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“A week ago.”

She glanced over her shoulder after setting the pot down. “Last time you increased it, how long did it take for your body to adjust?”

“A few days, maybe,” I admitted.

“Alright, so give your body the time.”

I stared at the back of her head as she transferred the liquid from the third pot into another jar. “What do you know about lycan Heat?” I asked.

She went still, mid-pour, then resumed as if I’d said nothing. There was curiosity in her, however. “Evolutionarily and historically, it was for the purpose of breeding among lycans. Continuation of the bloodlines and all of that.”

“Do you know anything about the biology of it?”

“I’m afraid not,” said Magdalena. “Why? Are you experiencing⁠—”

“No.”

Her eyebrows lowered, and she started to transfer the last pot. When she was done, she removed her mittens and turned to face me. “So, why the interest in lycan Heat?”

“It isn’t important,” I said. “Sylvan just mentioned it.”

“He seems to be seeking answers along the lines of an origin story,” said Magdalena. “Hoping that something about Lobofebris can be found in the past. It’s not a bad idea. He’s clever.”

Another scoff.

“Oh, come on, Aura. He’s really quite nice. One of the good ones.”

Good girl. Be nice, Aura. I stepped back and gripped the counter behind me, my legs going weak.

“You've never had the opportunity before to talk to another lycan about things. Maybe you should find out what you can. You don't have to deal with everything alone. Especially since he clearly knows? Or am I mistaken?”

“Have you lost your mind?” I asked. “Yes, he knows, but I’ve gotten on just fine with my lycan side.”

“Until recently.”

I couldn’t deny that.

“You need someone who understands,” said Magdalena.

“I have you.”

“And I love you. I really do. But sometimes I don't know how to help you. And it pains me that I don't. But Sylvan …” Her voice faded away as I glowered at her. “Accept the help.”

“The only help I need is to finish up these distillations. So, if you're just going to lecture me, you can get out of my workshop.”

“Aura …”

I clenched my jaw and inhaled deeply to stop the rising anger, and Magdalena sighed. She was quiet for some time.

“I just need to get these jars sealed and set aside and get my ass home. It’s been a long week.”

“I hear you. I don’t quite feel like giving any lectures tonight, but it’s been a while since we just chatted. I’ve quite missed our chats.”

Guilt stirred in me. So often, I wanted to be alone. More and more as my condition progressed. Magdalena was always understanding and willing to give me space, and I didn’t invite her to the manor because her family historically didn’t get along with mine. We didn’t need Bellatrix revolting and throwing a leviathan-sized tantrum.

“I’ve missed it, too,” I said.

We chatted a while longer about classes and students before I squeezed out the cheesecloths, sealed the jars, and labeled them. We organized them on the shelves, and I bade Magdalena farewell before grabbing my things from my office and leaving the building.