The next morning, I found myself heading toward Ms. Sinclair for our scheduled study session. She had chosen an unexpected spot—the outdoor break area near the gardens. It wasn't the usual quiet confines of the library or the structured environment of a classroom, but I supposed it made sense.
The break area was surprisingly charming, with a picnic section shaded by flowering trees and a quaint tea-drinking space complete with delicate tables and chairs. The gentle warmth of the morning sun filtered through the canopy of leaves, creating patches of golden light on the cobblestone paths. A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, adding to the tranquil ambiance.
Frankly, it was a perfect place to unwind. Perhaps that was the point—to ease the tension that came with preparing for exams. Ms. Sinclair always seemed to have a knack for understanding what her students needed, even when they didn't.
When I arrived, I spotted her immediately. She was seated at one of the iron-wrought tables near the tea area, a stack of books neatly arranged beside her. Her auburn hair glimmered in the sunlight, and her round glasses caught a faint reflection of the sky. She looked impossibly serene, flipping through a book as though she were reading for leisure instead of preparing to tutor a frazzled student.
"Good morning, Ms. Sinclair," I greeted as I approached, trying to keep my voice steady.
She looked up, her blue eyes meeting mine with a warmth that made my steps falter for a moment. "Good morning, Sera," she said with a small smile. "You're right on time."
"Of course," I said, placing my bag on the ground and pulling out a chair. "Thank you for doing this. I really appreciate the help."
"It's no trouble at all," she replied, closing the book in her hands. "Besides, I thought a change of scenery might do you some good. The break area is lovely this time of day, isn't it?"
I nodded, glancing around. "It is. It's peaceful… and the flowers are beautiful."
"Exactly," she said, gesturing to the books on the table. "A relaxed mind is more open to learning. Now, let's start with history. I've prepared a few questions to test your understanding before we dive deeper."
For the next hour, we worked through a series of topics, ranging from historical events to magical theory. Ms. Sinclair's teaching style was incredibly engaging—she had a way of explaining even the most complex concepts in a way that felt simple and approachable.
But what stood out the most was how attentive she was. She noticed when I hesitated over certain answers, gently guiding me back on track without ever making me feel inadequate. When I got something right, she offered a warm smile or a quiet word of praise that somehow felt more rewarding than any grade.
"Very good," she said after I correctly recited a complicated timeline of magical discoveries. "You've clearly been putting in the effort, Sera. You're more prepared than you think."
"Thank you," I said, feeling a mix of pride and relief. "But I'm still nervous about the magic portion of the exam. It's… not exactly my strongest area."
Ms. Sinclair tilted her head, studying me thoughtfully. "It's understandable to feel that way," she said. "But you're more capable than you give yourself credit for. Let's practice a little now, shall we?"
She stood, smoothing the skirt of her elegant, understated dress, and gestured toward the open lawn beside the tea area. I followed her, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.
"Magic is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge," she explained, positioning herself a few steps away. "Close your eyes for a moment. Focus on the energy around you—the wind, the sunlight, even the faint hum of life from the flowers."
I did as she instructed, closing my eyes and letting myself focus on the sensations around me. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the cool breeze brushing past my face, the gentle rustle of leaves—it was almost meditative.
"Now," her voice came, soft but firm, "visualize that energy gathering in your hands. Let it flow naturally, without forcing it."
I took a deep breath, picturing the energy she described. To my surprise, I felt a faint tingle in my fingertips, like static electricity. When I opened my eyes, a soft glow of light hovered just above my palms.
"Well done," Ms. Sinclair said, her tone carrying a hint of pride. "See? You're more in tune with magic than you realize."
I couldn't help but smile, a surge of confidence replacing some of my earlier doubt. "Thank you, Ms. Sinclair. I didn't think I'd actually be able to—"
"Evelyn," she interrupted gently.
I blinked. "What?"
"You can call me Evelyn," she said, her smile turning just a touch playful. "Outside of class, that is."
"Oh," I said, feeling my cheeks warm. "I… um… alright, Evelyn."
Her smile widened, and for a moment, the air between us felt different—softer, more personal.
"You're a remarkable student, Sera," she said, her voice low but sincere. "And I think you'll surprise yourself with how much you can achieve. Don't be afraid to trust in your own abilities."
"Thank you," I said again, my voice barely above a whisper.
As we returned to the table to continue studying, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted—not just in my confidence, but in the way Evelyn looked at me, as though she saw something more than just another student.
And for reasons I couldn't quite explain, that realization made my heart race just a little faster.
"Let's move on to magic, then," Evelyn said, her tone light but purposeful. "Frankly, the theory portion should be straightforward for you. Magic itself, however, is best mastered through practice. So let's focus on honing your practical skills instead."
I nodded. "Okay, that makes sense."
"You specialize in fire and ice magic, correct?" she asked, her smile soft yet curious, as if she were genuinely eager to understand my abilities.
"Yep," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. If I remembered correctly, Evelyn herself was a master of fire magic and wind. Though she leaned more heavily toward fire than any other element, her mastery over it was nothing short of legendary. The sheer precision and elegance with which she wielded fire magic bordered on otherworldly. It was no wonder she was considered a genius in the department of magical theory—it wasn't just her intellect but also the artistry of her magic that set her apart.
