Location: Spellthorn Library – Arcane Reference Desk, Late Afternoon
The golden light of the sinking sun filters through enchanted windows, casting long shadows between towering stacks. A silence heavier than usual settles over the chamber- one that seems to watch.
Mood: Hopeful Rebellion / Magical Comeuppance
Dakota creeps barefoot toward the front desk, heart hammering, belly swaying slightly with each cautious step. Her toes whisper across the tile, her eyes fixed on the object gleaming just beside a leather-bound copy of ‘Moonbound Matroncraft: A Practical Guide’.
Beth’s pendant.
Dakota (hushed to herself): “Okay. Symbolic object… properly worded phrase… keep it simple, keep it focused. No exploding nipples. No fire. No Beth.”
She snatches the pendant, its gold chain cool in her hand, and presses it to her belly. Her breath hitches, but her voice rings steady with defiant spellcraft.
Dakota (firmly): “By bond wrongly borne and arcane deceit, return this burden to its rightful seat.”
A surge of magic ripples outward like a pond ripple. The pendant vibrates, warm and thrumming.
A glowing tether of light rises from the charm. Then- *snap* - it whips backward, slamming back into Dakota’s belly like a rubber band snapping.
Dakota (yelping): “Wait…wait…no no no- ohhhhhh…!”
Her belly expands visibly- heavier, rounder. Her balance shifts. Then- a warm trickle.
Dakota freezes. Her hand flies to her chest just in time to feel a betraying wetness seeping into her shirt.
She looks down in dawning horror.
Beth (from behind, serenely smug): “Oh, sweetie. Did you really think I wouldn’t install a reflective rebound ward? This isn’t my first magical maternity exchange.”
Beth emerges from between the stacks, her robes immaculate, her hands folded primly. Not a trace of pregnancy on her.
Beth (chiding gently): “Now you're not just a vessel. You’re an anchor. Much more stable. And…charmingly leaky.”
Dakota lets out a soft, involuntary squeak, the sound escaping her as her hand hovers over the warm, spreading stain on her chest. The realization hits her all at once: Beth meant every word. The barefoot. The belly. The leaking. It isn’t a threat—it’s a curriculum.
Beth (sweetly, her tone a syrupy lullaby of mockery): “Oh, that little squeak? Adorable. Really fits the aesthetic you’re growing into. You’ll want to practice that, cutie- people just love a flustered, glowing girl with no shoes and too much milk.”
She steps closer, brushing a strand of hair from Dakota’s forehead with the unsettling gentleness of someone who knows they’ve won.
Beth (softly): “You see, Dakota, you did have a choice. You could’ve gracefully borne the responsibility. Maybe even impressed the Arcane Review Board. But now?”
She leans in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper as her eyes gleam with magical satisfaction.
Beth: “Now you’re a magical wet-nurse-in-training until further notice. Magical law is very…sticky about feedback loops.”
Beth lingers just long enough for Dakota to squirm. Then she grins and adds a final dagger.
Beth (grinning): “And don’t even think about containment charms. That little spell hiccup made sure your ‘blessings’ are fully expressive. Hope your wardrobe’s absorbent.”
Beth turns and walks away without a care in the world, humming a tune that sounds suspiciously like a lullaby.
Beth (cheerfully over her shoulder): “Library hours resume tomorrow! Try not to soak the spellbooks, sweetie!”
