Lightning occasionally brightened the dimly lit room in flashes of brilliant white as rain cascaded down the windows. Jack enjoyed the view of Blackthorn from the mayor's office, but the weather had ruined his mood. With nothing else to do until morning, Jack decided to assemble his group and conduct a magic study session. He was a Master Mage with the duty to teach his disciples, not just use them as free labour.
Melinda was so excited that the cold facade she had developed recently crumbled as she shifted around on the dull brown leather sofa in anticipation. Jack allowed Melinda to pick items from Mayor Leon's stash, so she now modelled a beautiful white dress with golden phoenix earrings and various rings, which complemented her raven-black hair that hung loosely and her ocean-blue eyes. The jewellery helped amplify her presence as the future Queen of Blackthorn despite her youthful features.
