#jamietwt

[vvitchfangs]

The void within me is bottomless and it is black and it is eternal 🥀🕯️

Jamie Campbell Bower as Kit Marlowe portrait finished! x

[bower-quinn]

English Translation:

Witchboard release date:

15. August 2025

United States

GUYS???

[vvitchfangs]

The Trials: The Recruitment

Part One of 'The Trials' expanded fic.

Plot Summary: Jane Warfield and Theo Deschamps prepare for and attend the recruitment meeting for the elite, magical Black Ravens organisation. At the meeting, tension builds between them.

Pairing: Theo Deschamps x Jane Warfield/Reader (note: reader-insert friendly! Jane's physical description kept very vague.)

Can be read alongside listening to The Trials on Quinn.

Content: scene setting, world building, rivalry, flirtatious undertones

Wordcount: 4,200+

Additional credit: Tyler McCall - original writer of The Trials audiobook.

___________________________________________________________

A rugged chill had descended low into the air in tandem with the sunset that Saturday evening. Jane Warfield had watched the palette of the sky turn from a bright, rusted orange to an inky black outside her office window as the hours passed. She bit her thumb nail as she tapped her pen against her desk. Her leg bounced uncontrollably as she stared down at her stack of notes.

Her research into the Black Ravens organisation had chewed up almost all of her free time outside of work over the last week. She glanced over guiltily at the pile of unread books she had promised herself she’d get through, the empty potion vials that sat on the shelf eagerly awaiting her experimental formulas. She sighed heavily and tossed her pen to the side. She’d done all she could for now. At least, she’d learned as much as she could about the Black Ravens.  The trials, on the other hand…

Jane glanced down at the cream coloured envelope on her desk, a brilliant red wax seal embossed with a flying raven remained on the flap where she had opened it. An invite, one she had long awaited, to participate in the recruitment for the Black Ravens. She could hardly believe it still, but it was proof. Proof she was somebody. Or that she could be. Proof that her dedication to the magical community, and to magic itself hadn’t gone unnoticed. Proof that she was strong enough to be considered.

She breathed out a mixture of relief and apprehension.

A chime sounded delicately in her ears. “Shit – already?” she gripped the edges of her chair, clenching her fists. She squeezed her eyes shut and muttered to herself.

“Jane, get it together. You can do this. You were meant for this.”

She stood slowly, smoothing the front of her pencil skirt, tucking in the parts of her white blouse that had tried to escape its soft grasp on her waist. She made her way down the hall to the entrance way, grabbing a beige wool sweater off the back of a dining chair as she went. She slipped it on, as well as a pair of black loafers with a small heel. She checked her reflection in the mirror beside the door, straightening the bobby pins holding up her bun. She hadn’t bothered to change after work – this would have to do.

Jane focused hard on the coordinates given on her invite. She steadied her mind, her eyebrows knitting tightly together. With a snap and a soft woosh of air, she vanished into thin air.

***

The air inside Theo Deschamps’ apartment was warm and comfortable, despite its otherwise cold, hotel-esque appearance. The soft crackle of the fireplace added a quiet, elegant ambience to the open plan room.

Theo raised his arms above his head, casually stretching out in his desk chair. He got up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that spanned the entire living area wall, his shiny oxford shoes clacking slightly on the dark tiled floor. He watched for a moment as below, a group of people walked past his building, five floors down, in the crisp night air. They looked tiny. Unimportant.

The glow from a floor lamp beside the square sofa illuminated the very top of his chest, peaking through a fawn coloured shirt, casually unbuttoned at the top. He sighed pointedly. A mix of frustration and confidence sat inside him like an unstable potion. He flicked his hand vaguely toward the sleek desk on the other end of the room, and his laptop opened itself with a smooth click. He sat back down in the office chair, and began his email.

Dear Ben,

How are things in France? I have to admit I’m jealous of your new work assignment. I know everyone thinks that being  lead non-magical liaison is a cushy job, and I guess taking US government officials out for an all-expenses paid dinner every night isn’t too much to complain about, but still. I’d much rather get to spend a year travelling Europe. You get to be out in the field seeing real action and meeting interesting people. If I have to spend an evening explaining the basics of magic to one more clueless Senator…

Theo sighed, and continued typing.

It’s probably for the best that I’m home. I’m not sure if you’ve heard yet - but just as father predicted, the Black Ravens have started recruiting again for the first time in years. And naturally, I received by invitation to apply. It only makes sense that the Black Ravens would want me. It’s the most elite magical order in North America, and every influential member of the magical community for the last several decades has been a member.  Including my father, his father before him - entire generations of Deschamps going all the way back to the founding of the Black Ravens. It’s practically my birth right.

“Hmm…” Theo growled softly to himself.

But of course, the Black Ravens never make things easy. Not even for Legacies like me. I’ll have to participate in the trials just like every other applicant. You’d think I’d get some kind of advantage considering my family… but they make everyone swear that oath of secrecy. So father can’t even tell me what the three tasks are. I only know what everyone else does – that the trials will test my intelligence, my strength, and my loyalty.

He scoffed as he continued typing.

Well, not that I’m worried about any of that. I don’t know who all the other applicants are just yet. The first recruitment meeting is tonight, but I know I’m better than any of them, whoever they are. I belong on the Black Ravens.

Theo inhaled steadily.

I’ve only heard one other name rumoured as an applicant so far and, you won’t believe this. Do you remember Jane Warfield from college? She works in the research department, and the office is buzzing because she supposedly got a letter from the Black Ravens I mean, there’s no way right?

He sniggered childishly, imagining Jane walking across the office with her nose buried in a book, her skirt always covering her knees like they were a scandal.

It’s shocking to think that plain Jane would get an invitation. No one had even heard of her family before she showed up at St Michael’s. She was a scholarship student. And don’t remind me that she almost always did better than I did in class… which I know is what you were going to say. You had such a soft spot for plain Jane. I can picture you rolling your eyes at that nickname.

“Hmph.” Theo grumbled, continuing his analysis of her.

But really Ben, I never understood why all you guys thought she was so beautiful. I can admit there were times were she looked pretty, and…

Theo paused. An image crept into his mind, uninvited: Jane in a floor length, silky emerald gown, fitted over her perfectly, her hair draped softly over one shoulder. He shook his head quickly as if to shoo the image away.

…and I guess she was pretty stunning at the senior gala, if you’re into that kind of look. Which of course - I’m not. Besides, I see Jane around the office all the time, and she’s so prim…always buttoned up with her hair pulled back. I can’t even imagine what she’d wear outside of work and trust, me, I’ve tried. The fact remains though, that she’s a nobody - and I’m the heir to the Deschamps family. You might think that I’m a snob but the thought of having to compete against her for a spot on the Black Ravens is unbearable.

Theo mused slowly over his next words.

Father was able to get some inside information on this year’s trials. An old colleague of his, still on the Black Ravens told him that there’s only one spot opening up this round. And you know my dear old dad… if I don’t get that spot I’m as good as disowned as far as he’s concerned.

A sarcastic, exaggerated voice played in Theo’s mind as he typed:

“I’ve given you everything! You need to succeed in this world! Surely you’re not so lazy and spoiled that you can’t work for this one thing!”

Can you believe that? I mean, you’ve met the man so I’m sure you can but, given me everything? It’s not my fault the Deschamps family is a legacy pretty much anywhere that matters. I’d have gotten into St Michael’s on my own skill I’m sure. And yeah, maybe he got me my first job with the Magical Government. But I’m the one who worked up to lead liaison. That spot is mine, Ben. I don’t care what I have to do to secure it.

A delicate chime sounded, filling the air. Theo looked at the clock.

“Shit, it’s late. I better be going.” He said to himself. He typed quickly now, hurrying through the end of his message.

Anyway Ben, keep me posted about your travels through Europe you lucky bastard. And I’ll try to keep you as updated as I can about the trials. It’ll be hard once I take the oath tonight - Once I do I can’t share any details about the trials with anyone except other applicants, but you know I’ll do my best.

Speak soon, Theo.

A small woosh sounded as he hit send. “Alright,” Theo said aloud. “Let’s make sure I have everything here.”

He stretched out again, his long slender limbs releasing some of the built up tension he’d amassed during his email. He was confident, sure. Calm even. But an irritation seemed to ripple endlessly around the edges, around having to compete against lesser mages for a position that belonged to him.

And she irritated him the most. Plain Jane Warfield, with her buttoned up, knee-length, stocking-clad, slicked-back self. Plain Jane, who was seemingly afraid of the sight of her own kneecaps and collarbones, keeping them permanently locked behind tailored office attire like prisoners. Theo’s mind wandered again to that emerald gown, without permission.

“Right,” He cut the image off like an annoying, loose thread. It was time to focus. It was time to be his usual charming, confident self. It was time to outshine her, and all of the others.

He pulled on a classy dark wool trench coat, and ran his fingers through the soft waves of his hair, glancing quickly in the reflection of the window again. Devilishly handsome as always, he thought to himself. He clicked his fingers, and vanished with ease on the spot.  

***

Theo appeared outside the large, stately Black Raven’s building. It was lined with smooth, bright marble pillars and manicured hedges. Small balls of light hovered over the grand entranceway like large fireflies, attached to nothing but the air itself. They emitted a soft, quiet hum as he made his way inside. The air of confidence that surrounded him was almost palpable. Making his way down a wide hall lined with black velvet carpet, he caught the eye of Jerry, who was warmly welcoming the other applicants into the meeting room.

“Jerry, hi!” Theo exclaimed. “Theo Deschamps, Alexander’s son.” He added, the words carrying an unmistakably pompous weight. “Father told me you’d be here tonight,” he grinned.

Jerry took in Theo’s obvious sucking up, raising an eyebrow at him. He looked down over his glasses at Theo disapprovingly.

“That’s Mr Adams, if you don’t mind.” he corrected him pointedly.

“Um, of course. I apologise, Mr Adams. I - I hope you won’t think I was being impertinent…” Theo stumbled. “Father had only mentioned- “

Jerry cut him off swiftly, raising a hand and both of his eyebrows now. “I hope you aren’t under the impression that your father’s position on the Black Ravens will increase your likelihood of recruitment.” Theo blinked rapidly. Jerry clearly didn’t mince his words.

“No, no you’re… so right. No favouritism to any applicant – we wouldn’t want that! It would be unseemly.” Theo agreed rather breathily.

“Everyone invited here tonight will face the same trials, and every applicant will be assessed based on their own merits and skills, naturally.” Jerry said.

Theo rubbed his thumb against his index finger inside his coat pocket, the awkwardness hanging over him like a sheet. Frustration flashed through him as he took in Jerry’s words – he was more skilled, more deserving than any of them. He was going to make damn sure that that was known.

Theo forced a smile across his face. “I’m more than happy to prove my worth alongside everyone else. I’m not the last to arrive…am I?” He glanced through the hall, which was otherwise empty apart from the two of them.

Jerry didn’t answer him directly. “You may go in and wait for the senior members with the others, Theo,” he concluded. Theo had no desire to attempt small talk any longer. 

“Oh, good.” Theo eyed the door to meeting room briefly and turned the polished doorknob. It clicked open metallically. “Right through this door? Wonderful. I’ll see you in there…” He hesitated slightly, forcing the next word out through his teeth “Sir.”

Theo stepped into the meeting room. Black velvet carpet was laid in here too, matching the halls outside. Smaller marble pillars lined the side walls. The ceiling was high, adorned with friezes of various magical carvings, laid out in sequences. At the back of the room, an elevated platform spanned the length of the wall, housing a dark wooden podium and several stately chairs.

It was all a bit Roman Empire for Theo’s tastes. For a split second, a hint of anxiety curled in his stomach. A feeling grossly foreign to him.  He scanned the room and began mulling.

Mr Adams? Ridiculous. I can’t wait to tell father about that one. Theo realised the room was dead quiet. A silencing spell? Of course. He decided to test it.

