Stepping out of the Wizard Tower, Ian didn't head straight back to his residence. Instead, he turned and made his way toward the Magic Potion Department.
He needed to take care of one last thing.
The Magic Potion Department. Malena's laboratory.
The door was ajar. From inside came the soft bubbling of a heating Potion and the sound of Malena humming a low tune.
Ian knocked on the door.
"Come in." Malena's voice held its usual crisp efficiency.
As he entered, he saw Malena standing before a lab bench, carefully dripping a pale blue solution into a flask.
She wore a simple, dark blue Magic Potion Alchemist's robe. Her long golden hair was loosely pinned up with a wooden hairpin, a few strands framing her face.
A flash of surprise crossed her eyes when she saw Ian, and she set down the dropper.
"Ian? What a rare guest. What brings you here?"
"Mm," Ian nodded, his gaze sweeping over the familiar laboratory.
