Page 19 of Hex Appeal

"Ms.Frostwind!"Thorncraft smiled warmly, the picture of benevolent authority in his tailored robes that probably cost more than her monthly salary."How delightful.How are you settling in?"

"Very well, sir," she lied, because saying ‘I slept with my boss before I knew he was my boss and now we're locked in a passionate disagreement about hexes'seemed inappropriate."Though I've run into some resistance regarding my curriculum proposals."

"Ah yes."Thorncraft's smile turned sympathetic, though something about it reminded her of the way her cat looked at injured birds."Principal Starcatcher can be rather traditional in his approaches."His tone suggested this was a diplomatic understatement on par with calling a dragon somewhat warm-blooded.

"Tell me about your proposals.I'm all ears."He gestured toward the chair across from his desk, which obligingly slid out for her like an eager puppy.

Her hair brightened with hope as she spread out her research."The Bewildering Fog Hex, properly modified, provides crucial defensive options for students.I've developed specific safety protocols—"

"Excellent."Thorncraft leaned forward with such obvious interest that her charm bracelet retreated an inch up her sleeve in suspicion."This is exactly why I hired you, Ms.Frostwind.We desperately need to modernize our approach to defensive magic.Bring it into this century."

"Principal Starcatcher disagrees," she said, studying Thorncraft's reaction carefully.

"Yes, well, he's too rigid about certain spells.Understandable, given his...history.He has always been resistant to change.Ever since the Windermoore incident—which, between us, was greatly exaggerated in the reports.A few students confused for a couple of hours, hardly the catastrophe he makes it out to be.”Something about his dismissive tone rang false.

“What exactly happened there?”

“Well ...It’s not important right now.”Thorncraft waved away whatever he'd been about to say, his dismissal so hasty it practically left skid marks in the air."Teaching the Bewildering Fog Hex is precisely what we discussed in your interview, isn't it?Practical applications, real-world defensive options.I'm delighted you're following through."

Her hair shifted to a relieved-rose color as she detailed her modifications to the hex.

Thorncraft nodded approvingly at each safety measure, asked intelligent questions about her protocols, and generally behaved like someone who'd finally found the perfect implement to achieve a long-desired goal.

"Outstanding work," he said finally, stamping a magical seal of approval on her proposal with such enthusiasm that the desk shook."Consider it approved.Effective immediately."

"But Principal Starcatcher—" she began, her bracelet chiming a warning.

"Reports to the Board of Trustees, of which I am chairman."Thorncraft's smile was benevolent, though his eyes glittered with something that made her charm bracelet retreat further up her sleeve."I'll handle any concerns.You focus on giving our students the modern defensive education they deserve."

Her hair glowed with validation-gold at having her ideas approved, though her charm bracelet drooped guiltily like a dog who'd eaten the magical homework.

"Thank you, sir.I know this will help keep students safer."

"I'm sure it will."Was there a glint of satisfaction in his eyes?Something beyond professional approval?"I'll inform Principal Starcatcher myself."

As she left his office, her excitement at having her curriculum approved battled with a nagging feeling that she'd just become a pawn in some game she didn't understand.Her magical accessories were unusually quiet, which was never a good sign.

***

MALACHAI STARED ATThorncraft's curriculum approval as if it might transform into something less infuriating if he glared at it long enough.His tie cinched tight with suppressed emotion, practically cutting off his air supply in solidarity with his outrage.She'd gone over his head.After everything he'd said about safety and control.After he'd practically begged her to understand without having to relive his worst professional nightmare.

"Sir?"His secretary poked her head in, looking apologetic."Ms.Frostwind is here about the revised curriculum schedule."

Perfect.His tie attempted to strangle him with renewed vigor while his watch chain drooped in what appeared to be anticipatory embarrassment.

She entered looking professional and determined, though her hair flickered with uncertain-violet streaks that betrayed her discomfort.At least she had the decency to look conflicted about her end-run around his authority.

"Ms.Frostwind."Ice could have taken lessons from his tone.Polar bears would have shivered."I see you found a way around proper procedures."

"I followed proper procedures."Her hair flashed defensive-red."Trustee Thorncraft hired me specifically to modernize the curriculum.He told me in my interview that the school wants these changes."

"So you went behind my back."He tapped Thorncraft's approval with one finger, as if touching it properly might contaminate him.

"I went through the chain of command after you refused to even look at my research."Her voice rose slightly, frustration threading through her words."I tried to show you everything I'd done to address potential problems—"

"Because I know exactly how dangerous that hex can be."The memory flashed unbidden—screams, confusion, twenty-three pairs of panicked eyes lost in a fog that wasn't supposed to spread that far or last that long.

"Then help me make it safer."She stepped closer, hair cycling through frustration-red and pleading-purple."Work with me instead of just shutting everything down.You have experience with this hex.You know what can go wrong.Who better to help ensure it doesn't happen again?"

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