Pippa Pentagle

By Pippa Pentangle

They say time heals all wounds. I guess they never loved Hecate Hardbroom.

The first time I saw her, we were two clumsy apprentices who could barely hold a broom without wobbling. She had that look—sharp, sharp—that seemed to pierce through you and lay you bare before her judgment. And yet, behind those dark eyes was something warm… something only I knew.

Years passed, exams, nights under the stars sharing secrets we'd never tell anyone. And at some point, without realizing it, my heart decided it belonged to her. We were young, we had magic… and we were certain we'd always be together.

But "always" is a treacherous word. Life took us down different paths. I chose the light, she chose discipline. And when we reunited as adults, she was no longer my Hecate... or at least, that's what she tried to pretend.

This year, Cackle Academy invited me to collaborate more closely, and I agreed to stay for a while to help prepare for the Interstellar Charms Tournament. It wasn't my first time visiting the school, but it was the first time I'd stayed for so long… and I knew it would make her uncomfortable.

I wasn't mistaken. From the moment I informed her of my extended stay, Hecate became more serious than usual. Her brow seemed permanently furrowed, her voice even drier, and every conversation was limited to the strictly professional.

Today, as I was arranging a bouquet of wildflowers to decorate the great room, I heard the unmistakable click of her boots before I saw her turn the corner. “Principal Pentangle,” he greeted me coldly. “Hecate,” I replied, softening my voice like someone offering an invisible hand.

I don't know if any of the students realize it, but when our eyes meet, mine still lingers a second longer than it should. She may have changed, her toughness may be her shield... but I still see the young woman who stole my heart.

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