How to Make a Sinner Sleep - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

"I wonder if it is due to the Devil Moon's approach."
Professor Raymond leaned back in his chair, hands folded over each other while the tapping of his fingers told of his restless unease. Professor Alexander stood at his side, solemn and betraying nothing.
"The Devil's Moon makes monsters restless, and nulls abilities. It is proved that our abilities are weakest on that night, and for some, non-existent." said Alexander with a frown.
Raymond's tapping grew more frantic before he snatched his hands away and smoothened the papers on his desk. A messy and cluttered mess of paper, parted to reveal a perfect square in the center of the desk.
If Kaden recalled correctly, Alexander's own desk was displayed in a similar fashion, with the mess of paper surrounding a neat square at the center.
It was said people who spent time together ended up adopting similar habits.
"Yes, that's true, Alex. I suppose it is, but we can't rule out the possibility of other factors we haven't observed—after all, magic itself is a phenomenon that we cannot possibly be arrogant enough to assume we have much understanding of—"
"Professor." interrupted Kaden, standing in front of the desk with his hands politely rested at his side, and waiting. "What's this about the Devil's Moon?"
"Well, I'm glad you've asked! I'm sure you're already aware that it's dangerous to go out on that night, and that monsters run rampant. The day and night no longer belong to us on that day."
"Yes, I'm aware."
The night of the Devil's Moon was one that Kaden especially was familiar with, not only because of the fearful whispers that ran along the servants, or Reed's absence which Kaden wasn't certain was due to fear, or other duties.
It was because on that night, when he was alone in the castle with not even a ghost to speak to, there was a boy who visited him on that specific time.
A boy when he was a boy, and a teenager when he was a teenager. Somebody close to age with him, shroud by the darkness of the sinister evening, and a voice so quiet it was hard to decipher any tells or tone.
Raymond looked intrigued by the glimmer of softness on his student's expression, but chose not to pry. It wouldn't do anything.
"Now, it's something that we would've discussed further in class, and the night before the date, but abilities, in most cases, do not work on that evening. We aren't entirely certain of the reasons, if there's some sort of barrier due to the moon's covering, although it's really quite fascinating—"
"Ray." Alexander cleared his throat as the other sheepishly smiled, gathering his thoughts again.
Kaden remained steady, standing still. He raised an eyebrow curiously, almost prompting the professor to keep speaking, to reveal whatever secrets that might slip in his ramblings.
Alexander frowned upon noticing, keeping a closer eye onto Raymond's words. The student before him wasn't simple, and could reap secrets just by listening.
Although Kaden didn't really want to pry secrets from a Professor he admired, there were too many secrets in the Academy. Too many things that the students weren't informed of, too many dangers with no reasons behind them.
He supposed that there wasn't always meant to be a reason behind some things, and that no matter how long one would wonder, there would never be any answers.
"What does that night have to do with my... episode?"
The feeling of a loss of control still remained at the top of his fingers, a tingling that danced and spun in the flow of his blood. It hung in the air around him, a madness that brushed against his skin and coaxed goosebumps to rise.
Noah had managed to calm him down, but he couldn't rely on Noah all the time. And what if the dragon's words couldn't break him free the next time?
"Your symptoms, Mr. Chauvet, were signs of a Reversal. However, it is near impossible for a student in your year to gain that, unless you've used your abilities almost daily, which I don't believe you have."
"I haven't."
"Precisely. Therefore, the other clause can only be the approach of the Devil's Moon, when obscurity learns more obscurity, and nothing makes sense."
Kaden wanted to question how Raymond could trust his words so quickly without argument, but decided it was just the professor's character. Alexander seemed to also want to say something, but clamped his mouth shut with a sigh.
Raymond ran a hand through his greying hair, ruffled from perhaps a night of reading and research. "Regardless, I pulled you to the side because several of the Professors noticed something strange in the air. It wouldn't have been safe to leave you there."
"You suspected I may harm somebody?"
"I'm afraid, Mr. Chauvet, that your blessing in rather unknown and deadly. There was no saying what could happen, or even if you'd be able to control it."
"I see."
It seemed that even his fate to whatever higher beings that existed was meant to be a life of cruelty and inflicting pain. Kaden almost laughed at the irony of it. What a blessing indeed.
