Maya's scientific mind latches onto the possibilities immediately. "Enhanced fertility? You mean actually increasing reproductive potential through magical means?"
"Among other benefits." I watch her face carefully. "The development process creates something beyond normal human biology. Stronger, more resilient, capable of channeling magical power directly."
"Development?" The word comes out curious rather than wary.
"Think of it as biological optimization," I say smoothly. "Taking your natural gifts and enhancing them through magical growth. You'd become something extraordinary, Maya. Not ordinary—irreplaceable."
Irreplaceable. The word she's craved her entire life. I can see it working on her, the promise of finally being valued enough to transform for.
"How long would the process take?"
"Months. The magical work requires continuous monitoring, constant supervision. You'd need to remain here for the duration."
She stands, pacing to the window and back. "My university position?—"
"Will be held for you," I lie smoothly. "This is a fellowship, not permanent relocation."
Though by the time the transformation either succeeds or kills her, her old life will be meaningless anyway.
"What about my research back home? My laboratory?"
"Your true research begins here, little scientist." The endearment slips out before I can stop it, and her sharp intake of breath tells me it affects her exactly as I hoped. "Everything you've accomplished until now was preparation for this opportunity."
Maya turns from the window, and I can see the war playing out on her expressive face. Fear of the unknown battling her desperate hunger to finally matter to someone.
"The other fellowship candidates?—"
"Are being assigned to different projects. You're the only one selected for the advanced fertility work." I stand, moving close enough to watch her pulse flutter. "You're special, Maya. Uniquely qualified for something no one else could achieve."
The truth of that statement burns in my chest. No one else could survive what I'm planning for her. But she doesn't need to know about the failures, the seven graves hidden in my memorial garden. Let her believe she's chosen for her brilliance rather than her expendability.
"This magical development," she says slowly, "what exactly does it involve?"
"Gradual exposure to increasing levels of fertility magic. Your body will adapt, change, become capable of channeling power that would overwhelm normal human biology." I reach out, letting my fingertips brush her wrist. The contact sends heat straight to my groin, her soft skin like silk under my callused fingers. "The process is intense but incredibly rewarding."
She shivers at the contact, her body already responding to my alpha presence in ways she doesn't understand. My cock thickens at her reaction, at the way she leans unconsciously toward my touch despite her wariness.
"And after? When the fellowship ends?"
"You'll return to your world changed," I say, which is true. If she survives, she'll be transformed beyond recognition. If she doesn't... well, she won't be returning anywhere. "Enhanced, powerful, capable of research that will revolutionize fertility science."
Maya nods slowly, her scientific curiosity warring with natural caution. "When do we start?"
"Eager," I murmur, stepping close enough that my scent wraps around her. My shaft hardens as she tilts her head back to maintain eye contact, the graceful line of her throat exposed and vulnerable. Every protective instinct I possess roars to life alongside darker urges. "I like that about you, Maya. Your willingness to embrace new possibilities."
"I've spent my whole life playing it safe," she admits. "Maybe it's time to take a real risk."
If only she knew how real that risk truly is.
"The work we'll do together will change you," I warn, though I frame it as promise rather than threat. "By the time we're finished, you'll barely recognize the woman you were before."
"Will I still be me?"
The question is more perceptive than she realizes. The transformation process, if she survives it, will reshape her from the cellular level up. The Maya who emerges—if anyone emerges—will be something between human and Fae, bound to me and my court for eternity.
"You'll be the best version of yourself," I say carefully. "Enhanced, fulfilled, finally recognized for your true worth."
She leans into my presence despite herself, her body drawn to mine by biological imperatives she doesn't understand yet. "What if something goes wrong?"
