What exactly brings you here?

With a quiet laugh, I tightened my grip on Ciara's hand as she prepared to teleport us to Leora's castle.

I'd been here many times, of course, since Leora was not only my mentor but also my boss, and we'd shared countless hours discussing everything from magical theory to strategic planning.

Still, this visit was unlike any before. We were here to announce our engagement, a fact that hadn't yet fully sunk in. The thrill of it, the surreal joy of it, was still working its way through my system.

Before I could even brace myself for what might await us, the world spun, and with a soft pop, we materialized in Leora's private study.

Only, it wasn't just Leora we found.

My eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, taking in the scene before me with a mixture of shock and amusement. There, standing or rather, wrapped around, each other, were Leora and Zephara, locked in an impressively passionate embrace.