Alexander closed his eyes, calmly gazing at Kaden. "Student, we aren't questioning you, but your ability. They are things to be seen separately. Ultimately, you have been called here to be informed."
"Oh, yes!" Raymond nodded hurriedly. "There's nothing wrong with you, so don't blame yourself please. For now, it'll be best you stay in your room in case any other incidents happen. We'll know if anything occurs."
Kaden had no reason to disagree—he wasn't in favour for harming other students because of his sudden episodes of mania.
Then, he recalled a particular roommate of his. "Will Noah Bellamy be required to stay in another room for the upcoming nights, until after the Devil's Moon?"
"Oh, I hadn't thought about that. That may be wise. Mr. Bellamy has shown exemplary skill, and if my eyes still work properly, he was the one that helped calm you down, correct?"
Kaden nodded and Raymond's eyes glazed over in thought again. "Well. It's an unheard of case, terribly hard to predict—is it worth the risk to have somebody remain with you, oh but in case of injury, now that might be a disaster... well—"
"Ray." said Alexander again, another reminder of the man's ramblings, though there wasn't a hint of exasperation in Alexander's face. Only endearment.
"Right. Well, I'll leave that for you to decide, Mr. Chauvet. Mr. Bellamy doesn't seem to be much at risk, and I do believe there would be no grave danger, but that doesn't mean it's entirely impossible. Discus with him what he'd be comfortable with."
"I understand. Thank you."
Alexander nodded quietly, and Raymond smiled. "Really, if you have any questions, any at all, my office is open at whatever time. Well, preferably during day but—"
"Thank you, Professor Raymond." said Kaden genuinely.
He bowed faintly and excused himself from the room without adding anything ot the conversation. Raymond twirled a pen, satisfied.
"Goodness, there are so many rumours of Mr. Chauvet, and yet he really is nothing as many say. It's a pity what glaring whispers he must endure."
Alexander crossed his arms, skimming over the stacks of paperwork that were left half-finished. "It's unfortunate, indeed. But all rumours hold some truth to them."
"Now, Alex, don't tell me you believe in them?"
"I wouldn't judge my students based off rumours, Ray. But there is a darkness in that boy, one that neither you or I can decipher."
"He's hardly a boy—he's almost 20."
"And we are entering our 50's. He's a boy in my eyes."
"I'm still young at heart! And that's all that really matters—my fresh mind that still has much more information to store. No matter, Alex. Since you're here," Raymond smiled sneakily as he reached out to drag a stack of paper forward.
Alexander shook his head with a soft laugh, pulling a spare seat as he grabbed a pen and his own stack of papers.
However, he looked back up once at the closed doors.
There were many strange things that occurred in the year already. The sudden increase in monsters. The enrollment of not only the dragon, Noah Bellamy, but also the notorious sinner, Kaden Chauvet.
A reversal in affect due to the Devil's Moon. The injury of students, rapidly increasing. A madness was befalling the lands, and he wondered if it would colour everything in its chaos.
How long could the Academy keep it's secrets?
In the end, he didn't think it was his time to intrude on the present. The main characters were not the old, like himself, but the young and curious.
He would only watch, make sure Raymond didn't step a foot into death's door as he often ended up doing, and then wait. Wait to see what sort of world everything would become, what sort of play the students would act out.
——xxx——
Noah came back to the dorms after waiting in the classroom for Kaden, who did not return, later in the evening. He'd been tired, searching around for Kaden who disappeared with Raymond.
When he approached the last place Kaden might be, he certainly did not expect to open the doors to his roommate stuffing his pillows into a large bag.
Again. His pillows. Noah's pillows.
Noah leaned against the door frame silently, but the other paid him no heed.
Then, he asked, "What are you doing?"
A pillow that Kaden was violently trying to stuff inside slipped from his hands as he looked up, blinking twice. Like a guilty thief, sneaking inside and getting caught.
"Bellamy. I hate to tell you this when I know you enjoy my company so much, but I'll need you to find somewhere else to sleep for a few nights."
Noah raised an eyebrow, lips set in a thin line. "Do you plan to tell me why?"
"Not particularly. Perhaps I want some space for you, much as I love and adore your powerful and oh so wonderful presence—"
"Chauvet." said Noah slowly, in the low, probing tone that made it impossible not to look at him. "You're lying to me."
