I drag the two massive pots filled with plants from the corners of the room to where we’re standing, then close my eyes and focus on the powerful current of aether pulsing all around me. I hone that focus into the light with practiced ease, then pull it to me as an orb, making sure I extend out the movements that are so second nature to me so that they are easy for her to track. Then I guide the orb to lengthen into a sword-like shape. It splits, and I have one in each hand. I go through a series of exercises to warm up and show her how to manipulate the light. And, if I’m being honest with myself, to show off for her.

She tracks my movements, a hungry look on her expression that eliminates all trace of the slow and patient teacher in me. It’s replaced by a need to show her how powerful I really am. The light swords spear across the room in a fast beeline, then fly back into my hand. I whip them around me in fast slices and parries. One expands into a shield for an instant before it shrinks into dagger form, lightning fast. Then actual lightning-shaped spears slam into the ground, shaking the room. In an instant, all the light pulls back into a single sword, blinding in its intensity. I swing it toward the planters, slicing them in half with a sizzle.

Laurel’s eyes are wide in awe, and I find heat rising to my own cheeks. “How was that for a party trick, witchling?” I ask her with a wink.

She recovers, a smirk rising to her own lips. “It was… sufficient. Though I could have done without the property damage.” She gestures to the planters, and I give her a sheepish shrug.

“Sufficient,” I scoff. “It was brilliant, and you know it. I know you can’t do those tricks.”

“Fine,” she admits, putting her hands on her hips with that attitude I was just fantasizing about. “Yes, it was impressive. Happy?” She gives me a mocking smile.

“Elated,” I say with the deepest and most sensual voice I can muster, and she shivers. “Now it’s your turn. Try to create a sword, split it into two, then make one of them a shield before turning it into a dagger. Don’t worry about speed, just focus on form for this first try.” Her brows furrow in adorable concentration, then she moves through the motions effortlessly, if slowly. “Excellent!” I clap my hands. “That was great technique. Now speed it up. Do the drill as fast as you can.”

She creates the two swords again, but the light fizzles before she makes a shield. She tries again. Over and over, she attempts to move through the motions quickly, but the light always disintegrates before she can form the next shape. She stamps her foot, and my lips twitch.