Nathan pulled Harper closer, enveloping her in a warm embrace. She melted against him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek. His calming energy washed over her, soothing the panic that had been threatening to overwhelm her all day.
"It's going to be okay," Nathan murmured, his breath tickling her hair. "We're all here for you."
Despite the comfort of Nathan's embrace, a nagging worry gnawed at Harper's mind. She pulled back slightly, her amber eyes filled with concern as she looked at Jacinth.
"But what about the information he already has?" Harper asked, her voice trembling. "He could still publish that, couldn't he? And pictures of me, maybe from a distance or something..."
Jacinth leaned forward, her expression serious but reassuring. Her dark eyes locked onto Harper's, conveying a depth of understanding that only centuries of magical experience could provide.
"The look-away spell isn't just on your apartment, Harper. It's on you, too. It's woven into the very essence of your being, like an invisible cloak of protection." She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Even if that reporter were standing right in front of you, talking to you, he wouldn't recognize you as the person he's looking for. His eyes would slide past you, his mind unable to connect the dots. The magic ensures your safety in ways you can't even imagine."
Relief flooded through Harper, but it was short-lived as another thought struck her. "But what about publishing what he already has?"
Jacinth's brow furrowed slightly. "That... is a bit trickier," she admitted. "We do have some time, though. From what I understand, he's determined to confront you and get an interview if he can. Assuming he'll hold off until he realizes that won't happen, that gives us a window to work with."
The Djinn's expression softened as she looked at them. "I'll consult with Angus and Renee, and perhaps even an elder Djinn. We'll see if there's anything we can do to prevent him from publishing anything about you."
Jacinth reached out, placing a comforting hand on Harper's knee. "I can't promise we'll be able to stop him completely, but I swear to you, I'll do everything in my power to try."
Harper nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and lingering anxiety. She leaned back into Nathan's embrace, drawing strength from his presence and the unwavering support of her friends.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you so much, Jacinth."
Jacinth rose gracefully from her seat, her dark eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and determination. "Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she said, her voice light and teasing. "Remember, Harper, you're protected now. Try to relax and enjoy your evening."
As the door closed behind Jacinth, Nathan turned to Harper, his expression soft and understanding. "I'd love to invite you over for dinner at my place, but I know your fox probably needs her den right now." He ran a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture Harper was quickly coming to find endearing. "How about I whip something up here instead?"
Harper felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "That sounds perfect," she agreed, her voice warm with appreciation. "Thank you for understanding."
They moved to the kitchen, Harper perching on a stool at the counter while Nathan began rummaging through her fridge and cupboards. As he started preparing their meal, he regaled her with some amusing stories from the music conservatory.
As Nathan continued with more funny anecdotes, she felt the tension of the day melting away, replaced by warmth and contentment. Everything was going to be all right. She had to believe that.
Nathan finished plating their dinner, a simple but hearty pasta dish he'd whipped up from Harper's pantry staples. As they settled at the small dining table, he watched her take her first bite, pleased to see some of the tension leave her shoulders.
"This is delicious," Harper said, her amber eyes lighting up with appreciation.
Nathan smiled, relieved to see her mood lifting. "I'm glad you like it. Say, how about we watch a movie after dinner? Might help keep your mind off things for a while."
"That sounds perfect, actually," she murmured, her voice tinged with relief. She tucked a strand of foxy-red hair behind her ear. "What did you have in mind? Something lighthearted, I hope?"
"Well," Nathan said with a tilt of his head, his expression considering, "how about 'Fiddler on the Roof'? It's a classic."
Harper's fork froze halfway to her mouth. She stared at him, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Are you serious? You actually like musicals?"
Nathan blinked, caught off guard by her reaction. "Of course. My parents raised me on them. Why, is that strange?"
A giggle escaped Harper's lips, quickly turning into full-blown laughter. "Oh my God," she managed between gasps, "you're a unicorn!"
Now thoroughly confused, Nathan tilted his head. "A... unicorn?"
Harper's laughter subsided into hiccups as she tried to explain. "I just... I can't believe I snagged myself a guy who likes musicals!" Her eyes sparkled with mirth and something that looked suspiciously like adoration.
Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I'm glad my taste in entertainment amuses you so much."
As they finished their meal, still trading playful jabs about Nathan's musical preferences, he couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected turn of events. The worry that had clouded Harper's face earlier had all but disappeared, replaced by a lightness that made her even more beautiful in his eyes.
Once the dishes were cleared, they settled onto Harper's couch, Nathan's arm naturally finding its way around her shoulders. As the opening notes of "Tradition" filled the room, he felt Harper snuggle closer, her warmth a comforting presence against his side.
