Page 35 of Hex Appeal

"You know," Ceries said finally, "this doesn't solve everything.People still know about us."

"True."Malachai's expression was thoughtful rather than worried."But it changes the context.We're no longer sneaking around or breaking rules.We can figure out a proper professional arrangement."

"Like what?"

"Like you reporting directly to Headmistress Raven instead of me," he suggested."No conflict of interest, no inappropriate power dynamic."

Student artwork lined the walls around them, practice spells creating dancing patterns of light.Everything they'd nearly lost but somehow kept.

"Would that be enough?"she asked, suddenly uncertain."For you to risk your reputation?Your career?"

Malachai stopped walking and turned to face her fully."Ceries, when I thought I'd lost my job, my only regret was that I hadn't been brave enough to choose you openly from the start.Proper procedures are important—but not more important than what we've found together."

Down the hall, several practice dummies had appeared, watching with obvious interest.

"You know," Ceries smiled slowly, "I never did get to properly teach you my modified approach to the Bewildering Fog Hex."

"Is that so?"His lips quirked in that almost-smile that always made her pulse race."I'm a quick study."

"And I'm an excellent teacher."She stepped closer, professional boundaries reconfiguring into something new and exciting."We could start private lessons immediately."

"Professor Frostwind, are you suggesting we engage in after-hours educational activities?"

"Principal Starcatcher, I believe I am."She grinned up at him."Unless you need to file the paperwork in triplicate first?"

"For you," he said, finally giving in to the smile that transformed his normally serious face, "I might be persuaded to use the expedited filing system."

"You rebel."

"I learned from the best."

He kissed her then, no longer caring who saw.After all, some rules were meant to be broken, some procedures worth expediting, and some magic too powerful to be contained by mere professional boundaries.

Chapter 10

"Private lessons" hadto wait.Running footsteps interrupted Ceries and Malachai's moment as Juno raced around the corner, her herbology robes fluttering wildly.

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