“So, it’s what… like an air spell?” I ask Lucien, watching his hands as he attempts to cast it for the upteenth time.

We’re practicing in Selene’s Temple at the Academy, knowing we’re safe from any students until the end of the year when examinations are being held.

While I was away, Seraphina, Arthur and Fox helped furnish it with a table and some chairs for us to study more comfortably in secret. We take turns practicing with Lucien, and teaching each other what we’ve learned of our own elemental magic.

“Yes, like an air spell,” responds Lucien.

“Why don’t you try another one?” Calls Fox.

Fox peers over his book to look at me, and a smile creeps over his lips. I’m speechless for a moment, enraptured by it, and from the corner of my eye, I see that Lucien is, too.

“Why don’t you give your spell one more try, Luna,” says Lucien, encouragingly. “If you can’t get it, take a break, and practice with Fox. Seraphina needs some help with a few things.”

“Alright, but they’ve already completed their studies here,” I grumble, following along with Lucien’s hand movements. “More air like?”

“Yes. It’s very much like uh… that level one disperse spell. It’s more of a sweeping motion with your arm, instead of just your fingers.”

His hand reaches for the ground gripping any wind he can take hold of, and sweeps in a large circle to throw it over his body. It forms a barrier around him. He clears his throat, and with a simple flick of his hand, disperses it.

“Goodness, I’ll barely be able to pick up a potion bottle tomorrow after flailing my arms wildly all day. You make it look so easy. You must have very strong arms.”

Lucien blushes, and Arthur laughs like a madman at the table.

“Look at him. He doesn’t even know what to do with all of your compliments.”

“Gods,” mutters Fox, quietly. “You’ve probably never received one, and wouldn’t know how to react, either. How are all of you friends with him? Are you obligated because he’s royalty?”

“Who said I’m his friend?” I tease.

“I heard you admit you missed him,” he winks.

“I may have gotten ahead of myself. He’s since refreshed my memory.”

I can see him preparing to say more, but quickly shuts his mouth, and gives Arthur a sideways glance. Whatever he wanted to say would probably excite Arthur.

When we’ve returned to our tasks, a slight blush warms my cheeks, and it takes a few moments for me to comprehend my hand diagrams again. Lucien eyes me carefully, and frowns.

“Can you focus?” He whispers, irritably.

“Right. I think I need to stand for this, until I get better.”

I get to my feet, and shut my eyes, feeling at my fingertips for the tendrils of air that Lucien assures me feels like soft tufts of fur. Once I’m able to pull a single strand of it below me, the rest follow. The weight of it shocks me every time, but I’m determined to keep a firm grasp on it. I toss it up as gracefully as one would a sack of rocks over my shoulder, and the weight of it vanishes, and covers me in a protective gust. It dampens my senses, and the sounds of Arthur’s laughter have been muffled. Lucien bounds towards me, and dispels it with a flick of his fingers.

“Excellent,” he says, as the wind dissipates. “You can take that spell off your list, and start working on… I’m afraid I don’t know where you’ve left off with Fox. I’ll test you next time, so try to remember what you did, in the meantime.”

“I’m still on the same spell as last time with Fox,” I say, feeling ridiculously daft, as I walk over to the table to take a seat.

“O-Oh… well, good luck to you. Seraphina, I’m sure you could use a br-”

Seraphina is at Lucien’s side before he can finish his sentence. Arthur grumbles, as he tries to rein in the flame that continues to grow at a rapid pace, quickly taking over half the tabletop. With a flick of his hand, Fox puts it out with a small water spell, making sure to splash Arthur’s face.

“You’re still on Whisper, correct?” Fox asks, finally noticing me now that Arthur’s flame has died out.

I nod shyly. “I’m struggling a bit.”

“That’s alright, you’re still just a level two Mystic, and learning. There’s no need to be embarrassed about it.”

“You’re already far past me, and still young.”

“I’m also far past my days at the Academy, and have perfected my skills considerably. They start to become familiar, like playing an instrument, and your fingers are following along to the music your mind is composing.”

“I feel as if I got such a late start, I’m still learning how to play the scales.”

“Lucien is also at your level, and you’re both doing well.”

“Lucien is at my level with six elements!” I argue.

“Well, before you argue with me further, let’s work on Whisper. You grew up in Bellehaven, I’m sure you’ve gone swimming in lakes, and all of that. Try to imagine… floating into a gently flowing river, and your body is being carried with it. Allow your hands to feel the push and pull of the current like wind on your fingertips as you cast the spell.”