“Hey guys!” he exclaimed confidently. There was no response. “Tough crowd,” he sighed to himself.

Fine, alright. Let’s see who else is here.

Rebecca - well it’s no surprises there. Her family business dominates pretty much every international market, so she’s got valuable contacts. I doubt she’ll be able to translate her book smarts for the trials though. Didn’t think I’d see James here, his private potions company really took off in the last few years. I guess that gives him pretty deep pockets to work with but unless he’s improved since school, his spells are sloppy. Blake is the youngest ever professor of concealment magic at St Michael’s, so of course they got an invite. Still, even when we were kids they hated getting down in the dirt. If things get physical they’re in trouble. The Morgan twins? Amelia was brilliant in combat class… I think she set some speed records for her spell work takedowns. But good old Eddie? That one has to be a favour called in by daddy dearest. Considering the amount of times he nearly flunked out, he’s definitely going to drag her down.

And, is that…Gregory? From the accounting department? Theo scoffed loudly to himself. That guy is absolutely useless. Always bumbling around, sticking his nose in other people’s business. How did he even get an invite? Everybody hates Gregory.

Theo frowned to himself, internally scoffing at Gregory, who stood awkwardly alone on the other side of the room, sliding his foot across the carpet idly.

•••••

Mere split seconds after vanishing, Jane appeared on the steps outside of the Black Ravens building. The chilled air hit her as if it had been waiting for her personally.

Apart from the short walks to and from the office and the library, she’d barely felt fresh air all week. The scent of thickly dusted books and scrolls seemed to have formed a permanent layer in her nostrils. She took a deep breath of it into her lungs.

Then another kind of chill set in, and sat itself right in her stomach like a rock. Because it was dead silent, save for the soft hum of the hovering lights. There were no voices or idle chatter carrying through the halls. Was she late?

“Shit. They’ve started!” She rushed through the heavy double oak doors into the building and walked frantically down the bright hall to the end room, with such speed that running would’ve looked less ridiculous.

Inside the meeting room, Theo was still assessing his peers.

Alright. So there’s 7 of us. That’s a good number, lucky even. He laughed breathily to himself. And all that fuss in the office about plain Jane Warfield getting an invite. He inhaled with a slight relief. She-

Jane’s stomach clenched as she opened the door as quietly as possible. It clicked loudly in defiance.

Theo’s head snapped around, his eyebrows furrowing together at the sight of her.

Mother fuc-

Jane breathed a tiny sigh of relief – they hadn’t started yet. But being the last one to arrive wasn’t exactly the first impression she was hoping for. She stepped further in and quickly scanned the room, the other applicants – all with looks of apprehension on their faces. All except…

Him. Theo Deschamps. Jane’s eyes darted towards him before she could stop them.

He towered above the rest, of course. Leaning casually against a pillar, his dark coat hung down gracefully from his shoulders to his thighs, his fawn shirt peeking out from beneath it. Black tailored trousers held up by a shiny leather belt framed his long legs; Jane could swear they went on for miles. His ashy, light brown hair was combed in tidy soft waves, just kissing the bottom of his ears.

As usual, Theo looked like he’d spent hours with a celebrity stylist – but Jane knew it was effortless, which irked her even more. She hadn’t ever decided whether his usual showing-up of everyone around him was deliberate or not.

Jane’s eyes darted up to his face. Clean shaven, sculpted with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. His attractiveness pissed her off, frankly. Why was it all of the arrogant ones never had to try?

Shit. Her stomach flipped a little - Theo was looking directly at her. He wore a slightly smug expression, clearly having made his personal measure of the other six applicants already. A falsely friendly half-smile slid up one of his cheeks as he took slow steps towards her. He never was good at fake niceties.

Theo’s voice was low and gravelly in a way that seemed to scratch her eardrums in the most satisfying way, and laced smoothly with an upper class English accent.

He sounded amused as he greeted her. “Jane Warfield. What a… surprise to see you here.”

Jane stared into his Atlantic blue eyes. “Theo. Consider me surprised to see you.” She replied flatly. She already knew any conversation with him would come with its usual thick undertone of mocking, arrogance, or pompousness.

“You - you’re surprised to see me…here?” He chuckled, shaking his head down at her.

A wave of his hair threatened to flop over his forehead. “Well, Warfield, you probably don’t know this but my family was one of the founding families of the Black Ravens and-“

Jane cut him off swiftly. “Yes, in fact I do know that. I’ve done so much research into the Black Ravens this week that I hardly think there would be anything I don’t know about them at this point.”

Theo looked down at her, amused. “Oh, you did know that? You spent the week researching the Black Ravens?” His voice softened down, teasing. It could have easily been interpreted as seductive, if she didn’t know better. “Of course you did.”

He was raising his eyebrows as he took her in. His eyes flicked inadvertently to her mouth for a split second, before meeting her eye line again.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Jane replied, narrowing her eyes.

“Hmm? Oh no, I was just thinking about how…talented you are at research.” His voice wrapped around the word ‘talented’ sarcastically. He sounded on the edge of laughter. “You were always so… studious,” He lingered on the end of his sentence with a slight hiss.

Jane stared at him blankly. God, did he think he was clever? Funny? Witty?

She rocked on her heels for a moment, and then replied. “That sounds like an insult coming from you, you know. The way you say it, like it’s a bad thing.”

“Do I say it like it’s an insult? How interesting.” Theo smirked. “No, all that I meant was that in most of my memories of you from college, you’re in the library half hidden behind a pile of books. I’m not sure I ever saw you at a party.”

Jane raised her eyebrows at him. “So, you were looking for me at parties were you? Hoping I would be there? Sorry to disappoint you, Theo.” She smiled sweetly.

He may have been intimidating to most people, but Jane found him irksome, and his arrogance was almost funny when it wasn’t making her roll her eyes.

Irritation flashed across his face, his eyebrows furrowed in defiance. “No, I wasn’t looking for you Warfield. I’m just saying I don’t recall you being particularly social is all.”

“Why do you insist on calling me Warfield? Forcing formality is just faking intelligence.” She pointed out.

He stared at her, challenged. “I’m calling you Warfield because that’s your name.” Theo said matter-of-factly. “Would you rather I call you plain Jane?” He added snidely.

“Oh come on Theo,” She rolled her eyes and shook her head quickly. “We’re adults now aren’t we? This isn’t the school playground.”

He looked like someone who had been told off by the teacher. “I - yes - I know we’re adults now, it’s just…”

Jane held her disapproval of his mocking plainly on her face.

“Fine.” Theo’s voice softened again. “Jane.” He said her name like he was tasting it slowly. “Happy?”

She smiled sweetly at him again, like a teacher praising a child. “See, was that so hard?”

The doors clicked open metallically, breaking them out of their back and forth. Senior members of the Black Ravens began filing into the room. Steps clacked across the floor as they made their way to their seats on the platform.

Theo’s eyes scanned them as they passed through the room. “Ah, it looks like Jer- Mr Adams,” He hissed, “is ready to start. It’s been so great catching up…” He said with a sarcasm so thick you could cut it.

“It’s just too bad that once we take the oath we won’t be able to speak to one another again.” He added jokingly.

Jane raised an eyebrow at him. “You know that’s only for people outside of the trials, right? You know, maybe you should read a book every now and then...or perhaps some simple guidelines to start?” She teased back.

Theo narrowed his eyes at her. “Yes, I know the oath only prevents us from talking to people outside the trials. It was a joke.”

She’d definitely hit a nerve by not pandering to his humour. She loved taking him down a peg, his arrogance was astonishing.

“I see you haven’t developed a sense of humour since-“ he began.

Jane cut him off; she’d grown tired of him now. She stared ahead, shutting him out. “The meeting is starting, Theo.”

“I can see the meeting is starting!” Theo hissed quietly.

Jerry stepped up to the podium in his formal robes, and waved a hand across the room. The applicants all turned their attention toward him, their facial expressions ranging from eager to slightly nauseous, in Gregory’s case.

Theo turned to Jane one last time. “Good luck with the trials Jane.” He growled.

You’re going to need it. He thought to himself. I’m going to make sure I take you out of the competition first.

Theo listened to Jerry rattle off the rules of the trials. The expected things – like taking the oath of secrecy. No involving non-mages, no using dangerous magic, and no harming other applicants. Anyone who failed to complete a trial would be disqualified. Clues would arrive shortly for the first trial, and subsequent clues would arrive to those who had successfully completed the previous trial. They were to test intelligence, strength, and loyalty. The facets that the Black Ravens valued most.

Intelligence. Theo’s brain lit up at the word, and the vague shape of a plan began forming in the back of his mind. Hmm…unless…

He glanced over at Jane, who was taking in Jerry’s words attentively. Why put in all that work to prove himself alone, when he could use Jane’s skills to propel himself in the ranks faster? Not that he couldn’t do it alone of course, but to beat out everyone as fast as possible, using her skills to do so, well that was enticing.

If he used Jane, he could complete the trials faster than any recruit in history and make an impression that even his father couldn’t ignore. He’d be celebrated, praised endlessly. Theo imagined his portrait on his father’s desk, square centre, rather than off to the side collecting dust. His stomach flipped with excitement. He’d made a decision. A sly smile slid through his lips. Jane was a means to an end.

____________________________________________________________

[vvitchfangs]

Theo coded Jamie pics are fuelling this Trials fic right now

[vvitchfangs]

The Trials: Bodies in the Library

NSFW / 18+

Part Three of 'The Trials' expanded fic.

(Part One | Part Two)

Plot Summary: Theo and Jane meet at library to work on the first trial. The tension between them comes to a head as Theo takes their relationship a step further, leaving them both reeling.

Pairing: Theo Deschamps x Jane Warfield/Reader (note: reader-insert friendly! Jane's physical description kept very vague.)

Content: fighting feelings, lust, soft mdom/prompting, physical contact, neck kissing, pinning, grinding, suddenly interrupted/almost caught

Can be read alongside listening to The Trials on Quinn.

Wordcount: 8,400+

Additional credit: Tyler McCall - original writer of The Trials audiobook.

___________________________________________________________

Saturday morning had hit Jane like a cold hard slap. She’d dragged herself out of bed into a ruggedly chill morning with heavy legs and an even heavier head. She didn’t usually have more than a glass of wine, but she’d definitely needed the martinis to deal with Theo, in the end.

She dressed slowly, pinning her hair up in a high bun. They had a lot to get through today. At least she would probably know by the end of it whether it had just been the alcohol warming her last night.

She waited for nine o’clock outside the library, leaning on a thick oak tree adjacent to the courtyard. Crisp orange leaves danced around her feet in the morning breeze. She sighed and stepped on one of them, the crunch waking her up in a satisfying way. Time to focus. No more…distractions. No more heat. No more misplaced hunger.

She walked towards the front doors and checked her reflection in the glass. She wore a white, long sleeved blouse with a skinny silk bow around the collar, paired with a black skirt. Sheer stockings wrapped her legs and her feet donned a pair of maroon loafers with a small black heel. She shrugged. She liked it. Yet she could already hear him in her mind…”office attire.” She rolled her eyes, pushing open the doors. The smell of heavy books, dust, and silence filled her nose. It was instantly calming to her, an embrace.

Theo almost ran across the street as he hurried toward the library entrance. He was not going to give her the satisfaction of him being late once again. He grumbled softly to himself, as if ten minutes was even late. God, how proper and punctual could someone be? At a certain point it just became unrealistic, right? He ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing its soft waves down after the assault of the morning breeze.

Time to focus. Just as he’d told himself a million times on the way here.

He stepped inside. Jane twirled around on the spot at the sound of the heavy door and his Oxford footsteps landing across the hard floor. He was covered in his usual dark coat, thrown over the top of a relaxed white shirt and light, khaki-grey trousers. He raised his hand, waving once with a casual smile. Jane half smiled back.

“Good morning, Theo.” Jane said, with a halted kind of politeness.

