Page 31 of Witchful Thinking

His smile was like sunrise after the longest night, and when he kissed her, Diana knew with absolute certainty that some things—like magical fusions and unexpected love—were rare enough to be worth every risk they entailed.

Chapter 8

Diana’s magical reservesstill depleted from their battle with the corrupted ward stone.Beside her, Alarick slept peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.They had both collapsed into her bed after their confession, too exhausted to do more than exchange gentle kisses before sleep claimed them.

Now, watching him in repose, Diana allowed herself to fully embrace the truth she'd finally spoken aloud.She was falling in love with him—age difference, professional complications, and all.

The golden shimmer of their fusion still connected them even in sleep, a delicate tracery of light where their skin touched.Diana had read about such phenomena in ancient texts, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.The magic responded to their emotions, strengthening with their connection, creating something greater than either could achieve alone.

As if sensing her gaze, Alarick's eyes opened, finding hers immediately.His smile, sleepy and unguarded, made her heart flutter like a freshmen attempting a levitation charm.

"How long have you been watching me sleep?"he asked, voice still rough with rest.

"Not long," she replied, reaching out to brush a lock of dark hair from his forehead.Gold shimmered in the wake of her touch."How are your magical reserves?"

Instead of answering, he captured her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm that sent sparks of gold dancing across her skin."Improving by the second," he murmured against her skin."Especially with you so close."

The intensity in his gaze made her breath catch."Alarick..."

"I meant what I said before," he said softly, twining his fingers with hers."I'm in love with you.Not just because of this."He gestured to the golden light connecting them."Though I won't deny it's extraordinary."

Diana felt a smile tugging at her lips."It is rather impressive, isn't it?"

"The fusion?Absolutely."His thumb traced circles on her wrist, each movement leaving trails of shimmering light."Though I suspect I'd have fallen for you anyway.Magical compatibility or not."

"Would you?"she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice."Even with all the obstacles?"

Alarick shifted closer, his free hand coming up to cup her cheek."Age is just a number, Diana.Ten years means nothing when we're magically compatible enough to clean a corrupted ward stone together.As for the professional concerns..."He shrugged slightly."The Headmistress herself seems to approve."

Diana laughed softly."I'm not entirely convinced that's a point in our favor.Raven has always had unusual priorities."

"Nevertheless," he said, his expression growing serious again."What we have is rare.Precious.Worth fighting for."His gaze held hers, unwavering."The question is—do you agree?"

The vulnerability in his question touched something deep inside her.This brilliant, capable man who could create protective wards that left senior mages in awe was laying his heart bare before her, all his usual confidence set aside in favor of honest emotion.

"I do," she said softly, the simple words carrying the weight of decision."And it terrifies me how much I mean that."

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