The wait time before the meeting was longer than either of them anticipated. Dyani was a bundle of nerves that Britt tried to help keep calm. It was the first time she was beyond the scope of the magical world and returning to her beloved college. Her knee bounced up and down in nervousness while fidgeting with her PMA. Britt was casually sitting next to her, reading what appeared to be a book on rituals, though the shimmering on the front told Dyani that it had been glamoured to look like an ordinary fiction book. For a brief moment, Dyani wished she could poke at the magic to make it look like he was reading a harlequin romance novel instead. A snort of amusement broke the silence of the room, causing a few looks to be sent in her direction. At long last, the door opened and the department Chair for Psychology walked out.

  Dyani stood and smiled as the woman hugged her. "Dr. Clairborne! It's so lovely to see you again."

  "Oh, my dear. I was so worried about you. When they told me the horrific news and then the celebration of your return, I wished I could have been there. Come! Let's talk in my office."

  The two of them greeted each other like old friends and Dyani relaxed. This was familiar. It was her old life but it was one that she cherished significantly. The woman raised her eyebrow at Britt joining them but didn't comment. There was a slice of jealousy as the woman eyed Britt with something she was very familiar with; after all, she had that same feeling towards the man on occasion. The look was brief before she covered it with happiness at seeing Dyani.

  "I am so pleased to hear you are still working on your degree. I was worried that we had lost you and that your brilliant mind would not be shared with the world."

  Dyani gave an embarrassed cough, "Well, things aren't out of the woods yet. I still have a lot of things that I have to deal with. I wanted to speak with you in general about the upcoming year. I know there have been emails back and forth about me continuing through self-study or the online courses."

  "That is correct. I've spoken with the others about the situation, and they all agreed that it is best to come to the campus only once you are ready. I admit I was worried about you coming today. Especially since it is Orientation."

  Dyani cringed. Those were the worst weekends to be on campus. Students and parents were moving into the dorms and wandering around. It felt like she had been that student so long ago. The memories faded as she shook her head to clear it. Beside her, she could see Britt give her a slightly concerned look.

  It was a weak smile, but it was enough that he nodded his head and sat back. Eyes watched their interaction and Dyani flushed at the raised eyebrow from her professor. There was a brief moment of studying the two before a mischievous glint sparked behind her eyes. There was an upturn of the corner of her lips as the woman directed the knowing smile at Dyani.

  "So, who do we have here?"

  Britt got a calculating look on his face before deferring to Dyani.

  "Ah, my apologies. This is Britt. He was one of the ones who has been helping me through everything."

  There was a tense silence while the woman examined him, "Is that so?"

  "Mhm, yes. He brought me here so that we could talk. Britt's been a big help getting me to come out into public more and feel safe doing so."

  There was a flush on her cheeks as she admitted this and refused to meet Britt's surprised expression.

  "Then I am grateful. Now, we did have a meeting to get to. I know that you received and responded to our last correspondence. Have you made a choice?"

  Dyani blew out a breath and the tenseness melted away. This was her comfort zone. School and her passion for psychology.

  "I have. I decided on a different area of study due to the circumstances that I have found myself in. Adding to the field would be a good aspect.

  There was a sharp intake of breath from beside her but Dyani forged on. She knew that Britt had not liked the fact that she was using her trauma as her thesis. In fact, it was usually not done but Dyani felt that there was something to be added to. A personal touch and insight that most psychologists could not get without cruel experimentation. She would also benefit from connecting with those who were the core of her study due to being a survivor herself.

  Dyani slid a piece of paper over to the woman. It was a critical piece that would forever change her life. The thesis was a book that she would be publishing on her results. It would not only detail the study and analysis but also the pain that she underwent. It would be personal. It would be healing for her. And That's why she did it.

  At least her pain and trauma could be used to help those who have been through it themselves. She watched with bated breath as the Chairwoman picked it up and read it. Dark eyebrows rose in surprise at the declaration. This was not something that anyone would have expected of her. Considering that she spent the entire time during the past few semesters, she had solely focused on another area. Switching was risky, even though she was close enough to the same study area that her research would be fine.

  "Are you sure that this is what you want to present to the Board? I understand your need to complete your thesis, but I worry about you taking on this particular vein of study."

  "Thank you," Britt huffed out. "I've been trying to explain this to her."

  "And I have repeatedly told you not to worry over it." Dyani shot back.

  Britt sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This had been the very subject they bickered over.

