THE AURA READER
Spellthorn’s Leading Source of Rumors, Reality, and Magical Embarrassment
Vol. XCIX, Issue 4 — Now With 12% More Truth!
Feature Story: "Library Librarian Gets a Taste of Her Own Arcana"
By: Quillie the Quibbler
Last night’s magical surge may have caused three spellbook combustions and a glowing egg storm, but the true story lies in what didn’t show up on Beth Arclight’s maternity log: herself.
Sources claim Dakota Bellamy returned from her “forest enlightenment” not only dry and diaper-free, but smiling as well. Minutes later, Beth was seen clutching the edge of her desk and mumbling about “incubation imbalance.”
Witnesses report:
Awkward shifting
A mysterious sparkle behind Beth’s back
A long sigh and the words, “I should’ve warded the tree.”
Gossip Glimpses:
“Dakota’s aura is back under control. But it’s not empty.”
“Beth ran to the staff baths. Something’s up. Or in.”
“There’s talk of a magical egg-laying curse being tested on staff now.”
“New rule: No touching humming trees while magically fertile.”
Student Quote of the Day: “She turned the spell back on Beth? That’s legendary. Someone make her a faculty member already.”
— Mira N., Enchantment Track
Spellthorn Academy – Office of Magical Conduct & Custodial Oversight
Form 7B: Ley-line Feedback & Containment Breach Notification
Filed by: Custodian 2nd Class Nettlewax
Date/Time: Approx. midnight, waxing moon
Location: Library (Main Hall, Restricted Section), North Woods perimeter
Type of Incident: Tier 3 Feedback Loop / Unauthorized Transference Reversal
Summary of Incident:
An arcane feedback event was detected originating near the Humming Tree ley-line node. Residual ripple affected several containment wards across library storage stacks. Upon inspection, Custodian Nettlewax observed:
Cracked rune glyphs near aisle 17-C (“Gestational Theory & Magical Ethics”)
Pink containment sparkles embedded in floor grout
One (1) glowing wet wipe with scribbled note:
For Beth. Front or back, your call 💖 –D
Runes show signs of reverse-channel anchoring, suggesting a highly unconventional backflow spell was executed. Secondary effects detected on staff member Arclight, B.- who was observed shifting posture, pale, and whispering: “Not the scenic route...”
Recommend:
Disciplinary review
Wardrobe replacement stipend
Firm reinforcement of interdepartmental spell safety protocols
Action Taken:
Wards reset (mostly)
Clean-up pending under Category "Maternal Residue"
One diaper (enchanted) located inside a copy of Moonbound Matroncraft and neutralized
Magical egg fragments swept, catalogued, and sent to the Vault of Possibly Cursed Things
Location: Spellthorn Library – Main Hall, Midnight
The moonlight floods through the tall arched windows, painting silver lines across ancient stone. The shelves are still. Even the whispering tomes are silent, holding their breath. A storm has passed… but not all its echoes are finished.
Mood: Revenge Served Arcanely Warm
Dakota walks back into enemy territory- not to beg, but to deliver consequences wrapped in charm and composure.
Dakota steps through the side entrance of the library, cloak swirling behind her like a spell unraveled. Her feet are still bare. Her belly still bears the arcane burden. But the diaper is gone, the magic calmed, and in her hand, she holds a softly glowing egg of light—its aura cloaked beneath her own.
Dakota (to herself, steady):“Let’s see how you like being on the receiving end, Beth.”
Inside, the library is hushed again. Beth sits at her usual desk, a porcelain teacup steaming gently between her fingers. Slim. Composed. Entirely in control. She doesn’t look up.
Beth (pleasantly):“Back already? Did you enjoy your visit with Lys?”
Dakota (smiling sweetly):“Oh, she was enlightening. We had a little…exchange.”
Beth finally glances up. She arches a brow just as Dakota steps casually forward and taps her shoulder. Just a brush of fingers- nothing more. But within the touch, a hidden transfer: one tiny egg of rebounded magic cloaked in familiarity.
Beth (frowning slightly):“You’re glowing oddly. Did she… modify your aura?”
Dakota (shrugging):“Must’ve. You know how unstable anchors can be.”
Beth gives a subtle, knowing smirk- until she shifts in her chair. Then her expression twitches.
A warmth blooms low. Very low. Her eyes widen. She reaches instinctively for her abdomen- flat. But behind? A strange pressure…growing.
She freezes.
Beth (sudden realization):“…you didn’t…!”
Dakota (cheerfully):“I did! I thought you’d appreciate a little balance. After all, magic wants to flow, right?”
Beth rises- too quickly. She winces, her composure fracturing. Her hands move to her lower back. She can feel it. Multiplying.
Beth (gasping):“They’re… they’re growing. You reversed the polarity?”
Dakota (deadpan):“And added a little flair. Yours only incubate while you’re not pregnant. So you’ll either be round in the front- or laying in the back.”
Beth’s fingers grip the edge of the desk, knuckles white. Her cheeks bright red.
