Page 52 of House Ignis

She glared at me from behind the pillow. "If I combust on sight, this is your fault."

I smiled into my coffee, savoring the moment. Watching Ember unravel over a male who actually had the nerve to say no to her?

Absolutely delicious.

•••

We made our way toward Runic Magic & Enchantments—easily my favorite. I needed the grounding after last night's chaos.

Luna padded ahead, her flamed tail flicking to a private rhythm, while Aether walked beside me with his usual silent, regal stride.

Then I noticed it: flames were furiously licking at the tips of his ears.

"Aether!" I gasped, dropping to my knees on the cold marble.

"You're on fire!"

"What?" he growled—out loud. The sound echoed down the corridor, startling a group of passing first-years.

"Did he just…?" Ember crouched beside me, her eyebrows nearly vanishing into her hairline.

"Finally," Luna hissed, her voice lilting with amusement. She'd spoken around me before, but never with this much clarity.

I cradled Aether's chin. "Your ears are actually glowing."

"Hm," he muttered, eyes half-lidded as Luna padded closer to inspect him.

"It's the magic," she said. "It feels stronger. Heightened."

Aether flicked his tail. "I have fiery ears. The gods must truly hate me."

We burst out laughing, earning a deep, regal scowl from the celestial panther.

We entered the classroom just as the seats began to fill.

Ancient runes carved into the archways pulsed with subtle power, and shelves of dragonhide-bound scrolls stretched toward the ceiling.

Maddy waved us down enthusiastically from her spot beside Ryven, but my eyes drifted—only to land directly on Asher.

He sat two seats away, calm and arrogant, flanked by Ezra and Darcy. And there it was: the unmistakable flash of pink hair.

My chest twisted. I'm with Jeremy now. My focus is on him.

"You sure?" Aether's voice flickered through the bond, teasing and smooth. "Your pulse disagrees."

I ignored him as we moved down the center aisle. Of course, the gods made us pass them.

We were nearly level with their row when Zya—Asher's boundling—stepped silently from beneath his desk.

The sleek black panther stopped directly in front of Aether. For a heartbeat, time stilled.

Aether's flame-tipped ears flicked, his fur bristling with heat, while Zya's entire body shimmered with shadows. Her silver eyes had gone nearly white.

"Hey, Ava. Ember." Ezra's smile was all charm and devil-may-care.

"Hey," I replied, aiming for a cool I didn't feel.

And then I made the mistake. I looked right at her.