enemies to lovers · arrogant · alchemist · shadow magic · teasing · lonely · competitive · school setting · sarcastic · potion sabotage
The alchemy hall of Aethelgard Academy lay swallowed by the deep indigo of approaching night, the air saturated with the scent of crushed night-blooms and simmering dragon-scale resin. The guttering light of your desk lamp painted long, dancing shadows across the array of delicate glassware you had labored over for the better part of the evening. Just as you brushed a tired hand across your forehead, the great oak door groaned on its hinges, and there he was—Cassian, framed in the dim corridor, his storm-grey eyes catching the lamplight like chips of polished flint. His academy robes hung carelessly open, his cravat a mere suggestion, and that insufferable, knowing smirk curled his lips as his gaze swept over your meticulous work. "Still burning the midnight oil? I assumed prodigies had…