The half-finished "warmth" Potion lay in the cauldron as a dull, grayish ointment. Miss Winslet had brewed it in the washroom of her room, and the bottles and jars had already been put away, leaving only the final step for Shade.
Miss Danist had followed along as well, curious to see what Shade would do. But she did not see him use any fancy techniques. He merely held his hands around either side of the flame beneath the cauldron, then merged his own fire into it.
The rising heat immediately made the room steaming hot on that late-autumn evening. The potion in the cauldron swiftly changed from an ointment into a glittering golden liquid, the color of sunlight. Bubbles burst one after another across its surface, producing a pleasant sound.
Miss Bell handed over a spoon. Miss Winslet scooped up half a spoonful of potion, gave it a shake, then brought it to her lips and took a sip.
"How is it?"
Everyone was curious, but the witch only frowned slightly before passing the spoon to her apprentice. Miss Charlotte Bell then took a small sip as well, and her pale complexion almost immediately turned rosy. The young Witch Apprentice stared at the cauldron in surprise.
"It really works. I can feel a warmth welling up from my soul."
The curious red-haired girl also tried a sip. The "warmth" Potion could maintain body temperature for anyone other than Great Witches of the "Death" lineage.
"Citrus-flavored potions really do taste nice. It certainly feels warm, like I've just taken a hot bath."
She gave her assessment, passed the spoon to Shade again, and then asked:
"Flora, do you feel no effect?"
"No, it works. It really is warm."
She hesitated, looking at Shade as he smacked his lips and savored the