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"E veryone back. Maintain the safety perimeter." Malachai's voice boomed across the east practice field, his usual jovial tone replaced by urgent authority.

Diana gripped her healing satchel—the one with the temperamental zipper that bit anyone else who tried to open it—and mentally ran through her emergency protocols. Across the field, Alarick stood with his feet planted firmly, hands weaving patterns as he maintained their protective circle. The same hands that had been weaving patterns of an entirely different nature across her skin the other night. Even from this distance, she saw golden threads dancing around his fingertips—evidence of their magical fusion that grew stronger with each kiss they'd shared.

Professor Xena Guillet strutted around the dueling circle like a runway model with a teaching certificate still warm from the printer. At twenty-five—a full decade younger than Diana—her elaborate robes were strategically tailored to highlight curves that had no business being part of academic attire. The same Xena Guillet who just five years ago had been whining in Diana's infirmary about magical acne treatments was now a "rising star in theoretical dueling."

"She's planning something flashy," Diana muttered to Minerva, who was leaning against a cart full of healing potions. "Those aren't teaching robes. They're 'watch-me-show-off' garb."

"Raven's watching." Minerva nodded toward where the Headmistress stood beneath an oak, her familiar Edgar preening importantly on her shoulder. "Not even Guillet would try something ridiculous with Raven here."

Diana wasn't convinced. Xena had that unmistakable gleam of a witch with something to prove—the same look Diana had seen on far too many recent graduates who thought six months of field experience qualified them as experts. It didn't help that this morning she'd overheard Guillet telling Alarick how "refreshing" it was to work with someone who "appreciates innovative approaches without being stuck in outdated methodologies"—while looking directly at Diana.

Alarick caught her eye. The golden thread between them allowed her to sense his wariness. She sent back reassurance, watching as he subtly strengthened the northwestern corner in response.

"For today's advanced demonstration," Xena announced, her voice magically amplified to theater-level drama, "I'll be showcasing revolutionary dueling techniques I've rediscovered from the ancient masters."

She flourished her wand like a conductor on too much pepper-up potion. "Traditional dueling relies on direct opposition—spell versus counterspell. But what if..." she paused for dramatic effect, "we could turn an opponent's magic against them?"

Diana rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw her own brain. "That's not revolutionary. That's basic reflection, taught to Juniors."

"Observe,” Guillet twirled elaborately, casting a spell that created a swirling violet bubble around her. "This is an absorptive redirection field. When hostile magic encounters this shield, I can capture and repurpose it."

Diana froze. That wasn't reflection. That was a modified reflective void, forbidden after the Lisbon Disaster when half the city's witches ended up casting spells that worked backward forever.

Before Diana could shout a warning, Xena's assistant—a nervous witch who clearly wanted to update her resume—sent a simple stunning spell toward the bubble. The red bolt hit the surface and disappeared with a soft pfft sound.

Students applauded. Diana didn't. She'd seen what happened when magic disappeared into places it shouldn't go.

"Again," Xena commanded, flashing a smile and a bit of cleavage in Alarick’s direction. "Something stronger this time."

The assistant cast a more powerful hex. When it hit the bubble, the surface rippled like water about to boil. A discordant hum filled the air.

"That's not right," Diana said, already moving. "Alarick!"

He'd seen it too. "Xena, your field is destabilizing. Dissolve it now."

Either Xena couldn't hear over the increasingly loud humming, or her ego had stuffed cotton in her ears. "Now for the most impressive part," she continued, raising her hands dramatically. "The absorbed magic can be—"

The bubble collapsed inward with a sound like tearing silk, then exploded outward in a wave of chaotic magic. Xena flew backward like she'd personally offended gravity.

Diana sprinted forward, weaving protective charms around the nearest students. The golden shimmer of her magic—enhanced by her connection to Alarick—spread wider than she'd ever managed before.

"Is this the demonstration or did something go wrong?" a confused freshman asked as Diana shielded him.

