The next morning, Valentina met Crispin in the library, where they had arranged to meet so that Valentina could prepare for the tie-break.

  "Good morning, Val," Crispin greeted her with a shy smile. "I've already reserved us a table in the corner."

  Valentina returned the smile. "Thank you, Crispin. You really are a treasure."

  They sat down and spread out their documents. Crispin had already laid out several books on advanced Essence Theory.

  "I thought we could focus on the theory of resonance amplification today," he suggested. "That could be useful in the tie-break."

  Valentina nodded approvingly. "Good idea. Let's get started."

  As they studied the complex diagrams, Valentina watched Crispin out of the corner of her eye. His eyes lit up with enthusiasm when he talked shop with her about a theory, and he seemed to enjoy every second of their time together.

  "He really is as cute as a button," Vyxara mocked in her head. "Our little admirer is trying so hard."

  The information about resonance amplification was indeed valuable, but her mind kept wandering back to her other plans.

  After a while, she leaned back and stretched. "Phew, that's really demanding. Thanks for your help, Crispin."

  He blushed slightly. "You're welcome. I... I'm just happy to spend time with you and I don't mind at all if we just study together. As long as we spend time together."

  Valentina smiled gently, but felt a twinge of guilt. She really liked Crispin, but she couldn't forget why she was here.

  "By the way, Crispin," she began casually, "you and Faustus share the corridor to your residence, don't you?"

  Crispin frowned. "Yes, unfortunately. Why do you ask?"

  Valentina shrugged her shoulders. "Just like that. I sometimes wonder how he behaves with other people."

  Crispin sighed. "He's... difficult. I'm always glad when I don't run into him. But I'm not the only one, even his friends are afraid of him."

  "Oh?" Valentina leaned forward with interest. "In what way?"

  "Well," Crispin whispered, "in his room he has this special cupboard for his documents and Essence supplies that no one is allowed to get to. Supposedly secured with all sorts of traps. One of his friends was hurt pretty badly once when he was visiting him and accidentally bumped into the cupboard. They carried him through the corridor bleeding. Since then, no one dares go near it."

  Valentina nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds really exaggerated."

  She was pondering whether to ask further questions when a group of noisy students walked past their table. Matilda Ravencroft, the librarian, immediately hissed at them to quiet down.

  Valentina used the interruption to change the subject. "Let's get on with it. This resonance theory is really fascinating."

  They immersed themselves in the books again, but Valentina's mind was racing. The information about Faustus' security measures could be very important.

  After another hour of intensive study, Crispin suggested they take a break. "How about a short walk? The fresh air will do us good."

  Valentina hesitated. Part of her wanted to continue the research, but she also knew that she couldn't push Crispin too much.

  "Go with him," Vyxara said in surprise. "A little change of scenery could be useful."

  "Okay," Valentina finally said with a smile. "A short walk sounds good."

  They left the library and stepped out into the sunny but crisp noon. The campus was bustling with life, students and professors rushing about or standing around chatting.

  As they strolled, Valentina watched Crispin again. He seemed relaxed and happy in her presence, and for a moment she felt a twinge of regret. In another life, under different circumstances...

  She shook off the thought.

  "Thank you for everything, Crispin," she said as they said goodbye. "You really are a good friend."

  Crispin beamed. "Any time, Val. I promised you I'd help you prepare for the tie-break!"

  Valentina watched him walk away, a slight smile on her lips. Then she turned away, her expression serious. Tonight she had an appointment with Professor Horne.

  ~

  "Do you feel ready, little Weaver?" whispered Vyxara in her head, the demon's voice filled with a mixture of amusement and sympathy, just before she reached Professor Horne's office.

  Valentina nodded barely perceptibly. "I must be," she thought back.

  She reached the heavy oak door and knocked softly. There was silence for a moment, then she heard Horne's muffled voice: "Come in."

  Valentina entered and closed the door behind her.

