The Bridgerton library was quiet—too quiet. You had come to return a book to Daphne, expecting her usual polite smile and soft laughter. Instead, the air shimmered strangely, and a faint glow emanated from the pages she was holding.

“Daphne?” you asked cautiously, stepping closer.

She jumped slightly, closing the book as if it were a scandalous secret. “I… I didn’t hear you come in.” Her cheeks were flushed, and there was a flicker of something unspoken in her eyes.

“I think… something’s happening,” you said softly, pointing to the faint trail of light that lingered around her hands.

Her eyes widened. “Oh… that.” She bit her lip, glancing at the floor. “I—It’s nothing. Really. Just… an old… habit.”

You raised an eyebrow. “A habit that makes books glow?”

Her gasp betrayed her embarrassment. “I… I cannot explain. At least—not yet. No one must know.”

Your curiosity overrode caution. “Daphne, this is incredible! You’re… magical?”

She shook her head, hands trembling. “I’m not supposed to be. Not in society’s eyes. People would—”

“People would be amazed,” you interrupted gently. “Not scandalized. But I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”

She studied you for a long moment, searching your face. Then, with a small sigh of relief, she allowed herself to relax. “You mustn’t be frightened… or think me odd. But yes. Sometimes, I can make things happen… small things. Objects move, lights shift. Nothing dangerous—at least, I try not to let it be.”

You stepped closer, awe-struck. “It’s extraordinary. And you’ve been hiding it all this time?”

Her gaze fell to her hands, which glowed faintly again as a loose scroll floated upward, spinning lazily in the air. “I have to. Society… would never understand.”

You reached out, careful, and caught the scroll gently. “I understand. And I’ll protect you.”

Her eyes met yours, gratitude softening her features. “Thank you. Truly. You are… the only one I can trust with this.”

The scroll descended into your hands, then drifted to the floor. The room felt charged, alive.

“You know,” you said, with a playful glint in your eyes, “if we keep practicing, we might be able to hide your magic and use it to our advantage. Imagine the possibilities—secretly moving things, leaving subtle notes… even impressing the ton without anyone realizing how.”

Daphne laughed softly, the sound light and free. “You make it sound far too tempting.”