Page 5 of Witchful Thinking

Diana paused, genuinely surprised.Those fields were complex magic, typically used in high-end hospitals."That's...actually useful."

"Try not to sound so shocked," he said with that half-smile that did absolutely nothing to her pulse rate."I do occasionally have good ideas.Even at my tender young age."

"Yes, well, the elderly often underestimate youth," she shot back, immediately regretting the admission that she'd noticed their age gap.

Before Alarick could respond, Professor Frostwind burst in, her rose-gold hair practically sparkling with excitement and zero subtlety.Ceries was one of the co-heads of the Herbalism department.

"Just checking on the setup."Ceries glanced between them with all the subtlety of a unicorn in a china shop."How's the collaboration going?"

"Professionally adequate," Diana said primly, just as Alarick answered, "Delightful."

Ceries's smile widened like a cat who'd found an unattended bowl of cream."Wonderful.Oh, Diana, we need to discuss the new batch of healing herbs I’m cultivating for your potions.Why don't we review them over dinner tonight?We could go to the Grumble and Brew."She turned to leave, then stopped with theatrical timing."Oh, and Alarick, you should join us.Your input would be valuable."

"The Grumble and Brew?"Diana raised an eyebrow."Isn't that a bit rowdy for a professional discussion?"It was a gastro pub headed up by a troll, after all.

"They have the most amazing Volcanic Rock Steak special tonight," Ceries said with suspicious enthusiasm."The troll chef literally serves it still sizzling on enchanted lava stones.And their Bubbling Cauldron Cocktails are to die for!Two people can share one with these adorable paired straws..."She trailed off at Diana's look."For, um, efficiency of consumption.Purely professional."

Diana froze mid-arrangement of potions."That's hardly necessary—"

"Actually, that would be helpful," Alarick cut in, the traitor."I'd like to coordinate the infirmary wards with whatever protection the students are practicing."

"Excellent!It's settled then."Ceries beamed like someone who'd just successfully arranged a first date for her socially awkward friend."Seven o'clock at The Grumble and Brew.Just a professional discussion over food.Nothing matchmaking-like whatsoever."

She didn't actually say that last part, but her expression screamed it.

After she left, Diana rounded on Alarick."You didn't have to agree to that."

"Afraid of being social with me?"

"I'm afraid of nothing."Diana straightened to her full height, which still left her looking up at him like a disgruntled cat facing a particularly amused tree."Least of all an informal dinner with colleagues."

"Good.Because I make excellent dinner conversation.I've been told my anecdotes about magical plumbing disasters are riveting."

Diana's lips twitched."I'm sure they're as fascinating as my tales of treating magical acne gone wrong."

"See?We'll have a delightful time."His smile softened to something genuine."Has anyone ever told you that you're intimidating?"

"Am I?"The question caught her off guard.

"Absolutely.The brilliant, beautiful, head nurse who can heal a shattered bone with a flick of her wand?It's rather impressive."

Diana blinked, uncertain how to respond to both the compliment and the revelation that he'd noticed her years ago.She was saved by the arrival of Pecorina Havarti, clutching her wrist with all the dramatic flair of a theater student auditioning for the role of "Tragically Wounded Heroine."

"Nurse Maelstrom, I think I sprained my wrist during practice."Pecorina's pained expression transformed instantly when she spotted Alarick."Oh, you're here too."She batted her eyelashes furiously.

Diana suppressed a sigh."Let me see, Miss Havarti."

The girl extended her perfectly healthy wrist, though her eyes remained fixed on Alarick as if he might disappear if she blinked.

"No swelling, no discoloration," Diana noted dryly."Can you rotate your wrist?"

Pecorina demonstrated perfect mobility while asking loudly, "Will Mr.Blackthorn be working here every day?"

"Your wrist is fine," Diana pronounced."Return to class."

"But what if it starts hurting again?"Pecorina protested, with the commitment of someone who deserved an award for persistence.

"I'll risk it," Diana said firmly."Off you go."

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