She avoided him for two weeks. Granted, she knew that it was not her fault and he was not upset. The fact remained that there had been an interaction between them that was not only public, but very uninhibited. The investigators were brought in and they found the guilty party, though Mari had been heavily implicated. Dyani was relieved when it was proven that she was in attendance of her classes during the time that she had been spotted in the library handing Dyani the potion bottle. With that in mind, they set out to find the person glamoured as Mari. It took them less than the week to find out that it had been one of Kira's friends that dosed her under the girl's orders. Kira's friend was facing suspension and Kira received a large fine, which went into Dyani's personal account as the victim of the prank.

  Despite all of this happening, Dyani could not look Britt in the face. Their study sessions had been put on hold and Dyani conveniently found herself helping some of the other teachers. No one had said a thing and she was given some space. Under orders of the Healers, a therapist was brought in to speak with her. Dyani grumbled at having sessions over a prank when the ritual was a worse trauma she had undergone without therapy afterwards.

  Rumors had spread like wildfire, though the revelation that it was a lust potion curbed the worst of them. Etara Sommers, the Headmistress, was in a sour mood since the investigators showed up. It showed in her face any time she caught wind of Dyani and Britt's public indecency. Britt had been cleared of any involvement other than being a targeted victim.

  The notebook snapped shut and Dyani leaned back with a groan. She closed her eyes and stretched out. There went her night of studying. Again. She couldn't stop her thoughts about the entire week, the prank, and even the bits and pieces she remembered while under it's effect.

  Fingers wove through her hair and Dyani melted under the gentle massage.

  "Don't stop."

  "You're much too tense," Britt chuckled. Dyani's eyes popped open and she scrambled out of her chair. There were no students around since the winter break started a few days prior, but it did not stop her from scanning just to be on the safe side. Britt gave her a disbelieving stare. "Are you finished with avoiding me?"

  "I'm not avoiding you!' Dyani protested.

  All it took was a tilted head and a raised eyebrow. Dyani caved and sat down with her arms crossing over her stomach. Britt sighed and sat next to her in another chair.

  "Dyani, I'm not going to allow you to avoid me because there was an incident. I thought that the embarrassment of it would fade after a few days, but it's been over a week. We are both adults and I had hoped that you would be willing to talk to me about this."

  She wanted to talk to him, but there was much to unpack in this whole mess. The therapist, at least they called it something else like Mind Healing, that made it easier for her to swallow. As it was, she still could not look him in the face. Not because of shame - well there may be a slight bit of it - but it was mostly because all she could think about was his touch and the feel of his lips. Dyani turned red at the thought and Britt leaned forward to place a hand against her cheek.

  "You're flushed but don't feel warm. They said that they were not sure how long the effects of the potion would last even outside of your system. Are you well? Do I need to help you to the Healers again?"

  Dyani pushed his hand away and shook her head, "No. I am fine, Britt. I promise."

  "Then would you want to come to my office so that we can work on your schedule and get the tutoring picked back up? I worry about you falling behind."

  With his help, it did not take them very long to get all of her supplies into her bag. Britt guided her from the library, the same spot she claimed every time, and made their way to the offices. Students that were out caught sight of them and whispered to one another, some giggling echoing behind them as they passed. Britt's hand on her back did not help her one bit nor the rumors that were to surge again.

  "There are always rumors floating around. Don't worry yourself over them. Another scandal will come along and distract them from these."

  Dyani shot him a skeptical look before they stopped in front of his office. He opened the door for her and she took the comfortable loveseat instead of the chair. Britt dragged the extra chair to a place in front of Dyani. He sat down and folded his hands, "Are you willing to sit here and talk to me about this? I'd rather get it out now than to have this unease between us."

  Legs curled up under her as she shifted to a more comfortable position. They sat there for some time, most of it spent with her fiddling with her hands and Britt giving her the space to talk when she was ready.

  "I'm not ashamed of what happened."

  Britt leaned forward, "Then tell me what is wrong so I can help you."

  Dyani's cheeks reddened and she bit her lip. Britt's eyes darted down to watch the movement before catching her eye. The red hue spread from her cheeks down her neck.

  "I enjoyed it. It made me feel so much pleasure and all I can remember is how good the kiss felt and your hands on my body."

