-Alexia-
The next class was Magical Theory. I hoped it'd be more than just a playground for goof-offs. Jasper and I were quiet on the way, and when we arrived, he again claimed the seat beside me.
"So, do you know what magical theory is?" he asked.
I smirked. "I'm guessing it's the study of magic?"
"No, Storm Girl," Jasper said, half-teasing, half-serious. "It's the study of how magic works—the rules, the energy, the balance. No flashy spells here. Think of it like the science behind the supernatural."
"Basically what I said," I said, raising an eyebrow.
He grinned. "If you want to master your powers, you've got to understand the foundations. Otherwise, you're just throwing sparks in the dark."
"Is that what happened to you?" I teased, leaning in.
Before he could answer, a smooth, sarcastic voice cut in.
"Seriously, Jasper? Slumming it with this trash?" Asher drawled, smirking.
I stiffened but pasted on a grin.
Jasper chuckled. "Hey Ash, wouldn't mind if you didn't." He bumped my shoulder lightly, easing the tension.
"Trash? That's original. What's next—calling me basic?" I challenged.
Asher rolled his eyes. "You're doing a stellar job already."
"Careful, Prince Charming, sounds like jealousy," I said sweetly.
His smirk faltered briefly, but he shot Jasper a glance instead.
Before I could reply, Professor Elira Virell swept in like a controlled gust of wind. Her silver-streaked chestnut braid was pinned with glowing quartz, her plum robes shimmered with golden runes. Her stormy eyes scanned the room and landed on me.
"Mr. Vance, sit down so we can start," she said. Then, looking at me, "You—name?"
"Alexia Carter, ma'am."
"Alexia, what's the most important component of a spell?"
I hesitated. "The why and how?"
"Correct!" she smiled. "Now, what are the components?"
"Intent, words, energy source, and focus or channeling tool," said Jasper. "Emotions also contribute."
"True, but try to rein those in—we don't need a full opera," she said dryly, earning laughs.
Jasper smirked. "They're loud—like me."
"Keep your internal opera on mute," she said, amused.
Jasper closed his eyes, breathing deeply. "Better," she nodded softly. "Magic responds to what lives beneath the surface."
I watched Jasper, surprised to see respect there instead of teasing.
"Careful, Carter," Asher said low across the room. "You're staring like it's your first class."
"It is," I said, meeting his gaze with a sharp smile. "Thanks for the commentary, Professor Obnoxious."
A few chuckles broke out.
He leaned back. "Some of us studied fundamentals since we could walk. Pace yourself."
"Maybe I like a challenge. And didn't know Theory came with attitude."
Jasper grinned. "Ignore the grumpy wolf. Still salty his last paper wasn't a hit."
Asher rolled his eyes. "Keep dreaming. If I wanted applause, I'd join the theater."
I smirked. "Maybe I'll applaud when you stop brooding and show real magic."
His lips curled into a low growl as fur shimmered along his jaw. His eyes flashed gold as he began to shift.
"Mr. Vance!" Professor Virell's sharp voice cut through, stopping him. "This is Theory, not a temper tantrum. Sit down."
He scowled, sliding back to human form, muttering.
I smirked. "Guess I'll have to wait."
She raised her hand, silencing the class. "Theory isn't about memorizing spells or flashy casting. It's understanding magic's function—the intent, energy, and balance."
She paced. "Magic responds to emotional resonance. Focus is key. Without knowing the why behind your power, you're throwing sparks in the dark."
Jasper leaned in. "That's why this class matters. The foundation. You can't build a castle on sand."
I nodded, intrigued.
Asher shot me a hard look. I met it with a smirk. "Keep watching. You might be surprised."
The rest of class was lecture and discussion—Professor Virell asking about intent, energy, focus, and their interplay. Jasper stole flirty glances; Asher's looks made my skin prickle. When the bell rang, most students quickly packed up. I stayed behind.
"Professor Virell, do you have a minute?" I asked softly.
She turned, mildly surprised but kind.
"I'm new to magic," I admitted. "Any advice to catch up?"
Her eyes softened. "Good question. I'll provide you with a reading list, comprising foundational texts and some advanced work, when you're ready. Theory is vast, but patience will get you there."
"Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of relief as she wrote the list.
"You'll find these in the library. If not, come to me—I might have copies," she said, handing it over.
Outside, Jasper lounged against the doorway, flanked by Asher, Soren, and Finn. Soren smirked knowingly; Finn crossed his arms, smiling kindly. Asher stood to the side with his usual snide look.
Jasper's eyes caught mine. His grin widened. "Lunch? I promise I'm less intimidating outside class."
I blinked, surprised. "Lunch?"
"Yeah. Food, no lectures. Just company."
Asher chuckled darkly. "Watch yourself, Carter. Jasper flirts you into submission."
Soren grinned slyly. "Or bores you with fae trivia no one cares about."
Finn chuckled. "You'll survive. Probably."
Jasper shot a warning look, but faced me. "So? What do you say?"
My heart thudded as I slung my bag over my shoulder. "I'll think about it," I said, trying to be casual.
"That's all I ask," Jasper smirked, backing away, then turned with the others trailing like a pack.
I lingered in the quiet hallway, questions swirling. Lunch with Jasper—was I more scared to say yes or to say no? As I stood there, the echoes of Professor Virell's words settled deep inside me. Magic wasn't just flashy tricks; it was a language of intent and emotion, a force that demanded understanding, not just power. For the first time, I felt a flicker of belonging in this strange world. Yes, I was an outsider, still raw and uncertain. But here, in the study of how magic worked, I wasn't just a newcomer—I was a student, a contender. That thought steadied my racing heart more than any spell ever could.