I try to imagine what he’s saying, but fail to calm my mind. Instead, my thoughts are on lunch.

“Luna,” he says, waving a hand over my eyes. “I know you cannot stand the sound of silence, but you should at least pretend to pay attention to me.”

“Sorry,” I mumble. “I tried, but then I…”

“Lost your head in the clouds?” He smiles.

“I’m afraid it was just lunch time.”

“You’re very much a Wind-Caller. Come, follow me. Let’s take a walk to help you clear your head. How does that sound?”

I look over at Lucien, who is enjoying chasing Seraphina around the cave with a projected image of himself made of earth, as she chases him with her own.

“I suppose that won’t be too awful.”

“We’ll be back,” he announces, standing, and pushing his chair under the edge of the table.

Lucien gives me a reassuring nod, and waves me off encouragingly, with a wink.

Near the drop of the falls outside the city, I have my hand dipped in the icy cold waters.

“This is not what I had in mind,” I say, trying to focus as my hand is becoming numb from the cold.

“You don’t have to keep it in there,” Fox laughs. “You just need to feel the push and pull of the water.”

“I can’t feel anything with frozen fingers.”

He rolls his eyes, and pulls my hand out, warming it up with his own. He breathes a hot breath on them, and rubs his palms over mine quickly. The sensation helps only slightly, but his efforts are noble.

“We can try something else,” he suggests.

“Yes, please. I need my hands intact for spells.”

“When I was being taught water magic,” he smirks, recalling what I assume is a fond memory. “My instructor pushed me into the river in the middle of winter, and made me swim the full length of it several times before he let me go home.”

“That sounds dreadful!”

“It was,” he laughs. “I’d come home every day regretting I had magic. Then, one day, it stopped feeling so miserable, and I enjoyed it. It was like I was part of it.”

“Was it warmer out?”

He laughs. “It was. I didn’t make that connection until years later. It was effective training, though, and the cold Zelfari winters do nothing to me now.”

“Don’t lie, Fox,” I laugh with him. “I’ve seen you get a little chilly with the autumn breeze. I also didn’t see your hand in that water next to mine.”

“I’m part dark elf, so I was also born with an advantage.”

“Are you really, though? Or is that the lie you tell everyone you flirt with?”

“Why in Gaia’s name do you think I’m such a flirt?”

“Look at you! Have you ever stared into a looking glass? Or noticed women’s stares?”

“That doesn’t make me a flirt!”

“You’re right, but Lucien told me I was not the only woman you invited back home with you that night we went dancing, so forgive me for making assumptions.”

We’re silent for a moment, and then we break out into raucous laughter until we’re both crying.

“And if I think of it further, you’re a horrible flirt. You’re much too obvious,” I complain, through my laughter.

“You’ll have to excuse me, I’m out of practice.”

“How are you an archmage, already, anyway? You must be very old.”

“No. My family line is simply the longest in a long line of Water-Bearers.”

“Strange… I come from a long line, too. So do Arthur and Seraphina. Except mine was a long and weak line. Do you think Lucien… comes from a long line of Weavers and Casters?

“It wouldn’t surprise me with those eyes, and skin.”

“Do you ever wonder if there’s even some… greater purpose to all of this?”

“I think if we were to serve some greater purpose, there would be some obvious signs.”

“You can see in the dark, and you need another sign?” I ask. “A shadowstalker fed you a magic glowing petal. A duneswift did the same to Seraphina and Arthur, and suddenly they have the same sensitive hearing of light elves. We’ve all somehow met here, and you still need another sign? Maybe there are some dormant dark elf powers running through my own bloodline,” I laugh. “It’s an ancient one. What if it all started with a dark elf and a human? Stranger things have happened.”

“They have not. If they have, you’ve led a far more interesting life than you think.”

“You’re right, my life is as dull as they get.”

“You came from Bellehaven, and I heard it doesn’t get duller than that.”

“I did, and I grew up in Mirror Lake.”

“It’s no wonder you like the city…”

“Yes.”

“Alright, enough idle chatter, I don’t want to disappoint Lucien. Whisper. Show me what you remember so far.”

“Sorry. Am I speaking too much? It’s a bad habit of mine,” I apologize. “You can stop me whenever you’d like. Unlike Arthur, I can take subtle hints.”

“No. I thought I was doing too much of the talking. I guess we both have the bad habit of being forever curious. I have to restrain myself sometimes.”

We smile at each other.

