Page 30 of Hex Appeal

Chapter 8

They tried to maintainprofessional distance.They really did.But every careful space between them felt like a lie, every avoided glance an obvious pretense.The weight of Thorncraft's ultimatum hung over them like a storm cloud, making even casual interactions feel dangerous.

The students definitely noticed the change."Principal Starcatcher's extra grumpy lately," Ceries overheard in the halls between classes."But did you see how he looks at Professor Frostwind when he thinks no one's watching?"

The staff noticed too.Diana's knowing looks spoke volumes.Juno raised her eyebrows meaningfully whenever she caught Malachai lingering outside Ceries' classroom.Even the suits of armor seemed to be whispering behind their metal hands whenever the two passed by.

"They're not fooling anyone," she heard one custodian mutter to another."Except maybe themselves."

That evening, unable to sleep and missing him desperately, Ceries found herself in the potions lab brewing a sleeping draught.The rhythmic chopping of valerian root and careful measuring of chamomile couldn't distract her from thoughts of Malachai—his smile, his voice, the way his entire demeanor changed when they were alone.

"Can't sleep?"Juno's quiet voice made her jump, nearly knocking over the cauldron.

"Just preparing for class," Ceries lied, though they both knew defensive magic had absolutely no use for peaceful slumber potions.

"Funny," Juno leaned against a workbench, eyes knowing."Malachai was in here yesterday, making the same thing."

Ceries' hand stilled, hope and uncertainty warring within her."Was he?"

"Mmhmm.Couldn't sleep either, apparently."Juno's expression softened."You know, there are better solutions than potions."

"We're maintaining professional distance."The words sounded hollow even to her own ears.

"And how's that working out?"

Ceries stared at the bubbling cauldron, unable to meet Juno's eyes."It's fine."

"Right."Juno pushed away from the bench."That's why you're both brewing sleeping draughts at midnight.Because everything's fine."

After she left, Ceries stared at her half-finished potion.Even the cauldron seemed to be simmering in a melancholy way.

***

CERIES KNEW SOMETHINGwas amiss when she found her classroom invaded by heart-shaped confetti and romantically inclined practice dummies on Valentine's morning.The dummies had arranged themselves into couples, practicing shield charms with dramatic dips and flourishes that looked more like dancing than defensive magic.

"Don't you start," she told them firmly."We're maintaining professional distance, remember?"

The nearest dummy responded by conjuring a rose and offering it to its partner with an elaborate bow.Ceries resisted the urge to hex it into kindling.

"Professor Frostwind?"Diana's innocent tone immediately set off warning bells."I need a small favor..."

Ten minutes later, Ceries stormed into Malachai's office, not bothering to knock."Did you know about this?"

He looked up from his perfectly organized desk, startled by her sudden entrance."About?"

"The Valentine's Dance.Apparently both senior chaperones came down with the pustulating pox and we're the only available replacements."She crossed her arms."Rather convenient, don't you think?"

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