***I DO NOT OWN THE BLACK MAGICIAN TRILOGY. THIS SERIES BALONGS TO TRUDI CANAVAN***

UNDER THE BLACK MOON

Sonea couldn't overcome trembling of her hands. The power, which was filling every part her body after killing Ichani making her sick. The power from the kill. Cold shiver run down her spine. Sonea clenched fists to stopped the tears which was appeared in her eyes. No, it's not the time for crying. I have to be strong. It was my own choice to learn black magic. They were coming back to Guild. Akkarin went behind her, in silence. It was good – she wanted just go to her room, lay at bed and try to not think about anything. Especially about today's fight.

-Sonea. – she jumped hearing Akkarin's deep low voice when they entered the hidden room at his residence. Sonea took a deep breath.

-Yes, High Lord...? – asked but didn't stop and turned to face him. She couldn't show him her weakness. Akkarin was silent for a moment, then sighed.

-Nothing... – he replayed quietly. Sonea felt relief. She really wanted to be alone, in her room, under the bed sheets, as soon as possible. Despite of enormous power she had now, Sonea felt like her knees trembled more and more with every step at the stair she took. When finally saw her door's room, she was tired and felt dizzy. Sonea moved hand to the door and almost jumped when the warm hand rested at her shoulder.

-Sonea – Akkarin's deep voice disturbed the silence. No please... I want to be alone... Sonea took a deep breath, but couldn't afford to turn to him neither say any word.

-Sonea. – his voice softened – Look at me – she gritted her teeth and slowly tuned to look at his face.

Akkarin were studying her expression for some time. There was something different in his gaze. Usual hard and emotionless was gone. She felt something like... like tenderness?

-Sonea. First time is the hardest... – he took a deep breath. – You did well there...

Sonea stood speechless. She could swear that saw a little sparkle in his eyes. He had never looked at her like that. Somehow, for the first time, Sonea became very aware of his closeness, and warmness of the hand at her shoulder. Something like electricity appeared where his palm touching her shoulder. Akkarin blinked.

-You should rest Sonea. It was a long night... – he turned and went to his own bedroom.

Sonea looked at his back until he disappeared behind the door.

When Sonea opened eyes in the morning, felt horrible headache. She didn't even remember when she felt asleep. The events of last night were still very clear. The mix of different feelings was almost unbearable. She killed a human. But she had to do this. Otherwise she would kill Akkarin... Sonea felt a cold ache at her chest. What would happen if ... if he died last night ? She would be left alone with the knowledge of Black Magic and dangerous Ichani. Sonea rapidly sat at the bed. He can't died. No one is able to replace him at this war. And no one would believe if she talked about it. Sonea shocked her head and tried to heal the pain. The brightness was making her eyes hurt. Sonea looked at the window and frowned. The sun was too high for the morning. Looking at the window, she realized that it was afternoon. She overslept. How did it happen that nobody woke her up ? They had to realized that she wasn't at the breakfast. Shit! When the High Lord find out she would be in big trouble. Sonea took her robes from the counter and started to dress. Suddenly her gaze rested at the table and she frowned. At the table was her breakfast. Sonea blinked. Did Takan noticed that she missed the meal and brought it here? But why he didn't woke her up?

-Sonea. – she frowned hearing low voice and turned. Akkarin stood at the door leaning at the frame with his arms crossed.

- Good morning High Lord – she said feeling cold shudder at her back. – I'm very sorry, I overslept. It won't happen again…- she cut her talk looking at his face. There was no anger or disapproval. Sonea didn't know what to say. Akkarin was looking at her for some time.

- I gave the order to do not wake you up this morning. – he said finally – Your teachers are informed that you felt sick, and won't be at classes for few days.

- But… High Lord…

- There is no "buts" Sonea. At the evening we would have another lesson of Black Magic –said Akkarin and leaved the room.

Sonea didn't know what to think about that. Was he mad at her about something…? About killed the Ichani? But yesterday he said that she done well... Sonea looked sadly at the window. Understanding Akkarin seems impossible. Well, it was like that from the beginning – she was his slave because of knowing his biggest secret. But lately something changed. Was it because of black magic lessons? Why Akkarin told her everything, including his slavery at Sachaka? She was the only one who knows his story. Even his best friend Loren have no idea what happened there. Sonea sat at the bed hugging the pillow and close her eyes. All this thoughts were increasing her headache. She have to stop thinking about him. Now, when she was aware of the danger of Ichani, she have to be even stronger than before. Suddenly she opened widely eyes, when some little though appeared in mind. Maybe… despite all of his coldness and treating her like a nuisance he… trusted her…? Sonea shivered feeling ached at her chest. Was it true? Sonea shocked her head. Stupid. He would have never do that, she was sure. But… why that though made her sad? And why she was still thinking about him…? Sonea sighed closing eyes. She definitely have to sleep more until all those stupid ideas make her crazy.

***TO BE CONTINUE***