"If it was the demonstration, Professor Guillet wouldn't be doing her impression of a rag doll thrown by a toddler," Irideane Kallus snickered.

Students stumbled around like they'd sampled too much enchanted cider, their faces twisted in confusion as magical aftershocks rippled through the air. One senior’s hair became a snapping wad of serpents. A pair of sophomores spun in slow circles, unable to stop, while a Newttown student hiccupped tiny storm clouds.

"I feel like my brain is floating three feet above my head," complained Polly O’Chetter, whose skin had switched over to scales.

"That's the magical disorientation," Diana explained, quickly casting a stabilizing spell that returned the girl's skin to normal. "The void disrupts reality."

All the while, she sensed Alarick fighting to contain the wild magic still whipping around the demonstration area, their golden threads of their fusion occasionally visible as he corralled rogue spell fragments before they could cause more chaos.

Xena had taken the worst of it. She lay unconscious, faint bolts of lightning crackling over her skin. Diana knelt beside her, diagnostic charms revealing the damage.

"Magical contamination," she reported to Headmistress Raven, who had appeared silently beside her. "The field collapsed and left fragments embedded in her core. She needs specialized treatment."

"Already summoned," Raven replied, her expression grave as Edgar circled anxiously overhead. "How severe?"

"She'll live," Diana said after a deeper examination. "But whether she'll cast again without turning teacups into tadpoles depends on how quickly help arrives."

As they waited for the specialists, Diana and Alarick worked together to stabilize the area. Their fusion made them extraordinarily effective. His protective magic reinforced her healing spells. Her healing energy strengthened his wards.

"Your barriers saved lives today," Diana said. "If your circle hadn't held..."

"It nearly didn't," he admitted, his voice strained. "That collapse was stronger than anything I've ever contained."

"But you adjusted. I felt you drawing on our fusion. Quick thinking."

A tired smile touched his lips. "High praise from the woman who once told me my ward designs had all the stability of a drunken unicyclist."

Their eyes met, a moment of connection amid the chaos. The golden threads of their fusion brightened between them.

"The Magical Education Board should never have approved these demonstrations," Diana muttered as they helped another injured student. "Experimental defensive magic requires proper safety protocols."

"That's what's strange," Alarick replied, his voice low. "I reviewed Xena’s proposal. It was full of safety precautions that weren't implemented today. And the equipment she used? It had Adelweiss markings."

"Trustee Adelweiss? The one funding the summer training program?"

Alarick nodded grimly. "The very same. His company has been pushing schools to adopt their 'enhanced' equipment despite multiple safety concerns raised by the Warding Council."

Diana frowned. "Why would Grimm Mawr agree to that?"

"Money," Alarick said simply. "Academies are competing for students, and cutting-edge training programs attract applicants. But I'm beginning to wonder if there's more to it than just profit."

"Mr. Blackthorn. Nurse Maelstrom, you can drop your protective shieldings." Headmistress Raven said, interrupting their conversation. "The specialists have arrived."

***

B Y THE TIME SHE’D HANDED over Xena's care and tended to the remaining students, Diana was swaying with exhaustion. Her fingertips tingled unpleasantly, and black spots danced at the edges of her vision.

She was trying to focus on a final healing spell when Alarick appeared at her side, his hand steadying her elbow. "That's enough," he said gently but firmly. "You're running on empty."

"I'm fine," she lied automatically, though the tremor in her hands betrayed her.

"You're about three spells away from magical burnout," he countered. "And I'd rather not have to explain to Raven why her head nurse collapsed face-first into a cauldron."

Before Diana could respond, Minerva bustled over with a tray of bubbling potions.

"Revitalization draught," she announced, handing them each a vial. "And don't give me that look, Diana—these aren't from Malta’s experimental batch. The last time someone drank those, Professor Everflame couldn't stop speaking in limericks for a week."

Alarick chuckled. "I remember. 'There once was a teacher of runes, whose classes ended too soon...'"

"'Because magical marks kept transforming to sharks, and swimming around the classroom,'" Diana finished with a reluctant smile.