“Uh… shut your eyes, and take a deep breath,” he says, quietly and slowly. “Imagine the push and pull of water. Imagine your emotions like a wall of sand, and let the waves wash them away. Clear out your mind. Water-Bearers must cast spells with feelings. Wind-Callers with thought. This spell is a comforting word… a hot cup of tea on a cold night. A good friend, wrapping their arms around you… A lover’s kiss… Am I being too forward?”

“Are you?” I blush.

“My apologies if it seemed that way.”

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“It’s… alright,” I whisper, shyly. “I like it.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

The lights of the city seem too bright for me to get any sleep tonight. As I stare at the ceiling of my room at the Academy covered in dancing lights coming in through the window, I decide to take a small light stone, and sketch Fox’s face into my journal. It’s not perfect, but I clutch the journal to my chest feeling delirious and giddy, overwhelmed with my own feelings.

I read through my spellbook the next morning, wishing I could use willpower to cast my Cyclone Fury spell into existence.

“Still struggling?” Asks Lucien.

“It’s so small, it could barely take out a seedling.”

“You realize they take longer to master with each level, right? That you won’t get it overnight? And that’s why you’ll be here for twelve more years?”

“Fox makes it look easy.”

“He’s got years of training, you know. I… noticed the two of you were getting along,” he says, inquiringly.

“Did you?”

“I did. You both seem to be getting along swimmingly, actually. Is he treating you well?”

“He’s… such a flirt, but it’s not as painful as watching Arthur do it.”

I eye him curiously, and he grins widely.

“How is your Stamina potion coming along?” He asks, abruptly changing the subject. “I bet you still haven’t figured it out.”

“I’m grateful I have another year to master these potions,” I mumble. “If that’s what you mean.”

“Not well?”

“No.”

“Madam Treeleaf will be more than happy to show you.”

“Too happy, if you ask me. Last time, she went on for hours about all of the properties of plants I’d never even heard of.”

“Luna, can we-” his voice cracks, and he clears his throat, looking slightly faint.

“Lucien…?” I wrap an arm around his shoulder, and walk him to the table.

“I’m sorry,” he says, sitting down. “I feel I’ve made things uncomfortable between us… because I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, nor have you made me uncomfortable. I mean, now I’m uncomfortable, but that’s besides the point.”

He laughs, with tears in his eyes. “Are you sure?”

“You’re still the only person I prefer to watch the stars with,” I say, rubbing his back. “Which means I’m not uncomfortable.”

“I sent out a letter to Lumaria this morning. I told her I’d try to… make things work out with her. That I’d give her a chance.”

“That’s excellent news!”

“Thank you. I was terrified. My hand shook the whole time, I’m sure she won’t be able to make out half the words on the page.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? She already likes you.”

“What if I wrote something foolish?”

“What did you write?” I chuckle. “Don’t tell me you asked Arthur for advice.”

He scoffs. “No, and I’m not going to tell you.”

“That proves you’re not an idiot.”

He laughs.

“Did you confess your undying love for her?” I sing, poking his side.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he rolls his eyes.

“Alright, don’t tell me. I don’t care.”

He pokes my side, and laughs when I jump away, and smack his upper arm.

“You care a little,” he teases, pinching my cheeks. “It’s endearing.”

“It’s only because I care for your well being.”

“And you’re a hopeless romantic.”

“That I am.”

“So, Fox,” I say, trying to fill the awkward silence between us. “How was your day at the shop?”

He looks up from his book, and smiles at me from his perch on a rock.

“Focus on the silence, Luna.”

“I can’t!” I cry out. “I hate every moment of it. You can’t just sit there and ignore me the whole time. We’ve been sitting here for hours, and the sound of the falls just makes my throat feel parched.”

“Lucien told me you needed extra training, so train.”

He looks back at his book, and turns the page.

“He was just trying to do me a favor and make us spend more time together, you know.”

“Was he, now? And why’s that?”

“I mean, it’s obvious, isn’t it? You’re flirting with me, and I allow it because I… Well, you know… I like you.”

“Do you, now?”

He looks up from his book again, shutting it this time, and gives me a devious smirk.

“Well, if you didn’t know, then you know now.”

“Indeed, I do.”

“So, how was your day at the shop?”

“I was quite distracted by thoughts of a certain Wind-Caller.”

“Oh, is it someone I know?” I ask, airily, with a grin.

“You might. She’s very curious, and I must admit that I am, too.”

“I can guess why she’s curious, but what are you curious about?”

“I wonder what her lips taste like.”

