Page 80 of Summer L.A.W.

Even the mansion got in on the drama. Doors slammed, curtains fluttered like sighs, chandeliers swayed mournfully, and one portrait blushed bright crimson.

Back in the greenhouse, Magda clutched the worktable. “We’ve created a magical feedback loop.”

Sebastian stared at his data, then at her. “I think we’ve created a new branch of science.”

“We’ve created hormones on heroin.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “So same oblivion, less punishable.”

Now, everyone was overrun by emotion. Joell kept leaving Crowe voicemails full of breathless romantic monologues. He was away on a scouting mission to further secure their Tennessee location but was loving her poetry.

Brianna burst into poetic declarations about time and destiny, weeping into her coffee.

Rayna started sharpening her sword and demanding to know why Payne hadn’t texted in several minutes.

Chad, caught in the crossfire, was suddenly sentimental about the League: “You’re all so brave, so brilliant. Don’t ever change!”

Even the mansion kept dimming lights and playing faint harp music from nowhere.

Magda and Sebastian dashed through the halls, trying to neutralize the pulse; each touch between them reignited the effect. Wally bounced behind them with a sage bundle, chanting something vaguely Aboriginal that shouldn’t work, but sort of did.

Magda and Sebastian finally escaped into the moonlit herb garden, kneeling and pressing their hands into the dirt to discharge the last of the energy. Both were trembling, in half laughter, half exhaustion.

Sebastian said, “You make me believe in things I can’t replicate.”

To which Magda answered, “And you make me remember magic deserves a hypothesis.”

Their foreheads touched, the air humming softly with leftover charge. Then he kissed her. Not a peck, but a quiet, lingering, oh damn, this is real kind of kiss.

Wally sneezed between them, breaking the moment.

Magda groaned. “Every time.”Sebastian chuckled. “Your familiar’s timing is impeccable.”

Before she could reply, the greenhouse door flew open, and Chad strode out, hair slightly smoking, clutching his phone.

“Okay,” he said, voice dangerously calm, “which one of you decided to weaponize estrogen?”

Magda opened her mouth. “Define⁠—”

“Don’t,” he interrupted. “It’s PMDD week. You’re supposed to be halfway to Tennessee by now.”

Sebastian blinked. “PMDD week?”

Chad sighed. “Quarterly relocation. The mansion teleports to the mountains, so the rest of civilization stays intact. Insurance insists.”

Magda rubbed her temples. “Ugh. I forgot it was coming up so fast. You could’ve led with that.”

“Didn’t think I’d have to. This is an important Sabbat for you. Lammas. The first harvest, and all.”

“Yes, well, I’ve been distracted.”

The air shimmered beside him, and Brianna appeared mid-stride, scarf fluttering, coffee in hand. “You’re welcome,” she told Chad. “I reset the timeline just enough to save you the Penn Station trip. I also made sure Rayna’s pets picked up and stored our weapons.”

He staggered. “Next time, warn a guy before you bend time. My stomach feels like it’s in Midtown.”

The four of them strode inside the mansion, and Brianna looked around at the chaos. “Oh wow. You’re all running late this quarter.”

“Tell me about it,” Magda said. “The mansion’s developing feelings.”