  "I worry over you, Dyani. You are still not through processing what happened."

  "Well, that wouldn't be an issue if I didn't have so much to deal with, now would it?"

  Britt flinched at that and Dyani's face crumbled from her irritated one. She reached out and touched Britt's, "I'm sorry. That was harsh."

  "No, you're very right. You have much to deal with and I haven't been helping."

  Dyani gripped his hand before letting go with a scoff, "If anything, you're the reason I have been able to maintain my head through all this."

  There was a clearing of the throat and both jumped, forgetting they were not alone.

  "I see that this has been a long, drawn-out conversation. While I do not understand nor know your reasoning for choosing this, Dyani, nevertheless, it is imperative that you stick with it. Once I submit this paper, you must follow through with your research. I can change it but then it would change your timeline for graduating. I have your date set for April to challenge your finished thesis."

  "April?" Dyani choked out. She had not been prepared to hear that hers was already scheduled.

  Long fingers steepled in front of a beautiful face as the Chairwoman gave her a stare. "You and I know that anything after April will be more chaotic. With yours being one of the first to be reviewed, we can ensure that you are the only one to defend her work rather than have multiple in a day."

  Dyani had to give it to her. At least she would be done early. It was earlier than normal and that made Dyani nervous. She wasn't sure that she would be able to finish in time. That gave her less than seven months to have it completed.

  "Are you sure that is enough time for her? We are already halfway through September, and seven months is not enough time to develop and support a thesis."

  The woman sat back and narrowed her eyes, "I thought that Dyani would be able to handle it. But if you think you cannot, I can push it back to next fall."

  Britt placed a hand on hers and Dyani glanced over at him. She shook her head. As much as she knew he wanted her to take her time, she needed to finish it as soon as possible. Would her life be miserable? Yes. Would it pile more work on top of what she already barely balanced? Yes. In the end, It was worth it. She would not only leave the magical world or at least the control of the Headmistress and the UMA government but she would also be recognized with her Master's degree.

  "I would like to continue with the April deadline, please."

  "Are you sure?" Dr. Clairborne leaned forward and before nodding her head. She picked up the paper sheet and filed it in a folder on her desk.

  "That is all that I wanted to discuss with you today. Was there anything else that you had in mind to talk about? It's been so long since we had a good coffee break to talk."

  Dyani bit her lip and shuffled in her seat uncomfortably. While she wanted to stay and talk to the woman, the outing had her on edge. The "lie" they told everyone was not too far off the mark. Dyani was still massively uncomfortable around people and crowds. Sensing this, Britt took her hand and sent her a bit of magic to calm her nerves. The effect was immediate and she settled down. Dyani played with a piece of her hair before answering.

  "Unfortunately, I have to meet with some of the other Professors to get information for the classes. I know they were working with me but I wanted to speak with them directly."

  Dr. Clairborne smiled tightly and stood up. They stood with her and followed her into the main area. "Well then, do not let me keep your other Professors waiting. It was lovely seeing you and I hope you will revisit me soon."

  "Of course. I've missed your classes dearly."

  They laughed and hugged each other briefly, with Britt getting a swift handshake. Dyani guided them out of the room, and she took a deep breath. There was a loud group down the hall, and Dyani's shoulders tensed. Knowing that it would upset her, Britt quickly moved them outside. When the cool air hit their faces, Dyani sighed again.

  "I don't remember there being a need to visit others." Britt's voice was light and airy, however, Dyani could hear the undertone of concern.

  Taking his hand, she grinned, "No, but I believe you'd like a campus tour while we wait for my family to arrive."

  "Why, if I didn't know better, Miss Dyani, I would think this was a date. Giving me a tour of a place and then meeting the family."

  Dyani's mouth popped open in shock at the insinuation, her face gaining a dark red tint.

  "I.. uh.. I..." She stuttered, unable to form a sentence.

  Britt leaned close and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "Cat got your tongue, my Heart?"

  The look on her face went from shocked to something else and Dyani couldn't breathe for a second. Britt knew it was toeing the line, but he couldn't help himself. She was too easy to rile up. Although, this reaction was a bit different than he had expected. Head ducked down and she fidgeted with her hands while nibbling on her lip. Out of all the expected reactions, he had not expected her to become very meek and submissive.

  "Dyani?"

  She knew that he was playing with her and only did so to get a reaction but she had not expected the reaction she did have. A whole fleet of emotions coursed through her at the endearment. She had not been called something so precious before and it made her feel cherished. She shook her head and looked at him to see that he had stepped closer.

