average human’s Reviews > The 13th Zodiac > Status Update

“While we can’t be certain of their exact origins, many scholars believe the bane emerged from the event horizons of black holes,” Simon said, clicking to the next slide. “Their ability to create portals themselves is limited compared to what the ancient Aelari could do. This limitation is why it took them so long to locate Earth after the First Crossing.”
Another tug, harder this time. I clenched my jaw but kept my eyes forward.
“The bane can sense zodiac magic across vast distances,” Simon explained. “They track these energy signatures, hunting our kind specifically because they feed on what we might call the soul or life force.”
I felt fingers actually running through my hair now, and it took all my self-control not to whip around and slam Aiden’s face into his desk. Instead, I shifted in my seat, trying to pull my hair out of his reach without making a scene.
“Ms. Black,” Professor Simon called suddenly, and I snapped to attention. “Since you’ve had practical experience with the bane, perhaps you could share some insights with the class about their vulnerabilities?”
Great. Now every eye in the room was on me.
“They’re extremely resilient,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite feeling Aiden pinch a strand of my hair again. “Physical weapons have minimal effect unless infused with zodiac magic. Different designations have varying levels of effectiveness depending on the type of bane you’re facing.”
“Could you elaborate on that?” Simon prompted.
I nodded, trying to ignore the persistent tugging at my scalp. “Scorpio magic tends to work well against the smaller, faster varieties because the venom properties slow their movements. Leo magic burns through their outer layers effectively. Ophis magic...” I paused, feeling the room tense at the mention of my designation. “Ophis magic can disrupt their ability to create portals, trapping them in our dimension where they’re more vulnerable. We can also manifest starlight weapons, which when plunged into a bane’s body, can destroy them.”
“Fascinating,” Simon said, actually sounding interested for the first time. “And how would you describe⁠—”
I felt a sharp pull on my ponytail and finally lost my patience. I turned abruptly, fixing Aiden with an icy glare. “Touch my hair again and I’ll portal your fingers up into your own asshole.”
Aiden’s golden eyes widened slightly, but his lips curved into a smirk. Beside him, Eris stifled a laugh, disguising it as a cough.
“Is there a problem, Ms. Black?” Professor Simon asked.
I turned back around. “No, Professor. Just clarifying something with a classmate.”
“As I was saying,” Simon continued, “the bane’s feeding process is what makes them particularly dangerous. They don’t simply kill. They consume the very essence of their victims.”
Aiden leaned forward until I could feel his breath on my ear. “I’d like to consume someone else, I think.”
I ignored him, but felt another tug on my hair almost immediately. This time, I didn’t react, which seemed to annoy him more than my threat had. Small victories.
“While the bane are formidable opponents, properly trained zodiac warriors in shield formations can dispatch them efficiently. The bond between shield members and their axis amplifies individual powers to levels that can overwhelm even the most resilient bane entities.”
I felt something new—fingers tracing the serpent tattoo visible on my exposed shoulder. I tensed, a strange shiver running down my spine that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Damn it.
Aiden whispered, just loud enough for me to hear, “Do they move when you use your magic?”
I didn’t answer, but I couldn’t stop the goosebumps rising on my skin.
He continued, his finger still tracing the pattern. “So pretty…”
Professor Simon pulled up the next slide, showing the aftermath of a bane attack. A desolate landscape drained of all color and life. “This is why shield formation is so crucial to our survival. No single zodiac, no matter how powerful, can consistently defeat the multiple bane alone. The Assembly has documented this extensively.”
Aiden’s touch disappeared from my shoulder, only to return to my hair, this time gathering it gently in his hand and letting it slide through his fingers. The gesture felt almost reverent.
I turned slightly, catching his eye over my shoulder. “What are you doing?” I mouthed.
He simply smirked again, but didn’t answer. I turned, and the professor gave me another warning look. “For your assignment, I want a three-page analysis of bane weaknesses specific to your designation. Those of you who haven’t encountered them firsthand should rely on the Assembly archives. Due next week.”
As students began gathering their things, I quickly packed my notebook, wanting to escape before Aiden could continue whatever game he was playing.
“Black,” Eris’s voice stopped me as I stood. I turned reluctantly to face both him and Aiden.
“What?” I asked, sighing loudly as I shouldered by book bag.
Both men were still sitting, looking completely relaxed in their chairs. “Eris’s amber eyes brightened with interest as he scanned me head to toe. “Nothing. I just wanted to see those pretty eyes.”
I turned back around with a groan and made my way down the lecture hall stairs, flipping them both off as I went. Their amused chuckles followed me until the door slammed shut.