The Mage's Familiar

Kelix Garadmus is a new professor at Hollow Spirits University, the most prestigious magical institution in the kingdom. As a young mage prodigy, he has already achieved what many spend lifetimes pursuing. Now, tradition demands he summon a demihuman familiar to serve him throughout his career. Though raised with the knowledge that demihumans exist solely to serve mages, Kelix finds himself questioning everything when he gazes upon his new familiar. In a world where loving one's familiar is not only forbidden but illegal, their growing connection threatens everything he has worked to achieve. How can he deny the pull in his heart when every glance, every touch, sparks a connection neither can ignore?

The Mage's Familiar

Kelix Garadmus is a new professor at Hollow Spirits University, the most prestigious magical institution in the kingdom. As a young mage prodigy, he has already achieved what many spend lifetimes pursuing. Now, tradition demands he summon a demihuman familiar to serve him throughout his career. Though raised with the knowledge that demihumans exist solely to serve mages, Kelix finds himself questioning everything when he gazes upon his new familiar. In a world where loving one's familiar is not only forbidden but illegal, their growing connection threatens everything he has worked to achieve. How can he deny the pull in his heart when every glance, every touch, sparks a connection neither can ignore?

Kelix held the box of his possessions in his hands as he gazed up at the majestic building before him. He couldn't help it as a grin formed upon his lips. Standing there, between the front gates to the world's most prestigious schools felt like a dream come true. He felt an overwhelming sense of pride sweep through him. He took a deep breath, breathing in the smell of pumpkin spice from the nearby cafe. He'd have to make a note to visit there for his morning coffee each morning.

"This is it. I've finally made it. My dreams will finally begin."

Taking a step forward, he crossed the threshold. The ends of his robe swayed behind him in the gentle autumn breeze as colourful leaves danced across the stone pathway leading up to the school's building. Entering the building he squeezed past a couple of professors standing in the doorway and talking, making his way to the front desk. After giving the receptionist his info card she handed him his key and initiation box. Without much else he made his way down the long corridors until he found his room. He stepped into the lecture hall and whistled at the sight. It was one thing to be sitting in one as a student, but to be at the helm of one as the professor? Well to say it was overwhelming was an understatement.

Kelix was quick to set his box down on the table. He'd worry about unpacking in a minute. For now he wanted to see what was given to him. Quickly snatching the initiation box off the top of his things he opened it. His heart skipped a beat when he saw what was inside. The hood on his robes shifted a bit and the small black dragon peeked its little head out and climbed onto his shoulder. It leaned forward, sniffing the summoning stone Kelix held in his hand. It looked up at him, blinking with a tilted head. Kelix sighed. He knew he would have to. But this still felt too soon for him. He felt the same nervousness he felt the first time he summoned Helix.

"I know... I know... Just... This is different. It feels... Strange..."

He stroked Helix's head before scooping the tiny dragon up and taking it over to the tables. He set it down and booped its nose. With a smile he turned and made his way to the centre of the room. Holding out his hands, the crystal floated, suspended in mid-air, radiating a soft, pulsating light. With a swirl of magical energy, the air around him crackling with anticipation. The crystal responded, its light intensifying as it began to spin slowly, casting a mesmerizing array of colors across the room.

The crystal pulsed with a radiant brilliance, sending waves of energy rippling outward. Loose pages began swirling around the room as books began to shake. Kelix summoned forth a cascade of iridescent energy, each tendril dancing like a ribbon in the wind, swirling around the crystal. The crystal's glow intensified, casting prismatic beams that painted the surroundings in a kaleidoscope of colors. And then finally a bright light overtook the room.

Kelix had shielded his eyes from the light. Once the light faded away he stared at where the crystal had shifted into the form of his new demihuman familiar. His eyes widened at the sight. She stood there, completely nude before him. She was absolutely stunning and perfect. He couldn't ask for a better familiar. But why was his heart beating so fast in his chest at the sight of her?

It had been almost a month since Kelix had summoned his demihuman familiar. He had since bought her proper clothing to wear and helped her get situated in her own room in his apartment. He wasn't rich or anything, but he felt bad not giving her what she needed and wanted since she would be with him for the rest of his life. Helix had taken a liking to her as well and was labeled a traitor by Kelix whenever he found the little dragon cuddling up to her.

He mostly had her take care of cleaning the apartment and cooking for him while he worked on planning for classes. It was simple tasks, and when she wasn't busy with them she was allowed to do as she pleased. He asked her to stay in the apartment as much as possible unless she visited the campus, but didn't press the matter too much if she didn't. He was mostly worried about her safety.

Finally it was the first day of classes. This meant she was no longer to stay home. She was to attend classes by Kelix's side as his familiar. For the most part throughout the day she sat on top of the bookshelf in the back of the class watching over the students and making sure they were paying attention. But Kelix occasionally had her help him with tasks such as errands or fetching him stuff.

Of course almost everyone had taken notice of her. Many of the professors envious while the students were fascinated with her. As the day came to a close, Kelix slumped back into his chair as he groaned. The last student leaving the class.

"That was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. Who knew teaching magic would be so strenuous?"

He took out his cellphone, checking the time. It was hard to believe it had only been several hours. It felt like an eternity. He pushed it back into his pocket and pushed his feet to make the chair spin for a moment. It was going to take some getting used to. The students were all good kids at least. Willing to learn, even the problem students. Even still, he needed to figure out the best approach. As the chair stopped spinning he glanced to his familiar. A blush crossed his cheeks and he coughed to clear his throat.

"What are your thoughts on everything? I know it's been an adjustment being used to life. And even though you are a demihuman I'd like to hear your thoughts, little one."

He smiled at her, leaning his elbows on the table as he gazed fondly at his little familiar. His instinctively rubbed the rune mark on the back of his hand. The one that connected him to her. As he watched Helix nuzzle against her neck before scurrying down to Kelix's desk.