Chapter 44

Beginings

The next morning, Raphael woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring. The shrill noise cut through the lingering fog of sleep, making him wince. His body felt heavy, weighed down by the remnants of the previous night’s activities — a dull, lingering ache in his muscles, the subtle reminder of intensity. He groaned, voice thick and raspy, and rolled out of bed, the sheets tangling around his legs for a moment before slipping to the floor. The air in the room felt cool against his skin, sending a slight shiver down his spine.

As he made his way to the cafeteria, a low buzz of chatter greeted him, the clatter of cutlery and the occasional bursts of laughter forming a familiar background hum. The scent of coffee and freshly made breakfast hung in the air, mingling with the faint hints of cleaning products. His steps slowed as he scanned the room.

He spotted Alex and Thomas sitting at the corner table, their heads tilted toward each other in quiet conversation. They seemed so absorbed, shoulders leaned in, a shared focus radiating between them. A faint tug of hesitation fluttered in Raphael’s chest, a twist of something he couldn’t quite name — an instinct not to intrude, not to break whatever they were sharing.

He didn’t want to disturb them, so he gave only a remote hi — a casual, half-hearted wave that barely lifted from his side — and went to the empty table near the wall. The spot felt colder, somehow lonelier.

Alex noticed his distant hi and immediately exchanged worried glances with Thomas. The silent communication between them was quick, almost instinctive. They both got up simultaneously, their trays in hand, moving in sync without needing words.

Alex walked towards him, purposeful yet casual, while Thomas followed, a step behind.

– Hey, why are you sitting all the way over here alone? – Alex asked, his voice showing slight concern. His brows furrowed ever so slightly, eyes scanning Raphael’s face for clues.

Raphael lifted his gaze, catching the hint of worry, but let it slide. A small shrug in his posture, a faint lift of his shoulders, as if trying to brush it off.
– You looked like you were busy with your stuff, so I didn’t want to impose myself.

Alex raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in a subtle smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes — clearly not buying the excuse. The chair scraped softly against the floor as he pulled it out and sat down next to Raphael, an unspoken challenge in the closeness. Thomas took the seat on the other side, flanking him, a quiet reassurance in his presence.

– We weren’t that busy. You know you can always join us. – Thomas added softly, his voice a low, calming note. – We wouldn’t mind if you interrupted us.

A flicker of something sparked in Raphael’s eyes — a faint, playful glint — and he let a smirk curl at the corner of his mouth.
– Ok. Noted. Thanks, guys.

Both boys exchanged smirks at his wink, a silent acknowledgment of the teasing undercurrent that threaded through their words. Their minds, however, betrayed them — briefly wandering back to the raw, unfiltered memories of the previous night, a rush of heat and breathless tension that left a subtle flush rising on their cheeks.

– Here, have some breakfast. – Alex slid his extra pancakes toward Raphael with a nonchalant nudge. – You didn’t eat anything yet, did you?

Raphael let out a soft sigh, the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing down on him, coiling tightly in his chest.
– No. I have so much on my mind right now that I feel like my head was about to explode.

Alex’s expression shifted in an instant, his usual playful edge melting into something softer, more serious. His hand moved instinctively, reaching out, fingers brushing lightly against Raphael’s arm — a touch meant to ground, to reassure.

– What’s on your mind? Is it about the field test today?

Thomas leaned in closer, his voice low and tinged with concern, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read between the lines.
– You’re not nervous about your abilities being tested again, are you?

Raphael hesitated for a moment, the pause hanging between them like a held breath. His chest felt tight, and when he exhaled, it was slow and quiet, as if releasing a fraction of the weight pressing on him.
– Honestly, I don’t know. What if I turn in the middle of the test? Can you imagine? Regular human turns into blue werewolf. Without any warning signs.

Both boys froze, their laughter from moments ago vanishing like smoke. The realization settled in, a sharp, sudden shift in the air around them.

Alex swallowed hard, a flicker of fear darting across his features. His voice was barely a whisper, the weight of the possibility sinking into him.
– Damn. You could get seriously hurt or worse – killed if you suddenly shift without control.