She had already discussed the kind of books they needed with the old, meek woman at the front desk. She relayed her information to him, who looked the exact opposite of enthusiastic.

“So the librarian said all the texts you’ll need are in the back room?” he asked, his eyebrows rising. “I didn’t even know the library had a back room.” He added in a whisper.

Jane ignored the prickling on the back of her neck that crept up at the sound of his gravelly, hushed voice.

She scoffed. “I’m surprised you even knew what a library was, like in general.”

Theo frowned. “Hey. I’ll have you know I’ve been in this library plenty of times.” He protested. “Probably would’ve come more if I’d known there was a back room.” He added playfully.

Jane stared straight ahead as they walked, their steps echoing slightly.

“Would’ve been a great place to hook up with someone.” He grinned, trying her. Teasing her was coming to him like second nature now. He loved it.

Jane didn’t bite.

“Jane. You can laugh, that was a joke.” Theo encouraged.

She looked sideways at him, unimpressed.

“Unless… I’ll be honest,” He paused, weighing the risk of his next statement. Totally worth it, he decided. “You seem like the kind of person who harbors secret fantasies of having sex in a pile of books.”

Jane exhaled pointedly. Why should he get away with teasing her for however long they were going to end up here?

“Aw, so now you’re wondering what I fantasize about? Would you like a play by play?” She asked thickly.

Theo backtracked immediately. “What? No, no of course not. I don’t care what you fantasize about. Seriously does your particular model of robot not come with a humour chip installed or what’s the deal there?” He asked sardonically.

Jane rolled her eyes. Jesus, the amount of times this man made her roll her eyes, she was surprised they weren’t permanently affixed up into her forehead.

She went back to blanking him, reaching for the door to the back room. It creaked open in protest, the thick scent of undisturbed dust greeting them. Jane hadn’t been in here that many times, actually. She couldn’t imagine it got a lot of visitors.

Theo stepped in behind her, pulling an old brass chain that hung beside the door. It clinked, and a dim light flooded the room.

The room itself was large and oval-shaped, with a few steps that led down inside. The walls were all curved, complete bookshelves from floor to ceiling. Theo guessed they must have been ten feet high, probably more. A couple of ladders on tracks rested on the shelves, unused for probably years. There were a few locked glass display cases housing old, rare books, barely visible through the layer of dust on top.

A few old but elegant looking armchairs sat spaced around the room, piles of abandoned books stacked at their legs. An old, disused fireplace was dead and cold, with a thick layer of dust on the mantle. A couple of centuries-old, worn globes stood on either end of the room.

Theo whistled, taken aback.

“Wow, first of all they should send someone back here to clean more often.” He said softly, running his finger over the fireplace mantle. “Second, there must be hundreds of books back here. I can’t even read the titles on half the spines they’re so faded.” He complained, staring up at the walls.

Jane scanned the shelves steadily. Theo was still assessing the room. He bent down and blew the cover of a lone book, a small cloud billowing up from it.

“I mean, that one there looks like it’ll fall apart the moment we touch it.” He nodded towards the book he’d just inspected. “How are we even supposed to find…”

Jane looked at him with a patronizing expression before snapping her fingers loudly. Books began to fly off shelves in irregular fashion up and down the walls, leaving their places with light thwips which pierced the otherwise quiet room. The books arranged themselves in front of them, hanging in the air proudly, like they’d finally been picked.

“Woah. I do not remember learning that spell.” Theo said, eyes wide, eyebrows hovering.

“Well I’d be surprised if you did, seeing as I invented it.” Jane smirked. This was her domain, she wasn’t going to give him the upper hand in magic here.

Theo gazed down at her, unable to hide that he was impressed. “You invented a spell… that would simultaneously scan dozens of books for the desired key words and sort them for you?”

Jane shrugged and gestured vaguely, like it was old news to her that this sort of magic could be utilized.

Theo let out a small breathy laugh. “Of course you did.” He said, his voice dropping an octave. His eyes darted down to the bow around her collar.

Jane wasn’t sure if he was mocking her or not, but his voice made her dig her heels in again.

“I mean, it was a lot easier than having to sort books and reading material manually. That alone used to take hours. That’s valuable research time wasted.” Jane offered.

“I suppose that explains all your success in the research department.” Theo concluded.

Jane glared at him. “Is that all I have to thank?” She asked sharply.

He rolled his eyes and shifted his weight. “Yeah, yeah, and you work very hard, whatever.” He stepped further into the room, scanning the books that still hung in the air in front of them.

Jane was looking at each one intently, deciding where to begin.

Theo sighed. “Should we get started?” He reached randomly for one of the books, its weight dropping into his hand. “I wasn’t exactly dreaming of spending my Saturday in a library with you.” He complained.

Jane’s eyes tracked his hand as he gripped the book. Her eyes fell to his fingers again, long and slender, clad with silver rings. She eyed faded tattoos on two of his fingers. She’d never noticed those before. Not that it mattered. They were here to research.

She exhaled and grabbed a book. The rest floated gently down onto the fireplace mantle, waiting their turn like they were sentient.

Theo grunted as he dropped down into one of the armchairs, its faded red upholstery letting out a small, dusty puff. He exhaled, irritated, wafting it away with his hand.

Jane slid down into an armchair adjacent to him, crossing her legs and leaning back into the oddly shaped frame. It felt medieval. Who was shaped for this kind of backrest? She sighed. Oh well. She’d studied in weirder places. Although, not with weirder company. Theo Deschamps? He felt so out of place in here with her.

She glanced over at him. The soft waves of his hair were falling across his ears slightly as he inspected his book. 

Focus. She thought, turning her attention to her own book.

The long quiet that blanketed the room was only disturbed intermittently. The crisp turning of pages, Theo’s pointed sighs, and the sound of their steps as they took turns retrieving different books. Occasionally, a muffled conversation outside, or the jingle of the librarian’s keys as she passed the door made them both look up.

But there was something else that hung in the air around them. The silence had tension. Teeth.

Jane’s mind wandered again and again as she flipped through her books. She’d focus, lock in, be on the cusp of an idea. And then… he’d move. Shift his weight. Cough. Exhale. Her eyes betrayed her each time. Flickering over to him, lingering on him longer and longer every time they did.

He’d thrown his coat off in protest of his boredom – it lay crumpled against the floor near his feet. His sleeves were halfway rolled up, the smooth lines of his forearm muscles exposed. Jane’s eyes had traced them automatically from his wrists, absentmindedly searching out more.

Then, he’d undone his top few buttons and laid back lazily in his armchair. Was he trying to get a reaction? Or was he just this irritating naturally? It was autumn, and the fireplace was dead. He couldn’t be that warm in here. She felt like she was shivering. She tried to ignore him. But her eyes found his chest anyway.

Glimpses of his smooth, muscular plains staring back at her dangerously. Each time her eyes strayed, she dug her heels in, forcing her eyes back to her book. Her stomach flipped every time Theo whined softly at his boredom, or grunted at a passage in his book.

She realised she had no idea what she’d even been reading for the past hour.

Theo had tried to break up the silence with the odd cough, the odd exhale. Tried to get Jane to say anything. He was bored out of his mind. But Jane wasn’t budging. She didn’t say a word. He flicked through his books reluctantly, taking in sentences here and there, but in truth he was thoroughly distracted.

Every time Jane stood up and crossed the room his eyes trailed after her. Trailed after her legs, wrapped in those sheer stockings. The graceful line of her neck as she poured over book covers. The way she tucked loose strands of hair behind her ears as she did so. The way her skirt sat on her waist, hugging her. How she was content to sit in this silence for hours, maddeningly.

He’d tried throwing his coat on the floor in a huff, and she’d barely looked up. He’d laid back in his chair, making it creak loudly. She didn’t seem to notice. He knew what they were here for. What he was here for. His plan, his place on the Black Ravens. He knew that. But the thought seemed far away.

His body knew something else. The static coming off of her, slowly rising through the air as they sat there. The moth that fluttered in his stomach when his eyes found her jaw and followed it to her lips, pursed in concentration. The urge he felt to-

Theo threw his book down loudly. “Well I was right. This is a great room to hook up with someone in. No one has come back here besides us for hours.”

Jane looked at him sideways, not lifting her head.

“Though there are places on my body I’m sure I wouldn’t want to find this dust later…” he continued jokingly, running a finger along the arm rest.

She lifted her whole head now, glaring at him, unimpressed.

“Oh come on that was funny.” Theo protested, rolling his eyes.

The top of his chest flashed at Jane as he leaned forward over his knees. Her eyes darted to it for a split second too long. He caught it, his lips parting slightly.

Shit. She thought.

He slid his tongue over his teeth, thinking. Jane cleared her throat, gazing back down at her book.

Theo tapped his foot. “This is extremely boring. Archaeological surveys from dead societies? Building records from 2 centuries ago? I’m falling asleep over here. Seriously are you not bored?”

Jane shook her head, eyes still on the page, not having taken in a single word since he started talking.

He grunted in defeat, leaning back in his chair again. “Huh, well then you’re either a very good liar or you have a high pain tolerance, because I’d personally rather get a root canal than keep looking at these books.”

She flipped through the pages and shrugged, acting indifferent.

“Then again…” Theo said, his voice dropping. “I guess you did always love this nerdy stuff in school.”

“By that you mean?” Jane cracked, glaring over at him, her eyes narrowing. 

“You’re probably used to spending the weekends with the driest possible reading. I bet your idea of fun is like…” He paused. A half smile crawled up the corner of his mouth. “Crime and Punishment?” He added, grinning.

Frustration flashed across Jane’s face. She stood up out of her chair swiftly, turning away from him and pacing back over to the books. Was she just a walking joke to him?

Theo sighed, watching her. “God I’ve tried everything to get you to crack and nothing. You don’t laugh at my jokes, you don’t get riled up if I’m an asshole to you…”

She ignored him once again, flipping through another book at the mantle.

“You don’t even have the decency to pretend to be shocked when I proposed we work together.” His voice lowered again, enough to send a current through her spine.

“There has to be something that makes you drop this perfect façade.”

Jane looked over at him. He was slowly rising out of his chair, looking right into her eyes, head tilted slightly like she was a dressed up question he desperately needed to answer.

“Why are you trying so hard to make that happen?” Jane questioned him.

His voice was low, insistent. “It’s infuriating…” he said in a hushed tone. He moved towards her, slow steps echoing all the way up to the ceiling.

A bright playfulness sat under his irises. The corner of his mouth flicked upward. Jane’s eyes settled on his lips of their own accord. They were full and smooth. Inviting.

Cut it out. She told herself sternly.

“I don’t know why I need to get under your skin so badly… but I do.” Theo continued softly.

Jane swallowed, digging her heels in. That damn voice, it lit her up like a firework. She looked back down at the books.

Theo’s head tilted down, searching out her eyes.  “No one can be this prim and even-keeled all the time Jane, it’s not possible.” He said even slower, closer to her now.

Jane opened one of the books and began rustling through it, feigning busyness. In truth she didn’t even know what book she was looking at. It could’ve been an instruction manual for the trumpet for all she knew.

Every ounce of her attention was on Theo. His voice, his steps. Her nerve endings screaming beneath her skin. And he could sense it.

Theo took one last step towards her. He was so close she could feel the warmth radiating off of him. She could smell his cologne. Masculine and earthy, with a hint of vanilla. It seemed to burn away the scent of the dust she had been inhaling all morning. She exhaled him, shutting her eyes as if she could will him out of this room, out of existence. As if she could will her feelings away.

He stopped, leaning his elbow casually on the mantle. “Eventually you just have to… explode.” He hadn’t planned this. He didn’t know where he was going with this when he got up. All he knew was this magnetism he couldn’t shake.

Jane slammed the book shut at the word. Her hands were shaking slightly. Not in anger, not in irritation. It was hunger. Hot hunger, the kind she had tried to force away since the bar last night. The kind that she didn’t want to bow to. Her lips parted, searching for words, but none came.