  She refused to look away now, holding his steady gaze.

  "It was the magic of the potion, Dyani. The Healers explained this to both of us."

  Dyani shook her head and looked away first, "No. Yes. I know that. No, it's not just the potion, Britt. I've done the reading since it happened. I know that the potion feeds off of emotions that are already established. That's why it was chosen. Whoever did it knew that there was an attraction already there. It was to embarrass me."

  "Dyani?Is this what has been bothering you?" Britt knelt on the floor and took her hands into his. "I knew that there was something forming between us. It's inevitable and magic has a way of forming those connections with who we are compatible with. I did not realize that this would be something that had bothered you."

  "No!" She cried out, in fear that he would be hurt at the unspoken rejection. It was more than that. "No, Britt. It doesn't bother me."

  "Then what is it?" He asked.

  Dyani curled in, "I wanted it more than anything. I wanted you and it only happened through the potion. I forced myself onto you."

  Britt sucked in a breath and looked at her with an emotion she was unfamiliar with. He brought her hands up to his mouth and placed light kisses on the knuckles. Dyani's head snapped to stare at him in shock. Britt waved his hand and Dyani felt the wards and magic in his office shift. It felt like a weighted blanket being placed over the room. It was warm, comforting to her her. Britt stood and pulled her up from the love seat.

  "I want you to look me in the eyes, Dyani."

  Green eyes matched hers as he talked.

  "You never forced yourself on me. It was a surprise but I would have never thought anything of you forcing yourself. Even if we blame the potion, I would not have blamed you."

  "But--," a long finger pressed against her lips and interrupted her.

  "Please, just listen for a moment."

  Dyani nodded her head and continued to watch the man that had taken her under his wing. He kept hold of her hands, running a thumb over the tops. Dyani shivered at the contact. The potion's effects lingered only enough that her skin was still sensitive to touch. Britt noticed and smiled.

  "I will say this once and this meeting between us will remain behind doors. No word of it, not even to your friends."

  Dyani's eyes widened and her breathing hitched at the insinuation. Britt dropped her hands and reached out slowly to place a hand on her hip while another cupped her cheek. Dyani unconsciously licked her lips as heat ignited in her body. It was not the same as the lust that rolled through her from before. This one was warm and comforting, but still brought on a need.

  "You are my student right this moment. What happened under the potion was not something that I would have protested and it may have gone further if we had not been in public."

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "What?" She asked breathlessly.

  "I would not turn you down, Dyani. After all these months spent with you and being around your magic, it's hard enough knowing you are out of my reach. For the moment. It is not well known, as the potion has severe consequences when used and that is all that is taught. That is why the punishment is as harsh as a love potion. That particular one and the effects are a well kept secret among those who are potions masters and those in higher levels of education."

  "What are you saying, Britt?"

  He smiled and traced his thumb up her jaw before threading his fingers through her hair. The other hand moved to her back and pulled her closer to his body. Dyani gasped and her hands automatically braced against his shoulders.

  "The potion is a lust potion, but is is a mutual one. It only works on those that have an attraction with each other. It's not just a potion, it's a potion with intent to influence two targets through one's magic."

  Dyani went to pull away but Britt kept ahold of her, "Mutual?"

  "Mutual." Britt pulled her closer to him so that their bodies were pressed together. He looked down at her and relished the look of arousal that blossomed. "You've become someone I am interested in, Dyani. There is no doubt that your magic sings to me and I want to answer that call. More than you can understand right now. Nothing can happen between us after this meeting until you are free of this place. Do you understand me?"

  "You-- What?" Dyani's mind blanked as his touch and his words. "Yes. Goddess, Britt. What are you doing?"

  "What I've wanted to do for months. Do you understand what I am asking you, Dyani?"

  Her glazed eyes cleared and she looked at him with a hard look. Taking a moment, Dyani smiled. Her hands gripped his shoulders before tangling her fingers in his hair. Without a thought, she pulled his head down and crashed their lips together. Before she could get the upper hand, Britt took over. He lifted her up and set her on his desk, hands gripping her hips tight. Dyani let out a whimper of pleasure as his thumb caressed them over top of her uniform. Britt's lips were soft at first but gained a fervor when their lips parted to deepen the kiss. Magic crashed against the walls as each blended together in a battle of dominance. Britt's was an earthly green that held fine control while the shimmering silver of Dyani's was much more raw in its attempts.