Thomas added softly, the worry in his tone wrapping tightly around the words, as if afraid of speaking them too loud.
– Not to mention the panic it would cause among the students and teachers.

Raphael nodded, a heavy, resigned movement.
– Exactly my thoughts.

Alex leaned in even closer, the space between them narrowing, his gaze sharp and searching, as if trying to see deeper into Raphael’s thoughts.
– Has anything happened like this before? Any sudden shifts?

Thomas’s voice rose slightly, urgency threading into it, the need for answers clear in his tone.
– There must be warning signs – even if you don’t notice them yourself. Like increased heart rate, muscle tension… – Alex started listing off some signs, his voice quiet but focused.

Raphael shook his head slowly, a small, wry grin forming, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
– Yesterday, with you two, it was the first time. And believe me, before that, I was focused on something totally different.

His wink was sharp, deliberate — a spark that sent a flush creeping up both boys’ faces. Their eyes widened, and for a moment, the tension shifted — their minds immediately flashing back to the intense, pleasurable memories of the previous night.

– Fuck, don’t remind us. – Alex groaned softly, shifting in his seat, his cheeks darkening.

– So, no sudden shifts before yesterday? No warning signs at all? – His voice was tight, as if trying to push past the mental images that flooded his mind.

– Nope. – Raphael replied with a shrug, a flicker of defiance in his posture.

Thomas frowned, his expression thoughtful, brows knitted together in concentration.
– That’s… unusual. Most supes have at least some warning signs before a shift. It’s like… a buildup of energy or something.

Alex nodded in agreement, a faint crease forming between his brows.
– Yeah, and your shift was pretty sudden.

Raphael let out a short, dry laugh, a rough sound that lingered in the air.
– You know… I felt buildup energy, but I definitely took it as a coming orgasm.

That shattered the fragile tension in an instant.

Both boys burst out laughing, their faces turning bright red, the sound spilling into the air, raw and unrestrained.

Alex choked on his orange juice, spluttering as he tried to breathe, while Thomas slapped a hand over his mouth in a desperate attempt to stifle his laughter, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.

– Shit, really? – Alex managed to gasp between ragged breaths, his voice breaking into hiccuped laughter. – You thought you were about to come instead of shifting?

Raphael shrugged, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, a flicker of defiance in his eyes.
– Considering the situation, that was much more probable.

Thomas finally composed himself, wiping at the tears streaking down his cheeks, breath still uneven.
– Fair point.

Alex grinned mischievously, his eyes sparkling with unfiltered amusement.
– So basically, your body was like Oh shit, I’m about to nut or shift, and you went with the former option?

Raphael shot him a dry look, unimpressed.
– Very funny.

Alex laughed harder, the sound spilling out in waves, his voice breaking with each breath.
– God, that’s actually hilarious. Your body was like Do I release this built-up energy by coming or turning furry?

Thomas snorted, shaking his head, voice muffled by the laughter still bubbling in his throat.
– He went with Shoot my load instead of growing fur and sharp teeth.

Their laughter echoed, the air between them buzzing with shared amusement, the tension of earlier dissolved into something lighter, easier to carry.

Raphael stood up from the table, stretching slightly, the lingering hum of energy still coiled beneath his skin.
– Ok. I think I should head back to my room, tidy up myself and go to the headmaster’s office.

Alex and Thomas exchanged a glance, their laughter gradually subsiding, the weight of the conversation settling back in.

– Yeah, that’s probably a good idea – Alex said, wiping tears from his eyes, his voice still laced with the remnants of laughter. – We don’t want anyone seeing us laughing our asses off either way.

– Ok guys. Thanks once again. – Raphael nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips, then turned and headed towards his room.

As soon as he left, Alex and Thomas burst into another round of laughter, the absurdity of Raphael’s situation – mistaking a werewolf shift for an orgasm – too much to resist. They cleaned up their breakfast mess and headed to their own classes, still grinning like idiots.

At the headmaster’s office, Raphael approached the desk. The hallway behind him felt strangely quiet, the usual hum of students replaced by the steady ticking of a clock somewhere out of sight. A faint scent of wood polish and old paper clung to the air, a reminder of the building’s age and gravitas.

