The frank conversations with Innogen and Crispin about love, intimacy and expectations had touched a side of her that she had kept carefully closed off. And then there had been Hobkin, with his seductive smile and sparkling eyes, who had made eyes at her…
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377.7 K • Ongoing
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