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People are secretly thrilled by the coven lord's whim. Despite their usual fears and worries, having a place they call home and being outside with nature felt like a breath of fresh air. Especially to the young blood who felt suffocated with the coven's hermit life style.

It's evident they thirst to bask in sunlight as they pester their teacher, Madox, to conduct a lecture in their garden. It's rather an unconventional approach compared to their usual curriculum, but Madox complied to his students' protest. He promised them to conduct a field lesson once in a while, the children gathered around the young professor and happily sat on the grass with their legs crossed.

"Hush now. Today, the elders finally allowed to teach geography. Normally, our curriculum does not allow to divulge about the outside world, but since we ARE relocated. We need to learn about our new home." Madox recited an inaudible incantation, only his lips were seen moving, projecting a green imagery. The whole class made excited noises as they see a top view of the land.

Fascinated by this, Ciel Aude Sinclair leaned in placing his elbow on top of his knee to support his chin.

"Geography was only available for the age group 20 and above. The elders were afraid of curious minds, causing mischief, especially after a child attempted to teleport to the country of Nan just to witness the rumored pack of werewolves. . . " Madox faltered, awkwardly glancing at Aude and cleared his voice. Seeing how flustered their teacher is, students were curious about the coven's 'halfie'. It's the first time they had class with the teen. Until now, no one knew how to act around the hybrid.

The energy around Aude felt suffocating. 'Geez, just go on with the lecture.' The little witch complained in his mind as he ignore the weird glances.

"It's been a secret where our coven was stationed for the past centuries. Now, I'm honored to inform you guys, my cute students, that our leader Kalhil built this academy with his own hands. All this time, we resided safely in the deep sea of Noxgimenos. However, thanks to our coven lord Raziel Leor Nox, we can happily bask in the sunlight. It won't be long till we are allowed to explore the whole country by ourselves. For now, as we promised the leader and our lord, we should be satisfied with the wide territory." Madox flashed the entirety of the land with Raziel's protection dome. The students all leaned in, very excited to see the greenery from a bird's eye view.

"Most of you who grew up in the academy are never been exposed to the world above water. Discover the plants and animals who co-exist with us. I know you are all fed up with sea creatures." Aude mentally rolled his eyes, 'I thought we're learning about geography? He's speaking gibberish.'

**Aude hesitated to knock on the coven lord's door, his fist raised in midair. He himself knows Raziel is supposed to be an important figure. 'But Raz is my friend, right?' He nodded to himself, suddenly feeling confident. After making up his mind Aude lifted his fist to knock on the door, but stopped by the shadow looming over him.

"You, there. Who are you?" The temperature dropped as the little witch felt a presence behind his back. He glanced and saw a brunette who looks like in his mid 20's glaring at him.

"Oh. I just wanted to visit Raz." Aude suddenly realized his mistake slapping his mouth lightly. "I mean! Lord Raziel." The both of them felt the door open much to Aude's relief. 'Must be Raz.' He thought to himself.

"Now, now Daemyn behave yourself." Raziel's light voice reached Aude's ear, making him let out a shaky sigh as he glance at the pissed off brunette.

Daemyn clicked his tongue, bumping against Aude's shoulder walking past him.  "My lord, it's the tenth intruder this week. It's obvious he knows." The little witch furrowed his brows as he turns to see Raziel lounging in his armchair with that raven haired teen snuggled on his lap.

Aude hesitated to intrude, but Raziel caught him staring. "Let's talk about this matter in my office, Daemyn. Aude dear? May I ask if you need something?"

'Missed me?' Raziel continued speaking using a mind link making Aude blush.

"Sorry for always intruding when you're busy." Aude said as he glances at the teen who's currently playing with Raziel's silver locks. The little witch awkwardly stands beside the doorway not knowing what to do. "I just wanted to ask you something. It's not important."

"Honestly, why would someone dare to rush in your chambers without notice. Unless. ." Daemyn glared at the rude vampire who's clearly showing off on purpose. "Be a good boy and head to the office, Daemyn. I'll follow afterwards." Daemyn grumbled, crossing his arms. "Go on, now. Don't make me teleport you there myself." Eventually, Daemyn nodded making Raziel laugh as he make his way to the door connecting the bedroom and office.

"Now that stubborn child is gone, don't be shy Aude." Raziel raised his finger pulling Aude towards them, placing the little witch a couple of steps in front of him and Rhydian.

"I always forget my friend is someone important now." Aude complained. "It's a trivial matter, the geography lesson we had is. . ."

"Rubbish?" Raziel chuckled. "I chose not to interfere with how they plan to teach the children. Honestly, I've been brushing off the meeting with the so-called elders. From what I know Kalhil has a hard time controlling them."

"They're no good, master. I mostly avoid them. They hate vampires, basically they hate everyone who's not them." Rhydian snuggled further into his master's hold making Aude glare at him momentarily.

'Raz, seriously that child has no manners. Why are you even with him.' Aude finally complained using the mind link.

'Jealous?' Raziel teased as he place his chin on top of the teen's head, wrapping his arms around Rhydian's waist. 'You might see him as a child but he's more than 50 years older than you. I grew fond of him. He's the first kin to my vampire blood.' He explained.

"Hey, are guys doing a witch thing?" Rhydian moved his head a little to glance behind him. Raziel's song-like chuckle filled the room as he ruffles the raven hair.

"Anyway, Daemyn is waiting. You must be dying to learn some real stuff Aude. Let's have Rhydian here guide you to the library. It's usually off limits, but Kalhil granted you access, yeah? Now get your cute butt off me before I. . ." Raziel stopped midway the moment Rhydian smiled cheekily at him.