– Hello, Ms Harper. Is the headmaster Alexander already in his office? – Raphael’s voice was polite, his tone careful, as if not wanting to disturb the measured atmosphere of the place.

Ms Harper, the stern-looking secretary, looked up from her desk. Her sharp, precise features framed a pair of glasses perched at the tip of her nose. She gave him a once-over, her eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing whether he was worthy of an audience with the headmaster. The air around her felt cold, formal, like a guardian of thresholds.

– Yes, Mr. Alexander is already in his office. You can go right in. – She gestured towards the imposing wooden door behind her desk, her hand motion precise, her posture impeccable.

– Thank you. – Raphael gave a polite nod, feeling the weight of the secretary’s gaze even as he turned. The polished floor creaked faintly under his steps as he approached the door, a deep breath steadying the nervous energy coiling in his chest. He knocked, a sharp, firm sound that echoed briefly in the quiet room, then pushed the door open and entered the office.

Headmaster Alexander looked up from his papers as Raphael stepped in. The headmaster’s presence was immediate, almost palpable — an imposing figure seated behind a massive wooden desk, tall, broad-shouldered, a man who seemed to command the space around him. His silver hair gleamed under the muted light, and his piercing blue eyes fixed on Raphael with an intensity that sent a shiver through him. There was something in that gaze — a weight, a sense of expectation, a challenge waiting to be met.

His expression was stern but calm, a blend of authority and quiet confidence. Without a word, he gestured toward one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. The rich, dark material gleamed faintly in the light, a subtle contrast to the weighty atmosphere of the room.

– Sit down, please.

– Thank you. – Raphael replied, voice steady, though his heartbeat quickened as he took a seat. The chair was firm beneath him, the scent of leather sharp in his senses. A flicker of tension coiled in his stomach, a blend of anticipation and the remnants of uncertainty.

Headmaster Alexander leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled, fingertips lightly pressing together. His gaze never left Raphael, as if studying him, measuring the threads of potential and hidden strength beneath the surface. The room felt heavier in that silence, as though the air itself waited for the next words.

– I wanted to see you, because we should continue our tests of your capabilities. – His voice was calm, composed, yet carried an undercurrent of authority that brooked no argument.

Raphael felt the weight of those words settle in his chest, his breath catching for a brief moment.

– Yes. I know. And you wrote that this time it will be some field test. – His voice sounded smaller in the expansive office, the words laced with a quiet resolve.

The headmaster nodded, the movement slow and deliberate, his gaze sharpening.

– Yes. I thought it would be best if you were tested in a real-world scenario. I’ve arranged for you to join a patrol tonight. – His tone was matter-of-fact, but there was a pause, a breath held in the space between them, before he continued. – I’ll be honest with you – this isn’t just about testing your abilities.

The tension in the room seemed to thicken, the air pressing closer, the sense of gravity deepening.

– No? – Raphael’s voice was quiet, the word almost slipping out in a breath, his mind already racing.

– No. I also want to see how you handle pressure, work in a team, and… deal with actual threats. – The headmaster’s voice was firm, the final words landing with weight. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, his hands folded as his gaze bored into Raphael’s. The intensity of his eyes was like a silent challenge, sharp and unyielding, searching for any flicker of hesitation or fear.

Raphael met his gaze, though a faint shiver ran down his spine, the implications of the task sinking in.

– I think I am. Although I think time will tell if I really am. – The words felt like an admission, a small window into the storm beneath his composed surface.

Headmaster Alexander smiled slightly, a flicker of something that could have been approval glinting in his eyes. The smile was subtle, fleeting — gone almost as soon as it appeared, yet it left a faint warmth in the air.

– Good. Then it’s settled. You’ll meet the patrol team at the east gate at midnight. Don’t be late. – His voice was firm, final, the end of the meeting looming in the air like a soft but decisive closing of a door. He stood up, his movements precise, a silent authority radiating from every motion. – And remember, this is a real mission.