"I'm not lying. It might be hard to understand, but a man needs his space sometimes. If you ask Niklas, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to explain the workings of a happy relationship."
Kaden continued to stuff everything Noah might need, clothes, pillows, even the blanket somehow, straddling the bag and zipping it closed as it bulged around the sides.
Honestly, it was a lot to kick somebody out of their own room. However, Kaden didn't want to risk any traces of his ability remaining in this shared space.
He walked over, thrusting the bag into the dragon's arm, and slowly pushed Noah outside. Noah didn't fight back, slightly out of concern due to Kaden's earlier episode, and also absolute confusion why he was being evicted of his own room.
When Kaden successfully drew Noah out, he smiled that fake, purposely arrogant smile of his. "I'll be in seclusion for a few days, take some notes for me, alright? Arlo also needs to be watched over if you have some time, though Nicola should be happy to help."
"Chauvet. Tell me now, what's all this?"
Kaden's smile drop and he grew solemn. "Listen, Bellamy. My abilities could run havoc at any given moment for the next few days. I'm not risking anybody's safety."
"And it isn't more dangerous alone?"
"I can handle it."
Noah scoffed, shaking his head as his dark eyes skimmed over Kaden's disheveled appearance. "It would be a lie to say I believe you."
"And while I'll do my best to win your trust on a different date, leave me alone."
Noah tilted his chin darkly. "I have no reason to agree to your request."
"I'm not asking." said Kaden with finality as he stepped back and slammed the door in front of the dragon's face without warning, leaving a dull echo in the hallway and Noah's bewilderment.
Noah stood blankly, staring as if his gaze could burn a hole through the door and grant his access.
Then, Niklas walked by curiously. He let out a puff of laughter and Noah's display of a poor man kicked out of his house. "What's this? Couple's fight? Tell me now, so I can buy some popcorn and come back over to watch."
Noah shot him a look before crouching down calmly, unpacking the items in the bag. He shrugged off his bag with his stationary and one too many books, laying the pillow and blanket down before he leaned against the wall.
"I hate to ask this Noah, but what're you doing?"
"It's getting late."
"Yes, I know. That doesn't really answer my question though."
"I'm preparing to sleep."
Niklas stared at the cozy set up that would be uncomfortable no matter how many pillows were added, and continued to stare when Noah piled his small stack of books neatly.
"You're really a man of many surprises, Noah." said Niklas finally, trembling with laughter that he swallowed back at Noah's glare. "Want some company?"
"No."
"Thank goodness, I don't sleep well in hallways."
Noah cast another look, radiating the air of one that wanted to be left alone, even if it meant being alone in the dusty hallways, sitting miserably outside his own room.
Niklas painted an entire melodramatic scene out of a romance novel, sighing.
Noah didn't spare the other another look, leaning against the door as he pulled the blanket over his legs, his messy black-white hair mused as he leaned back, spreading the pages of a book open on his lap.
Niklas watched, deciding not to intervene in his friend's odd behaviour and instead flicked his thoughtful gaze to the closed door.
"I heard what happened. Did you hear what caused it?"
Noah flipped the page calmly, perfectly settled onto his spot on the ground. Somehow, even in his smother of blankets, he made sleeping in the hallway charming and elegant.
He didn't look up. "The Devil's Moon, supposedly."
Niklas frowned. "I've heard that abilities are supposed to be dulled to almost nothing, if not nothing, on that evening."
"Kaden's a peculiar case."
"And is that why you've glued yourself to his door?"
Noah read another sentence before replying, brushing a wayward wave of his hair back, and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his black shirt. He was often too cold, but tonight he felt warm. Was it the heating in the hallway?
"That fool won't say anything even if he's in pain. He needs somebody to look closely after him, or he'll bury himself in blankets and not speak a word."
Niklas laughed. "You're not wrong. Well, thanks, Noah. I'm clocking out for the evening, but I'll drop by in the morning. Come wake me if anything happens and I'll sprint over like a dashing prince." He paused, and looked at the door again, unable to mask the worry. "Really. Anything at all."
Noah nodded, briefly watching Niklas disappear down the hallway before returning his attention to the book.
Then, beyond the door, he heard a thud.