Aude literally rolled his eyes in front of them. "Geez, I'm a minor! Don't traumatize me!" He turned his back stomping his way out of Raizel's chamber. He was about to head straight to his room, but stopped his little power walk the moment Raziel said 'library' through their mind-link. As much as Aude wants to decline, Raziel immediately cut off the link.

The little witch crossed his arm as he leaned his back on the wall glaring at the door in front of him. "What's taking them so long?" He mumbled, staring at the whimsical light orbs along the hallway.

'I should just bolt right?' After a few minutes it finally opened revealing a raven haired teen sporting a rather swollen lip.

'So that's why he took a while.'

"Sorry about that. Come on, let's head to the library. Master told me you're fond of reading." He looked lively as he guide Aude making the witch purse his lips. Comparing that sensual vibe Rhydian had back there to this perky frolicking cat in front of him. Isn't the change too drastic? The little witch stared at the feline-like teen with a complicated feeling.

"It's actually near. It used to be on another side of the building but Kalhil is on a renovating quest. He actually transferred the WHOLE library near master's quarters."

Rhydian stopped, glancing back at Aude, "Sorry I'm being talkative, right? I actually don't have friends here. So I mostly spend my time in the library." The perkiness he had in his voice awhile ago suddenly toned down.

Aude tilted his head, confused by the character in front of him. "You don't have a friend?" He asked in a sad voice.

"Oh. No need to be sad. Kalhil talks to me once in awhile. Ever since Raziel took notice of me. . . It's been fun. We have interesting conversations." Rhydian pointed at a golden door 5 meters away from Raziel's chambers.

"We're here!" He placed his thumb on a black square that's embedded on the arched shaped golden door. Aude stared at the peculiar door, noting it doesn't have a doorknob.

The door opened revealing an interior with endless books neatly organized along the dome-like shape of the room. The shelves are mounted following the circular perimeter all the way to the top. At the center of the ceiling a stained-glass dome skylight terminated the rows of book.

"Sir Kalhil has a unique taste in design." Aude marveled at the sight. Black marble flooring with gold metal inserts, organize books along the quartz-like walls, and a cozy reading area in the middle that's upholstered with black leather.

"Yeah. He's mostly influenced with Art Deco and a bit of Gothic architecture but he just loves to mix styles. Come on, let's jump." Rhydian jumped down to the circular recessed seating area in the middle of the room. Aude sighs as he heads to the step provided.

"Okay. I suggest you read Libro De Noxgimenos if you want to learn about this country." Aude was about to stand up again but Rhydian immediately grab hold of his wrist pulling him to sit back.

"That long ass ladder is for me, silly. You're a witch, this is made for a witch so do your witchy thing." Aude's mouth formed an 'O' with the realization.

"Libro De Noxgimenos, Ela Edo." Aude recited the incantation to summon an object.

"Oh how convenient." Rhydian clapped his hands, excited by this. His red ruby orbs shining with awe.

"Okay do that thingy where it makes the book flash stuff." Aude, uncomfortable with his bubbly personality, tilted his head.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Anyway. All you need to know is there. I'll leave you alone now. Let me go and find Kalhil to grant you access too. Clearly, Raziel loves to dote on you so. . ." Rhydian jumped back up, jogging towards the door.

"Provoli Maxima." He placed his hand on top of the book making it open by itself. Words magically appeared before his eyes as if dancing. The important information flashed above the book, highlighted for Aude to see.

¤NOXGIMENOS¤

|nöx • gi • me • nos|

•Land founded by the Nox Witches.

•Only country with a large population of witches.

•Follows the monarchy system. Currently ruled by King Levant Adair Nox.

•Country is composed of 5 dome protective layers. The King's castle occupies the core.

•Allied with vampire-centered countries Laquirilla, Bougani, and Saava.

Aude, completely intrigued, leaned closer to the highlighted information. The little witch sighed deeply as he trace 'Nox' using his finger. That familiar three letter word engraved with gold.

'The Raziel I knew always acted playfully. Even from a far I'm confident I'll be able to distinguish his voice. Even his breeze-like laugh. My 'friend' is always a calming presence for me. But seeing his last name written with gold leaf. . . No.'

'Ever since we revived him. He keeps going far out of reach. I miss the days where we spend our time leisurely inside the confines of my room. Those times where he helped me with my studies, even personally teaching me some incantations. '

Somehow, this situation brings out a bitter feeling to the little witch. Raziel Leor Nox and Ciel Aude Sinclair, as if two peas in a pod, has been together for 16 years. It's normal for the teen to miss his friend. He got used to having Raziel's shadow beside him at all times that he feels lost without him. It's like he got robbed of his most precious friend.

Aude bit his lips trying to hold back tears as he wave his hand on top of the book, "Provoli Nox." He recited as he brace himself.

¤Nox Witches

•The first coven ever existed. Founded by the original witch.

•As centuries past, the coven expanded turning into a kingdom.

•Known for their protective dome.

•Lives in harmony with humans.

•Nearly extinct.

"Oh? From what I know the witches usually lives in seclusion. Like this coven. Does this mean Raziel plans to merge his coven with the citizens of. . . Provoli Nox Triplets." Aude hoped to learn more about Raziel.

"Learning about his siblings. . . this Levant." Aude waited for the book to highlight information about the triplets but to his disappointment. . . Nothing happened. The provoli, an incantation used to reveal information, did not work with 'Nox Triplets'. Aude was sure he could find at least some small detail, but to his dismay it seems they are not included in this book.

"Provoli Raziel Leor Nox," he tried, waiting for a reaction but still nothing. The little witch leaned against the backrest while scanning the room filled with books.

"Is it easier to ask Raziel himself?"