Velmorian Bedtime, Part I

The walk back to my dorm felt longer than it should have.

Not because of the distance my room at Arcanum was conveniently perched in the east wing like a well-guarded secret but because my thoughts, as usual, were staging a civil war behind my eyes. There were far too many threads in my mind to pull apart. Verania's warning. Sylvithra's not-so-subtle affection. Velka's evasive glances. Riven's overly delighted commentary.

And worst of all?

Me. Thinking about Velka again.

I slammed the door to my room shut behind me with a dramatic sigh only slightly louder than necessary. The enchanted wards clicked into place with a soft hum, recognizing me and Smaug's magical signatures. My personal sanctuary, at last.