“You have a cursed amphibian loitering in your Academy,” he said mildly. “It’s a fair question.”
“I honestly have no idea,” I admitted. “I can’t turn him loose. I can’t erase his memory. And I can’t exactly keep him as a pet.”
“Pity,” Keegan said. “He’d look great in a little sweater.”
I snorted. “Don’t let Luna hear you say that. She’d knit one by morning.”
Keegan’s grin widened. “So, no plan, then.”
“Not even a little,” I said. “Which is apparently my brand now.”
He stepped closer, just enough that I could feel his presence like a warmth at my side.
“You always figure it out.”
“Do I?” I asked, glancing at him.
“Yes,” he said simply. “Usually while pretending you’re not.”
I felt my cheeks warm and cursed my traitorous body. “You’re biased.”
“Completely,” he agreed, and without another second passing between us, he gently kissed me. Electricity zipped through me, sharper than any spell could. It was quick but poignant.
Keegan leaned back against the low wall, arms crossed loosely. “You handled today well.”
I scoffed. “I nearly lost my mind three times before noon, but that kiss…helped.”
“Did it?” His voice lowered, and my stomach flipped unexpectedly. “I could do it again.”
“I believe it.”
I studied him, the lines of his face softened by the late afternoon light. “You know, you’re very good at making chaos sound flattering.”
“I have my talents,” he replied.
My gaze dropped briefly to his mouth before I caught myself. Too late. His eyes darkened just slightly, the shift subtle but unmistakable.
“Well,” I said, clearing my throat, “if you’re taking requests, I’d like a day where no one tries to overthrow reality.”
He laughed. “Ambitious.”
“I aim high.”
He pushed off the wall and stepped closer again, lowering his voice. “You okay? Really.”
The question cut through the flirtation like a blade wrapped in velvet.
I nodded slowly. “I am tired, a little overwhelmed, but… steady.”
His hand brushed mine, sending a ripple through me. “Good.”
I swallowed. “You keep doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Showing up,” I said.
He met my gaze, something unguarded there. “I plan to keep at it.”
