Page 10 of If The Shoe Fits

Ahhhh.

The lounge really is my happy place.

This room is a masterpiece, the true gem of the Academy, which is a renovated mansion with more personality than some of its occupants.

The walls are done up in a palette of grays so rich and varied it could make a home décor blogger weep.

Dove gray, stormy gray, a gray so dark it’s practically charcoal.

And the tapestries!

Oh, the tapestries.

They hang like magical history books, depicting legendary scenes like the founding of Castor’s Corner and the Goddess’ promise to protect our quirky little town.

I pass one of the tall, deep-set windows, sunlight streaming through a gap in the heavy, velvet drapes.

For a moment, I’m tempted to pull them all the way open, but that would ruin the room’s broody elegance.

Instead, I let my fingers trail along the back of a plush velvet chair as I cross the room. The polished wood floors barely whisper under my rubber-soled shoes, which is good because the last thing I need is to bethat loud teacherin the lounge.

Again.

Finally, I make it to the marble counter, where the pièce de résistance awaits.

The magic-powered kettle.

No buttons, no waiting. Just pure, enchanted efficiency.

I tap its spout, and within seconds, steam curls into the air, ready to rescue me from the clutches of post-pop-quiz exhaustion.

I let out another sigh, but this one’s more of a contented moan.

For the next ten minutes, at least, the world can wait.

“Perfect,” I whisper, not wanting to disturb any of the other staff members who are, like me, simply enjoying their break.

I smile, I can’t help it. I just adore this room.

And not just because there is always a fresh variety of snacks, from sliced fruit to pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

Ooh, I need one of those!

Yum.

I bite my tongue to keep from moaning as I pop a moist morsel into my mouth.

A steaming, hot mug of tea and a snack sounds so perfect right about now.

So, I help myself to two, using my magic to add the right amounts of cream and sugar.

It’s been such a long week.

Sigh.

Humming, I lift the cup, just about to take my first sip, when Agatha comes running in to find me.

“DORA!”

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