“I bet she wonders the same. Do they taste like fresh spring water? Or mint tea? Or warm hot chocolate in the winter by the fire?”

“Would she like to put her curiosity to rest?”

“Absolutely.”

He stands, moving slowly, and confidently. He approaches me without any hesitation in his step and takes me into his lap moments later.

“Fox. Fox. Fox, wait a minute,” I push him away, and clutch my chest, as I gasp to catch my breath. “I don’t… I’ve never done this before.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to… I thought you wanted to.”

“I-I do. I just need to catch my breath.”

He takes my hand, and kisses it softly.

“It’s whatever you want. I won’t push it.”

“How are you?” whispers Fox.

“It’s a good thing no one could hear us,” I say, feeling giddy.

“I was too occupied relishing it to worry about something like that, but I was quite worried about you.”

I turn to face him lying on the floor on a pile of blankets and cloaks next to me, and plant a kiss on his lips. “I’m fine, Fox. I just… I didn’t think I could ever… nevermind.”

“You don’t fall in love easily?”

“You’re quite wrong. I fall in love very easily. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you, I just have enough patience not to make a fool of myself.”

“You called that patience? We went out once, and well… here we are.”

“You have less patience. Do you fall in love easily, Fox? Should I be worried?”

“I do, but I’m quite loyal,” he grins, giving me his best innocent look.

“And what made you fall in love with me?

“I have no idea. I’m hoping to find out.”

“You don’t know?” I laugh nervously.

“Gods, we hardly know each other. I just find myself increasingly attracted to you each time we speak. I thought we might as well get the difficult part out of the way. I’m glad we did, because I think I love you even more now.”

“Why’s that?”

“I love the way you cry out my name as you come.”

“Fooox,” I whine, blushing. “That’s embarrassing.”

“I can make you do it again if you’d like.”

“You laid with him?” Cries Lucien. “Don’t you think you’re moving a bit fast?”

“Would you mind not making me feel like an idiot? I’ve beat myself up enough, already. I can’t stop hearing my mother’s voice telling me I’ve been a fool.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry. Do go on.”

“I can’t just go on. What else can I say after that?”

“I’ve no idea,” Lucien says, falling into a seat next to me, and staring off blankly towards the shop shelf. “Is he just as beautiful when he’s undressed?”

I gasp, and break out into a laugh.

“I’m serious, Luna.”

“He’s even more beautiful, actually.”

“Gods, I knew it,” he frowns. “I should have made my move sooner.”

“You would have won, too, I’m sure.”

He eyes me from head to toe and turns away.

“Lucien?”

“I would have,” he mutters.

“Rude!”

The stars are bright, and the evening would be perfect if Arthur wasn’t snoring a few feet away from me.

“Is your hearing alright with all that noise?” I mutter.

Lucien stirs beside me, and slaps the top of Arthur’s head, waking him from his nap.

“Alright, alright. I’ll go back,” he groans.

Seraphina yawns, and stretches. “Me, too. I can’t stay up much longer.”

“Let me know if anything exciting happens in the skies,” says Fox, grunting when he sits up. “I think I fell asleep several times already.”

He leans over to kiss my cheek, then walks away with Seraphina and Arthur back to the city.

“Oh, my,” sings Lucien. “Was that a kiss?”

“Stop it,” I laugh, slapping his arm. “It’s not anything.”

He sits up, and leans over me, blocking my view of the night sky. “Nonsense. The two of you have been inseparable these past few weeks.”

“I know, I can hardly get rid of him after a night out in the city,” I bemoan.

“Is he your boyfriend yet?” He whispers into my ear.

His breath on my ear sends shivers through my body, and I blush.

“No!” I cry out in embarrassment. “I’m not sure, honestly.”

Lucien freezes, and his ears twitch. He’s listening to the sounds of the forest.

“Do you hear something?”

“So,” he continues, ignoring my question. “Does that mean that I-” he kisses my cheek. “Can kiss your cheeks-” he kisses me again. “Too?”

He kisses me over and over, until my face is burning hot.

“Lucien!” I whine. “What are you doing? Have you had too much to drink?”

“Is he your boyfriend?” He asks, cupping my cheek.

“No, not yet” I mumble, eyeing his face, my gaze settling on his piercing red eyes. “Why does it matter?”

A grin spreads slowly over his lips. “Does he know that?”

“Yes…?” I say, suspiciously.

“Good,” he smiles. “I… I’m meeting with Lumaria… soon.”

