"Thorian," he says simply. "I specialize in fertility magic applications."
The way he says his name makes my stomach flutter. Deep and rich, like he's tasting it on his tongue.
"Professor Thorian." I test the name, liking the way it feels in my mouth. "I'd love to hear about your research. The magical enhancement I've seen today is beyond anything I imagined possible."
He steps closer still, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his massive chest, and I have to fight not to sway toward him like he's gravity itself.
"Perhaps we could discuss it over dinner tomorrow evening," he suggests, his voice dropping to something that makes my pulse thunder in my ears. "After your presentation. I have a feeling there will be much to celebrate."
Dinner. With this magnificent man whose very presence makes my body sing with needs I've never felt before. Who looks at me like I'm fascinating rather than inadequate.
"I'd like that," I whisper, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel. "I'd like that very much."
His smile is radiant, transforming his handsome face into something that belongs in museums. "Excellent. I look forward to learning more about your fascinating mind, Dr. Nakamura."
My fascinating mind. Not my family connections or academic credentials. My mind.
When his fingers brush against mine as he hands me his card, electricity shoots up my arm and straight to my core. The contact lasts only a second, but it leaves me breathless and aching for more.
As the evening winds down and I make my way back to my quarters, I can still smell him on my skin, can still feel the phantom heat of his touch. Every step away from him feels wrong, like I'm moving in the opposite direction from where I belong.
That night, I lie awake in my luxurious bed, replaying every moment of our conversation. The way Thorian looked at me with genuine interest. The respect in his voice when he discussed my research. The heat that seemed to shimmer between us like summer air.
For once in my life, someone brilliant and accomplished wants to spend time with me. And not just anyone—someone whose mere presence makes my body respond in ways I've never experienced, whose scent lingers in my memory like the promise of something extraordinary.
Tomorrow I'll present my research to the most prestigious gathering I've ever imagined. Tomorrow I'll have dinner with a man whose smile makes me forget how to breathe properly.
Tomorrow I'll find out if I'm brave enough to reach for everything I've never dared to want.
Even if something deep in my bones whispers that getting everything you've ever wanted always comes with a price.
CHAPTER 5
MAYA
The morning of my presentation,I wake up with butterflies doing acrobatics in my stomach. I've dreamed of moments like this my whole life—standing before brilliant minds who actually want to hear what I have to say. Not Sarah's little sister, not the girl who got into graduate school because of family connections. Just me and my work.
The presentation goes better than I dared hope. The Great Hall is packed with scholars I've only read about in journals, and they actually listen. When I show my slides about how plants reproduce better under certain kinds of stress, people nod and take notes. When I explain my data on enhanced fertility through controlled pressure, Professor Ash—who has the most gorgeous bark-textured skin that shifts colors—actually says "Fascinating methodology."
Someone thinks my work is fascinating. I want to pinch myself.
"Which brings us to today's ceremony," Professor Elvinia announces as the applause for my presentation fades. "The Blessing of Research, where we invite all our visiting scholars to have their work evaluated for magical growth."
The ceremony takes place in the Grand Conservatory, where impossible flowers create a living cathedral around us. Dozens of scholars form a circle, each holding something that represents their research—samples, charts, even some kind of crystal formations that pulse with their own light.
"Participation is completely voluntary," Professor Elvinia explains, though her smile suggests everyone usually says yes. "Those who wish simply step forward when called, and our fertility magic experts will assess how your work might benefit from magical collaboration."
My heart pounds as names are called. This is it—the chance to have my research touched by real magic, to see what's possible beyond the limits of purely human science.
"Dr. Maya Nakamura," Professor Elvinia calls, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
"Yes," I say, probably too eager. "I'd love to participate."
I step into the center of the circle, clutching my research portfolio like a lifeline. Around me, the other scholars watch with polite interest, but something else builds in the air—anticipation that makes my skin tingle.
The conservatory falls quiet except for fountains splashing somewhere nearby and the whisper of wind through leaves that shouldn't exist in November. Golden light filters down through the glass dome, making everything look like a fairy tale.
"Just relax," Professor Elvinia says gently. "The magic will test compatibility between you and our growth techniques. Nothing to worry about."
