Page 16 of Bearly Bewitched

“But the risks—“ Felicity started.

“Are carefully calculated,” Vail finished smoothly. “Professor Hawthorne’s expertise in traditional methods is invaluable precisely because it helps us understand how to safely integrate new techniques. Every change we implement is thoroughly tested and monitored.”

She turned to address the whole group. “The academy’s mission has always been to nurture magical talent in all its forms. What better way to honor that mission than by creating an environment where every student can fully embrace their heritage?”

The tension gradually eased as parents began nodding thoughtfully. Even Felicity’s rigid posture softened slightly, though she still looked uncomfortable with the entire situation.

A commotion from the armor display drew everyone’s attention before the debate could reignite. Daisy had apparently tried showing off a basic levitation charm to her new friends, but her curse had other ideas.

Instead of floating gracefully, the suit of armor started dancing, its metallic joints squeaking out an oddly familiar rhythm.

“Is that...” Sabine tilted her head. “Is that the Cha Cha Slide?”

It was. The armor, now fully animated, had begun leading a line of delighted children through the classic dance moves.“One hop this time! Right foot let’s stomp!”

More suits joined in, their synchronized movements creating a cacophony of clanking metal and children’s laughter. Even some of the parents who’d been arguing moments ago found themselves getting pulled into the impromptu dance party.

“Well,” Vail appeared at Kaine’s side, her eyes sparkling with mirth, “this is certainly one way to demonstrate magical integration.”

The proximity of her fire magic made his bear stir hopefully. “Daisy gets creative when she’s excited. Though I think the dancing armor might be a first.”

“She’s got natural talent.” Vail watched as Daisy, now recovered from her initial embarrassment, enthusiastically taught a suit of armor to spin. “The curse actually helps her connect to different types of magic, even if she can’t always control the outcome.”

“Most people see the curse first,” Kaine said quietly. “Thank you for seeing her.”

Vail’s expression softened. “She’s lucky to have you fighting in her corner.”

Kaine’s bear practically purred at her nearness while the air around them grew warmer from her fire magic’s response.

“Uncle Kaine!” Daisy’s voice broke the moment. “Come dance with us! You too, Headmistress Vail! For, um, educational purposes?”

“Yes, Headmistress,” Sabine called, her tiger’s mischief evident in her grin. “Show us how witches and shifters can move in harmony.”

Romi and Sabine’s poorly suppressed laughter somewhere behind them made Kaine want to growl. But Vail was already being tugged toward the dance line by an eager Daisy, her amused surrender making his heart twist in his chest.

“Coming, Alpha?” Vail called over her shoulder, eyes dancing with challenge. The way she said his title sent a shiver of awareness down his spine, his bear recognizing the playful submission for the flirtation it was.

“Ten gold pieces says he growls if anyone else asks her to dance,” Sabine whispered to Romi, not quite quietly enough.

“Twenty says she accidentally sets something on fire next time he takes his jacket off,” Romi countered.

Kaine caught the spike of cinnamon and woodsmoke in her scent, his bear rumbling in satisfaction at this evidence of mutual attraction. When she glanced back at him through her lashes, the heat in her gaze made his blood run hot.

And really, what could he do but follow?

In the edges of his awareness, he noticed Thaddeus Ledger watching the proceedings with calculated interest, particularly when Daisy’s curse magic sparked and swirled. Something about the wizard’s too-keen observation set Kaine’s teeth on edge. He made a mental note to warn Vail about Ledger’s suspicious attention to ward mechanics and curse energy.

But for now, surrounded by laughter, magic, and the warmth of Vail’s presence, Kaine allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment. His bear had recognized something special in her – not just her power or beauty, but the genuine warmth she showed Daisy, her vision for supernatural unity, and the hint of mischief beneath her professional demeanor.

The evening ended too soon with Daisy drooping against his side as they waited for their carriage. She clutched a stack of brochures and what looked suspiciously like Vail’s personal contact information “for academic questions only, of course.”

“That was fun,” Daisy mumbled sleepily. “Do you think Headmistress Vail liked the dancing armor? Because I might have an idea for the Halloween party...”

“No more enchanted dancing, little one.” Kaine ruffled her hair fondly.

“Okay.” But she was smiling as she drifted off against his shoulder.

A final glance back at the academy showed Vail illuminated in the doorway, her fire magic casting a warm glow around her. Their eyes met across the courtyard, and for a moment, Kaine lethimself imagine possibilities. His bear rumbled in satisfaction, already certain of what his heart was beginning to accept – they’d found their mate.

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