"...and so we see that the resonant patterns of Leb and Viur Essence with the desired effect are in a complex but predictable relationship," Professor Horne explained, his thin fingers dancing over the shimmering Essence threads in front of him.

  Valentina sat in the front row, her eyes fixed on the patterns he visualized for them. She felt a self-satisfied smile steal onto her lips. The lecture was a challenge for most students, but for her it was almost too easy by now.

  "Boring," Vyxara muttered in her head. "We'd better focus on how to destroy Faustus in the tie-break."

  Valentina suppressed a chuckle. "Patience," she thought back. "We can't rush things, we have to be careful. I can't just skip all the lectures now."

  "Most of these lectures are a joke," the demon snorted. "We should – "

  "Valentina," Professor Horne's voice interrupted their inner conversation. "Perhaps you would like to explain to us how the Leb Essence in this pattern could be strengthened without jeopardizing the stability of the resonance and changing the achieved effect?"

  Valentina smiled confidently. "Of course, Professor. We could, of course, very precisely insert a customized Vanderlieu Spiral into the existing pattern, while taking care that the amplitude of the Leb vibrations does not exceed that of the surrounding Viur Essence. At the same time, if you are very daring, you could subtly weave in Z?t Essence to increase the coherence of the whole construct, which would in turn help with stability."

  A murmur went through the lecture hall. Professor Horne beamed with pride. "Excellent, Valentina! A difficult approach but that would work very well indeed."

  Valentina felt the envious looks from her classmates, but she didn't care. She had worked hard for it – well, in certain ways.

  "Oh, he's so obvious," Vyxara giggled. "Our good professor can hardly take his eyes off you."

  Valentina ignored the comment and concentrated on the lecture again. Professor Horne continued to draw complex Essence patterns on the slate, but his gaze kept wandering to her.

  Suddenly, Valentina felt an elbow in her side. She turned around and looked into Innogen's worried face.

  "Isn't he disgusting, Val?" her friend whispered. "He's ogling you like a fillet all the time today."

  Valentina forced herself to smile. "It's alright, Innogen. You know how men can be. My mind's more on the tie-break, to be honest."

  Innogen frowned. "Hm, well, of course it's good that you're taking it so lightly, but perhaps you should be a little more concerned about it..."

  "What do you mean?" Valentina asked more sharply than intended.

  "Well, he obviously prefers you," Innogen replied hesitantly. "And you often stay to ask him questions after class. He... hasn't tried anything, has he?"

  Valentina felt her stomach tighten.

  "Careful, little Weaver," warned Vyxara. "Your friend is observant."

  "It's really nothing," Valentina said placatingly. "Professor Horne is just giving me a few extra tasks, that's all."

  Innogen didn't look convinced, but before she could probe further, Professor Horne raised his voice again.

  "Now, let's take a look at the practical applications of this theory. Who would like to be the first to try weaving this stable Leb-Viur weave?"

  Valentina's hand shot up, followed by Faustus Boarfend's, who gave her a venomous look.

  "Ah, Valentina," said Professor Horne with a warm smile. "Please, show us what you can do."

  As Valentina stepped forward, she felt everyone's eyes on her. She took a deep breath and let her fingers glide through the air. Threads of Essence began to wind around her hands, bright and vibrant.

  With adept movements, she wove the complex pattern of Leb and Viur Essence. The threads danced and merged, forming a perfect harmony.

  "You're doing very well," murmured Professor Horne, his eyes shining. "Very skillful."

  Valentina allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. She knew she was good – but she never tired of having it confirmed.

  "Well done, little Weaver," Vyxara purred in her head.

  When Valentina returned to her seat, she caught Innogen's concerned look. For a moment, she felt a twinge of guilt. Her friend was really worried about her.

  But she knew what was at stake. She couldn't afford to go soft now.

  The lecture was drawing to a close, and Professor Horne gave some final instructions. "Don't forget to hand in your essays on the geometric categories for Z?t Essence with medicinal intent by next week."

  His gaze lingered on Valentina for a moment, a barely perceptible smile playing around his lips.

  As the students began to pack up their things, Valentina leaned over to "accidentally" drop her quill. It was the perfect excuse to stay a moment longer.

  "Clever," Vyxara commented teasingly.

  Valentina ignored the insinuating undertone in Vyxara's voice. It didn't matter, she had to get everything out of Horne that he knew about the tie-break.

  The lecture hall slowly emptied, the sound of chairs scraping and muffled conversations filling the room. Valentina bent down to pick up her 'accidentally' dropped quill, careful to keep her eyes on Professor Horne.

  "Showtime, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head. "Show him what he wants to see."