Theo could feel the way she was lit up. The static clung to him. “Don’t you ever get tired of being perfectly in control all the time?” He asked softly.

“I don’t know what you mean, Theo.” Jane gave in, her words strained. Her fingers gripped the book rigidly.

“Don’t you… ah.” Theo let out a soft, playful laugh, noticing the stiffness in her grasp. “I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out sooner…” he said, his voice a gentle whisper now.

Jane’s eyes betrayed her, glancing sideways, landing on his neck. They trawled slowly downwards to his chest again, settling on his exposed skin.

“Figured out what?” Jane asked, eyes remaining on his chest for a moment. She swallowed hard, attempting to look indifferent, but she was failing miserably.

Theo searched her face inquisitively.

“Well, I have a hunch that maybe in the right context, you actually love giving up control.” He said softly. He felt that urge again, the urge to touch her face. His fingers tingled mercilessly, his breath sat heavy in his chest. His eyes traced her neckline, landing on that silk bow again.

“The way you took directions from me last night in the bar… It was a dead giveaway,” he whispered, voice thick with seduction.

Jane’s eyes met his. Theo’s lips were open slightly in question, waiting for confirmation even though he knew he was right. And so did she. His stomach flipped as his hand moved towards her automatically, the urge overwhelming him.

His long, slender fingers met her chin, gently tilting it up towards his face. Her breath caught at his touch. His fingers felt sturdy, confident. Like they were single-handedly keeping her head on her neck.

Theo gazed down her face, eyes trailing to her neck again. He could see her pulse jumping wildly beneath her skin.

“I bet, that if kissed your throat…” he paused, eyes darting back up to hers. “Right… there.” His hand reached across, grazing ever so slightly against her pulse point. “Where your pulse is, I would find your heart rate is through the roof.”

Jane’s heart stopped for a split second, her eyes blinking slowly without meaning to. This was dangerous, reckless. Stupid. She could shut this down. But his eyes… the way his chest rose and fell… his touch on her throat…

She tried to dig her heels into the floor, but they felt like rubber. It was useless. “I-I don’t…” she stuttered, struggling. “I don’t think so. I feel fine.”

“Ah,” Theo muttered with a soft laugh. “You don’t think so?” He already knew the answer, he didn’t have to search for it. He could feel the way her body was responding to him. A current ran hot from her pulse, into his fingertips. It was lighting him up. He could feel her façade withering away at his touch.

He smiled gently, eyes heavy. “You must’ve forgotten that I have very keen powers of physical perception…” he reminded her, his eyebrows flickering upwards.

Shit. She thought again. Of course she couldn’t hide from him. Her heart hammered harder.

“It was one of the few ways I dominated you.” He growled. She closed her eyes slowly again, inhaling at the word.

“Mmm… Dominated?” She repeated, barely audible, her head tilting back.

“Ah,” Theo said, eyes lighting up. She’d liked that. “I was going to say in sensory magic class but I can tell where your mind is at and Jane…” He paused, silence enveloping them for a moment.

He leant further towards her neck, voice hot in her ear, taking in her scent. “You’d be shocked at how many ways I can dominate someone.” He growled.

Jane’s breath hitched again. “You’re wrong,” she managed, trying desperately to hold on to any thread of control. It was futile. “My heart rate is just fine. See for you yourself.” She lied, badly.

Theo shut his eyes. He was overtaken by her smell, her warmth. “Okay, I will if you insist. Prove me wrong?” The question was barely a whisper.

He pressed his lips against the side of her neck gently. Not forceful, testing. He kissed her once, slowly, lips parted, inhaling the taste of her skin.

Divine. He thought to himself. He could’ve stayed here forever.

Jane’s pulse kicked against his lips. Theo could feel her heart beat thumping through him like a drum. He exhaled slowly, his breath hot on her.

“Liar…” he growled through his teeth.

Jane whimpered almost inaudibly, the tension of the entire morning leaving her.

“If your heart was beating any faster I could hear it in the next room…” Theo inhaled. He wanted more, but he brought his face back out to hers, staring down into her eyes intensely.

“The very idea that I’m in complete control right now thrills you, doesn’t it?” He murmured.

Jane stared back into his eyes, drowning in them. Her neck was begging for more, her upper thighs were clenching around her.

Theo slipped his hand around the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair, his other hand reaching for her waist. He stepped forward, guiding her backwards until she was flush against one of the walls. The spines of books lay against her back.

He held her there steadily, thumb tracing circles on the side of her neck. Their eyes were locked together in a kind of dance, searching each other.

“I bet you’ve never been with someone who knew what you wanted. Who knew what to do with you.” He breathed. Heat pooled low in her stomach. “I bet you’ve only been with people who treated you like some delicate perfect doll…” Theo teased her face with his, dragging slowly past her mouth, their lips almost touching.

“Yes...” Jane breathed, frustrated. “Like I would break, like I was fragile.”

Theo smiled, his eyes heavy. “Something to be treated with caution?” He mused. “People who waited for direction from you, and only ever used a soft, careful touch?” His fingers pressed into her neck a little more.

Jane exhaled. He was right. Nobody had ever known how to touch her, how to kiss her how she wanted. No one had ever made her come undone.

He stared back down at her neck. “But that’s not what you want at all, is it? No…” his voice was a growl wrapped in velvet.

“No.” Jane whimpered simply, squeezing her eyes shut.

Theo moved his face into her neck again, his voice low in her ear. “You want to be told what to do. You want someone who knows you can take a little more.” He murmured.

“You want to be someone’s good girl…” he growled.

“Fuck.” Jane breathed. It was meant to be a thought. She felt a slow, warm wetness slip between her thighs.

Theo was on fire with static, he could feel himself swelling hard against the fabric of his trousers. “Ah,” he laughed softly. “How did I know that would work for you?”

Jane turned her head into his, breathing in the smell of his hair, his skin.

“Someone’s good girl…” he whispered, “who can prove just how well she can take direction… And I bet you could, couldn’t you Jane?” Theo’s heart hammered. He’d never felt anyone respond to him quite like she was.

The heat inside Jane was overflowing. Her hands moved, finding Theo’s waist, grappling at his shirt, unable to be still any longer.

“Ah.” he laughed softly again, “Oh my god Jane, you’re trembling.” he said, feeling her hands shaking, his shirt caught in her fingers.

Theo’s desire was a tense, crawling thing, snaking through his belly slowly. He wanted to be even closer to her. To touch all of her, to taste all of her.

“May I try something?” He prompted lowly. “If you hate it I give you permission to kick me.” The corner of his mouth curved up, remembering the bar last night.

Jane nodded, breathless.

“I need to hear you say it please,” he said.

“Yes, do it.” She whispered back.

He took his hand from the back of her neck, softly collecting both of her hands from his waist. “Alright…” he breathed. “Let’s try pinning your wrists above your head… like this.” He grunted, lifting her hands up over her head, pinning her to the wall with one hand in a smooth motion. His eyes were dark with hunger, his lips open, tempting her.

Jane’s breath hitched, her chest bowing outwards. Blood rushed to her cheeks. She didn’t feel trapped, or forced. She felt safe, held. Like he’d understood that she was choosing this, even though he felt so in control.

“Oh, you look so flushed, Jane.” Theo teased. “Are you feeling alright?”

Jane searched his eyes, her head tilted back like an invitation. “I-I don’t think I am,” she stuttered. “You should check again.” She said, craning her head back more, exposing the tender spot on her neck that called out so desperately to Theo.

“Oh, you think I should check your pulse again? Alright...” he welcomed it, leaning down into her neck, his full lips pushing against her skin, harder this time. He flicked his tongue out, tasting her.

Jane couldn’t quiet it any longer. A moan escaped her lips, and it wasn’t quiet. Theo’s hardness twitched at the sound she made, his eyes rolled up.

“Hmm...” he smiled, face still buried in her neck. “Jane, this is a library… you can’t moan like that in here.” He pulled his head away with great effort. “I would expect more from you of all people.”

Theo’s hand tightened around her wrists, his body so close to hers now. He knew what she wanted. He could feel it prickling under his skin.

“You only get what you want if you can be quiet…” he commanded. His free hand gripped the curve of her waist. “Should I try again?”

“Yes, please…” She breathed into him, chest heaving.

“Please...” he repeated, growling. “I like that. Well if you think you’re up to it...” His mouth found her neck once more, lips meeting it with unmistakable force. His tongue flicked out again, tasting her. His teeth scraped across her skin so fleetingly she could’ve imagined it.

Jane quivered under his mouth. Her upper thighs clenched around her again. Her underwear was slick, clinging to her. Theo breathed into her neck, she tasted divine.

Beautiful. He thought to himself.

“That’s a good girl.” He murmured, eyes shut, her heat enveloping him. His fingers were slowly pulling up the side of her shirt, seeking out her skin.

“Now just one more adjustment I’d like to try, if you’re alright with it?” he said, moving his face out of her neck again, searching hers for permission.

Jane nodded, a whispered “Anything…” escaping her lips.

Theo bit his bottom lip. “Spread your legs, just a little bit for me.” He instructed. Jane moved immediately, widening her legs slightly in invitation.

“Good," Theo murmured, looking down at them. “And what would happen if I just…” he grunted quietly, moving his leg forward and tucking his thigh in between hers.

“…slip my thigh between your legs? Let it rest right…” His thigh pressed against her maddeningly. “There.” He said seductively, staring into her eyes.

A barely audible whimper escaped Jane’s lips, she could feel the heat of his thigh, so close, teasing her, the fabric of her skirt bunched up around his leg.

He read her reaction. “I know, close enough to relive just a liiittle bit of that tension… but not nearly what you want, is it?” He teased. He bent his head back down near her ear.

“What you need?” He asked.

“Theo…” Jane breathed, her body doing the talking for her.

“That’s because I can’t just touch you without making you work for it. Good girls have to earn it.” He growled, sending a current through her.

She felt another surge of warm wetness between her legs, her thighs trembling.

“A good girl would ask politely for what she needed…” he whispered through his teeth, prompting her.

Jane whimpered softly again. “I need… I need you to touch me, Theo.” She breathed, eyes closed, feeling the warmth of his thigh. 

“Wow.” Theo chuckled softly. “Let me ask you a question. Have you ever been fucked properly in your life?” His eyebrows flicked upwards. He could feel the heat from between her legs through his pants, like a flame against his skin. His hardness twitched hungrily against his belt.

“I think you can tell that I haven’t.” Jane said with a breathy sigh. She gazed up at his perfect mouth, his blue eyes piercing hers.

“No, I didn’t think so.” He agreed. “Hmm… such a shame.” He exhaled heavily and put his lips torturously close to hers. He leant into her further, pressing his body against her.

Jane’s breath escaped her as she groaned. She could feel how hard he was, pressing against her lower belly.

Theo grunted softly at the sensation. “Just imagine…” he said. “If you let me have my way with you, I would spread you open and feast upon you until you begged me to stop.”

Jane moaned quietly again, her chest bowing up towards him.

“I wouldn’t be happy until you came so many times you forgot your own name. I wouldn’t even think about fucking you until then.” Theo could feel how intensely she was trembling beneath him.

He pressed his body even closer against her, tightening his grip on her wrists. His head bowed to her neck again, searching out her delicate skin.

Jane’s eyebrows furrowed, her eyes closed. She imagined him on his knees, head between her legs, tongue circling her, his long, slender fingers exploring her. She imagined her hands tangled in his hair, pulling.

She was overcome. Her hips shifted, grinding down softly on Theo’s thigh, her lower stomach grazing against his hardness. She could feel properly how slick she was now, her wetness soaking through to her stockings as she moved against him.

Theo inhaled sharply, his eyes dark. “I can feel you trying to move your hips Jane.” Their chests lay against each other, heartbeats kicking rapidly between them.

“Look at you.” He teased mercilessly, “So needy for me that you’re grinding down on my thigh.” He glanced down at her hips moving rhythmically against him. Every inch of him ached for her, she was so warm.

