-Jasper-
I ran a hand through my hair, eyes flicking between the others. "Does anyone know her class schedule?"
"Why the fuck would we know her class schedule?" Asher growled, pacing like a caged wolf.
"I do," Soren said, gaze sharp. "She has Focus & Flow: Emotional Stability in Spellwork with Idris."
"Funny," Finn chimed in from the window. "I'll be in that class with her. But that's after lunch."
Soren nodded. "She has a free period. Last I heard, she was headed to the courtyard with Kaia."
I pushed up from the worn chair, boots scraping softly. There was a restless pull in my chest I couldn't shake, like a thread I couldn't see but was already holding. I needed to see her.
"Where the hell are you going?" Asher snapped.
I paused, letting a slow smirk curl my lips. "To see a certain someone."
The courtyard was warm under the soft afternoon light. Alexia sat by the fountain, knees pulled to her chest, eyes troubled. Zeus lay close, alert as ever. Kaia sat beside her, quiet support in the shape of a friend.
I approached casually, hands in my pockets. "Mind if I join?"
Alexia glanced up, eyes tired but sharp. "Jasper," she said flatly. "Didn't expect to see you."
"I'm full of surprises." I gave her a lazy smile, testing the tension in the air. Kaia eyed me as if she were weighing my soul. Zeus gave a low growl—just a reminder.
Alexia sighed, fingers pushing her hair back. "I don't know what happened in Arcane Ecology. One moment, I'm following instructions, the next... the plant—" She gestured helplessly. "Alive. Out of control."
I nodded. "You know how to make an impression."
She shot me a glare, half amused. "Not funny."
"Alright, serious face." I leaned in. "That kind of power? It's not just rare. It's instinctive. Ancient. Like something's waking up inside you."
She frowned, glancing at Zeus. "That doesn't help."
I tilted my head, letting the teasing slip away. "Then let me put it another way: people like you don't show up by accident."
"People like me?" she echoed.
"Yeah. The ones who change things, whether they want to or not."
She chewed her lip, quietly. "You're saying this is fate?"
I shrugged, but my eyes stayed on her. "Feels too precise to be a coincidence. And if it is fate… maybe it knew you'd need someone stubborn enough to annoy you into breathing again."
Alexia snorted despite herself. "That's one way to justify bothering me."
"Hey, it's destiny's fault I'm charming."
She let out a breath, not quite a laugh. "Easy for you to say."
"Try me." I offered my hand, playfully yet sincerely.
She hesitated, glancing at Kaia, who shrugged with a look that said if he hurts you, I'll hurt him—then at Zeus, then back at me. She placed her hand in mine, letting me pull her up.
"What am I supposed to do now?" she asked, voice small. "Control something that feels like it's controlling me?"
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Focus & Flow will help. Think of it as training wheels for your magic. And when it feels like too much, sometimes you just need a distraction."
Her brow lifted. "Like what?"
I grinned, stepping just within reach. "Like a certain fae who'd rather keep you grounded than watch you crash and burn."
She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed. "Stop."
"Not until you admit it's a little flattering," I teased.
She crossed her arms but didn't pull away. "Maybe a little."
Kaia smirked, arms crossed. "Okay, I'll say it—impressive."
I raised a brow, pleased. "Oh?"
Kaia nudged Alexia lightly. "Haven't seen her smile since the Elaren vine tried to turn the classroom into a nature documentary. Whatever spell you're using, it's working."
Alexia flushed. "Don't encourage him."
"Too late," Kaia said. "If flirting helps you breathe, I'm pro-flirt."
Zeus gave a soft huff, pressing closer to Alexia's leg. His shadowy form flickered faintly in the light, calmer now, as if he'd absorbed her fear and was letting it bleed out.
"I'm not flirting," I said, feigning innocence. "I'm emotionally supporting a pretty classmate in distress. With charm. And good hair."
Alexia shot me a look, lips twitching. "You did mention lunch today after Magical Theory. Is that invitation still valid?"
I placed a hand over my heart. "And I am a man of my word. If you're up for it."
Kaia smirked. "She is. She just didn't want to admit it."
Alexia sighed, but the weight on her shoulders eased. "Yeah… I'm up for it."
"Perfect," I said. "I'll even try not to mock the cafeteria stew. No promises."
Kaia stepped back. "I'll let you two have your weird lunch date. I've got a project, and my roommate thinks my hair dye is a potion ingredient."
Alexia reached for her. "Are you sure?"
Kaia waved her off with a smile. "Eat with your fae. I'll catch up later."
I shot Kaia a grateful look before turning to Alexia, offering my arm with a playful flourish. "M'lady?"
She rolled her eyes but took it, fingers brushing mine. Zeus trotted beside us, steady and silent. As we walked toward the dining hall, the courtyard fell away behind us, not just in distance but in weight. Something had shifted not just between her and her magic, but between her and me. Maybe Kaia was right. Maybe fate did send me. And maybe, just maybe, I didn't mind.