  Valentina slowly straightened up, brushed her hair back and smiled slightly sheepishly. "Professor Horne?" she asked in a voice that she deliberately made sound a little softer than usual. "Do you have a moment for me?"

  The ageing professor turned around, his eyes lighting up when he saw Valentina. "Of course, my dear. How can I help you?"

  Valentina stepped closer, taking care to keep the distance between them just large enough to appear professional, but small enough to suggest a certain intimacy. "I have a few more questions about the advanced resonance patterns you mentioned today. Especially in light of the upcoming tie-break..."

  Professor Horne nodded thoughtfully. "Ah yes, the tie-break. A remarkable opportunity for you to demonstrate your extraordinary talent. Believe me, I was very disappointed with your performance in the last round, I would have liked you to win."

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Valentina lowered her eyes, playing with a strand of hair. "That's very kind of you, Professor. But I still feel so... unprepared. Perhaps we could meet this week for an... extra lesson?"

  She saw Horne's Adam's apple move as he swallowed. His voice was slightly hoarse as he replied, "That... that would certainly be possible, Valentina. Maybe Friday night in my office?"

  "That would be wonderful, Professor," Valentina said with a radiant smile. She took a step closer, her voice now barely more than a whisper. "I'm sure you have so much to teach me."

  Horne's eyes widened slightly, his hands shaking almost imperceptibly. "Yes, I... I think I do. We'll make sure you're... adequately prepared."

  "Oh, he's so easy to manipulate," Vyxara giggled. "Almost too easy."

  Valentina ignored the comment and concentrated on Horne. "I can't wait, Professor."

  At that moment, they heard a throat clearing behind them. Valentina turned and saw Innogen standing in the doorway, her eyes narrowed and her expression suspicious.

  "Val? Are you coming? We're about to have lunch," said Innogen, her eyes wandering back and forth between Valentina and Professor Horne.

  Valentina forced herself to smile unselfconsciously. "Of course, Innogen. I'll be right there." She turned to Professor Horne once more. "Thank you for your time, Professor. I look forward to seeing you on Friday."

  Horne nodded, visibly trying to regain his composure. "Yes, yes. See you Friday then, Valentina."

  As Valentina left the lecture hall, she felt Innogen's inquiring gaze on her. She knew her friend would have questions, but now was not the right time.

  "Careful, little Weaver," warned Vyxara. "Your nosy friend could be a problem."

  Valentina sighed inwardly. She hated lying to Innogen, but she had no choice. The tie-break had top priority.

  As they walked along the corridor, the air was already filled with the aromatic smell of freshly cooked stew from the kitchens. Students streamed past them, laughing and joking. For a moment, Valentina felt a pang of longing for the light-heartedness she had once shared with them.

  But then she remembered her father's worried face, the hope in her siblings' eyes. She couldn't weaken now. Not now.

  "Val?" Innogen's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "You look so sad again. What are you thinking about?"

  Valentina forced herself to smile. "Oh, nothing at all, it was just a little daydream."

  Innogen nodded slowly, obviously unconvinced. "If you say so. But if there were something, you would tell me, yes?"

  "Of course," Valentina lied automatically. "Come on, let's go eat. I'm starving."

  ~

  The next day, Valentina sat deep in the far corner of the library, surrounded by high stacks of old books and yellowed parchments.

  "The library again?" Vyxara sighed in her head, bored. "We should be more active, little Weaver."

  Valentina ignored the demon and concentrated on the book in front of her. "Advanced Weaving Techniques of Mechanical Object Manipulation" was the title, and she was particularly interested in a chapter on opening locked doors.

  "Look at that," she murmured softly. "If you combine the Luvt Essence with a precise gate pattern, you can theoretically overcome any mechanical lock."

  "Fascinating," yawned Vyxara. "But how about we explore Faustus' weaknesses instead? His routines, his living quarters... That might prove more useful than those dusty old books. There's nothing in there I couldn't teach you – and better."

  Valentina paused, her finger still resting on her side. "Why do you think I'm looking for ways to open locked doors, Vyxara? Of course I want to find out more about his weaknesses, but I have to be careful. If I get caught..."

  "Then don't get caught," the demon interrupted her. "But I see we're thinking along similar lines."

  She sighed softly. In the past, the thought of spying on someone would never have crossed her mind. But things had changed.

  "I can hardly believe it, but yes," she finally whispered. "We have to do whatever it takes."

  "Good," Vyxara purred contentedly. "I knew you'd come to your senses."

  Valentina began to pack up her things and left the library.

  "Alright," said Vyxara, "let's spy on Faustus. Where do we start?"

  Valentina thought for a moment. "His living quarters," she finally said. "We need to find out where he keeps his stuff, what security measures he has in place."

