Nagan | Broken Time Series: Book One

Chapter 31

Master Dagmire let Nagan catch his breath before beginning to ask questions. "So, was your journey a successful one?"

"Actually, I--" something sharp pierced the back of Nagan's tongue. He inhaled sharply at pain and lurched forward, cover his mouth when he began coughing harshly. What? Why...

Did you really think you were free to speak of it?

"Nagan?" Master Dagmire swiftly can to his side. "Are you alright?"

He pulled Nagan's hand away slightly only to see specks of blood dotting his palm. "What on earth?! Let's get you to the medical wing--"

"No!" Nagan managed to croak out. He cleared his throat before continuing. "I bit my tongue. I'm fine now."

A week had passed since the incident, and finally, it was time to begin a new school year. It felt odd to be excited for Nagan, but after being stuck in Carvolier with only books and fae, even Miro, to entertain himself with, he began to wish for things he never thought he'd wish for. He even wished for one of Az's hugs!

Well. Be careful what you wish for I guess.

Once the flow of students began to increase, Nagan heard running steps from the hall before the dorm room door flung open. He barely got the chance to turn around before being nearly tackled. They probably would have ended up on the floor if it weren't for Nagan being steady on his feet.

"Thank the stars you're ok!" Az exclaimed after taking a step back and gripping Nagan by the shoulders. His expression was fuming, but his eyes were watery with relief. "You hadn't sent anything for more than a month! I had to have Master Dagmire reassure me you were alive! Idiot! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!"

Nagan grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, sorry. I forgot to send a letter saying I safely crossed the Jaruvion Sea."

The grip on his shoulders tightened and Az shook him slightly, his expression becoming more annoyed. "If I were a more violent person, I'd punch you right now without any remorse," he declared before letting Nagan go with a huff.

"Anyways," Az calmed after getting all that off his chest, "How was your trip?"

Nagan shrugged. "Why are you asking me that? I wrote letters didn't I?"

"Yeah, but you didn't say anything about Tekanlab since you forgot to write something."

"It was almost unbearably hot," Nagan began, ignoring Az's glare. "But it hadn't changed much since I've been there. I could even pick out a few shops that were there when I was little."

It was all a lie, of course. If he was there for different reasons, then perhaps he really would have visited his childhood home. Or maybe it would have brought painful memories to light...

"Oh! That reminds me!" Changing the subject, Nagan tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and pointed to a red stud now decorating the top of his ear. "I was paranoid I might accidentally lose the earring you gave me, so I reopened one of the piercings I had previously."

"You did it yourself?" Az asked curiously, "And doesn't it hurt more when it's on the cartilage?"

"It definitely stings a bit more, but as I said, I had it done before. And yes, I've given myself piercings before. In fact, it was almost a rite of passage to give yourself your first piercing in my tribe."

Az made a sound of interest before subconsciously brushing his hand against his ear. "Have you done it on anyone else before?"

Nagan narrowed his eyes at Az, already knowing where this was going, and glanced at the door. "Would Madam Arcloven even let you do it? For me, this is just a cultural thing, but I haven't seen any males in Tarkon wear earrings."

Az activated his puppy eyes. "Please?"

"You're a child," Nagan rolled his eyes. "Fine. But I'm not gonna say it's the most painless process in the world, and if Madam Arcloven gets mad, you better take a decent portion of the blame."

"Deal!"

After a bit of sneaking around to collect needed resources and a minor argument that nearly blew their whole operation, by midnight Az sported a ruby earring mirroring what Nagan had.

Nagan swatted Az's hand away from his ear for the fifth time that day as they headed for the Great Hall.

"How many times do I have to tell you to not touch it! You'll get an infection at this rate!" Nagan scolded.

"Sorry!" Az clasped his hands tightly behind him.

After a small exasperated sigh, Nagan asked, "I meant to ask earlier, but I didn't see Madam or Master Arcloven or Florine yesterday."

"Oh, I came over by myself this time. They send you good wishes though."

Nagan caught something in Az's tone that didn't sound right. "Are...they alright?"

"Yes, they're alright," Az frowned slightly and began to fiddle with the hem of his shirt. "But there's been a few weird things going on and the Council has been summoning my parents more often."

"What do you mean weird? Is it dangerous?"

"Not yet..." Az lowered his voice and leaned down slightly as more students crowded the halls. "There's been a sudden spike in cases of wild dragons attacking smaller towns and villages. It's not like they don't happen at all, but the number of incidents is steadily rising and showing no signs of stopping. My father says it shouldn't be something to worry about since spikes like these happen now and again, but I just got a really bad feeling about it."

Dread started to pool into Nagan's stomach as he remembered what he heard back in Tekanlab. "Has there been any casualties?"

Az shook his head. "Thankfully there's been none yet. There was always a mage where the dragon attacked to chase it off, which I found really strange. It's a good thing, but it seems too coincidental. Each mage even had a battle specialty."

He glanced over to Nagan curiously. "What do you think?"

"You're right," Nagan agreed, his lips drawn into a thin line. "If I've learned anything from life, coincidences don't just keep happening."

"We can talk more about it later," Az shrugged and lead the way through the Great Hall entrance, "Let's just make sure we get a seat."

Nagan followed behind, but he felt uneasy and had a tight feeling in his chest.