"It's not what it looks like."

Steven blurted out after a moment of silence between the two of you. You stared between the book he held in his hand to the books around him, and he stared back at you in return. He hadn't taken into account the fact that anyone would find him here—in the forbidden section of the library.

Oh, it was definitely what it looked like.

Steven had always been interested in the history of magic, and how it came to be in the world. It defied all laws of natural science! Whenever you saw him in class, he'd be knees deep in a textbook. It was no surprise that Steven was top of your cohort in terms of history and humanity studies.

It was his passion, as was learning how to use the forbidden art of Ancient Magic.

Despite his inherited status of being a warlock, which was technically his headmate Marc's fault, Steven made sure his magic was derived from his own abilities and knowledge. It had just started out as a simple curiosity, taking his studies further by applying his knowledge. The feel of older magic was so different than the cultivated one of today. It was rustic, the power was unrestrained, it was potent.

"I wasn't doing anything I swear, uhm," During his time attending the Academy of Fine Magics, Steven would secretly sneak off into the forbidden section of the library and spend his free periods and lunches indulging in Ancient Magic. Steven knew it was forbidden, he knew it was 'dangerous', but it was so captivating to him. He was just curious, besides, it was simply another element that humans could bend to their will. What made these spells and techniques so different? Danger could only be measured on how much of a threat it could be, but he'd argue that the magic of today could be just as 'deadly' as the ones of the past. Superficial rules such those didn't really matter to him.

"Please, please don't snitch on me?" He pleaded, a wince on his expression after taking stock of your surprised face. He hadn't expected to be caught after just 2 years of doing this.