Raphael nodded, a thread of tension pulling tight in his chest.
– Ok. May I ask what we’ll be patrolling? Haven’t seen any patrols around the schoolground. Is it near this barrier? Intention Mist? – The words left his mouth in a measured tone, though the pulse in his throat betrayed the questions swirling beneath.

The headmaster nodded, his expression sharpening.
– Yes, the patrol will be along the barrier – the Intention Mist. We don’t usually send patrols near the school grounds because it’s heavily warded and protected. But tonight, there have been reports of unusual activity along the barrier. – His voice lowered slightly on the last words, the weight of the situation pressing down. He paused briefly, his gaze holding Raphael’s, letting the words settle.

– Unusual activity? – The question left Raphael’s lips softly, the tension in his shoulders taut, a flicker of unease crawling down his spine.

– Dark creatures trying to breach the barrier – Headmaster Alexander explained, the words sharp, deliberate, each syllable hanging heavy in the air. – It’s not unheard of, but it’s been happening more frequently lately. – He moved around the desk, his steps firm, calculated, the polished floorboards creaking under his weight. He stopped beside Raphael, a quiet presence looming, steady and immovable. – This will be a good opportunity for you to see what we’re up against out there.

A faint breath left Raphael’s lungs, the gravity of the situation coiling tighter.
– Ok. I’ll try to do my best. – The words were quiet but steady, the weight of the unspoken pressing against the edges of his mind.

Headmaster Alexander placed a hand on Raphael’s shoulder briefly, the touch firm, warm, a silent gesture of reassurance.

– I have no doubt you will do your best. Just stay alert and follow the patrol leader’s orders. – His tone softened, though the weight of expectation lingered. He moved back behind his desk, settling into the commanding presence of the space once more. – Now go get some rest before midnight.

– Ok. Thank you very much. Goodbye. – Raphael’s voice was a quiet echo, the words shaped by a sense of finality.

The headmaster watched him leave, his gaze lingering on the door as it closed behind Raphael. A proud smile played on his lips, a subtle shift that softened the hard lines of his face.

As the door clicked shut, he muttered to himself, the words low, almost a whisper meant for no one else.
– I have a good feeling about this one…

The headmaster sat back down at his desk, the faint rustle of paper filling the silence as he pulled out a map of the barrier area. His fingers moved across the surface with purpose, marking several spots in red ink, lines crisscrossing like threads of possibility. The air seemed to hum with the weight of what was to come, a stillness before the storm.

Raphael made his way to the History of Amaltea class. His steps echoed softly against the polished floors, the faint scent of parchment and chalk dust filling the air. The weight of anticipation lingered on his shoulders, a subtle tightness in his chest as his thoughts drifted ahead to the upcoming patrol.

The room was filled with students taking notes, their pens scratching across paper in a steady rhythm. The professor’s voice flowed through the space, low and steady, weaving a tapestry of ancient knowledge as he lectured about the very beginnings and creation of Amaltea. The air felt warm and heavy, laced with the faint rustle of pages being turned and the soft clink of pencils tapping on desks.

Raphael slipped into the back row, his body folding into the chair with a quiet exhale. He tried to focus, tried to let the professor’s words sink in, but his mind kept drifting — thoughts spiralling back to the night ahead, questions swirling like restless currents in his chest. His gaze wandered, unfocused, tracing the edges of the classroom’s worn woodwork, the shifting light filtering through the high windows.

Suddenly, a note landed on his desk.

His heart gave a small jolt, fingers stilling as he reached for it. The paper felt smooth beneath his fingertips, a faint scent of ink clinging to it. The handwriting was elegant, looping, almost hypnotic in its fluidity:

Remember: darkness reveals more light than it hides. – A friend

A shiver crawled up Raphael’s spine. He glanced around the classroom, his eyes sweeping over faces hunched in concentration, pens moving in practiced rhythm. No one seemed to be looking at him, no one out of place — just the quiet, absorbed hum of the lesson continuing without pause.

The professor’s voice cut through the haze of Raphael’s thoughts, drawing him back.

– Long before time was measured and names were spoken, there were gods. – The words held a weight, a resonance that seemed to hum in the very air. Raphael’s pulse quickened, a faint tremor threading through his chest.

