Foresight (W.I.P)

Chapter 1

☀️☀️☀️

I slide into the warm, clean water, relaxation filling my tired body. I splash water onto my face, pulling a hand through my long black hair. As I close my eyes Nadia slithers to me, twirling around my tan neck. She breaths and tickles me with her tongue.

"Hello girl."

On the tile behind me the crack of boots resonates throughout the bath house. I shiver and stop moving, my breath quiet. A voice whispers, very close to me.

"I don't think it's wise to have a snake wrapped around your neck, Camilla."

I recognize it immediately, Julian. I sink farther into the water, my arms crossed across my chest and my face burning with color. I feel his eyes on me as he walks to the edge of the water. He stops and sits, a smirk playing on his sharp features. A thick, dark lock falls over his eye, giving him an even more devilish look.

"I don't think it's wise to walk into a ladies bathing chambers unannounced. These aren't public baths Julian." I respond to his snide comment, keeping my arms rigid and my gaze locked on his.

"Oh you're such a prude, Camilla. I only wanted to bathe with you."

I ignore his comment. "How long were you there?"

"The whole time," he pauses, revealing his white teeth in an embarrassing grin, "I don't mean to pry..."

I inhale sharply, resisting the urge to hit him. I turn my head away, the heat in my face unbearable. As I steal a look at him, his face is only just as red as mine, but my hair obscures my view. His face is no longer joking, but full of curiosity and concern.

"All of those tattoos, what are they for?"

His question surprises me and I begin to realize Julian had no bad intention. I let my arms fall, my gaze brushing over the thin lines, swirling in odd shapes and misshapen letters. Julian simply stares at me, intent.

"They're wards. They-" I begin to explain but Julian waves it off.

"I've been studying," he smiles sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. I gleam, shivering as Nadia slithers off me, disappearing into the darkness. Julian fiddles with the top button on his shirt, looking slightly uncomfortable. I smile, in spite of earlier Julian is now shy and bashful. I take his hand promptly.

"You mentioned earlier that you just wished to bathe with me, was that true Julian?" His face flushes as soon as the question slips from my lips. He nods quietly, a smile dancing on his lips. I pat his knee.

"Don't worry, I'm not looking." He blinks in surprise but once I turn around I can hear the shuffle of clothes as he undresses. The water ripples as he dips in, I try not to giggle as I turn around to find Julian beet-red and frowning. I immerse myself into the water, letting only my eyes keep above the it. Julian finally smiles, feeling more comfortable it seems. I sink all the way down, letting the water seep into my scalp, wetting my thin hair. I sit up to find Julian laughing, his eyes filled with delight. I raise a brown in question.

"You looked like a fog Lila." He uses his nickname for me, only making me more annoyed. I stick my tongue out and send him a playful look. He smiles and dips his head back bringing up a handful of water, running it through his thick locks. His eyes close and his dark lashes brush against his sharp cheekbones. I bite my lip in an attempt to abstain from leaning over and kissing him.

Dammit, he's so gorgeous. I stop staring as his eyes open and rub the soap over my body washing it. Julian watches me, a soft warm smile replacing his playful smirk. As he stares at me, with something deep in his dark eyes, I realize this moment can't, won't be interrupted. A hiss behind me tells me Nadia has returned. Her eyes gleam and I hear our minds connect. Her tongue flicks out as she whisper one word; trouble. I sharpen my senses and as if on que there is a faint pulse of magic. My hands clench by my side, and my body trembles with anger; the water surging softly. Julian heeds this and his eyes fill with apprehension. As if he notices the magic, he grabs my hands, easing the murderous throb in my chest.

I stand and step out of the bath, Julian right behind. I smile gladly at him, shivering as water drops off our lithe forms. The tile gleams warmly, the lantern light giving everything a gentle glow. I walk over to the cabinet, being careful with my step, retrieving bath robes. Julian is behind me, silent, he wraps a robe around me then himself. He acknowledges my nervousness and pulls me onto a chaise. I oblige without resistance, taking deep breathes as Julian soothingly runs a hand through my dripping hair.

He doesn't speak a word, soundlessly comforting me and I appreciate it. Him questioning my sudden actions would be anxiety giving. I sigh, exhaling in a deep, prolonged respire. I realize it's not the fact that magic was being used that scares me, it's how. It was in one abrupt pulse which indicates that someone was not practicing. Ezra -my master- is the only magician in the palace, that being it can only lead to an intruder. Unless Ezra is doing something unexplainable. The thought makes me palpitate with alarm.

"Julian." My voice is hoarse with unbelievable despair. He stops brushing, thin fingers still twined in my hair. My body is rigid against his and I know he can feel my dread.

"Camilla? What's wrong?" He turns me, his eyes full of distress.

"I- well there was faint pulse of magic and I'm worried it's Ezra." Once my master's name falls from my mouth I realize the urgency of the situation. Julian's eyes go wide with intense panic and he grips me tightly. The muffled sound of my voice being called drags us apart. As I step towards the door, my bare feet curl against the cold of the tile. The desolate face of the messenger shocks my heart yet again.

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The first chapter of my story!! It's finally done. I love a good cliffhanger~ I don't have a specific update schedule, but expect them often. This is my first true story (I've written others, just lost inspiration) so critic is helpful!! Sorry for any grammatical/spelling errors I try to proof read it as best I can. Hope you enjoy~

P.S I'm guessing you noticed my story doesn't have a title or cover, but I'm working on it. ;)