"Everflame still can't look at a shark without breaking into verse." Minerva grinned. "Now drink up, both of you. Headmistress's orders—you're relieved of duty for the day."

The potion tasted of summer herbs and crackling energy, refreshing Diana from the inside out as it replenished some of her depleted magic.

"Better?" Alarick asked, his own color improving.

"Getting there," she admitted. "Though I should check on the students in the infirmary—"

"Already handled," Minerva interrupted. "Malachai and Ceries have it covered. You two look like you've been used as troll chew toys. Go rest."

***

T HE FACULTY WING WAS quiet, most professors still dealing with the aftermath. At her door, Diana hesitated.

"Would you like company?" Alarick asked softly. "Just to rest," he added, reading her hesitation. "Magical depletion is easier when you're not alone."

The genuine concern in his voice touched her. "I'd like that."

Inside, Diana collapsed onto her sofa, too tired even to remove her boots. Alarick settled beside her, his arm coming naturally around her shoulders. She leaned into him, her head finding the perfect spot against his shoulder. Golden threads appeared where their bodies touched, gentle and soothing.

"You were brilliant today," he murmured against her hair. "I've never seen healing magic extended so far."

"Your protective circle was impressive too," she replied, eyes drifting closed. "Most warders would have lost control when the bubble burst."

They sat in silence, their breathing gradually synchronizing. Diana felt herself sinking toward sleep, lulled by Alarick's steady heartbeat.

When Diana woke, she was still on the sofa, but now lying down with her grandmother's quilt tucked around her. Alarick sat in a nearby armchair, snoring lightly. He must have sensed her looking at him because his eyes fluttered open.

"How long was I out?" she asked, voice husky with sleep.

"A few hours. You needed it."

"You didn't have to stay."

"I wanted to."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better." Diana sat up, running a hand through her tousled hair. "My magic's still depleted, but at least the room has stopped spinning. What about you?"

"I've had worse," he shrugged. "The advantage of youth, I suppose," he added, a teasing glint in his eye.

The casual reference to his age made Diana tense, reality intruding. Young indeed—a brilliant career ahead of him, while she was established, settled in her ways. Like Xena had implied, with her talk of "fresh perspectives" and "cutting-edge innovations" while eyeing Alarick like he was a prize to be poached.

Alarick caught her change in mood. "Diana? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said automatically, then sighed. "Just... reality setting in. Xena was showing off for you.”

“Huh?”

“She wants you to go back to Frog’s Hollow with her."

He looked surprised. "She didn’t mention it."

"That’s because she’s currently unconscious."

Understanding dawned on his face. "You think I'm going to leave."

"You did before," Diana said quietly. "After you installed the singing cabinets."

"That was different," he protested. "We weren't... there wasn't..." he gestured between them, golden threads shimmering briefly where his hand passed near hers.

"We're at different stages, Alarick," she continued. "You're building your career, while I'm—"

"While you're what? Past your prime at thirty-five?" He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. "That's ridiculous, Diana. Magical careers span centuries."

"It's not just about lifespan," she tried to explain. "It's about expectations. Experience. Where we each are in life."

"Have you asked me where I want to be?" His direct gaze challenged her. "Or are you making assumptions that I’ve got the hots for Xena?"

The question caught her off guard. "I—"

"Because if you asked," he continued, voice softening, "I'd tell you that I want someone who challenges me magically and intellectually. Someone who's passionate about their work. Someone who sees me as an equal, not as some young wizard passing through."

The intensity in his eyes made her heart race. "Alarick—"

"I'd tell you that I've never felt a magical connection like ours with anyone," he said, taking her hand. The golden threads flared between their palms, bright enough to cast shadows. "This fusion isn't just rare, Diana—it's once in a lifetime. Some witches and wizards search their entire lives and never find it."

Diana felt something shift inside her, a warmth spreading through her chest. "It's happening very fast."

"Magic doesn't follow bureaucratic timelines," he replied with a smile. "Our magic recognized something our conscious minds are still figuring out."