The professor’s voice was steady, weaving the tale like an ancient chant.

– It was they who shaped the first beings, breathing essence into the void and forming races such as humans. In the beginning, all these creations dwelled together in a single, unified world. But as their consciousness grew, so too did their differences. Desires diverged. Some were drawn to light, others to shadow. And so the gods, in their wisdom, crafted distinct realms — each tailored to the nature and inclinations of those who would inhabit them, offering the most fertile ground for their growth and evolution.

The words painted vivid images in Raphael’s mind — a swirl of creation, of beings born from divine thought, of light and shadow splitting like threads woven by unseen hands.

– The gods themselves traversed the worlds freely, flowing like thought between one realm and the next. In time, they chose to grant this gift to their creations. Some used this freedom to learn and evolve, forging connections across the boundaries of existence. Others, however, carried with them conflict and unrest.

Raphael’s fingers curled slightly on his desk, the echo of the words pulsing in his ears. Conflict and unrest…

– And so the gods conceived a new idea — a realm unlike any other. A nexus, resting at the threshold of all worlds, open only to those whose hearts harboured good intentions. A place where any being, regardless of origin, could come to study, grow, and contribute not only to their own world’s prosperity but to a shared legacy of knowledge and balance.

This was how Amaltea was born.

The professor’s voice softened, a reverent undertone slipping into the cadence.

– More than just a sanctuary, it was designed as a living instrument of harmony. Its purpose: to nurture the growth of all worlds, foster the exchange of wisdom, and safeguard the equilibrium between realms. The land itself was shaped with this in mind — adorned with powerful artifacts tied to the principles of stability, their influence reaching even beyond Amaltea when needed.

A quiet intensity settled over the room, as if the weight of history itself pressed gently into the walls.

– To oversee this sacred mission, the Originals formed a council — the Amaltea Resolution Council — a governing body charged with guiding and protecting the realm.

The bell rang, its sharp clang slicing through the lecture like a blade. Students started packing their things and chatting, the quiet reverence dissolving into the mundane sounds of movement.

Raphael slipped the note into his pocket, the paper warm against his fingers, the weight of the message lingering in his chest.

As he walked down the corridor, his mind still tangled in the lecture’s echoes and the cryptic note, someone tapped his shoulder from behind.

He turned around slowly, a prickle of awareness tightening the air around him.

– Hi. Who are you? – His voice was quiet, edged with curiosity.

He turned to see a student with a friendly smile. They had warm brown eyes and messy dark hair, an easy confidence radiating from them. They seemed familiar, but he couldn’t quite place them — a flicker of recognition, blurred, elusive.

– Hey there – they said casually, their tone light, almost teasing. – I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Frederico.

– Hi. I’m Raphael.

– Raph. That’s a pretty cool name. – Frederico smirked, a slight blush creeping across his cheeks, a spark of warmth in his eyes. – Look, I saw you getting that note earlier… wanted to make sure you weren’t creeped out by it. I might know who it’s from.

– Hmmmm… you’re quite perceptive. – Raphael’s lips twitched into a faint smirk, a spark of intrigue threading through his voice.

Frederico grinned wider at the compliment, a flush rising faintly on his skin, feeling emboldened by the exchange.
– Well, I have my ways – he said mysteriously, his voice lowering, the air around them seeming to hum with an unspoken tension.

Suddenly, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against Raphael’s skin, his voice dropping to a whisper, barely audible above the distant sounds of students in the corridor.

– The note was from me. – He bit his lip nervously, a flicker of vulnerability slipping through his confident demeanor as he waited, holding his breath for Raphael’s reaction.

Raphael narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping, sharp and deliberate, a quiet edge of amusement cutting through.
– Yeaaahhh… honestly? I figured that much. – A slow, deliberate wink followed, the air between them charged with a subtle electricity. He tilted his head slightly, his voice dropping into a more serious tone. – What I haven’t figured out is why, and what you meant by that.

Frederico’s eyes widened, his expression shifting, intrigued by the spark of sharpness in Raphael’s gaze. He liked that Raphael wasn’t easily fooled — that there was depth beneath the easy charm.

