Page 13 of Witchful Thinking

"Unlike that torture device you call a chair."He poured tea, adding a splash of milk."Here.Medicinal purposes."

"How did you know how I take my tea?"She accepted the cup, trying to ignore the tiny spark when their fingers brushed.

"I pay attention," he said simply, handing her a pastry that leaked cinnamon and possibly magic."Perks of being the young, observant one."

Diana rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her smile."Age jokes.Very mature."

"I save my maturity for important things.Like bringing breakfast to stubborn healers who forget to eat."

They ate by the window, morning sun turning the room golden.Diana sipped her perfectly prepared tea, watching Alarick review the monitoring charms with competent efficiency.When had he gotten so good at healing-adjacent magic?

"About last night," he began, voice low to avoid waking their patient.

"Mr.Blackthorn.Nurse Maelstrom."

Headmistress Raven materialized in the doorway, Edgar surveying them with beady, judgmental eyes.

Diana straightened reflexively."Good morning, Headmistress.Fontina Reblochon is recovering well."

"So I've been informed."Raven's expression revealed nothing as she glanced between them."The infirmary transfer must be completed by nightfall.Construction begins tomorrow."

"We've moved the essentials," Diana assured her."The remaining items are ready for transport."

"Good.Given the delicate nature of healing instruments, I expect you both to supervise personally."Raven's gaze could have cut glass."I trust you can work together effectively?Despite any personal considerations?"

Diana's cheeks flamed."Of course, Headmistress.We're professionals."

"Excellent."Raven turned to leave, then paused."Oh, and the faculty wing reported unusual magical fluctuations last night.Mr.Blackthorn, perhaps you could inspect the warding there after the infirmary transfer?"

"Yes, Headmistress."

After Raven departed, Diana exhaled dramatically."Does she have surveillance spells or something?"

"The walls themselves probably file daily reports."Alarick glanced at Edgar, who had stayed behind."Should we get to work before the feathered spy memorizes our conversation?"

The raven gave an affronted caw before flying after his mistress.

"Creepy bird," Diana muttered.

"He likes you."

"And you know this how?"

"He didn't try to steal your shiny things."Alarick grinned."That's practically a marriage proposal from Edgar."

A groan from the bed saved Diana from responding.Fontina blinked awake, grimacing.

"Easy," Diana said, moving to her side."You're in the infirmary.How do you feel?"

"Like I tried to high-five lightning," Fontina croaked."Did I really turn the practice hall purple?"

"Among other things," Alarick confirmed."Though the color's fading.Mostly."

After examining her and prescribing rest, Diana turned to Alarick."We should start the transfer.Some equipment needs precise magical calibration."

They worked through the morning, settling into a rhythm that felt dangerously natural.Their magic twined together effortlessly—his protective spells automatically adjusting to her healing charms, her arrangements intuitively aligning with his wards.They moved around each other like they'd been partners for years instead of days.

"That's the last of the sensitive equipment," Diana said as they levitated an ancient diagnostic mirror that hated being touched."Regular staff can handle the rest."

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