Part 2

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Eden stood in front of her mirror, one hand on her hip and the other tapping nervously on the edge of her vanity. Her heart was beating faster than she'd admit, her mind racing with a mixture of anticipation and just a hint of dread. 

She'd spent the better part of an hour trying on various outfits, discarding dresses and robes in favor of something that balanced elegance with just enough daring to match the energy she'd felt in his messages.

Finally, she settled on a form-fitting red dress with a open neckline and long sleeves. It was elegant but left no question about her confidence. She let her hair fall in loose waves, framing her face, and applied a touch of deep red lipstick, just enough to add a bold contrast against her fair skin.

Taking a deep breath, she looked herself over once more, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. "All right, Eden," she muttered, steadying herself. "This is just a date—a mysterious, thrilling, possibly life-altering date, but still just a date."

With a quick flick of her wand, she grabbed her purse, checking herself one last time before stepping into the night.

Across town, Severus stood in his quarters, his face set in its usual impassive mask, though he could feel the slightest twinge of something unfamiliar—anticipation

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Across town, Severus stood in his quarters, his face set in its usual impassive mask, though he could feel the slightest twinge of something unfamiliar—anticipation. He'd replayed her words in his mind, how she'd effortlessly balanced boldness with curiosity, daring him to reveal himself. She'd suggested meeting him face-to-face in a restaurant, a bold request he could hardly refuse.

He adjusted his dark, high-collared coat, the perfectly tailored black fabric fitting snugly over his shoulders. The coat was understated but elegant, a cut that suited his commanding presence without a hint of flamboyance. His hair fell neatly around his face, and he brushed it back, frowning slightly at the mirror. It had been a long time since he'd considered his appearance before going out—especially not for something like this.

For a moment, he hesitated, glancing at the clock. A small voice in his head whispered that he was too old for this, that she might see him and regret her interest. But he silenced the thought with a steady exhale. She'd requested this meeting; she knew he was older, more reserved. And something about her profile had ignited a curiosity in him that he couldn't ignore.

A final check, and he extinguished the lights in his quarters, stepping into the evening air with a purpose he hadn't felt in years. He would meet her tonight, as promised, and he would find out exactly what it was that made her bold enough to challenge him.

As they both made their way to The Black Cauldron, the night seemed charged, the air heavy with the anticipation of a meeting that would change them both in ways they couldn't yet imagine.

Eden stepped into The Black Cauldron, her eyes adjusting to the dim, amber-hued glow of the restaurant's enchanted chandeliers. The atmosphere was elegant and intimate, with soft music playing and whispers from secluded tables. As she glanced around, a host in dark, finely tailored robes approached her with a slight bow.

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