Tangled

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238 Ava: A History of Magic

"That makes sense. Finished with my vegetables-all crunchy and drowning in garlic, which. seems to be a favorite Fac flavor-I attack the first steak on my plate. It looks similar to chicken, and has some sort of thick layer of cheese melted over it.

Once it enters my mouth, I have to bite back a groan.

Delicious.

Everything I eat here is good. I need to ask Magister Orion about learning how to create food. out of nowhere, but I'm too busy shoveling the food in my mouth to ask something so practical. Besides, I'm not able to replicate the magic anyway.

Later.

I'm definitely going to learn it later.

It would really come in handy.

"When we introduce ourselves, we rarely include our family names. It is always our full name and title, if we have one. You humans have both names as your identity, and so we often use them. If it bothers you, I can always call you by your short name."

"It doesn't bother me at all, I assure him, stabbing into another bite. "If you use titles, I should probably mention that Vanessa is a Healer in the Westwood Pack." But I can't remember her last

name.

What's her last name? Shit, I'm a terrible person. I'm pretty sure she introduced herself with her full name when we first met. Then again, I was pretty out of it.

Still.

I should know this.

expression softening. "My apologies, Healer Vanessa. I've been remiss in my manners. May I ask your full name?" Vanessa straightens in her chair, a small smile playing on her lips. "Vanessa

else with

Delta Ryder Thorn. You've met him a

be his sister.

known Vanessa for what feels like ages now, and I didn't even know she had a brother/ cousin/something who works with

grow closer to my people and learn more about them, and I failed with someone who's quickly grown into

a thousand questions about their family life and histories? Such things come out in time. Vanessa doesn't even talk that much 238 Ava: A History

mate; it's no surprise she doesn't talk

didn't even know she was mated to Vester

but their relationship is very different from many mated couples. Then again, as I think has been established several times

acquaintance, Healer Vanessa Thorn. And you, sir?" He turns to Marcus, who's been quietly observing our

says, his voice gruff but respectful. "Just Marcus

not one for unnecessary words. Especially when he's on duty-which,

"I believe it's only fair that I properly introduce myself as well. He stands, his massive frame seeming to fill the entire room. "I am Magister Orion, Grand Sorceror of

was important, but this sounds like a lot more than just some old man with an enthusiasm for human magic. It sounds awfully important

coming in clutch with the important questions. "I've heard of many terms

his chair, way too approachable for someone with an intimidating-sounding rank. "Sorcerers are Fae who have also manifested as a wizard. Also known as witches, or magicians. Over thousands of years, many names have come about for humans with magic. Illusionist, arcanist, shaman. While every school of magic focused and taught in different specialties, the core of human magic is always the same. It comes from within, an innate magic that has deep ties to the elements. Not all humans can access the elements, but some can. Like

the difference in Fae magic and human magic, then?" Vanessa's forgotten all about her food, leaning

nature. To the air we breathe.

then how did you make this food appear?" Marcus interjects, also drawn into

asking the questions my sluggish brain can't come up with, too over-awed by the

eyelids threaten to droop and leave me asleep on

Ava: A History of

struggle to stay

the Grand Sorcerer," Magister Orion says with a smile. "I have manifested. human magic. It isn't impossible for Fae, as we already have a core of magic within us. But it is incredibly rare. There are those who believe that I have human blood within my veins. It's always. possible, though I have yet to find where in

am also a Magister. A teacher of magic. As a Grand Sorcerer, I am the bridge between the human and Fae worlds for magical affairs. As Magister, I am the