Page 6 of Witchful Thinking

After Pecorina left, Alarick turned to Diana with undisguised amusement."Do you want to hear about the stabilizing fields I set up.”

"More than my next breath," she said sarcastically.

To her relief for nearly an hour, they worked alongside each other in something approaching harmony.His knowledge was impressive, his approach innovative.She even caught herself suggesting modifications and—most alarming of all—enjoying herself.

Their peaceful productivity was shattered by the arrival of Principal Starcatcher, looking far too pleased with himself for someone who was supposedly just checking on a renovation.

"Diana, Alarick.How's the temporary station coming along?"Malachai glanced between them with barely concealed interest.

"Adequately," Diana answered."We should be operational by afternoon."

"Excellent.By the way, Alarick, we've assigned you quarters in the east wing, faculty section."

Diana's head snapped up."The faculty section?"

"It made the most sense," Malachai explained with fake innocence that wouldn't fool a freshmen."The room happens to be just across from Diana's quarters.Convenient if any medical emergencies arise during the night."

Diana narrowed her eyes."Well, I'm sure he will be far too busy to spend much time in his quarters."

"Actually, I'm a big believer in proper rest," Alarick countered."Early to bed, early to rise, and all that."

Diana shot him a look.Was he in on the matchmaking plot too?

"Perfect," Malachai said."Diana's typically up with the sun as well.Perhaps you two could develop a morning routine.Coffee, breakfast, professional discussion..."

"Principal Starcatcher," Diana interrupted, "don't you have administrator duties to attend to?Anything?"

After he left, Diana rounded on Alarick."You knew about this, didn't you?"

"About what?The room assignment?"He looked genuinely surprised."This is the first I've heard of it."

"Right."Diana turned back to her supplies, annoyed with herself for feeling annoyed.

"If it makes you uncomfortable, I can decline," Alarick offered, his voice more serious."Stay in the contractor quarters instead."

The sincerity in his tone made her look up."No, that's...It's fine.The faculty wing makes more sense logistically."She returned to arranging potions, determinedly professional."Just don't expect me to be neighborly.I keep odd hours."

"Noted," he said, resuming his warding work."Though I should warn you, I sometimes practice advanced techniques in the evening.Nothing dangerous, but there might be occasional flashes of light."

"I'm sure I can manage."Diana focused on her task, trying not to imagine what Alarick might look like practicing advanced magic in the evening, shirt off maybe, face concentrated in that way that was absolutely not attractive.

At noon, Alarick set down his tools."I'm heading to the dining hall for lunch.Care to join me?"

"I need to finish this,” Diana said, though her stomach chose that moment to growl with the volume of a small dragon.

"You need to eat," he said, his tone concerned.

"I brought something," she lied.

"No, you didn't.”

Diana sighed."Fine.Lunch.But only because I need to ask you more about these healing wards."

"Of course.Purely professional."But his smile suggested he saw right through her excuse.

The dining hall was crowded when they arrived.Diana felt uncomfortably conspicuous walking in with Alarick, especially when Ceries and Malachai wore identical expressions of delight usually reserved for successful matchmakers.

"Our matchmaking friends aren't being remotely subtle," Diana murmured as they found a table.

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