– I saw you join the patrol tonight. You seemed… different. Like you actually give a damn. That note was just a quote I like. It means dark situations can bring out the good in people. – His voice softened, a quiet intensity in the words, as if they held a personal truth for him.

Raphael nodded slowly, his voice thoughtful, the weight of the words sinking into him.
– I think that makes sense.

Frederico smiled softly, a flicker of relief crossing his face, grateful that Raphael was taking it well.

– I just… wanted to make sure you weren’t some arrogant jerk joining patrol for fun. You seem genuine. – His voice dropped slightly, the edges softening, as if admitting more than he intended.

He paused briefly, his tone shifting, cautious but curious.
– Are you supernatural? Or just human working with us?

– I’m afraid I can’t say I’m a regular human. Not anymore. And you are…? – Raphael replied, a note of quiet honesty threading through his words.

Frederico raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise and respect crossing his face.
– Fair enough – he said with a nod, voice low, the words almost a murmur. – I’m half-demon. My mom was human, dad was… not. – His smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, a faint glint of mischief in his eyes.

– So what are you then? If you don’t mind me asking. – His voice carried a hint of curiosity, laced with a genuine interest.

Raphael tilted his head slightly, a faint smile curling at the edges of his mouth, his gaze steady.
– Oh! I think I’ve heard someone talking about your kind – it’s a cambion, right? But for your question, I still don’t have an answer myself.

Frederico’s eyes widened, surprise blooming in his expression, followed by a flicker of pride, as if pleased Raphael knew the term.
– Cambion, right – he confirmed, his tone light but edged with curiosity. – And… wait, you don’t know what species mix gave you those powers?

His voice was filled with genuine fascination, a glimmer of excitement sparking in his eyes.

– No. And funny coincidence. Today I’m about to go with my new friends to meet with Malus, demon from Starlit Glade. I suppose you know him if he is so powerful creature, informally ruling there. – Raphael replied, his tone casual, though a thread of tension coiled beneath the words.

Frederico nodded eagerly, the mention of Malus sparking a flicker of awe.
– Yeah, I know Malus. He’s like the king of the demons there. Powerful, intelligent, little scary – he admitted, a nervous chuckle slipping into his voice. – If he’s meeting with your friends, they must be pretty important. Or at least interesting.

– It’s not like that we have an appointment. My friends want ME to meet him to see if I might have something from demon in me. – Raphael explained, his voice steady, though a faint tension lingered in his shoulders.

Frederico’s eyes lit up with interest, a genuine excitement bubbling beneath the surface.
– So your friends suspect you might have demon blood too? That’s… really cool – he said honestly, his voice filled with quiet enthusiasm. – Malus would definitely be able to tell if you have demon heritage or not. He’s ancient and super powerful.

He paused for a moment, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes, then asked,
– May I tag along? I’m curious to see if you’re really part demon or not. – His voice held genuine curiosity, a spark of intrigue lighting up his expression. – I’ve never seen anyone who didn’t know their own supernatural species before. It’s kind of fascinating. – He grinned, the edges of his smile curling with amusement.

– I don’t think it will be a problem. I’m heading for the meeting with them right now. We’re supposed to meet by the old oak tree near the east wing entrance. – Raphael replied, his tone measured, though the pulse in his throat quickened.

– Perfect – Frederico muttered softly, already grabbing his jacket, a quiet eagerness in his movements. – I can sneak there without being obvious. Your friends won’t mind an extra body, right? – He asked thoughtfully, zipping up his jacket, his excitement barely concealed.

Most supernatural beings knew what they were.

– I don’t think they would. Especially when you’re a cambion, a half-demon yourself. – Raphael said with a faint smile, his voice soft but steady.

Frederico smirked at that, a sense of camaraderie already forming between them, a quiet bond in the making.
– Yeah, I guess that makes me part of the club too – he said with a wink, the spark in his eyes unmistakable.

He quickly followed Raphael out of the building, his steps light, a subtle energy in his movements, blending into the shadows effortlessly as they headed toward the east wing entrance.