  "Good thinking," praised Vyxara. "And don't forget to pay attention to his daily habits. Any routine can be a potential entry point."

  Valentina nodded imperceptibly as she wandered through the corridors of Bridgewater University. The thought of spying on Faustus filled her with both nervousness and excitement.

  "Remember to be careful," Vyxara warned. "If he gets suspicious, he might be taking precautions."

  "I know," Valentina murmured quietly. "But I'll do my best to make sure he doesn't even notice me."

  With these words, she disappeared into the shadows of the buildings.

  Valentina spent the next three days following Faustus like a shadow. Supported by the ever-attentive Vyxara, Valentina was constantly on her guard, ready to hide or dart into a side corridor as soon as he made even the slightest move in her direction.

  On the first morning, she strategically positioned herself in an alcove near Faustus' living area. The cool morning shrouded the campus in a misty veil that further concealed her presence.

  "Here he comes," Vyxara whispered in her head just before the massive wooden door to Faustus' quarters swung open.

  Faustus stepped out, dressed in his usual expensive robes. He yawned once, stretched and let a fart rip unabashedly before making his way to the dining room.

  Valentina followed him at a safe distance, carefully noting his every move. She watched as he sat down at the table of his usual clique, loudly blaspheming Valentina.

  "I'm going to finish her off completely," he announced cockily. "She'll probably do the rounds and go begging so she can continue to afford university. Or she'll go down to the river port selling herself to the boatsmen."

  Valentina clenched her fists, but suppressed the impulse to weave a pattern to ugly effect.

  "Calm down," Vyxara admonished. "Let him talk. Soon he'll get what he deserves."

  The rest of the day followed a similar pattern. Faustus attended his lectures, spent time in the library and met with various students – no doubt to maintain his connections and gather information. Valentina was always keen not to lose sight of him and to fulfill her own obligations at the same time.

  On the third day, Valentina noticed an interesting detail in his routine. Every afternoon at three sharp, Faustus disappeared for about an hour in a secluded part of the campus.

  "That's promising," muttered Vyxara. "Maybe a secret meeting? Or is he hiding something?"

  Valentina nodded imperceptibly. "We should definitely look into it," she whispered.

  She crept after Faustus as he made his way back to his secret destination. He led her to an old, dilapidated greenhouse on the edge of the university grounds.

  Valentina cautiously peered through a dusty window pane. What she saw made her furrow her eyebrows. Faustus was standing in the middle of the greenhouse, surrounded by shimmering Essence threads. He seemed to be working on a particularly complex Weaving technique.

  "Interesting," commented Vyxara. "He's practicing in secret. Why is he doing that? He could just as well be practicing in his room. We should get to the bottom of this."

  Valentina watched in fascination as Faustus glided his hands through the air, weaving his patterns. She had to grudgingly admit that he knew what he was doing. But she was better.

  As Faustus finished his exercises, slipped a small bronze instrument into his pocket and left the greenhouse, Valentina quickly ducked behind a bush. Her heart was racing with excitement at what she had just seen.

  Back in her room, Valentina began to analyze her observations.

  "So," she said quietly to Vyxara, "what do we have?"

  "Well, his routine is pretty predictable," the demon replied. "Except for his secret practice sessions, of course. That could be a starting point. We need to find out what that instrument was. Quite possibly, it was the Eye of Deceit. And we need to know where he hid the Eye of Deceit."

  Valentina nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, but how do we do it?"

  "Perhaps we could sabotage his exercises," Vyxara suggested. "A subtle intervention in his Essence patterns could work wonders."

  Valentina smiled dreamily. "You know… that could work," she whispered. "If we do it carefully, he might not even realize we were involved."

  "Yes, little Weaver," agreed Vyxara. "But don't let your thirst for revenge blind you. We must proceed prudently."

  Valentina took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. "You're right," she said, "we will be careful. But I can't deny that the thought of punching Faustus in the face fills me with joy."

  She thought of all the times Faustus had humiliated her, his condescending comments and his arrogant manner. Now she finally had the chance to get back at him.

  "Enjoy this feeling," Vyxara purred contentedly. "But remember, revenge is best served cold. We have time to perfect our plan."

  Valentina nodded resolutely. She would be patient, plan well and when the right moment came, she would strike.

  With renewed vigor, she set about making her notes and developing further strategies. The evening was still young.

  Outside, the campus fell into deep darkness, but Valentina barely noticed. Her thoughts were entirely on her plan, on the sweet taste of the revenge to come.

  "Soon," she murmured softly, more to herself than to Vyxara. "Soon Faustus will get what he deserves."