My heart sinks, but I’m not sure why. Would we be growing apart now? Unfortunately, I’m unsuccessful in hiding my disappointment, and Lucien gives me a pitying look.

“I’m sorry I know we…”

I grumble from weariness. “We’re not going to talk about this.”

“Luna, we can’t resolve all of our problems in this manner. We really should talk.”

“We can, if that’s the only way I know how.”

He heaves a heavy sigh. “Right. I’ll walk you back, then.”

“Already?”

“You can’t always have it your way. If you don’t want to have a difficult conversation, you’ll have to settle for silence. It’s better than pretending that everything is alright.”

“Fine. Will we speak tomorrow?”

“Of course. I always let you get away with it, like an idiot.”

“My favorite idiot.”

“I’ll remember that,” he huffs.

“Why didn’t you just tell me you were sick, Fox?” I scold. “You look awful! I can’t believe you didn’t just ask me for help.”

“Why would I? We hardly know each other,” he moans into his pillow.

I walk around, tidying up the small place he calls a home, gathering the empty dishes spread all over the table, and placing them in a wash basin. Scattered clothing is goes into a basket, and his work desk tidied of his books.

“You know we’re closer than that.”

He buries his face into his blankets, and turns away from me.

“I didn’t want you to see me this way, I look pathetic and unattractive.”

“You’re still quite attractive, though you are pathetic.”

He groans. “That hurts.”

“This place is a mess! I can’t believe you. How many healing potions have you taken?”

“Too many,” he mumbles, blowing his nose into a rag.

“How long has it been since you’ve washed those sheets?”

“Two…”

“Days?”

“Weeks.”

“Up!” I shout.

“Luna, just go! This is awful. I feel awful, and humiliated.”

“I’ve been known to change bedsheets very quickly. It was my least favorite chore, and I learned to do it fast so I could spend more time watching the travelers in the inn down the road. If you get up now, I can change your sheets before you’ve even stood up.”

“You hate me.”

“Get up!” I say, pulling Fox to his feet, and helping him take a seat on a chair.

“The other sheets are just there.”

He gestures vaguely to a dresser in the corner.

“I’ll be just a moment.”

He lets out a groan. “Ugh, I feel ill.”

“Vomit in the bucket if you must.”

“Alright, how do you feel?” I ask him, once I’ve tucked him in.

He gives me an irritated look. “It’s much better. You were right.”

“Excellent. Sleep. There’s some bread and soup on the table there for you when you find the energy to get up. I’ve put an enchantment to keep it warm. Drink your water. I’ll return once I’ve done the wash.”

“Luna, you’ve done more than enough. I’ll survive a few more days with dirty laundry.”

“Sleep. That’s an order.”

“Yes, my darling.”

Gripping the edge of the counter to catch my balance, I search frantically through the shelves in the back room of the potion’s shop. I down my third healing potion of the day, and wipe the sweat off my brow. It’s enough to take away the aches in my body.

When noon rolls around, the shop is empty. I sit at the front of the shop, and fight my internally as I try to get through the first task of Madam Lyra’s task list.

“Luna?” Asks Arthur.

I open my eyes slowly, when he presses a warm hand to my forehead.

“You’re burning up. Are you okay? Where’s Lucien?”

I groan, feeling my dress and apron soaked through with sweat. I stare at my half-finished potions lined up on the table.

“He’s meeting with Lumaria tonight. We’re not going to disturb him.”

He walks me to the back room of the shop, and sits me in a chair. I shut my eyes…

When I open them, it’s dark outside, and I’m lying in the attic room on a makeshift bed. There’s a damp rag on my forehead, warmed from my fever.

“Good evening, Miss Masters,” greets Arthur. “Thank you for making this day difficult for me.”

“You didn’t bother Lucien, did you?” I groan as I sit up.

“No. I ran the shop alone, and completed your task list.”

“Did you wipe down-”

“I did everything, Luna. Lucien won’t easily figure out what a slacker you were this evening, and you owe me.”

“Thank you, Arthur. I swear I’ll make it up to you.”

“I’ve left some food for you downstairs. Come. You need to eat, and keep your strength up. I’m not carrying you back to the Academy. I’ve done enough heavy lifting for one day.”

“Sooo,” I poke Lucien’s cheek, and he brushes my hand away with a look of disapproval. “How did it go with Lumaria last week? You haven’t said anything about it. I thought it was because Arthur has been here almost every day, but you still haven’t said a word to me when we’re here alone.”

“It is strange he was here so often, and kept asking about you, isn’t it?”

