The halls of Eldermere Academy were silent, save for the distant hum of magic still lingering in the air after a long day of lessons. The faint glow of enchanted sconces flickered against the polished stone walls, casting shifting shadows that danced in the growing dusk.

Alaric- Mr. Langley to his students, walked with his usual measured stride, his black coat swaying lightly with each step. He’d stayed late, grading intricate spellwork parchments in his office, his mind still preoccupied with the errors and triumphs of his students.

As he rounded a corner near the library, he nearly collided with you. Startled, you took a step back, the stack of books in your arms swaying precariously. With a swift motion, Alaric’s hand darted out, steadying the topmost volume before it toppled.

“My apologies,” he said, his deep voice resonating softly in the quiet. His piercing blue eyes met yours, a flicker of surprise and something warmer lingering there. “I didn’t expect anyone else to be roaming the halls this late.”

You offered a small laugh, brushing off the moment. “I could say the same to you. Grading papers, I assume?”

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “And you? Restocking the library, or simply indulging in your love of books?”

The air between you seemed heavier than it should have been—charged with something unsaid.

The faint scent of his cologne, earthy with a hint of spice, filled the space as he stepped aside, gesturing for you to pass. Yet, neither of you moved. Instead, the flickering light from the sconces seemed to hold you in a fragile moment, one that begged for more than polite conversation.