"That's wonderful," Evelyn said, a spark of enthusiasm lighting her eyes. "It's something we have in common. I'd be happy to teach you techniques to elevate your fire magic—things you may never have considered before, all by applying magic theory in practical ways."
Her confidence was infectious, and I found myself leaning forward slightly, intrigued by her words. "Really? That would be amazing!"
Evelyn chuckled softly at my enthusiasm. "Watch closely," she said, holding up a single finger.
With a simple snap, a tiny flame flickered to life above her fingertip. It wasn't just an ordinary flame, though. It glowed with an ethereal shimmer, its edges tinged with gold and crimson, dancing with an almost sentient grace.
"This is a basic application," she explained, her voice calm and measured. "But notice how it's not just fire. I've infused it with a bit of stabilization magic. It burns steadily, without requiring constant focus. You could hold this flame for hours without breaking a sweat."
I stared at the flame, captivated by its beauty and the casual ease with which Evelyn conjured it. "That's incredible. I've never seen fire magic manipulated like that before. I thought keeping a flame steady required constant effort."
"Not if you understand how to channel your energy efficiently," she said, extinguishing the flame with a flick of her wrist. "Magic theory isn't just about understanding spells; it's about understanding how your magic interacts with the world around you. For instance, fire doesn't have to be destructive—it can be precise, controlled, even gentle."
I nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "I always thought of fire magic as… aggressive. Powerful, but hard to control."
"It can be, if you let it," Evelyn said, stepping closer. Her voice softened, taking on a more intimate tone. "But if you learn to treat it as an extension of yourself, as something alive rather than just a tool, it becomes far more versatile."
She extended her hand toward me, palm up. "Here. Let's try it together."
I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand over hers. Her skin was warm, and I could feel the steady pulse of magic radiating from her.
"Close your eyes," she instructed gently. "Focus on the energy within you. Feel its warmth, its flow. Now, imagine that energy reaching out to the world around you, like a thread weaving into the air."
I followed her instructions, taking a deep breath. At first, it was difficult to focus—my thoughts were a tangled mess of nerves and doubt. But Evelyn's steady voice guided me, grounding me.
"Good," she murmured. "Now, visualize that energy sparking to life, like a tiny ember catching flame. Don't force it—let it happen naturally."
Slowly, I felt a faint warmth in my palm. When I opened my eyes, a small flame hovered between our joined hands, flickering with a soft golden glow.
"You did it," Evelyn said, her voice tinged with pride.
I stared at the flame in awe. It wasn't wild or chaotic like the fire magic I'd conjured before—it was calm, steady, and undeniably beautiful.
"This…" I began, my voice trailing off as I struggled to find the right words.
"This is what happens when you work with magic, not against it," Evelyn said, releasing my hand and letting the flame dissipate. "You've got potential, Sera. All it takes is a little trust in yourself and your abilities."
I looked up at her, my chest tightening at the sincerity in her expression. The way the sunlight filtered through the trees, catching the soft auburn waves of her hair, made her look almost ethereal. "Thank you, Evelyn. I… I never thought I could do something like that."
She tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening. "You're capable of far more than you realize, Sera. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to see that potential and help you bring it out."
Her words sent a strange warmth through me, and I found myself holding her gaze longer than I should have. There was something about the way she looked at me—like I was more than just a struggling student or a wayward soul trying to avoid a villainess's fate. It felt personal, intimate, as if she saw me in a way no one else ever had.
Evelyn leaned a little closer, her voice soft and low, like a secret meant only for me. "And I'll be here to help you every step of the way. You're not alone, Sera."
The space between us felt charged, like the moment right before a spell is cast. Her light blue eyes seemed to search mine, and I felt my breath hitch under the intensity of her gaze.
I laughed nervously, trying to break the tension, though my voice wavered. "You're really good at this whole 'inspiring confidence' thing. Maybe a little too good. Do they teach that in magical theory, or is it just a natural talent of yours?"
Her smile turned playful, a hint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Oh, I suppose it's a talent, but if you'd like, I could make it part of the lesson plan."
I rolled my eyes, though my heart skipped a beat at her teasing tone. "I think I'll stick to fire magic for now, thanks."
"Suit yourself," she replied, leaning back with a soft chuckle. "But I have to admit, you're surprisingly easy to teach. Maybe it's because you're a quick learner… or maybe," she added, her voice dropping ever so slightly, "it's because I enjoy seeing you succeed."
The words lingered in the air, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Was she flirting with me, or was I just imagining it?
Before I could respond, Evelyn stood, brushing a stray leaf from her skirt. "Well, let's see if we can make even more progress today, shall we?"
"Y-yeah," I stammered, standing as well, though my thoughts were anything but steady.
As we continued our lesson, the tension between us lingered, unspoken but undeniable. And as much as I tried to focus on the magic, my mind kept wandering back to her words, her smile, and the way she looked at me like I was someone worth believing in.
Maybe magic wasn't the only thing Evelyn Sinclair was a genius at after all.