  "Good evening, Valentina," he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "I assume this sudden desire for an additional meeting has to do with the tie-break?"

  "Yes, indeed, Professor," Valentina admitted with an apologetic smile. "I would be very... very grateful for anything you can tell me."

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  Horne stood up, his movements unusually energetic for his age. "Well, my dear, let's not waste any time. I have some very interesting techniques I'd like to show you."

  He led her to an open area of the office where he had already woven some Essence patterns in preparation.

  "My colleagues haven't finalized exactly what task they want to set, but the gist of it will be for both you and Faustus to manipulate the same complex pattern at the same time, but each to achieve different effects," Horne explained as he began to manipulate the Essence threads. "It's not easy and it's very advanced, but I'll teach you the basics. Watch carefully, Valentina."

  The next hour flew by. Horne showed her techniques that went far beyond what had been shown in the lectures so far. Valentina soaked up every bit of information Horne gave her. Manipulating an Essence pattern that someone else was manipulating at the same time wasn't easy. She would have to practice. Maybe she could recruit Crispin to do it.

  In between, she noticed how Horne's eyes kept wandering over her body, how his hands "accidentally" brushed against hers. She suppressed a shiver and concentrated on her goal.

  "He's an old horndog," Vyxara mocked. "But don't forget why we're here. Play his game, little Weaver."

  When he had finished for the time being, he moved closer to Valentina. "The tie-break will be a real challenge," he began, his voice quieter now, more confidential. "When I find out more, I'll let you know, but practice simultaneous manipulation, you'll need it."

  As he spoke, he placed his hand on her arm confidentially. Valentina made herself look him in the eye. Horne had fulfilled his part of the bargain and given her exactly the information she needed.

  Valentina took a soft breath and smiled kindly at Horne. "I'm so grateful for your help, Professor," she said softly. "How can I thank you?"

  Horne's eyes darkened with desire. "Oh, I'm sure we'll think of something, my dear."

  Valentina stood nervously in front of Professor Horne, her hands clammy and her heart beating fast. She didn't know exactly what he wanted from her, but she suspected it was something beyond what he had done with her before.

  Horne looked at her, his eyes glittering greedily. "Valentina," he said in a low voice, "let me be frank with you."

  She swallowed hard and nodded tentatively.

  "I want... more from you than the last few times," he confessed openly. "I want you to give me… pleasure."

  "What... What do I have to do?" she asked in a shy voice – she didn't have to play a role there, she really felt a bit insecure.

  Instead of an explanation, Horne walked up to her, put his hand on her shoulder and gently began to push her down. Valentina had almost expected this before she had even come here, had even silently assumed that he might ask for even more. But she had decided that she would do as he asked.

  "And if I... want to stop?" she asked timidly as she got down on her knees in front of him.

  Horne looked away awkwardly. "All you have to do is tap my leg three times. I'm not going to force you."

  Valentina took a deep breath and lowered her voice to a soft whisper: "I'll do as you ask, Professor Horne." Her cheeks burned with shame and excitement at the same time.

  Horne smiled contentedly and brushed a strand of hair out of Valentina's face. "Good girl," he murmured appreciatively. Then he took hold of her chin and forced her to look him in the eye. "You know what you have to do?"

  Valentina nodded silently. But actually, she didn't. She had never pleasured a man with her mouth before. Part of her still couldn't believe that she was about to. But another part, the dark part that only Vyxara could see, pulsed with anticipation.

  Horne opened his pants and pulled out his penis. It was hard and firm, the tip glistening wet. Valentina felt a sour saliva rising nervously in her throat, but she swallowed it bravely.

  Slowly, she leaned forward and carefully touched Horne's manhood with her lips. It was hot and soft at the same time, like velvet over steel and tasted of salty skin. Horne moaned deeply as she lightly moved her tongue. Her movements were awkward and tentative, but Horne didn't seem to mind at all. His fingers intertwined in her hair and held her head.

