Page 31 of Bearly Bewitched

“Don’t be absurd. Thaddeus merely recognizes proper magical hierarchy. Unlike some people who seem determined to upend centuries of carefully maintained order.” His expression softened into something worse than anger – pity. “Come home, V. Before this rebellious phase completely ruins your standing with the council. We can still salvage your reputation if you’ll just be reasonable?—“

A low growl from the doorway cut him off. Vail’s magic surged in recognition before she even turned, reaching instinctively for that familiar wild energy. Kaine filled the frame, his massive shoulders nearly brushing both sides. He’d clearly come straight from his workshop – sleeves rolled up to revealmuscled forearms, a light dusting of sawdust in his dark hair making him look rugged and magnetic.

But it was his eyes that caught her breath – they’d shifted to pure gold, raw magic rolling off him in waves that carried the scent of mountain pines and approaching storms.

The temperature in the room plummeted as his shifter power confronted Ames’s magic. “Everything all right, Headmistress?”

THIRTY

Something molten and fierce unfurled in Vail’s chest at Kaine’s presence. Her magic reached for his instinctively, creating a dance of golden sparks in the air between them. The contrast between the two men couldn’t have been starker – Ames with his carefully cultivated image and council insignia, all surface shine and political maneuvering, versus Kaine’s raw authenticity and quiet strength. How had she ever thought Ames’s metallic-tasting magic could compare to this wild, honest energy?

Through the window, she saw Ledger tuck something into his robes – definitely a crystal of some kind, its facets catching the morning light with an unsettling purple sheen. The ward stones quieted as he stepped away, but the discordant note in their song lingered like poison.

Ames’s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixing on Kaine’s workshop clothes with obvious disdain. “Well, well.” His tone dripped false sympathy. “Is this what the great academy has come to? Shifter craftsmen teaching advanced magical theory?” He turned to Vail. “The council will be fascinated by your... progressive staffing choices.”

“The council approved all faculty appointments,” Vail said coolly. “Or did Ledger leave that detail out of his reports?”

“Ledger has been quite thorough in documenting the academy’s... departure from traditional standards.” Ames’s smile turned sharp. “Particularly regarding certain experimental teaching methods. Hybrid magic theory. Integration of questionable magical signatures?—“

A growl rumbled deep in Kaine’s chest, the sound making the windows rattle and the ward stones pulse in response. But Vail noticed how he stayed in the doorway, letting her handle this herself while still offering silent support. It made her stand straighter, drawing on that same strength.

“Actually,” she said, letting her magic flare visibly in a display that would have horrified her former self, “Kaine’s understanding of magical theory surpasses most traditional academics. He sees magic as it truly is, not how some dusty council handbook claims it should be. Unlike some people who spent six years trying to force me into their narrow definition of proper magical conduct.”

“V, darling?—“

“Don’t call me that.” Fire danced along her fingers, and for once, she didn’t try to contain it. “In fact, don’t call me anything. We’re done, Ames. I’ve moved on to someone who sees me clearly and loves exactly who I am.” The words tumbled out before she could analyze them, but they felt right – true in a bone-deep way that made her magic sing.

Kaine’s bear power surged at her declaration, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She felt his gaze on her, heavy with meaning and promise that sent pleasant shivers down her spine.

Ames’s perfect mask cracked. “You can’t be serious. A shifter? No refinement, no understanding of proper magicalsociety—“ His hand went to his council insignia. “The Senior Council will never?—“

“He understands what matters.” Vail moved closer to Kaine, drawn by the magnetic pull of his presence. “Real strength isn’t about council positions or appearances. It’s about trust, and support, and...” She met Kaine’s molten gaze. “Letting someone’s true nature shine.”

Their magic sparked where she drew near him, creating patterns of light that would have scandalized the council’s sensibilities. But for the first time in years, she didn’t care about appearing proper or contained. This was who she was – fire and passion and power that refused to be diminished.

“This is absurd.” Ames stood, finally showing real emotion – ugly jealousy twisting his features. “You’re making a mistake, V. When you’re ready to be sensible about your future, about your place in proper magical society?—“

“My future,” Vail said quietly, reaching for Kaine’s hand, “is exactly where I want it.”

Their fingers twined together, and magic exploded through the room – gold and amber light spiraling around them in a display of pure harmony. The remaining roses burst into actual flames this time, their ashes spelling out “good-bye” in elegant script before vanishing completely.

Something calculated slid across Ames’s face as he watched their joined magic dance. “Well. I suppose I’ll leave you to your... primitive choices.” But he paused at the door, his council insignia glinting. “When you come crawling back after the eclipse, don’t expect me to have pity on you.”

He stalked out, his perfect posture betraying tension in every line. Through her window, Vail watched him cross the courtyard to where Ledger waited in the shadows of an ancient oak. They spoke briefly, heads bent together, before Ledger pressed something into Ames’s hand – a crystal shard that pulsed withthe same sickly purple light she’d noticed earlier. The ward stones hummed ominously as the two men disappeared into the academy’s underground passages.

The moment they were gone, Kaine turned to face her fully. His strength still rippled with protective instincts, but his touch was exquisitely gentle as he caught her trembling hands. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m angry,” she admitted. “And a little embarrassed that I ever let him make me feel small. Six years of dimming my magic, making myself less, all because he convinced me it was for my own advancement in the council. And he still thinks...”

She broke off as Kaine pulled her closer. The scent of pine and mountain air wrapped around her, chasing away the metallic taste Ames’s magic had left behind. Her own power responded, weaving into his with that now-familiar golden light. It felt right in a way Ames’s careful touches never had – Kaine held her like she was precious but not fragile, powerful but not dangerous. Like she was exactly enough, exactly as she was.

“You never have to make yourself smaller again,” he murmured against her hair, his voice carrying the weight of promise. “Not for anyone.”

Vail pressed closer, letting his strength steady her. “I meant what I said,” she whispered. “About moving on. About... you.”

His arms tightened fractionally. “I know.” The words carried layers of meaning that made her heart race. “We’ll figure it out together. Whatever pace you need.”

She pulled back just enough to see his face, caught by the intensity in his gold-flecked eyes. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her breath caught as he began to lower his head?—

---