He pressed his thigh into her with more pressure, making her breath catch.

“If I slipped my hand between your legs, would you already be soaking wet for me?” He mused. His fingers tingled almost painfully at the thought.

“Theo…” Jane whimpered. She was so tightly wound, she could come undone from just grinding down on him like this. She imagined his fingers circling her, pushing into her. “I think you should find out.” She said, almost begging.

“Hmm.” he growled lowly, “I think you’re right, maybe I should find out.” He moved his body back slightly, creating room. His hand moved urgently down to her leg, pushing up the fabric of her skirt further.

He traced slowly up her thighs, wrapped in those sheer stockings. He sighed heavily, feeling her against his hands. Perfect. His fingers squeezed at her hungrily as they explored upwards, seeking her slick heat.

Theo’s breathing was rapid, his other hand tight on her wrists. His lips and tongue kissed gently at her neck. Jane moaned, her hips sliding down towards Theo’s hand, guiding him. His fingers had just found her warmth, just briefly brushed against it, when -

The door swung open aggressively with a violent bang. Jane gasped loudly, jolting with fright. Theo dropped her wrists at once, backing away from her in a single, swift pace. She clenched her fists at her side, lips curling over her teeth.

The moment between them dissolved rapidly, leaving a hollow space where there had just been a torturous heat. Theo spun around towards the door. Jane turned into the shelf behind her, pretending to search for a book. She swiftly smoothed out her skirt.

Her face was flushed, neck wet from where Theo’s mouth had been just seconds ago. She wiped it with the back of her hand, pretending to rub her neck casually.

Gregory had barged into the room and stopped abruptly at the top of the steps, eyebrows aloft in their direction. Theo cleared his throat loudly and inhaled.

“Ah. Gregory. Hey man.” He said, strained and breathless.

Gregory’s eyes were wide. They darted over to Jane, tracking her as she acted like she was sorting random books casually. His eyes were glued to her face for a moment, the flushed pink fading but still visible.

“Am I… interrupting something?” He asked suspiciously.

Theo was standing oddly, leaning on one hand on a nearby side table, hips bent slightly. “No - no you’re not interrupting anything. Jane and I were just, uh...” he stuttered.

“Working on the first clue, that’s all.” Jane said, her composure had returned, cheeks a normal colour.

“Yes that’s right, researching the first clue. I think we’ve got…” Theo glanced at Jane. Her hair was slightly askew, strands falling out. She was still soft and flustered underneath her composed expression.

Theo grimaced. “Ah, sorry Gregory one second, um, just let me speak with Jane.” He said, turning towards her.

She saw why - he was adjusting himself subtly, still half hard. She glanced down.

“Ah.” She said simply, curling her lips over her teeth to hide her smile.

Theo straightened up, eyebrows knitting together in frustration. “Of course he’d show up.” He whispered, deflated.

“It’s okay, Theo. I think we have all we need here.” Jane said quietly. She knew that was only true of the research, as she still felt her heart thumping.

She gestured a piece of parchment at him that she’d taken notes on earlier. “I’ve got it.” She added lowly, hushed so Gregory wouldn’t hear.

Theo’s eyes widened. “Oh, you figured it out already? Alright, let’s get out of here before he can take advantage of our research.” Jane raised an eyebrow at him accusingly.

“Fine, your research.” Theo surrendered.

Jane nodded approvingly. She snapped her fingers, sending all of their books and scrolls flying smoothly back to their empty spots on the shelves. Small scrapings of dust fell from the mantle as they moved.

Theo turned back to Gregory, standing up straight now, having regained his own composure. He stepped smoothly toward the armchairs and gathered up his coat, swinging it over his shoulders.

Jane smiled politely at Gregory, whose eyes had barely left her since he entered the room.

“Well Gregory,” Theo started. “Uh, hate to run but we didn’t find anything here, and we’re going to go and try something else.” He said, with a shrug. “Best of luck, buddy.” He patted Gregory on the arm once with a condescending smile.

Jane and Theo slid up the steps past him. He was still eyeing them suspiciously. They closed the old door behind them, walking silently for a few moments, the only sound coming from their tandem steps.

It was too quiet. Jane gripped her parchment like it was the only thing keeping her on the ground. Theo cleared his throat. He had to say something.

“God I hate that guy.” He scoffed. “He gives me the creeps.” He looked sideways at her. “Don’t pretend you don’t think so too.”

“He’s… odd. But harmless,” Jane offered. Her head was swimming, trying to form coherent thoughts.

“I didn’t like the way he was looking at you frankly,” Theo’s eyes slid over her face, hair still askew. She raised an eyebrow. “Well, you know what I mean.” He added.

She did know what he meant. But Gregory wasn’t someone that had ever been, or would ever be on her radar, let alone anywhere near it. Was Theo suddenly… jealous? She shook her head slightly.

What was that?? Only last week Theo and I could barely have a cordial conversation at the recruitment meeting. And only minutes ago we were… Her neck tingled slightly where he had kissed her as she thought to herself, eyebrows tight together.

Theo’s words snapped her out of her lingering confusion. “Anyway, shall we?” Jane looked up at him. He was calm and collected, like always. Like nothing had happened. She decided matching his energy was the best course of action right now.

“We need to go back to the McKittrick, actually. Not for a martini this time.” Jane said. Although that would help… She thought to herself.

She handed Theo the parchment, slightly crumpled from her grip. He shook it out. She’d traced a rough blueprint of the McKittrick on it and scrawled a small drawing of a trident inside a room towards the back entrance.

She’d noted down the first clue above it:

“From water’s bitter edge to deep below, seek the life that lies far from the shallows.”

Theo raised an eyebrow, confused. Jane sighed. He hadn’t read a thing in there, had he?

“Water with a bitter edge - the McKittrick used to be well known for brewing a signature, bitter ale. Hundreds of years ago.” She explained. Theo nodded slowly. “Seek the life that lies far from the shallows - well that’s easy. Atlantis.” She stared up at him.

His face was blank, waiting for her. “The lost city of the deep?” She prompted, rolling her eyes.

Theo grinned. This was going to be easy, with her brain behind it. “You know where we need to go so you lead the way.” He said, shrugging.

They made their way outside the library entrance, stepping around to the side, out of general sight. They timed their teleportation inconspicuously with a large gust of wind, vanishing with a snap and a woosh.

***

They appeared with a thud in a dark, cold room. Underground. Theo shivered, rubbing his hands together. Jane snapped her fingers, a light appearing in front of them. She directed it up to the ceiling where it hung with a hum, illuminating the room softly.

Theo’s eyes adjusted slowly, clocking where they were. “The cellar of the McKittrick? Seems a bit obvious for the Black Ravens, but alright. What are we looking for?” He asked.

“Was it not obvious from the clue and the blueprint?” Jane sighed quietly. “I found the trident image drawn into an old map of the McKittrick, probably centuries old. You know, symbolic of Atlantis? They have to have Atlantis water down here. It’s the only thing that makes sense.” Jane said. She sounded kind of irritated, but Theo could see a light in her eyes, she was quietly excited.

He whistled, impressed. “You really think they’ve got a bottle of water from Atlantis in here?”

“Mmhm, we just have to find it now.” She said, scanning the room.

“Those are incredibly hard to come by these days. Where would they even keep something like that?” Theo mused.

“Well we have to start somewhere. It’s got to be in here. I don’t know exactly where but…” She trailed off, scanning the room, the lighting casting shadows through old hanging cobwebs. “Like a hidden cupboard or something maybe.” Jane shrugged, slowly walking around the walls.

“A hidden cupboard? How mysterious of them.” Theo teased. He paced around, spotting a pile of dusty, haphazardly stacked boxes in a dark corner. “Alright, let’s dig through these boxes and see what we can find?” He suggested.

“Sure, go ahead. I’ll keep checking the walls for any odd looking panels.” Jane said, not looking in Theo’s direction. She waved her hand vaguely as if to dismiss him. For a few moments they worked silently, Jane’s hands tracing over the walls lightly, Theo moving old boxes around the place.

“Wait, Jane, over here. This floorboard has an oddly perfect hole in it.” Theo said excitedly. “I bet I could fit just my finger in there and…” he queried, biting his lip. He crouched down, and slid his finger into the wooden floorboard, hooking it. With a grunt, he pulled it up. Old cobwebs stretched out from beneath it and broke off as he laid the floorboard back on a hidden hinge.

Inside the hollow floor space sat a gilded box with an open top, tarnished and ancient looking. Eight, medium sized ornate bottles sat within it on a deep blue velvet fabric, perfectly lined up.

“Wow, okay.” Theo said. “And there’s exactly eight bottles.”

Jane leant down to inspect them. The water inside was still and clear, glistening with an ethereal sheen.

“Do you know how much these would go for on the open market?” Theo continued, astonished. “This must be millions of dollars of Atlantis water just sitting, hidden in the cellar of the McKittrick.”

Jane’s fingers reached, brushing over one of the bottles. The glass was clean, as if it physically repelled dust and cobwebs.

“I was right…” She said softly. She shook her head. “I mean, of course I was right, it’s not like it was difficult. But why Atlantis water? What does that have to do with the trials, the Black Ravens? Why did they want us to find this?” She wondered aloud, half to herself, half to Theo.

He looked over at her. She looked so pretty musing, the soft light hitting her face, her loose hair falling. He forced his eyes back to the bottles. “Should we, um…” He gestured at them.

“Take them all?” She asked, one eyebrow rising. “No, I don’t think so. There’s one for each of us. Whoever doesn’t retrieve one, well they won’t move on.” She said simply. “We don’t need to take them all to progress to the next trial.”

Theo nodded. “No, you’re right. Let’s just grab the ones we need and get out of here. We’re clearly the first ones to find them anyway, so we have a head start.” He smiled, retrieving two bottles which clinked together delicately as he lifted them.

“Just to be sure though…” He closed the hatch and slid the boxes back over top of it, stacking them, completely obscuring the small hole in the floorboard. “There we are.” He stood up, handing Jane one of the bottles. He exhaled triumphantly. “Right so… that’s the first trial done. Nothing for us to do until we get the second clue I suppose.”

The air suddenly seemed thick in the room as they stood in silence for a moment. Jane glanced up at Theo momentarily, her eyes finding his mouth. The cellar was so quiet, so secluded. So… private. What if he just…

No. She flicked her eyes away, back to her bottle, clearing her throat casually. Theo sensed the weight in the air. He didn’t want to push her.

“Alright well, let’s just plan to be in touch then, yeah?” He offered. No strings, no threads. A way out of today for both of them. He needed to breathe some fresh air anyway, clear his head.

Jane nodded, not looking at him. “Sure. We’ll uh, speak soon I suppose.” She shrugged.

“Great, okay. See you later then.” Theo replied casually. He half smiled at her, but she kept her eyes locked on the bottle. He acknowledged it as her farewell, snapping his fingers and vanishing swiftly with another woosh.

Jane sighed, her head dropping. She squeezed the bridge of her nose. Her head felt messier than ever. She dismissed the ball of light with a wave, plunging the cellar into darkness, and snapped her fingers, vanishing.

***

Theo appeared in his living room suddenly. He threw his coat over the back of the sofa, looking down at his bottle. Even with its gilded stopper and it’s ornate glass, even with it’s shimmering, ethereal contents – it didn’t come close to being the most beautiful thing he’d seen today. And that irked him.

He walked to the kitchen, and placed it carefully on the bench top near his other fragile glassware. Shaped whiskey glasses, a crystalline decanter. He couldn’t fully appreciate the bottle while his head swam like this, an ungodly mess.

How had they ended up against the shelves like that? His lips on her neck, tasting her, the way she felt against him, how it had lit him up the static of a storm. When they had been sitting in the silence, when he wasn’t trying to fill it with endless teasing and arrogance, he’d finally noticed her properly. Had he always been so blind? How had he never seen her before? The elegant line of her neck, her bright eyes. The softness to her hair, the shape of her hands. The way her perfect control was just a cover, a shield.

