Page 13 of Hex Appeal

Chapter 4

Malachai told himselfthe third pass by Ceries's classroom was purely professional oversight.New teacher observation was part of his job.The fact that he'd memorized her schedule down to the minute—including exactly when she demonstrated defensive techniques with her sleeves rolled up and her hair pulled into that messy knot—was completely irrelevant.

Completely.

His watch chain vibrated in disagreement.

He paused in the doorway, intending just a brief check.But watching Ceries teach was like watching someone perform a dance routine with magic itself as her partner.She moved with fluid confidence, her enthusiasm radiating through the room as she demonstrated a basic shield spell.Every student sat forward, engaged in a way that made his educator's heart approve even as his principal's instincts tied themselves into anxious knots.

"Theory matters," she was saying, and their eyes met briefly across the room.His breath caught at the spark of awareness that zipped between them like rogue electricity."But when someone's throwing hexes at you, theory won't save you.You need muscle memory.Instinct."She demonstrated with a flick of her wand that somehow managed to be both technically perfect and completely unorthodox.

The words hit too close to home.She was brilliant, yes.Engaging, absolutely.Her hair shimmered with gold passion streaks that reminded him of long-ago teaching days when he'd believed anything was possible.But he'd seen where that confidence led.Where that rush to practical application ended.

"Ms.Frostwind," a student with multicolored pigtails raised her hand."Is that why you want to teach us the Bewildering Fog Hex?For emergency defense?"

Malachai's jaw clenched so hard he was surprised his teeth didn't crack.They'd discussed this over coffee yesterday—well, she'd had coffee; he'd had whatever remained after she'd transformed his sensible brew into a sugar supernova.They'd debated it like rational adults.But here she was, still pushing boundaries like they were meant to be erased rather than respected.

"The Bewildering Fog Hex isn't just any defensive spell,” Ceries explained.'Unlike standard shield hexes that simply block, it creates confusion that gives the caster time to escape.But if cast incorrectly or with insufficient control, the fog can spread, affecting unintended targets, or worse, turn inward on the caster's mind.That's why most schools avoid teaching it entirely—which is exactly why students try to learn it on their own with disastrous results.The hex is still pending curriculum approval," Ceries said carefully, but her glance his way held challenge that was simultaneously infuriating and absurdly attractive."Though yes, properly cast, it provides crucial moments to escape dangerous situations."

"I heard it's dangerous," another student offered."That it spreads if you mess up."

"Any magic is dangerous if miscast," Ceries agreed."That's why proper instruction—"

He found himself stepping into the classroom before his better judgment could tackle him at the doorway."Perhaps we should review proper shield form first."

Twenty-three pairs of teenage eyes swiveled toward him.Several students sat up straighter, as if his tie might leap off his chest to enforce proper posture.

"Of course, Principal Starcatcher."Her smile was professional, but her eyes danced with the same spark they'd had in the teacher's lounge while stealing his coffee."Though I prefer a more practical approach than standard methods."

She raised her wand, and he moved closer, telling himself it was to better observe her form.Not because being near her felt like standing too close to lightning—dangerous, exhilarating, and guaranteed to melt his carefully constructed professional facade.

"Traditional grip is like this," she demonstrated, then shifted her hold slightly."But this variation allows quicker response—"

A student's practice spell ricocheted off three walls, a potted plant, and what might have been a confused ghost before heading straight for them.They moved in perfect sync—her deflecting, him shielding.The spell dissipated harmlessly, but they ended up chest to chest, close enough that he could smell coffee and honey and that hint of midnight jasmine that haunted his dreams.

"Quick responses," she said softly, her breath warm against his collar."Rather proves my point about practical application, doesn't it?"

"Ms.Frostwind."His voice came out rougher than intended.He needed to step back.Needed to not notice how her eyes darkened when he used her formal name, or how her hair shifted to a shade that matched exactly what he was thinking."A word after class?"

"About defense theory?"Pure innocence in her tone, betrayed only by the mischievous flicker in her eyes.

"About proper curriculum procedures.And certain hexes that are absolutely not approved for instruction."

"The Bewildering Fog Hex is a legitimate defensive tool."

"Why are they standing so close?"A student's whisper carried with the clarity of a magical megaphone."Is this like when my parents argue but are actually just having eye-kissing contests?"

They sprang apart like teenagers caught behind the equipment shed.Malachai straightened his tie, ignoring how his fingers remembered her adjusting it yesterday.His watch chain was emitting tiny heart-shaped sparks that he desperately hoped no one noticed.

"We'll discuss this later," he managed."My office.After school."

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