  Lips crashed together in passion as Britt ran his hands over Dyani's ribs. They parted long enough for Britt to trace his lips across her jaw and nip at her ear. Dyani groaned and pushed forward so that she sat on the edge of the table, her ankles hooking Britt's knees. Fingers traced down her sides as she gripped his hair when his teeth grazed her neck. Dyani gasped and bared her neck which Britt took advantage of. A moan of pleasure met his ears as he left behind marks. His glamor dropped to reveal the very same mark on his neck that Dyani had given him while under the potion's effect. Instead of the dark purple, it was a shimmering white spot that was very visible to the eye. Dyani spotted the mark but was distracted when Britt's thumbs dipped beneath the waistband of her skirt. Those very thumbs pressed onto the soft flesh of her hips.

  There was a moment when Dyani's magic overpowered Britt's, but it succumbed to the pleasure of Britt's magic that covered it. Dyani whined in response to the magic and the touch of the man who teased her every moment. Her hips angled forward and Britt took the sign to pull her flush to his body, allowing her to feel his own arousal. Lips crashed together as he ground his hips against hers, giving her ample opportunity to move her legs so that they were wrapped around his waist.

  Wave upon wave of blending magics crashed on the walls and the doors. Fissures and cracks appeared on the wooden surfaces before the stone began to wear down as well. The crescendo built as Britt's hands gripped her thighs as they ground their hips together. Passion bled into pleasure and their minds swept away underneath it all. Long fingers traced the soft skin up underneath the skirt. Dyani's hands wandered down and ripped at the button of his shirt, popping open the top few. While he reached further up her silky thigh, she dug her nails into his back as their pace increased.

  "Goddess, Dyani."

  "Less talk, more touch." She responded breathily. With a bite to his lip, and resuming their exploration of each other's mouths and bodies, Dyani urged him on.

  Not one to complain, Britt teased the sides of her hips now that the skirt was pushed all the way up. Breaking the kiss, he glanced down and smirked at the sight of the lacy underwear.

  "Came prepared?"

  She scoffed and ground her hips a bit harder, "Not likely. I usually wear this."

  "Oh really?" His eyes rose and he gave her a feral smile that sent a wave of heat to her core.

  "Definitely," she whispered with lust glazed eyes focused entirely on him. “Thank the clothing assistant later.”

  Britt licked his lips at the arousal that clouded her face before teasing the hem of those lace panties. Dyani let out a small gasp of surprise before it morphed to a whine of need. Her lips parted and hips shimmied for more. Hooking his thumbs under the fabric, Dyani leaned back on the desk with her hands acting as support. He watched her as she watched him through heavy lids. Dyani panted and watched as his arm muscles rippled before being overwhelmed with pleasure. She shrieked as one of his thumbs wove its way through her folds and caressed the one spot that would unravel her.

  "Britt. Oh Goddess, yes!"

  Dyani jerked her hips forward and relished in the waves of pleasure that came from the slow circles of his thumb. Britt's other hand came out from under the skirt to wrap around her waist for better leverage. Fingers curled under the fabric and stroked her while the thumb continued its journey.

  Dyani squirmed and whimpered, "Please, Britt. Don't stop."

  She sat up just enough so that his lips muffled the sound of her moan of pleasure as his fingers found the spot that she wanted. Hips rocked against him with her hair finding its way to the nape of his neck.

  "Ah!" she cried out when he pulled her off of the edge of the desk and they fell back onto the loveseat.

  Dyani whined at the loss of contact but cried out as his fingers returned with a renewed interest. She leaned back and braced herself against his knees giving him better access to the very spot that had her head dropping back in ecstasy.

  "Britt. Dear, Goddess, Britt. Don't stop."

  Green eyes watched every flicker of passion and lust that crossed her features. From the small gasping breaths to the parted lips. Even the hooded lids covering her beautiful eyes. The sight of her drove him mad with need. Dyani's hips rolled against his hand, driving his fingers to her sensitive spot each time. With each curve of his fingers, she would cry out. With wide eyes, Britt watched as her magic visibly shimmered on her skin and in the air. It was a beautiful silver haze that began to pour into the room and around them. His own earthen magic joined and merged with hers, but where his stopped after each time, hers only grew.

