Ariella’s awakening

Not expected

*Ariella*

The air tingles with what I assume is magic, a sensation I'm still getting used to, as a figure pops into existence right behind us, causing Thalia and me to spin around. The newcomer, a young man with eyes that gleam like polished emeralds and hair the color of light three bark, grins at us, the very picture of mischief. Despite his sudden appearance, there's a warmth in his smile that's oddly comforting.

"Whoa," I breathe out, my heart skipping a beat. Not from fear, but from the sheer surprise of witnessing magic like this up close and personal.

Thalia, unfazed, steps forward with a smile. "Ari, meet Liam Greenstone, but we all call him LG, he is a leprechaun. Liam, this is Ariella Vale, my new roommate and friend."

Liam's grin widens, and he offers me a hand, which I take, noting the slight spark of magic that seems to dance at his fingertips. "Pleasure's all mine, Ariella. Welcome to a world that's probably going to blow your mind more times than you can count."

His light-heartedness eases the tension I didn't realize I was holding. "I'm starting to get that impression," I reply, managing a smile.

Liam's gaze flickers with an unreadable emotion for a moment before he turns back to Thalia, their easy camaraderie evident. "I heard we had a newcomer. Anything I can help with?"

"Just showing her around, getting her acquainted with everyone," Thalia says, her tone casual.

Liam nods before turning his attention back to me, his curiosity piqued. "So, Ariella, what's your story? Not every day we get someone new around these parts."

I hesitate, not sure how much to share. i mean I am still trying to figure everything out how I fit into this magical tapestry myself. "Just trying to find my place in all this," I settle on saying.

Liam nods, as if he understands more than he lets on. "Aren't we all? Well, if you need a guide to the less conventional side of our world, you know who to call."

*Kieran*

In a quiet corner of a corridor, in a secret nook outside a couple of toilets rarely used, where sunlight filters through stained glass, casting colors across the floor, I find myself with Coraline.

It's an almost private haven, surrounded by towering walls that promise a semblance of seclusion, yet open enough that someone could wander in at any moment. My instincts scream for caution, to maintain a distance lest we are discovered in a compromising position. Not that us dating is a secret, but I prefer to keep private things private.

However, Coraline, with her alluring presence, seems to cast those worries into the shadows. She moves closer, her eyes holding mine with an intensity that feels almost hypnotic.

There's a part of me, rational and guarded, that knows I should pull away, remind her of the need for discretion. Yet, that voice grows fainter as she nears, her light, aquatic scent enveloping me, reminiscent of the ocean's embrace.

"Coraline," I start, the warning in my tone undermined by the undeniable longing in my voice. "We should be careful. This is not really the place… someone could come…"

She places a finger gently against my lips, silencing me. "Let them look then," she whispers, her voice a siren's call that sends a shiver down my spine. The risk, the thrill of potentially being discovered, seems to add an intoxicating layer to her allure.

Despite my better judgment, I find myself capitulating, drawn into her gravitational pull. The world beyond our secluded nook in the hallway fades into insignificance, replaced by the immediate and overwhelming focus on Coraline. It's as if she has woven a spell, one that I'm all too willing to fall under, consequences be damned.

She bites her lip, then licks them, “you have this power over me.” She purrs. “It makes me want to do naughty things.”

All I can do is stare at her lips, my mind seems to have lost all common sense, or maybe it is just that all my blood is rapidly diverted south.

*Ariella*

"Sorry, but is there a bathroom around here?" I ask Thalia and LG, feeling a bit awkward. "I kinda need to go."

LG points down the hallway, adding some specifics to help me out. "Yeah, there's one just down there, past the alcove on the opposite side of that big painting with the nymphs frolicking about."

Thalia offers me a reassuring smile, "I can walk you there if you'd like."

I shake my head, trying to keep things light. "No, it's cool, I think I can manage."

"Are you sure?" she asks, a touch of concern in her voice.

"Yeah, I'll be quick. Just hang tight here, I'll be back in a jiffy," I assure her, though part of me craves a moment of solitude. It's not that I don't enjoy the company of Thalia and the others I've met; it's just all a bit much at once, and I find myself needing a brief pause to collect my thoughts.

"I'll be right here when you get back," Thalia responds warmly.

"And I'll keep her company till you do," LG chimes in with a grin.

With a nod to them both, I make my way down the hallway, secretly hoping my assertion of finding the bathroom on my own holds true.

I am relieved that the painting is quite easy to spot, because without it I think I would have walked right past the alcove. Now I easily slip through the opening, once again amazed by the building and all its surprises.

The next surprise is much less amazing to me. Inside the hidden area is two people, a tall dark haired guy, halfway leaning against the wall, his mouth half open on a moan, his head slightly thrown back and his hands entwined in the blonde hair of the young woman kneeling in front of him.

Seeing how her head bobs up and down, and hearing the slobbering sounds she is making I realize that she is giving him a blow job. To be honest I kinda freeze, not knowing what to do, I am not used to things like that.

The man's eyes fly open, hazel eyes, boring into mine, and a growl escapes his lips, “Mine.”

I turn on my heels and run, my face burning in embarrassment.