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  "I'm sorry, I pushed you too much."

  Dyani placed her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. The smell of fresh earth and cedar tickled her nose. His scent changed often and was a pleasant discovery each time he embraced her.

  "You didn't. I just," she paused. "I didn't expect that."

  It was quiet between them while they stood in the middle of the courtyard. Her head rested on his chest and his hand was in her hair. There were no words to be had and in a way, Dyani enjoyed that it was just his presence needed instead of filling it with chatter.

  "I'll refrain from saying things like that in the future."

  "I don't mind," Dyani blurted. Britt stepped back and gave her an amused stare that had her looking away.

  He chuckled, "Even if so, I can't be in the habit of it."

  Dyani scowled at the reminder that there was a barrier between them. There was a stillness between them, with their gazes only on each other. Students and others passed by with only glances before they went about their merry way. Their moment was broken when a voice carried out over the courtyard.

  "Dyani!"

  The woman turned to see her family making their way to them. With a laugh, she sprinted the rest of the way only to jump into Ferran's arms. The oldest brother swung her from side to side before setting her down. The family group clustered around and chattered with one another. When Britt gathered himself and joined them, he was met with grins and handshakes. Even Dyani's mother, Serena, gave him a brief hug. Without thinking, Britt wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder as they all talked freely. All tension between the two of them had melted away. He was deep in conversation with the father and two brothers when Serena spoke up.

  "Why don't we take this to a restaurant nearby? There is much we could discuss over some good food. Dyani, is that pub still nearby?"

  "Oh! McCallan's! Good choice. Do you think Jared will remember me? I hope so. I could use one of his free drinks right about now."

  Britt watched as she was pulled off and he was held behind the group of five. It was Catan that held him back.

  "I wanted to speak with you for a bit while we walk. Is that fine with you?"

  "Of course," Britt smiled at the man. Fathers were overprotective, as were all of the males in this family, but it was nothing he was concerned about. Britt watched over the group ahead of them. His eyes would stop on Dyani frequently, especially if she laughed at something another said.

  "You care deeply for her."

  It wasn't a question. Britt took his eyes away from her and to the man who looked at him with an unreadable expression.

  "I do. More than I thought I ever would care for someone."

  "I can see that and I am not surprised that she has not. She's always been so very oblivious to things."

  Britt chuckled. He could see that. Very much so, if her reaction to him calling her a pet name was anything to go off of.

  "How has she been doing? We've kept in contact since then, but I'd like to hear more than just the quick check-in."

  The professor turned to the man, who looked concerned at his daughter. He felt for him. Having spent so many years with her, only to have her ripped away into a world that he could never follow. It was a miracle that his daughter could get back to them, even if it were for brief snippets of time.

  "I've spent time around your daughter the past few months, since the middle of June. I have never met someone so intelligent and strong as she is. Everyone comments on her stubbornness, but I see a determined woman to make the best of life. I worry over her taking on too much, as she is doing the magical curriculum in addition to the Master's thesis."

  "We've all been worried over that very thing and her coping with what occurred. Have you seen anything to suggest that she is overwhelmed or struggling?"

  Britt shook his head, "Not that I am aware. I know she is stressed, but I have yet to see her do more than really run with the information."

  They were slowing down, but only so they could put a bit of distance between them to give the two men time to speak more without interruption. Britt's green eyes observed Catan. His expression was closed off, though he could tell it was thoughtful. After a moment, he spoke up.

  "How far along is she?"

  Britt held back a chuckle even though he knew the context Catan meant; it still made him laugh. It would be easy to misconstrue that particular question with something more serious. Catan caught the flash of amusement and scowled. Britt waved him off, showing that it was a funny thought rather than the truth.

  "I am quite surprised at how quickly she progresses through the different levels. In some areas, she has an upper level of knowledge. On the other hand, some areas have lacked and it is starting to show. I wanted to get her caught up in the basic areas but it's starting to show with her performance. Being stuck in classes and doing the work of many grade levels instead of just one is tedious. Even I can see that she is struggling with grasping the material."

  Catan ran a hand through his hair and huffed a frustrated sigh, "How long do you think it will take before she finishes?"

  Britt shook his head and joined the man in the frustration department.

  "There is no way to tell how long. She is so behind that I fear trying to finish all the material this year so that she can graduate as soon as possible will strain her mind and her magic. Dyani is so new to this that we do not know her limits yet. There is simply not enough time."

