Opening the door was none other than Lucy, Elaris's teacher.
She stood framed by the dim light of the hallway, familiar yet startling.
Her violet robe shimmered faintly, hugging her hips just right, and on her waist a silver cord from which tiny charms jingled softly.
At the top of her head rested a tall, pointed hat stitched with golden runes, topped with a bell that tinkled with each subtle tilt.
Elaris' eyes widened. "Teacher? No way, you live here?" His voice came out before his brain could process it.
His body froze mid-step, arms twitching as if to reach out, mouth agape, legs unwilling to carry him.
Lucy only smiled calmly. "I moved here and sold the shop.
Honestly, no one was buying anyway. I needed a private space for experiments…
Including the love potion. It's mostly ready."
Sarah, observing the dim, sparse room, raised an eyebrow. "From all places… You choose this?"
Lucy nodded slowly. "Privacy," she said, the motion deliberate and satisfied.