He understood now, why Ben and the others had thought she was so beautiful in college. All he could see back then, maybe even right up to today, had been himself.

This was a bad idea, something that could easily and swiftly jeopardize his chance for the Black Ravens.

“Ah, idiot.” Theo sighed aloud. He grunted, running his hands through his soft waves of hair. “Ugh. What was that? I mean what was I thinking? Pinning Jane Warfield up like that, calling her a good girl? God she was so…” He exhaled, remembering.

He continued talking to no one. “It must be the stress. I mean she’s always gotten under my skin, so it’s inevitable that the pressure of the trials would make me act out in weird ways towards her.” He tried to rationalize. “It-it’s nothing. It’s a w-weird blip. And now, I’m talking to myself - great!” He exhaled heavily. “Get it together Deschamps… I need a drink.” He conceded.

He poured himself a whiskey, neat, and trawled slowly over to the sofa. He sat down in a huff, swishing his glass, resting his head on his fist.

Something caught his eye. A small rolled up scroll sat neatly on top of his shiny fireplace mantle. He approached it cautiously, catching sight of the flying raven on the wax seal.

“Wait, what? The second clue?” Theo asked himself. How did they know that he’d completed the first trial already? They must’ve had surveillance inside the McKittrick. Good thing he had behaved down there.

How did they even get inside my house? He wondered, scanning his surroundings. He opened it tentatively.

It’s a map…of the Pacific Northwest. He scoffed. Long-distance teleportation? Well, that’ll be easy. He mused. He immediately thought of Jane, surely she’d received this as well. Could she go that far?

I guess I should call Jane. He thought to himself, sighing. But, not tonight. That’s a problem for tomorrow’s Theo…

***

Jane stood in her bathroom, leaning over the sink. She ran the faucet, warm this time. She couldn’t stop shivering. She warmed her hands under it and exhaled, lifting her head to look at herself in the mirror. She stared at her neck, the strands of hair that had fallen out brushing against it. She couldn’t stop feeling Theo’s phantom touch, it was as if it was etched onto her like a tattoo. She shut the tap off. Nothing a good hot shower can’t fix. She hoped.

The hot water from the shower hit her like a welcome embrace. She stood directly under it, letting it run right over her head and face, letting it pour down her neck like she wanted to wash him off. In truth, she didn’t know what she wanted.

He started it. She thought, frustrated. Why did he have to do that, why did he have to make this so… messy? She had been perfectly content with her stolen glances, content with hiding behind herself and focusing on what mattered – the Black Ravens.

God he was so… arrogant. Did he think that he could just hold her like that, touch her, without even knowing her, and she’d surrender?

Jane growled out loud. She was angry at him. Angry at herself, because it was true. Because she did surrender so easily, because she wanted to. Was this his real plan, when they met at the McKittrick? To charm her, make her feel needy, distract her from the trials? She shut off the water slowly, standing in the shower for a moment, cold air creeping in.

The cogs were turning in her head, clicking into place slowly. That had to be it. What other reason would Theo Deschamps have? He didn’t know her, he never cared to. He’d never paid her any notice before. He reveled in mocking her, teasing her. He’d so often acted like there was something wrong with her, something he disapproved of, like she didn’t belong in his world.

Jane lay in bed that night, and every night which followed that week, trying to deduce from every angle. No other option made logical sense. He had to be deceiving her. When had he ever earned anything outright?

He’s using me. Using me to win, distracting me so I’ll let him.

And then, it all made sense. The realization hit her like a train.

There’s only one spot.

(Part Four)

_____________________________________________________________

Disc: everything not included in 'The Trials' audiobooks was written by me.

[vvitchfangs]

The Trials: Drinks and Decisions

Part Two of 'The Trials' expanded fic.

(Part One here!)

Plot Summary: Theo and Jane meet at the McKittrick to discuss cooperation over drinks, leaving them both grappling with their internal feelings.

Pairing: Theo Deschamps x Jane Warfield/Reader (note: reader-insert friendly! Jane's physical description kept very vague.)

Can be read alongside listening to The Trials on Quinn.

Content: world building, teasing/banter, lust/tension, fighting feelings

Wordcount: 6,400+

Additional credit: Tyler McCall - original writer of The Trials audiobook.

___________________________________________________________

Theo sat casually at his sleek desk, mulling over his plan again. Work with Jane, use her skills to bolster his own, and move through the trials like they were simple as anything. He’d impress the senior members, and most importantly his father. And by the end, that spot would be his and his alone. He ran his fingers through his hair, exhaling.

In the last trial, he’d take the win from her. He could do that easily, strength wise he was much bigger than her, and magic-wise he was extremely skilled in physical magic. He could easily bind her, and grab the win. She wouldn’t see it coming anyway. He’d gain her trust, make her think there was more than one spot available. She’d be blind to his intentions, believe they were doing it together.

In the end, it wouldn’t matter. The spot would be his and he’d never have to think about plain Jane Warfield and her infuriatingly imprisoned knees ever again.

He glanced out of the large window. It was properly late now. Dark, inky clouds were scattered across the sky, blocking out the stars. A faint moonlight glowed from behind one of them, like it was struggling for air.

He waved his hand lazily across his desk. Parchment appeared in front of him eagerly. He started writing in an elegant, italic hand. After a moment, he sat back and admired the note approvingly.

He waved his hand once more, and the note folded itself up into a neat little square, before vanishing with a small pop. He stood up and stretched in one fluid motion.

The die was cast, the dominos were set. He already felt triumphant as he walked toward his bedroom. He slid out of his clothes and into the bed, satin sheets settling gently across his bare chest. That spot on the Black Ravens was his, and he slept like he’d already won it.

***

The last embers in the fireplace glowed quietly inside Jane’s cosy living room, sending soft light dancing across the dark walls. She was curled up on the couch, legs under her, having only hastily removed her shoes before collapsing down onto it with a hearty sigh. She looked down the hall toward her office and decided. No more Black Ravens research. She had to cut herself off. It was time to focus on the trials.

Her mind wandered back to the recruitment meeting… to him. No matter how irritating Theo’s arrogance was, no matter how easy it usually was to brush off his attitude, she kept returning to their conversation, replaying it in her head.

Surprised to see her there? She scoffed out loud. What did that mean? Did he think she was weak, that she didn’t belong there, and that she didn’t have a chance? That a non-legacy shouldn’t be in the same ranks as someone like him? That her magic was average at best?

Self-doubt crept up her spine. She curled her lips into her teeth and squeezed her eyes shut. God, he was infuriating. She’d held her own against him in person, but his attitude truly got to her in secret. His mocking, the way he thought he was so much better than her and made no effort to hide it. She wanted to slap the permanent smug look right off of his face.

She sighed again, leaning her head back and shutting her eyes, doing her best to scrub his sarcastic smiles from her mind. She shouldn’t let him get to her this much. Why did it matter what he thought? She knew her ambitions, her goals, like the back of her hand by now. She knew her reasons for wanting to be a in the Black Ravens. It shouldn’t matter what Theo Deschamps of all people thought of her. She shut her eyes tighter.  She wasn’t here to impress him.

A small pop sound made her eyes snap open. Floating in front of her at arm’s length was a small, neatly folded square of parchment. She stared at it, hovering there politely. It shook slightly as if waiting, encouraging her to read it. Who the hell was sending her mail at - she glanced at the clock on the wall – 2am on a Sunday?

Gingerly she took the note from the air, and unfolded it like some fragile thing.

Jane. Meet me at the McKittrick bar, Friday at 8pm, after work. It’s about the trials. Don’t be late. – Theo.

She stared at Theo’s handwriting, trying to decide whether she was surprised at how neat it was or if it was exactly what she’d expect from someone like him. She traced each word with her eyes. It was proud, elegant, another type of showmanship. She decided she wasn’t at all surprised.

But – meet him at the McKittrick? To talk about the trials? She wasn’t certain she could stand listening to another conversation laced with overt arrogance and sarcasm, fend off more mocking about her ‘talents’ as he’d so childishly put it.

She mulled it over, clicking her tongue and inhaling sharply. Her interest was piqued, though. If Theo had more information about the trials, that might be an advantage to her. His father was a member after all, and his family was a big part of the Black Ravens, she wasn’t ignorant to that fact. Maybe there was something she’d missed in her research, something he could tell her.

But if so…what would he want for it?

Apprehension rose through her slowly, inch by inch, her leg bouncing. She remembered their conversation from hours earlier, still so fresh in her mind. Theo wasn’t exactly…friendly. Welcoming. They weren’t friends, they never had been. They were from completely different worlds. Now, they were technically rivals. What could he possibly want from her? What could have stirred him to want to meet with her, to want to see her again? His intentions were not obvious.

Her brow furrowed. She had to find out what he wanted, what he was up to. She stood up decidedly, folding the note back down and placing it on a side table. Whatever he was up to, she was going to figure it out.

***

Theo entered his apartment, the cool damp air following behind him like a shadow. He shook out his soft mop of wavy hair in the entrance way, and placed his wool coat and scarf on the rack in the corner. Work was such a bore today. The only thing he’d enjoyed was the small glances between him and Jane across the office. She’d nodded her head in his direction as they passed silently in the elevator earlier in the week, quietly confirming that she would attend their meeting tonight. Each glance reminded him of his plan, and his imminent Black Ravens win.

And of course, of her frustratingly prim work outfits. Today it was a grey, pleated skirt that fell to her knees, paired with a plum shirt that was buttoned up to the top. Black stockings without even a hint of sheerness imprisoned her legs as usual. Her hair had been in its usual high bun. Theo sighed, frowning. He didn’t know why he cared what she wore, but it got to him. No one could be that prim and perfect all the time, surely.

He flicked his hand vaguely toward the modern kitchen island as he stepped fully inside. A glass slipped silently out of a cupboard and waited in the air for its instructions. Theo snapped his fingers. The glass slid under the faucet, filling itself with water and gliding smoothly towards him. He took it casually from the air and sat at his desk, drafting another email.

Dear Ben,

Greece sounds like a blast. Don’t brag about it too much though, some of us are still suffering through a New England Autumn. It’s disgusting here today.

Theo looked out the window and sighed at the gloomy, rainy sky.

Anyway, I’m pleased to report that I was right. None of the other applicants are going to be real competition. It’s mostly the usual suspects of people in our circle, and then…Gregory. Can you believe that loser got an invite? So, that spot is already mine. Oh, and Jane Warfield did get an invite. They must have a quota for non-legacies or something because I really can’t imagine why else the Black Ravens would invite her to apply. Still, I have figured out a way to make it work for me.

He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, his other hand resting briefly under his chin as he contemplated disclosing his plan.

You might remember that Jane just barely beat me for Valedictorian, only because she studied harder and I don’t test well but whatever. There is no question her concealment work was better than mine, I never had the patience. And her potions always turned out higher quality than mine. She’s…capable, for sure. Jane is basically the most well-rounded candidate other than me, which means she’s the only one who might be a thorn in my side. So, I figure – “if you can’t beat em, join em”. Right?

Theo glanced towards a rolled up parchment scroll on the desk, the wax seal ripped in half from his rushed opening.

Our first clue arrived today. We took the oath so I can’t say much about it but it’s the one that’s meant to test our intelligence. I’ve asked Jane to meet with me tonight to discuss it over drinks. I’ve hatched a brilliant plan. I’m going to propose that we work together, to beat out all the other applicants. That will make knocking the others out that much easier, and keep her close to me while I’m working on it.

He paused for a moment, hesitating without meaning to at his next words.

Then, in the last trial…I’ll just take it from her. And the best part is, she doesn’t know there’s only one spot available. So she won’t realise that she’s basically handing me the win.

He sighed, knowing how Ben would react to this plan of his. Knowing he’d disapprove.

