Page 8 of Bearly Bewitched

“Besides,” Ren’s ancient voice carried the weight of centuries, “proper magic isn’t about conforming to expectations. It’s about finding your own path. The strongest magic often comes from unexpected combinations.”

“Like me?” Daisy asked hopefully.

“Exactly like you, pip.” Xabir ruffled her hair. “You’re going to show them all what real magic looks like.”

“And the academy’s new programs will help with that,” Romi added. “Vail has such wonderful ideas about nurturing unique magical talents. She’d love to meet you, Daisy. And your uncle, of course.”

“Romi,” Kaine warned, but Daisy perked up.

“Is she pretty? Does she like butterflies? Can she do fire magic like me? Uncle Kaine, can we meet her? Please?”

Before Kaine could deflect Daisy’s rapid-fire questions about the new headmistress, Burke cleared his throat. His expression made Kaine’s bear take notice.

“Actually, there’s something we should discuss regarding the academy’s changes.” Burke’s eyes flicked meaningfully toward the stack of folders he’d brought in earlier.

Kaine caught the undertone of caution in his friend’s voice. “Thane, would you mind?—“

“Say no more.” Thane held out his hand to Daisy. “Come on, butterfly maker. Let’s see if you can turn your multiplication tables into dragonflies this time.”

“But dragons are Ren’s thing,” Daisy protested, though she slid down from Kaine’s lap. “I want to make bear-flies!”

“Bear-flies?” Thane’s eyebrows shot up. “Now that’s something I’ve got to see.”

“They’re like butterflies but fuzzy! With tiny claws!” Daisy skipped toward the door, then spun back to point at Kaine. “Don’t forget about ice cream!”

“One scoop with sprinkles,” he reminded her. “After dinner.”

“Just checking,” she tried one last time, grinning.

“Scram, little bear.”

Her laughter echoed down the hallway as Thane led her away. The moment the door closed, Burke spread several folders across the conference table.

“There’s been significant interest in the academy’s new direction,” Burke explained, laying out documents. “Particularly from those studying supernatural integration.”

Ren moved closer, ancient eyes scanning the papers. “Anyone concerning?”

“Nothing overtly problematic,” Burke replied. “Professor Thaddeus Ledger’s work on magical bloodlines, Elder Norwood’s interest in hybrid development, Dr. Elena Winters’sresearch on cross-species enchantments. Their theories about hybrid magic potential are... ambitious.”

Kaine’s bear stirred uneasily. “Ambitious how?”

“Ideas about enhancing magical abilities through combining supernatural bloodlines. Studying how hybrid magic manifests compared to pure witch or shifter powers.” Burke met his alpha’s gaze. “With the academy actively encouraging magical integration...”

“It’s going to draw attention,” Rook finished. “Both scholarly and otherwise.”

“And with Daisy being one of the first documented witch-shifter hybrids...” Burke left the implication hanging.

SEVEN

Kaine’s protective instincts flared. “You think she might become a subject of interest?”

“It’s possible. These changes at the academy are unprecedented. Many eyes will be watching how hybrid magic develops in an educational setting.”

Romi frowned, her usual cheer dimming. “But Vail would never let anyone treat students like research subjects. She’s implementing these changes to help supernatural children reach their full potential, not to study them.”

“No one’s questioning the headmistress’s intentions,” Xabir assured her. “But Burke’s right—we should be aware of who’s paying attention to these developments.”

“Keep tracking them,” Kaine decided. His bear rumbled in agreement—knowledge was power especially when it came to protecting their cub. “Any unusual interest in hybrid magic or the academy’s new policies, I want to know about it.”

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