73 Results in the "A Blossom of Flames" category
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The dining room was already bustling with activity when Valentina walked in through the heavy oak doors. The familiar smell of freshly baked bread and fried bacon filled the air, but something was different this morning. There was an unusual tension in the atmosphere, which Valentina noticed immediately. Instead of the usual babble of voices and laughter, there was a subdued murmur. Students sat together in small groups, their heads close together as they whispered with serious expressions. Valentina…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 44 – Extra Credit
The knock on Professor Horne's office door echoed through the quiet corridor. Valentina took a deep breath, her heart racing. "Come in," came Horne's voice,full of tension and caution. Valentina entered. Professor Horne sat behind his massive desk, his hands restless on the polished surface. "Sit down, Valentina," he said, his eyes wary. She took a seat, her back straight, her hands calmly in her lap. The tension in the room was almost palpable. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" Valentina…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 9 – A Dangerous Bargain
The dining room hummed with life as Valentina entered with Innogen. The smell of bread and hot porridge filled the air. Students crowded around the long tables and benches, their conversations mingling into a constant background noise. Valentina mechanically took her breakfast, her mind still foggy with fatigue and the events of the night. She followed Innogen to an empty seat, nodding absently to the greetings of her fellow students. "Fascinating," Vyxara murmured in her head. "So many young minds,…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 26 – Echoes of Ambition
The next day, after the lectures, Valentina returned to the library. The excitement of her newfound ability tingled in her fingertips as she went to her secluded spot. The slight headache from the day before had given way to nervous anticipation. With trembling hands, she unpacked her books, trying to look like she was working concentratedly. "Are you ready, little Weaver?" whispered Vyxara in her head. Valentina nodded imperceptibly and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and let her senses…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 54 – Horne of Plenty
The next morning, Valentina met Crispin in the library, where they had arranged to meet so that Valentina could prepare for the tie-break. "Good morning, Val," Crispin greeted her with a shy smile. "I've alreadyreserved usa table in the corner." Valentina returned the smile. "Thank you, Crispin. You really are a treasure." They sat down and spread out their documents. Crispin had already laid out several books on advanced EssenceTheory. "I thought we could focus on the theory of resonance…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 36 – Morning Reflections
She put a hand on Crispin's chest, his heart raced beneath her touch. The bulge in his breeches told her of his desire for her and a shiver ran down her spine. She sat herself on his lap, straddling his thighs. Crispin's breath hitched at her touch, and he grew hard against her. He held her hips tentatively as if she might evaporate into mist any moment. Valentina reached closer, pressing her lips against his cheek, then his jawline. "It's alright," she whispered, more to herself than to him. "We can…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 63 – Loom of Destiny
The morning of the competition, a beautiful spring morning, crept through Valentina's small window. She was already awake, staring at the ceiling and trying to get her pounding heartbeat under control. "You're nervous, little Weaver," Vyxara's voice in her head sounded half sympathetic half amused. "Scared to death would be more appropriate," Valentina mumbled. She sat up and rubbed her tired eyes. The night had been short – too many thoughts, too many worries, too many last repetitions of complex…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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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 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 27 – The First Round
Valentina blinked, still dazed from sleep, as the realization hit her: Today was the day. The first round of the Greystone Competition was coming up. She sat up with a soft groan, her body protesting against the abrupt movement. The last few weeks of intensive preparation had left their mark. Dark circles appeared under her eyes, betraying thecountless nights she had spent awake, reading, and learning. "Good morning, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head, the demon's voice velvety and…-
377.7 K • Ongoing
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