I’m sure you’ll think that’s a nasty trick, but Ben you know my father and you know what’s at stake for me if I don’t do everything I can for this spot on the Black Ravens. I can’t be the first Deschamps heir not to take the badge. Anyway, enough about that. I should be getting ready for my date.

“My date?” Theo questioned himself. He grimaced as if the word tasted sour. “Ugh.” He hit the back space, and rewrote.

My meeting with Jane. Fingers crossed it goes in my favour.

Speak soon, Theo.

The email sent with a soft woosh.

“A date?” Theo scoffed quietly to himself. “Only if hell freezes over.”

He walked back to the front door, grabbing his coat on the way out. Wet rain drops still adorned it. He shook it out as he stepped out onto the landing. He ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing it absentmindedly. Then, with a casual snap of his fingers, he vanished. 

***

The McKittrick had an ancient, old English vibe to it. Crooked, dark wooden beams lined the ceiling. Black wrought iron sconces holding thick, lit candles adorned the walls, and an irregular mish-mash of rugs and carpets covered the wide wooden floorboards with a very casual irregularity. The bar was newer, though. Shiny, polished mahogany. With glass cabinets spread across the wall behind it, lit up and housing every type of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage Jane could think of.

Dark mahogany tables matched the bar, spaced out across the room. Some free standing, some booths in corners and lining the walls under the windows.

Soft, gentle jazz emitted from somewhere unknown. She couldn’t see a jukebox – it seemed to just be part of the air itself. The same type of hovering, softly humming balls of light that were outside of the Black Ravens building floated gently in here, too. Jane felt the warmth of one near her cheek as she stepped away from the bar, martini in hand.

She scanned the room. It was busy, as usual. Various pairs and groups of mages were scattered about the tables and booths. Some looked casual, laughing and drinking. Some were in formal robes, muttering quickly to each other. Professors, probably.

Jane chose a table through an old interior archway, slightly off to the side. She sat down.

God, what am I doing here? Her leg bounced of its own accord, giving away her apprehension. She dug her heel hard into the floor. She hadn’t bothered to change, she had nothing to prove. She slid off her grey, cropped wool coat and laid it over the back of her chair. She looked down at her watch.

Theo’s note flashed in her mind. ‘Don’t be late.’ She scoffed. He was late. And it didn’t surprise her.

The bell on the front door chimed. Jane looked up. Striding confidently towards her was Theo, as if he knew where she was immediately upon entering. Was she that predictable? He wore a smile that seemed too sickly sweet. He slid out of his coat, hanging it on the back of the chair opposite her.

Jane’s eyes betrayed her otherwise cool demeanour, glancing down along the line of his forearm that was peeking through his casually rolled sleeves. He smiled at her still, trying too hard to look warm.

“Ah.” Theo inhaled. ”I should’ve guessed you’d be here early, Jane.” He said.

His low, gravelly voice sent a shiver down the back of her neck. She looked up at him, he was still standing.

“I’m on time. You, however, are late.” She said, flashing her watch at him. “Against your own rules I see.” She added thickly.

He sat down with a smirk; he wasn’t a man of too many rules, after all.

“Excuse you? I am…” He looked down at his own watch, a soft growl rumbling in his throat. “Hmm…fine. Ten minutes late. Which is on time for most people.”

His eyes flashed down from her hair to her torso, taking in her outfit. “And at least I changed out of my work clothes.”

He raised an eyebrow as his eyes travelled back up to her face. Jane shifted in her seat, feeling somehow exposed. She took a sip of her martini, and felt the alcohol slowly warming her stomach.

“Let me ask you something, Jane. Do you own any clothing that doesn’t fit the office dress code?” Theo continued snidely.

“Why does it matter to you what I wear at all? Would you have preferred I show up in a clown costume?” Jane retorted, irritation flashing behind her eyes.

“It doesn’t matter to me at all, I’m just curious. Anyway…” He said, nodding towards her drink “I see you got a head start on me.” Theo gestured to a waiter who was floating between tables nearby. “A Manhattan, on the rocks please.”

Jane stared silently at him, trying to figure him out. She wished he’d get to the point quickly. Why were they even doing this, so he could critique her outfit choices some more? He looked friendly enough tonight, smiling, chatty. But there was something else underneath it, something conniving.

As he took his drink gracefully from the waiter, Jane’s eyes absentmindedly tracked his hands. Several of his long fingers were adorned with chunky, silver rings, the light glinting off of them distractingly.

Theo continued, gesturing vaguely to her drink again. “You know, I wouldn’t have taken you for a martini girl. I’d have guessed you like a sturdy, reliable glass of red wine.”

“Yes, well usually that’d be more than fine. But…” She paused briefly. “I needed something stronger if I was going to sit here and converse with you.” Jane replied, looking sideways at him.

Theo laughed. Maybe she did have a sense of humour after all.

“You wanted a higher alcohol content to deal with me? Well I’m honoured. I hope the martini helps but I have to know…” Theo stared intensely at her, his voice dropping several octaves in a way that made her feel flighty.

“Do you like it dirty, Jane?” A sly half smile crept up his face, pleased with himself.

A chill ran down the back of her neck. Something more dangerous and hot curled inside her stomach.

She swallowed hard and dug her heels into the floor. She knew what he was doing, and she wasn’t giving in to his teasing that easily. “Are you going to get to the point of why you invited me here, or not?” She asked breathily.

Theo looked at her blankly, but her physical reaction to his teasing hadn’t gone unnoticed by him. She didn’t say it in words - he’d felt the air around her shift into something minutely more static. His eyebrows flicked upwards slightly.

“Fine, straight to business it is. But first, a toast.” He raised his glass towards the middle of the table. “To our imminent acceptance into the Black Ravens.”

Jane attempted to look anywhere other than his face, she was distrusting him more by the second.

“Uh uh,” Theo tutted, snapping her attention back to him. His gaze locked onto her eyes so intensely her throat went dry. “You have to look at me in the eyes when we do this. It’s a sign of trust.” He said softly.

She sighed and stared confidently back at him, but her nerves started firing under her skin like rogue sparklers. Their glasses clinked together, and he smiled slyly.

“So, you want me to trust you, is that it?” Jane asked, feigning the confidence until it returned to her for real.

“Mmm.” Theo said, taking a swig of his drink. “Also did you know the French believe you’ll have seven years of bad sex if you don’t make eye contact during a toast?”

In the briefest moment, his eyes travelled from hers to the edge of her jawline, and down her neck. He looked up quickly, ignoring the sudden, unwelcome urge he felt to touch her face.

His eyes lit up, teasing again. “You’ll be thanking me for your next orgasm.” He added with a smirk.

Jane’s insides flipped, the unwanted heat travelling up from her lower belly to her chest. She exhaled heavily before it could reach her cheeks, keeping her face composed and unimpressed. She took an irritated sip of her drink, emptying it.

God, he was infuriating. He wasn’t flirting with her, he was mocking her. Sizing her up. He was arrogant, and unserious. And her body was betraying her. She couldn’t let him sense what was rising under her skin. She narrowed her eyes at him.

Theo felt the static become more palpable.

“Well that hit a nerve…” He continued to poke. “Not getting laid much these days?” he said jokingly, looking down his nose at her.

That was her tipping point. She hated being mocked by him. She hated his arrogance, she hated his teasing. And she couldn’t stand the way her body was responding to him anyway. She stood up briskly, her chair scraping loudly across the floor.

Theo’s face dropped. He actually looked something adjacent to apologetic, knowing he’d pushed too far. He held out his hand to stop her, feeling guilty.

“Wait, wait don’t go. I’m sorry. You’re right, that was out of line.” He looked up at her, attempting a look of sincerity and falling somewhere short. “Please stay. I’ll behave myself, I promise.”

Jane stared at him, hesitating for a moment. She did still want to know why he invited her here, what his intentions were. She sighed, and sat back down.

Theo looked grateful. “Thank you, Jane.” He said, relieved she hadn’t walked out.

“Theo, why did you ask me here?” Jane sighed.

“I invited you here tonight because I have a proposition for you.” Jane shot him a dirty look, eyes narrowed. “Not like that, don’t worry.” Theo reassured her. But he frowned, offended. “Though I feel like I should be insulted by the face you just made at that…”

“So, not something inappropriate then?” She challenged.

“No, it’s about the trials. I had a thought the other night after our meeting...” He looked slightly hesitant.

“Did that hurt?” Jane asked cynically. Theo pretended like he didn’t hear her, but the corner of his mouth curled up a fraction.

“You’re smart.” He said.

Jane raised her eyebrows, waiting for a joke to land. It didn’t.

“Oh don’t look at me like that. I’m not so arrogant that I can’t admit when other people are skilled. And we both know you’re very intelligent.” He continued, voice even. He wasn’t teasing anymore.

Jane’s eyes stayed narrow, waiting. “Go on,” she permitted.

Theo nodded slightly. “Anyway, as I was saying - you’re smart. And I remember how well you did in school. But, I also remember that you struggled with physical magic.”

“No I didn’t.” Jane said immediately, preparing to defend herself and her magic against wherever Theo was going with this. Her hand tightened around her empty glass, her eyes met his in defiance.

He scoffed lightly at her. “You absolutely did. You nearly got killed in combat class one time.” Jane’s defiance faded, remembering the class Theo was meaning. He continued, “If the professor hadn’t been watching your match closely, that kid would’ve taken your head off.”

Jane sighed, saying nothing. It was true. Her physical magic could be better. It was one of her main sources of self-doubt.

“My point is you’re brilliant, and incredibly talented.” Theo said. It felt sincere. He meant it. He smiled at her. No teasing, no bullshit.

Jane’s cheeks flooded with heat, turning a soft shade of pink as she broke eye contact with him, looking down quickly, pretending to adjust her skirt.

Theo felt her hesitate. He tilted his head down to study her face closer.

“I’m sorry… are you blushing?” He asked. He looked slightly amused as she tried to shake her head in disagreement, but her cheeks were still pink. “Do you not get complimented often?” he asked.

Jane lifted her head back up, attempting to be casual, and looked into his eyes. Stupidly, impossibly blue. Who even has eyes that colour? How is that fair? She mused in her head. His eyes searched hers back, knowing her answer without her even saying it.

“Ah.” He concluded. “Well, it’s true.” He said softly, with genuine sincerity this time.

Jane blushed again, wishing she could pull her shirt up over her godforsaken cheeks.

“Anyway, you’re good. Great even. But the second the trials get dangerous, I think you’re in trouble.” Theo suggested.

“So what do you propose, then?” Jane asked, cheeks cooling slightly now, as her focus was drawn back to figuring out his intentions.

“That’s where I can help you. I’m sure you remember but I was always top of the class with that kind of stuff.” Theo’s voice softened again. “As a matter of fact I was almost always right behind you in most classes. And I could have been Valedictorian if you had just…”

Jane scoffed incredulously. “You, Valedictorian? Right… and if I had have done what, exactly?” She challenged, feeling defensive again.

Theo continued softly, not giving her defiance any room. “I don’t know. If you had just had a little more fun in college like the rest of us, and not spent every spare second studying?” He asked with faint sarcasm.

She stared at him blankly, waiting for the next jeer, but he continued normally.

“Well, I guess that’s not important right now. I think you and I both know that we’re each other’s only real competition in the trials right?”

Jane’s lips curled over her teeth. She didn’t want to speak down on anyone, especially any of the other applicants. The trials were going to be hard for all of them, and they all had their merits, she supposed. But deep down, she knew he was right.

Theo felt her hesitant energy land in his chest. She didn’t want to rag on anyone. She was good, kind. He exhaled, softening his shoulders, smiling gently at her.

“The others have their advantages but…they aren’t nearly well rounded enough.” He continued.

“Us though, we’re nearly… perfect.” The word perfect lingered in the front of his mouth. His eyes dropped inadvertently to her neckline again. He continued softly. “And we complement each other really well. Our weak spots I mean. I could help you with the physical stuff, and you could help me work through the brainy stuff.”