  "Can't you all slow time or something like that? What would magic be without anything that could work against time."

  "I see you've been reading," Britt commented dryly. "That's simply not possible. Working with Time is finicky. It could turn on anyone at a moment's notice without any warning. As it is, meddling with Time is considered taboo in both the magical world and the world that I come from. Though it is not as taboo, it's still something that is approached with a lot of care and caution."

  "Your world?"

  Britt grimaced at the slip-up, "Yes. I am not exactly from the world she is currently trapped in. I'm from a part of the magical world that is even more hidden from magical humans. That's all that I can say. My apologies if that brings more questions. Unfortunately, I cannot speak of it even though we are far from the magical world."

  The group ahead of them had stopped in front of a pub that looked like a traditional-style pub with dark wood and the smell of alcohol permeating. Britt wrinkled his nose at the pungent smell, his sensitive nose picking up the various smells of the building. With a subtle wave of his hand, he placed a spell over his body that helped to suppress the unwanted smells. Catan had dropped the subject but Britt knew there was still much to discuss. He would have to speak with the man at a different time. For the moment, Britt was tugged into the building behind Dyani when she grabbed his hand. The group made their way to a table that was close to the bar. It was a taller booth that curved around, so it was one bench instead of two.

  There was a loud holler and a tall man bustled out from behind the bar. He had broad shoulders and peppered hair. Standing taller than even Britt, the man grabbed Dyani in a massive hug.

  "There's my girl! Where have you been, sweetheart? I've been looking for your cute face."

  "Jared," Dyani laughed. "It's good to see you too, old man. Now, Put me down."

  "Old man! Why I should show you old, brat."

  Dyani laughed and grabbed Britt's hand, pulling him closer to her. She waved a hand at Britt, "This is Britt. Britt, this is Jared. He took care of me while I was doing my undergrad studies."

  The burly man shook his hand, eyeing the other that wrapped protectively around Dyani's waist. The bartender threw back his head with a laugh and clapped a hand on Britt's back. He stumbled a bit and grunted at the hit. Dyani snickered at Britt's disgruntled look before turning back to Jared.

  "Jared, my friend, old pal. What do you say to that lovely drink you've always made me?"

  The man nudged the two of them to the table where her family sat, "Two drinks coming up. One for your boyfriend then, too, I suppose."

  Jared lumbered off before Dyani or Britt could protest that he was not her boyfriend. The entire bar was packed with familiar faces and most of those who knew Dyani were laughing at her flustered face. Even her family had to cover their laughs when the two joined them. There was a shuffle, but they worked it out so that Britt sat next to Dyani.

  Having spent the past few months eating together daily, it was easy to fall into the same habits. Dyani's family watched as they swapped drinks and even helped themselves to each other's appetizers. While conversation flowed around them, Dyani would catch Britt stealing bites of her bread while she would steal pieces of fruit from his salad. It was something that they had picked up from being around each other so much during the summer and then during the times that they went out with her friends to the Marketplace.

  "Dyani?"

  She paused in search of another piece of strawberry, fork poised over its prey. Hearing her name, Britt looked over to see that she was stealing from his plate. Rolling his eyes, he took her fork and grabbed a piece of strawberry. He didn't think when he turned the fork to her and fed her the piece of fruit. Dyani grinned and smacked her lips around the fork.

  "Mm?" Dyani hummed around the silverware and pulled it out of Britt's hand. "What's up, Kieran?"

  Her youngest brother shifted at the attention, to which Britt waved his hand under the table to put up a ward that would buffer the sound coming from their conversation. Dyani tensed beside him at the flow of magic but then leaned back in relief at her favorite feeling.

  "Why do you not use a wand?"

  Britt threw back his head and laughed. Dyani lit up like a light because it was her favorite sound since it was his actual laugh, not a chuckle. She had gotten the same one from him one day, texting each other in the dining hall. She turned to her brother with a bright smile.

  "I can answer that. They don't use wands as often in the magical world. In fact, only a few areas use them, like in Ireland. That's mainly due to their worship and the sacredness of the tree magic. Here, there is not as much hold of traditional foci, so a broad amount of various foci are used."

  Britt had stopped laughing but the amusement was still there. Of course, Kieran was blushing in embarrassment at asking a question that is basic knowledge.

  "Sorry about that. It's just refreshing to be among those who do not follow the usual mores that prevent the discussion of topics like foci beyond in a teaching setting."