  As her hips rolled and moved faster, the pleasure building to a new height, the magic responded the same. it was heady and hot in the room and Britt bathed in the magic and her pleasure. The feel of her against him was enough to set his own pleasure through the roof. The woman's cries of his name sent him over the edge just as she gripped his legs tight as the orgasm rolled over the both of them. It was a wave of pure magical energy that slammed the room and the glass shattering. Around them, the wards to his room crumbled away with a rumble. Dyani was gasping for breath while Britt felt his own release ebb away.

  Dyani could feel his heated stare, their eyes connecting as the visible aura of magic pulsed out from her. It was as if she had a ripple of pain go through her. It was a few seconds before the wave built up and the pain came again with the release. This time, it ate away at the shelves holding all of his books. They collapsed to the floor with a loud bang.

  "Dyani?" His voice was husky but his eyes were sharp on her face.

  "P-pain," she gasped out.

  Dyani took a few shaking steps before crumbling to her knees. It was a moment before the moan of pain had her gasping for breath.

  "What's happening? Talk to me Dyani!" He stood up and kneeled down next to her, all thought of their previous activity left behind.

  "She's going through something special," The voice was soft and unlike anything Britt heard before. He turned to find a woman leaning against his desk.

  Britt stood and moved in front of Dyani while keeping an eye on the unknown woman.

  "Goddess," Dyani rasped. "It hurts."

  The woman's face softened and she took a step forward, "I know, dear. I am sorry for that, but this is an opportunity I will not miss."

  Britt held out his hand to stop the woman from coming closer and narrowed his eyes, "Who are you and what have you done to her?"

  The woman's eyes were soft and she gave him a rueful smile.

  "You know me quite well, Larien. After all, I am the one that gave you the gift of magic."

  "Sweet mother," Britt sucked in a breath at the realization. "Truly?"

  There was a nod before Dyani screamed out, drawing both of their attention. Britt scrambled over to the girl who was laid down onto the floor. She thrashed around as another wave of magic radiated from her. Britt's eyes raised and he looked to the woman who was his Goddess.

  "I have so many questions, but please, she's more important. What is happening?"

  "The First. While it was not fully, it was enough for me to work with, especially since your magics are compatible with one another."

  Britt stared at her in shock before looking at the woman he cared for in surprise. "The First? How has she not..?"

  The Goddess knelt down, touching one hand to Dyani's forehead while the other touched Britt's.

  "You have taken such care of my Emissary, Larien. For that, I will reward you both. Take care of her and I will teach her all she needs to know before returning to your arms."

  The Goddess glowed for a moment before Britt felt the shift of his own magics. It was reaching out on its own to touch the Goddess' and Dyani's individual cores. For a brief moment there was nothing but gentle warmth before it turned scalding and a connection between him and Dyani was forged under the pressure. The Goddess released them both and stepped back. Her image flicked in front of his eyes and she turned to him.

  "I need her to grow stronger and the only way is through different means, this being one of them. I'm gifting the two of you in return, with a soul bond. She will need help remaining grounded and I will supply the help that she needs. Each time this happens, you will know what to do."

  Britt watched as the Goddess disappeared before his eyes and Dyani began to convulse. The door to his office burst open as the Headmistress and teachers blasted it off the hinges. Britt could have cared less, his focus was on the pained screams.

  "What happened?" The Headmistress' voice was sharp.

  "I do not know. We were planning out her schedule to make up for the lost week when she complained of a ripple of pain. The next I know is that she is on the floor screaming and magic is destroying my office."

  "Out of my way! No one touch her!"

  One of the Healers, having been summoned to that side of the school when the building shook, arrived in a flurry. The woman kneeled to the floor and waved her arm, the bracelet glowing just as the diagnostic results filled out on some papers. One look and the woman sat back on her heels in shock.

  "By the Goddess, her core is undergoing rapid growth."

  "What?" Britt snarled.

  "She needs to be moved to the Healing Ward. No Magic! Her core is rapidly expanding and the backlash is from the magic being released. You'll have to carry her.”