Chapter 20
TWENTY
M agic rippled through the academy’s gates as Kaine approached, the ward stones recognizing his bear energy with welcoming pulses of amber light. The grand courtyard buzzed with supernatural families setting up for the Community Magic Share. Floating lanterns bobbed overhead, trailing sparks that danced like fireflies against the deepening sky.
His bear stirred the moment her scent reached him. The beast’s eager recognition sent waves of warmth through his blood, making the ward boundary stones flare brighter. Kaine inhaled deeply, letting his enhanced senses map Vail’s location before his eyes found her.
She stood near the central fountain, her dark hair catching the dying sunlight as she demonstrated a fire-weaving spell to a group of young students. Her hands traced elegant patterns in the air, leaving trails of golden flame that transformed into shimmering butterflies. The children’s delighted gasps carried across the courtyard.
“Your bear’s doing that glowy thing again.” Daisy’s voice held barely suppressed laughter. She pointed to the nearest ward stone, which pulsed in time with his heartbeat. “It always happens when you see Headmistress Vail.”
“The wards respond to strong magic,” Kaine said, trying to sound professional. His bear huffed in amusement at the attempt.
Daisy’s grin turned mischievous. “That’s why they only glow when you’re looking at her.”
Before Kaine could defend himself, Romi materialized beside them with a knowing smile. “Oh good, you’re here! Vail’s been checking the gates every five minutes. Not that she’d admit it.”
Heat crept up Kaine’s neck. “She’s probably monitoring security?—“
“Right, because the headmistress personally guards the entrance at every event.” Romi winked at Daisy. “Nothing to do with certain tall, dark, and bearish alphas.”
“Don’t you have coffee to serve?” Kaine growled, but without heat. His bear actually liked Romi’s matchmaking schemes, traitor that it was.
“The café can survive five minutes without me.” Romi’s eyes sparkled. “Especially since I enchanted all the coffee mugs to play matchmaker. They keep rearranging themselves to spell out ‘Kaine + Vail’ in coffee stains.”
“You did what?”
“Oh, that’s nothing.” She waved dismissively. “You should see what the enchanted sugar bowls are doing. They’ve formed a little choir. Keep humming love songs whenever Vail walks past.”
“Romi—“
“The teaspoons joined in too.” She grinned. “They’re surprisingly good at harmony.”
Daisy giggled. “The ward stones are worse, Uncle Kaine. Look!”
The nearest stone now glowed like a miniature sun, its light somehow managing to form heart-shaped patterns across their faces. Kaine’s bear preened at the visible proof of its interest, even as Kaine wished the ground would swallow him whole.
“I had nothing to do with that one,” Romi said innocently. “Though I may have enchanted the fountain to sprout heart-shaped water spouts whenever you two get within ten feet of each other.”
“The entire town’s magical infrastructure is not your personal matchmaking service,” Kaine groaned.
“Tell that to the academy’s gargoyles.” Xabir approached, sliding an arm around Romi’s waist. “They’ve started arranging themselves to point at Vail whenever you walk past. Rather obvious, those stone fellows.”
Romi beamed up at him. “They’re just trying to be helpful, dear. Unlike the suits of armor.”
Xabir’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Did you know that Vail prefers walks to fancy restaurants, and she loves the view from Moonlight Ridge.”
“I didn’t?—“
“Ask? No, but you’ve been watching that fountain for five minutes straight.” Xabir nodded toward where Vail still demonstrated spells, her magic painting the air with light. “The whole town’s been watching you watch her. It’s getting painful.”
“Some of us have money riding on tonight,” Romi added helpfully. “No pressure.”
Before Kaine could respond, Vail looked up. Their eyes met across the crowded courtyard, and the air between them sparked with visible gold light. Her magic reached for his, fire and bear energy twining in the space between them. The ward stones hummed in harmony.
“Oh, for fluff’s sake, go talk to her,” Romi urged, giving him a gentle push. “Before the wards explode from all this unresolved tension.”
Daisy tugged his sleeve. “Can we show her my new spell? Please?”