  Dyani held out her hand, staring at Britt with an expectant expression. He rolled his eyes and placed his hand on top of hers. The ring that he used for his focus shined under the light.

  "Foci are something everyone has to have better access to their magic. Sometimes they are used heavily and others only need them for the more advanced magics."

  Ferran leaned forward to ask the next question, "Then what do you use? I haven't seen you use your magic even though I know that you most likely aren't allowed."

  Britt chuckled and waved his hand over the table with some concentration. The group watched as all of their drinks refilled themselves and the table was straightened up from where they had gotten messy. The nonmagical family stared at the table in fascination, Kieran going so far as to taste his drink tentatively. He stared at the soda in surprise when it tasted just as if it was freshly poured.

  "She isn't, but I can. Although her magic is not as easily tracked, we do not want to take the chance that someone will take notice. As for your question," Britt thought for a moment. "Dyani is not able to use traditional foci. At least, not ones that we were able to test."

  There were a few raised eyebrows and even Dyani looked interested. Britt sipped his drink, savoring the sweet fruit that reminded him of a drink from home. His gaze was contemplative while he gathered his thoughts.

  "You mentioned the traditional foci, but does that mean that you think there is a foci that I will be able to use?"

  "I spoke with a few friends about your situation. We spoke with the government's specialists, but it proved that you need a different focus. The others, though, believe that your magic is too concentrated. In fact, your body is the conduit foci. On the one hand, they feel you'll be able to do most magics without spilling blood or using foci. On the other hand, they think that you may need to use suppression foci to learn precision control before releasing your full potential. That or you need to have a foci created just for you with the best materials that can withstand high levels of magic input."

  Dyani gaped at him and shook her head, "I don't think I could use the suppression. I've not had any issue with my magic going out of control that I know of."

  Britt just raised an eyebrow at her, "The Dysc earlier?"

  A beautiful red tint colored her cheeks. Of course, she had forgotten about the Dysc reaction.

  "What about mithril?" Kieran asked.

  "How do you know about that?" Britt hissed in surprise.

  The family looked at him in shock and amusement. Catan cleared his throat and drew his attention, "Most nonmagicals know about Mithril, Britt. You can thank our fictional worlds and TV for that."

  "He's right. Mithril was talked about frequently enough in Lord of the Rings." Dyani pointed out.

  Britt sat back with a thoughtful face. He had not thought to make her a foci out of Mithril. It was incredibly expensive and only specialists were permitted to handle it. Britt told them as much and they seemed surprised that it was such a controlled piece of metal.

  "If you think about it, it makes sense."

  Britt looked at Dyani curiously, "Oh? What makes you say that."

  "Well, going from what I've read in passing and, of course, the pop culture knowledge," she gave him a teasing grin. "Mithril is an extremely conductive metal for magic. It's considered to be made entirely from magic. If so, it is no surprise that it is highly controlled for that reason. Having highly magical metal that conducts it better than anything would make a potent focus and therefore powerful in the hands of those who use it."

  "Well done," Britt said with a bit of pride. "You've been doing some extracurricular reading, I see."

  Dyani flushed, "Of course I have. I was curious about foci and why they kept blowing up when I used them."

  There was a single nod before Britt's attention was drawn away with questions. Dyani's father sat beside her and draped an arm over her shoulder, reveling in the closeness.

  "I have missed you. It's not the same around knowing that you're stuck there."

  Her head dropped onto his shoulder and she scooted closer to the man. The heat between them warmed her up and she smiled sadly. She had missed this the most—the closeness between their family.

  "I've missed you too, Pa. It's been a rough time, and I took advantage of having you all around when I was living with you. Now, it's hard not knowing many people."

  "I imagine so, but I know you are a strong woman. You will be able to get through this and come out on top. I know it."

  Dyani smiled and basked in the love of her family. Britt was animatedly discussing theory with Kieran while the others listened. If it was one thing, Dyani was happy that Britt was comfortable around her and her family. He also relaxed in their company and let go of his professor's demeanor, which would go up whenever he was near Dalition. That reminded her of the time, and Dyani sighed, knowing their time had drawn close. They would need to return sooner or later. There was still much to do.

  Britt caught her sigh and nodded his head. Dyani chugged her drink and waved over to Jared. The man grinned and held up another drink that he was in the process of concocting. She would have another drink before returning to the Marketplace. At least she had been able to sort out her thesis and then spend some of the time with her family. Noemi was still posing as her and she worried about the girl even if she said that it would be easy to hold up the disguise.