All Chapters of Flight of the cardinal: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Cressida POV—The day of the uprisingThe weather outside was dreary and bleak, with dark clouds looming overhead and a light rain tapping against the library’s windows. The library itself was a musty, old room with towering bookcases lining the walls, filled with ancient tomes and dusty volumes. My magic professor, Otis, had brought me here to practice some spells, but I couldn’t help feeling bored and restless.I had been practicing the same spell for hours, creating a small, round sphere of light between my hands. Otis had explained that this simple spell could be transformed into anything I needed it to be: a source of light to guide my way, a source of warmth to protect me from the cold, or a protective shield to defend against danger. Despite having perfected this spell years ago, Otis was insisting that I keep practicing it, and I couldn’t understand why.As I stood there, my hands still cupped around the glowing sphere of light, I daydreamed about more exciting spells and magica

I was done fighting back my desires and welcomed their possession over my body and mind. I no longer wanted to feel like my mind was going crazy, and right now, it was clear. The strange feeling I had over the last few weeks was gone the instant I kissed him.I dragged my nails over Xander’s chest, scratching his skin and leaving red trails everywhere. I suddenly wanted to leave whatever mark I could to show that he was mine.Xander’s arm snaked up the length of my back, and he fisted a bunch of my hair, crashing my lips to his once again with determined force.His kisses commanded attention, and I moaned when he bit my lower lip.He returned his arms to the front of my wet nightshirt and ripped it open without care. Buttons flew on the bed and rolled onto the floor, their rolling sound muffled by our shaking breaths.The sudden breeze against my breasts made them peak, and I felt Xander explore my mounds hungrily.He had moved his mouth down my jaw, following my neck, and kept kissing

With Xander knowing I was a magic wielder, he had encouraged me to practice magic again. He assured me it would be safe in his quarters, and I believed him, but I was still wary of Leo. The boy had always known this world—this hatred against Unnaturals. He was born in it. I didn’t know what he would do if he saw me performing a spell.Still, I engagingly accepted Xander’s encouragement and trained regularly by doing spells. I always did so when I knew I was alone.I was a little rusty, so I asked Xander if he had any books on spells or casting techniques in the estate. He had looked everywhere after I made the request, but the answer to my question had been “no,” and I received an unfortunate look from Xander, who knew this was important to me.It didn’t surprise me that there weren’t any books on that subject anymore. After Osprey came to power, anything regarding magic was destroyed. Priceless knowledge simply vanished at the beginning of his reign.It broke my heart.I almost regret

Sitting in the main parlour, I carefully examined the papers that Xander had drafted for my freedom. I ran my finger over the ink of my new name, Ida Raven, which was written in beautiful cursive lettering. It was strange to see my new name officially documented on a piece of paper, which was meant to prove my free citizenship in Airedah. I could hardly believe that I was no longer a slave to the new regime. These were legally binding documents, however, they were a complete lie.As I read through the papers, I couldn’t help but think about my parents and what they would think of my new identity. I wondered if they would be proud of me for surviving the past decade, or disappointed with my choices. I had to bury the Cardinal name to ensure that I didn’t suffer the same fate as my parents. But, I often wondered if they would approve of my actions.I looked around the room and I felt a sense of unease. Airedah wasn’t a safe place for people like me, and the reality of my new life was jus

Xander was walking fast through the familiar corridors. I understood he was taking me back to his floor. My breathing had increased as the pain in my hand became more and more intense. The adrenaline was most likely leaving my body, allowing entrance to the complete agony of my injury.I examined my bent fingers. They were disgusting to look at.Bile rose in my mouth, and I had to swallow it back down. I didn’t know how to fix this; however, I knew going to his room wouldn’t help. I needed this fixed now before the damage became irreparable.“Go to the kitchens. I know someone who fixes injured workers.”“The physician works in the kitchens?” Xander asked, surprised.“No, but the butcher does.”He gritted his teeth at my answer, clearly unhappy with the proposal, but took a left to the stairs and hurried into the kitchens.After the dinner service had ended, most of the cooks had already left, and only the kitchen maids remained to clean and prepare the area for the following day’s ser