It was late evening at Night Raven College, the halls bathed in the warm glow of flickering lanterns. You’d just finished grading the last of the day’s assignments and felt the fatigue creeping in. As you headed to your quarters, a familiar figure intercepted you in a quiet, dimly lit corridor.

“Burning the midnight oil again, are we?” Divus Crewel’s voice was smooth, teasing, but his sharp gaze softened when it landed on you.

You smirked, adjusting the stack of papers under your arm. “Someone has to ensure these students actually learn something. What’s your excuse for prowling the halls?”

He stepped closer, close enough that you could catch the faint scent of his cologne. His gloved hand lightly brushed yours, and though it was fleeting, it sent a thrill through you. “Making sure the alchemy labs aren’t in shambles, naturally. But perhaps I was hoping to run into a certain colleague.”

Your lips twitched upward. “Oh? Someone I should be worried about?”

“Absolutely.” He leaned in, his voice low. “Though it’s nothing you can’t handle.”