Jane searched his eyes again, his argument made sense. It was logical that they’d choose to work together for the trials. They could both end up on the Black Ravens after all, Jerry hadn’t exactly said how many spots there were. They could help each other get there, he was right. She couldn’t help but sense deception under his words, though.

“So, what you’re saying is…?” She prompted him.

Theo raised his eyebrows slightly. “I’m saying, while I’m sure each of us could get through the trials on our own, if we did them together…we could do it much faster. No one else would even stand a chance.”

Jane hesitated again, the deception she sensed was ringing in her ears like a threat. She swallowed, and sat back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the table.

Theo felt her uncertainty plain as day. He was suddenly so acutely aware of Jane’s physical emotions. Maybe from their current close proximity… or from something else? He wasn’t quite sure. But he could’ve felt her from across the room.

His voice softened further. “You seem unsure. It’s not against any of the rules you know, I triple checked. Applicants in the trials are welcome to work together, most people just choose not to because they don’t trust each other.”

“And I can trust you?” Jane asked, sceptical. “Theo, I hardly know you. You hardly know me.” She added with a sigh.

Theo laughed, taken aback, but wanting to convince her it was misplaced suspicion. “Well of course you can trust me.” He insisted, almost too well. “I mean think about it. What reason would I have to lie to you?” He smiled sweetly at her.

“Working with me would be an advantage to you, Theo. My research would be invaluable and I think you’re aware of that.” Jane pointed out.

“Yes, yes this would help me. But, it would help you too.” He agreed softly, gesturing at her by tilting his glass.

Theo shook the empty glass, the ice rattling around in it. “I could use another drink.” He concluded. “Would you like one? It’s on me. Well, they’re both on me actually.”

Jane nodded. She was beginning to see where he was coming from, even if she didn’t entirely trust him.

“Great,” Theo grinned. He knocked on the table, and the waiter floated over to them. “Ah, another Manhattan please. And a martini for the lady…” He paused, looking over at Jane. “How do you like them?”

Jane clenched her jaw. She really didn’t want to give him the leverage. She rolled her eyes at him as a smile crept up his cheek. He already knew what she was hesitating to say. She sighed. Theo ginned.

“Ah,” he chuckled, understanding. “And make it dirty please.”

Jane nodded once toward the waiter.

Theo looked down at her through intense eyes, teasing again. He couldn’t help it. She was so sensitive, even if her face wouldn’t outwardly admit it. Everything she felt underneath her perfect, controlled façade was pricking him like needles in the back of his neck. He was going to take advantage of that every moment he could.

“So… you do like it dirty.” Theo grinned. Jane kicked him hard under the table, her eyebrows furrowing angrily.

Theo laughed breathily. Riling her up was like nothing else he’d felt in quite a while. “Okay, I’m sorry! But you set me up for that one you have to admit.”

Theo’s voice softened again as Jane took her refill from the waiter. He kept his eyes on her like a hawk on prey.

“So, what do you think? Do you want to work together?” He asked, attempting casual but unable to hide the slight hope in his tone.

“How much time do I have? Is this an offer that… expires?” Jane asked, still searching for his motives.

“No, you don’t have to decide right this second, if you want to take some time to-”

Jane cut him off. In truth, she had already decided. If she couldn’t figure him out over drinks, she would have to keep him close until she did. “Yes, Theo. I… I guess I do think it’s beneficial.” She concluded with a quiet sigh.

“Yes? Yes - you want to work together?” He looked surprised, as if a large part of him hadn’t expected her to accept.

She curled her lips over her teeth. “Yeah. Let’s- let’s do it, then.” Something curled softly in her stomach as she said it. She refused to acknowledge it as excitement, labelling it as apprehension instead.

Theo looked genuinely happy. “Excellent.” He grinned. “This is a great idea. You’ll see.” He swirled his drink around, taking a sip. The ice rattled again, settling.

“Another toast. To our winning partnership.” He looked her at her intently again, like he was testing her. Jane raised her glass to his, keeping her eyes locked on his. The corner of his mouth slid up.

“Hmm.” Theo growled softly to himself. “Excellent eye contact on that one… and I didn’t even have to ask. You’re a quick study… aren’t you?” He asked, his voice slipping lower into dangerous territory.

Jane shrugged at him with a small smile. Theo couldn’t stop studying her. The soft, orange glow from the candlelight seemed to dance across her cheeks, slip softly down her jaw, and settle into her neck. His eyes followed it as it flickered gently across her skin. Strands of her hair had come loose, falling delicately around her forehead. Her hands, small, curled around her glass with fragile care. Something fluttered briefly inside his stomach like a moth.

Jane raised her eyebrows at him. She couldn’t help but notice the way he was looking at her now, it was… gentler. Almost kind. His eyes had glazed over with something soft. The deep, icy blue that had childishly teased her all night suddenly felt warm.

She took another sip, swallowing down the lump of heat that was rising in her throat. “Are you, okay Theo? You’re looking at me in a weird way.” She pointed out.

Theo’s lips parted slightly in surprise, like he wasn’t aware that had been obvious. “What? No, I-I-I’m… I’m not looking at you in any special way.” He stuttered, trying to recover his earlier demeanour.

“It’s just um. You look different tonight, actually. It’s… nice.” His voice had slipped back down again. He didn’t want to be noticing her in any other way than as a rival, and yet…

“There’s something about you that’s…” He continued, searching.

Heat rose under Jane’s skin once again but she stuffed it down into her heels. It was her turn to poke him, to crack his arrogant façade.

“I think the word you’re looking for is… pretty?” She fluttered her eyelashes deliberately and pretended to swoosh back her hair dramatically. “Are you allergic to that word?” She asked, smirking.

Theo grimaced slightly. “No… no, hang on. I’m just saying you look pretty in this light.” He said pointedly. “It’s just the candlelight in here it’s quite… flattering. That’s all.”

He cleared his throat, and inhaled sharply, recovering his usual arrogant composure. This was not the time, place, or person for whatever fleeting appreciation he’d just had.

“Right so, let’s dive in. You got the first clue this week too right?” Theo asked, changing the subject entirely. Back to the point, back to his plan. He needed to get on with it.

Jane nodded, remembering how the scroll of parchment had appeared so rudely on her dining table earlier in the week, almost landing in her cereal bowl.

“Hmm.” Theo contemplated. “Well, I’ll be honest I can’t make sense of it. I’ve never been very good at figuring out riddles.” His eyes skirted back over her face automatically at the last word. “Do you have any idea of where to start?”

Jane sighed and stared at him, rolling her shoulders back as if to loosen what had settled there over the evening. “Actually, yes. I might.”

Theo laughed heartily, like he’d already known her answer. “Well of course you do.” He grinned. “Right… well. So what are your initial thoughts?”

She looked at him almost apologetically. He wasn’t going to enjoy her answer. “Library.” She said plainly. “Whatever information we are looking for, we will find it there. Trust me.”

Theo whined at her answer. “Ugh. I was afraid you’d say that.” He said, rolling his eyes. “Alright fine, so we have to go to the library to do research. Let’s get that part out of the way.”

“The sooner the better.” Jane shrugged. It was inevitable.

“It’s too late now obviously, but should we say tomorrow morning? I can meet you there when they open.” Theo suggested, raising an eyebrow.

Jane scoffed. “Do you even know when the library opens?” she accused.

Theo puffed his cheeks out slightly. He didn’t, clearly. He probably hadn’t stepped foot in there for years.

“Nine o’clock.” Jane pointed out.

Theo smiled thankfully. “Great, it’s decided. In the meantime though, I had some theories I wanted to talk through. And I’d love to hear yours because I know you have some.” His eyebrows flicked upward, eyes searching hers again.

***

It was nearly midnight when Jane finally stumbled lightly through her front door.

It’s just because I’m tired. She told herself, kicking off her shoes and laying her grey coat over the back of a squashy arm chair.

It was true, but she had also made her way through three martinis over the course of her meeting with Theo. God, she was going to regret this when the morning chime rang in her ears. Why did they have to talk for so long? Granted, she was doing most of the talking. She had a few quite in-depth theories about their first clue.

Theo of course barely contributed anything except more teasing, and the odd prompt for her to discuss more. All night, Jane swore he was trying not to look at her too hard. But she caught him, a few times, gazing at her like a riddle he was trying to figure out, like a stitch he was trying to unpick. She shook her head, trying in vain to clear it.

She snapped her fingers and a small hovering light appeared behind her, humming gently. It followed her has she walked ungracefully down the hallway, pulling out bobby pins as she went. She arrived at the bathroom, leaning over the sink and running the faucet, tossing the pins into small a ceramic bowl on the counter. She cupped her hands under the faucet and sighed as the cool water ran through her hands, overflowing them. She splashed her face.

What was…that? That ridiculous heat that kept flashing under her skin, that unwanted hunger she’d felt whenever he looked at her too long, as if she was starved? The way she had to keep digging her heels into the floor, holding indifference on her face like her life depended on it. And failing at it occasionally. Every time she did had Theo noticing, taking it as an opportunity to make some joke. She shook the water off her face, sighing.

Jane walked further down the hall and into her bedroom, the light still following her. She slipped out of her work clothes, pulled on an oversized t-shirt, and peeled back the covers of her bed. Sliding into it, she stretched out and groaned, trying to release all of the confusing tension that had wrapped itself around her. She wasn’t interested in him. They were complete opposites, they’d never been friends even in school, and depending on how many Black Ravens spots there actually were – they could be actual rivals now.

It’s just the martinis. The candlelight. The smell of mahogany. It’s nothing. Jane told herself sternly.

She wasn’t going to fall for it. She wasn’t going to risk it all for some charm and high cheekbones. Especially when they were attached to the most arrogant man she’d ever met.

She snapped her fingers and the light dissipated, leaving her blanketed in darkness, just a faded moonlight edging around the curtains. The cool air brushed her face as she slipped under sleep, her head spinning as she went.

***

Theo dropped heavily onto his sofa when he arrived home that night. He waved his hand toward the windows, sending the curtains gliding smoothly over them. He squeezed his temples with his hands, sighing. He needed to focus. Focus on the trials, focus on the win. Focus on the one spot that belonged to him. Not on… her. She was a means to an end. Just a tool. Not some equation to be deduced, not some work of art to discover.

Although… the way the candlelight had danced across her skin, so delicately at the bar… The urge he felt to -

He shook his head violently. The Black Ravens was all that mattered. Without that badge, he’d be nothing. He’d be a waste, especially in his father’s eyes. And at work? Theo Deschamps, losing out to Jane Warfield? The gossip he imagined made him grimace. He couldn’t bear the thought. He slapped his thighs as he stood up decidedly. It was time to lock in, properly. She was nobody. Theo needed her research skills. That was all. He didn’t need her muddying the waters, that was for sure.

He slipped into the bathroom in the dark. Faint moonlight was leaking in from somewhere, dancing off the shiny black tiles. He saw it again, in his mind uninvited. The candlelight…the way it danced off of her…

He grabbed the faucet aggressively, like it had personally wronged him. It ran violently, the sound shattering the serene late night quiet like glass. He slipped off his rings and gathered the water in his hands. He splashed his face, shaking his head. Too many Manhattans or something. Too many distractions. Too many ways to try and get under her skin. He sighed and closed the faucet off.

His bed was a welcome embrace when he slipped into it, the cool satin sheets reminding him how hot his skin had become.

_____________________________________________________________

Disc: everything not included in 'The Trials' audiobooks was written by me.

[vvitchfangs]

who would be interested in a full The Trials fic? I really want to expand fully on the audio and write it from both of their perspectives mentally and physically. I think it would go well with listening to it as well. Lmk if you’d read or want that!!

[vvitchfangs]

It’s The Trials birthday!

Please enjoy some Theo.

Ps. Part 5 of the trials fic is dropping today! Happy birthday 🐦‍⬛