"I care about you," she admitted softly.

His lifted her hand to his lips. "I'll take that as progress."

A sharp knock interrupted whatever might have happened next. Diana reluctantly pulled away, smoothing her rumpled robes before answering.

Headmistress Raven stood in the hallway, Edgar perched on her shoulder with his unnervingly intelligent gaze. "Nurse Maelstrom. I trust you've rested?"

"Yes, Headmistress," Diana replied, acutely aware of Alarick still sitting on her sofa with her grandmother's quilt pooled around him. "I'm feeling much better."

Raven's sharp eyes took in the situation with one glance. "Good. I need to speak with you both about today's incident. May I come in?"

Raven informed them that Professor Guillet had mentioned receiving a "rare grimoire of ancient dueling techniques" from someone connected to Trustee Adelweiss.

"You think a trustee is deliberately spreading dangerous magic?" Diana asked, the implications chilling. "But why would someone on the school board want to endanger students?"

"That," Raven said grimly, "is what we need to discover. After what happened with Trustee Thorncraft, I’m not taking any more chances. If a trustee approaches either of you, I want to know about it immediately."

They both nodded.

"One more thing. The magical fusion between you two is both rare and valuable. Whatever personal entanglement facilitates that connection is, frankly, none of my concern—provided it doesn't interfere with your duties."

With that surprisingly direct acknowledgment, she swept out, leaving them staring after her in stunned silence.

"Did the Headmistress just give us her blessing?" Alarick asked finally.

"I think she did," Diana replied, unsure whether to be relieved or mortified. "In her own particular way."

"Well," he said, a smile spreading across his face, "that's one complication addressed."

Diana laughed. "One down, several to go."

"What would you prefer we call this?" His eyes held that warmth that made her pulse quicken. "Mystical partnership? Arcane liaison? Enchanted affair?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," she cautioned, though her tone had softened. "We still have other considerations."

"Of course," he agreed, moving closer. "Very serious magical considerations that require extensive exploration."

"Exactly," she nodded, fighting a smile as he reached for her. "Scholarly, thorough exploration."

"Absolutely," he murmured, his lips now inches from hers. "Starting right now."

Their kiss was gentle, the day's shared danger lending it a depth that transcended mere passion. The golden threads of their fusion enveloped them, creating a cocoon of light where only they existed.

Later, as they lay together, Alarick traced patterns on her bare shoulder, each touch leaving trails of shimmering gold on her skin. "I meant what I said earlier. About never having felt this kind of connection before."

Diana looked up at him, seeing the vulnerability beneath his confidence. "I believe you."

"But you're still uncertain."

"I'm trying not to be," she admitted. "It's just... you have your whole career ahead of you. I don't want to be something you regret or outgrow."

"Is that what you're worried about?" He propped himself up, expression incredulous. "That I'll somehow regret being with you?"

"It happens," she said simply. "Young wizard, older witch... it's a familiar pattern. Exciting until a better opportunity comes along."

"That's not what this is," he said firmly. "This isn't some cliché, Diana. This is real—for me, at least."

The raw honesty in his voice made her throat tighten. She reached up to touch his face, golden light following her fingertips. "For me too. That's what scares me."

Suddenly, a ghostly silver raven materialized with a thunderous flap of spectral wings, hovering imperiously above the bed. The bird opened its beak and spoke in Headmistress Raven's crisp, no-nonsense tone:

"Diana! Multiple students in the girls' dormitory showing signs of magical contamination from this morning's incident. Your expertise required immediately!"

The apparition dissolved into wisps of silver mist, leaving them both already reaching for clothes, the intimate conversation abandoned.

"I'll come with you," Alarick said. "If it's contamination, you'll need protection support."

Diana nodded, grateful for both his assistance and the reprieve from emotional vulnerability. Because the truth she wasn't ready to admit was that she was falling for him. Falling hard, despite all her practical concerns and logical objections. And that realization was more terrifying than any magical explosion she'd ever faced.