Page 3 of Witchful Thinking

Alarick's chuckle was surprisingly deep."Happens a lot?"

"Only since you arrived," she said pointedly."Though I suppose teenage infatuation is better than the garden gnomes who followed you around last year.At least these girls don't make obscene gestures."

"The gnomes were misunderstood," he said with mock seriousness."They were providing valuable architectural feedback."

"Is that what you call it when they arranged stones in the shape of a—"

"Specialized warding configuration," Alarick cut in smoothly, though his ears had turned slightly pink."Very advanced.Possibly ancient."

Despite herself, Diana almost smiled.Almost."Show me these plans so I can explain why half of them won't work."

He spread the blueprints across her desk again, pointing out features with confident precision.Diana leaned in, professional interest overcoming her irritation.The design was...actually quite good.

"This might not be completely terrible," she admitted reluctantly.

"High praise indeed," he said, that half-smile returning."Coming from you, that's practically a standing ovation."

"Don't push your luck."

A crash from the corridor interrupted them, followed by shouts and the distinctive whoosh of misfired defensive magic.They ran toward the commotion, finding two students sprawled on the floor surrounded by swirling magical residue.

"Everyone back," Diana ordered, wand already weaving diagnostic patterns.

Alarick moved without hesitation, creating a containment field around the magical discharge."Broken wand core," he said."The magic is destabilizing."

Diana knelt beside the students, magic flowing from her hands."Minor magical shock.They'll be disoriented for about an hour."

"The field won't hold long," Alarick warned as the sparks intensified.

"I need two more minutes to stabilize them," Diana said, not looking up.

Alarick expanded his containment field, sweat beading on his forehead from the effort.They moved quickly, neither needing to explain their actions.

Two minutes later, Diana transported the stabilized students back to the infirmary.Ten minutes after that, Alarick appeared in the doorway, looking slightly singed but otherwise unharmed.

"Contained and neutralized," he reported.

"Thank you for your assistance."

"Just doing my job."He surveyed the infirmary."Though this does highlight why the renovations are necessary.A proper containment field built into the walls would have made treatment safer."

Diana wanted to argue out of habit, but he was right."Yes," she admitted."That would be useful."She eyed him as he adjusted a complex protection spell."St.Morgana's Warding Institute has been trying to recruit you for years.I'm surprised you chose school renovations over research."

Alarick's hands paused mid-gesture."Research is theoretical.Here, I see the direct impact of my work.When that shield prevented magical backfire from hitting those students yesterday?That matters more than any journal publication."

Diana felt her professional respect reluctantly deepening.This wasn't the attitude of someone just passing through on his way to bigger things.She was struck by the intensity in his eyes—a depth she hadn't allowed herself to notice before.

"This doesn't change anything," she said, turning back to her patients."I still expect full consultation on every aspect of the renovation."

"Wouldn't dream of proceeding without it," The formal title was undermined by the warmth in his voice.

"The temporary space needs to be ready before you start demolition."

"I’m on it."He moved toward the door, then paused."You know, I've always admired your healing abilities.Even when you were giving me that look that could curdle a transformation potion."

After he left, she allowed herself a moment of weakness, leaning against the counter and exhaling slowly.Six weeks.She had to endure six weeks of working closely with Alarick Blackthorn—with his competence and his forearms and his irritating half-smile.

One of the recovering students stirred, looking around blearily."Was that the hot contractor?"she mumbled.

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