  "Yes," he gasped as his fingers caressed her head, "that's it." Valentina closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on her task.

  "Watch your teeth," Vyxara warned as Valentina licked. "They don't like that."

  It was somehow mildly unpleasant, but also strangely fascinating. Horne's penis pulsated in her mouth, his breathing was intermittent.

  Suddenly, he pulled her head back and thrust deeper into her throat. Valentina gagged and coughed, surprised by his sudden vehemence.

  "You're such a good girl," he gasped between thrusts.

  Valentina couldn't answer. She was too busy catching her breath when Horne let her. She moved her hands, which had been resting quietly on the sides of his hips, further forward and pushed back a little, causing him to thrust less forcefully and they found some sort of rhythm. When she opened her eyes briefly and looked up, she met Horne's gaze, who was looking at her with bliss.

  Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Valentina felt how Horne's penis swelled in her mouth and began to twitch rhythmically. With one last deep thrust, he came and squirted his hot load directly down her throat. She swallowed and coughed as the salty taste overwhelmed her.

  When Horne had finished, he withdrew from her mouth. Valentina wiped saliva from her chin and swallowed several times, but didn’t manage to banish the bitter aftertaste.

  Horne looked down at her almost caringly, a satisfied grin on his face. "You've done well," he said approvingly.

  Valentina said nothing in response. She felt both used and somehow... powerful. She'd just done something she'd never done before, something she'd have just a few months ago suspected she might never do at all, and certainly not with someone like Professor Horne. And yet, there was this dark part of her that wanted more.

  Horne helped her to her feet and patted the dust off her dress. Her hands were shaking slightly, but her voice was firm as she spoke, "Thank you, Professor. For the help, I mean."

  Horne, who was still breathing heavily, nodded with satisfaction. "You're an excellent student, Valentina. I'm sure you'll shine in the tie-break."

  He gave her a few last tips, which she greedily absorbed. Any information could make all the difference.

  When Valentina finally left the office, she felt strangely numb. A small part of her was disgusted by what had just happened, but a larger part felt... thrilled. She had gotten what she wanted.

  "Well done, little Weaver," praised Vyxara. "You'll see, it will all pay off."

  Valentina nodded silently and made her way back to her room. The night was silent, only her soft footsteps echoing through the corridors.

  As she turned a corner, she suddenly froze. There, at the end of the corridor, stood a figure in the shadows. For a terrifying moment, Valentina thought she had been discovered. Then she recognized the silhouette – it was Innogen.

  Valentina's heart was racing. Had Innogen seen her? Did she know where she had been? Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but Vyxara's voice brought her to her senses.

  "Relax, little Weaver. Just go on as if nothing had happened. Don't let it get to you."

  Valentina took a deep breath and continued on her way, trying to look as normal as possible. As she passed Innogen, she gave her a brief nod, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to wander through the corridors in the middle of the night.

  Innogen returned the greeting, her eyes full of questions, but she said nothing. Valentina felt her gaze on her back as she walked on, praying that her friend wouldn't draw too many conclusions.

  She finally reached her room and closed the door behind her. Only now did she allow herself to exhale shakily. She leaned against the door and closed her eyes.

  "That was close," she mumbled.

  "But we did it," replied Vyxara. "And we've received useful information."

  Valentina nodded tiredly and began to get ready for the night, washing the unpleasant taste out of her mouth at the wash basin. Tomorrow would be another busy day.

  As she lay down in bed, she was still weighing up the new information in her head, thinking in circles, pondering back and forth. Sleep came slowly, but when it finally came, Valentina dreamed of triumph and glory, of a life free of poverty and worry. She dreamed of Professor Horne's face, in that one moment when she looked up and he gazed down at her with pure bliss on his face, dreamed of Innogen standing silently in the dark corridor, looking at her suspiciously. And if dark shadows sometimes lurked at the edge of these dreams, she deliberately ignored them.