“Don’t worry about that. He was probably just trying to annoy me. Tell me about Lumaria.”

“It went… very well.”

“‘Very’ well? Lucien, I’m going to need more than that.”

“You’ve been around Arthur too much. You’re catching whatever disease he has.”

“Disease?”

“His incessant desire to know everything going on, so he can gossip.”

“You said it suited me better. You know I’m a hopeless romantic. I understand why he gets irritated with you, now. You’re always so quiet. It’s driving me mad!”

“She’s in love with someone, and came to see me so she could turn me down in person… properly. And for the record, I’ve always been-”

“That’s awful!” I cry out. “I thought you said it went well, not horribly.”

“That was the outcome I wanted,” he chuckles. “I wanted us to remain friends.”

“You can’t be serious,” I groan, taking a bottle and label out of his hands to apply it straighter before the adhesive dries. “Don’t you like her?”

“She’s a good friend, Luna, but we both admitted there were no romantic feelings between us.”

“Not yet, but there still could be! Did she at least promise to find you another beautiful dark elf to marry?” I ask, sighing dreamily, clutching a rag to my chest.

“I have my whole life to worry about that after I’ve completed my studies. It’s best I don’t worry myself with such things now.”

“Oh, you’re so boring,” I say, smacking him with my rag. “We’re young now. It’s the best time to be in love, and do stupid things.”

He sticks his hand in a bucket, and flicks water at me. “So you admit you’ve been foolish.”

“Lucien!” I scream. “How dare you do that to a lady?”

“Where’s the lady?”

I gasp in feigned shock. “Lucien!”

“He’s right,” says Arthur. “I don’t see a lady either.”

“Gods, don’t you look awful,” I state, pushing him onto a chair, and pouring him a cup of tea.

“Yes, well, my father finally disowned me, and I’m recovering from an illness I caught from some stranger. Maybe a diseased rat.”

“What?” Asks Lucien. “You were sick? why didn’t you say anything?”

“Yes, well… It’s passed, and I’m no longer Arthur Lynn. I’m just… Arthur the… nobody. The timing was just so bloody perfect.”

“You can be Arthur Ainsley!” Cries Seraphina, placing a box of pastries on the table directly in front of him.

“That does have a nice ring to it,” he smiles wearily as he takes a sip of his tea.

“I’m so sorry!” I cry out, making them all flinch, and cover their ears. “I’m sorry about that, too.”

“It’s alright, Luna,” he sighs. “The most unfortunate part about all this is that he’s dying, and I can’t even-” he chokes back tears.

Lucien reaches out for him, but stops himself when Seraphina is immediately at his side. I find a clean rag for Arthur to wipe his face, and then busy myself with my tasks, feeling like an intruder in their shared private moment.

“Sorry,” Arthur whispers, when his crying subsides. “It’s been a long year.”

“We’ll be here for you if you need anything at all, Arthur,” says Lucien. “You know that.”

“I know you will, Lou.”

“I will, too,” adds Seraphina.

“You’re an angel, Sera.”

“Well, I guess I’m getting roped in, too,” I mutter. “I suppose I can tolerate you for the rest of my life.”

Arthur chuckles. “Thank you, Luna.”

When Lucien and I are alone in the shop, after a busy day of selling magic rejuvenation potions to the Academy students, I settle into a chair, let out a heavy sigh.

“I’m sad for Arthur,” I whisper. “I know when he’s hurting, you also hurt.”

“I think we all do. It’s almost as if we’re close. Like we might actually be friends, and care about each other. Possibly like a family?”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t you ever tell Arthur that I think you might be right. I’m meeting Fox for dinner tonight at his place. He complained that the enchantment shop is equally busy this time of year, and I thought some drinks will prepare us for tomorrow’s onslaught. I’ve brought plenty of wine.”

“And you’ll both complain more over delicious food?”

“Naturally.”

“Will the others be there?”

“I’m not sure who he invited. Why? Do you want to come?”

“If I’m not… intruding.”

“I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“You’re kidding. Of course he will. You brought wine, and you’re meeting him in his home. What do you think he’s planning? A tea party? It’s likely to be a a repeat of what happened the other day, I’m sure.”

“Do you think he wants us to be alone?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Right. Try not to be so dull tonight, okay? Try to get out and have some fun.”

“I’m not dull,” he scoffs.

“Are you going to break down your next spell to its very basics, and over-analyze it like you always do?”

“Yes.”

“Enjoy. Have fun.”