Wanda's ears pricked up. She knew that voice better than any other.
She didn't even have to look up before her serious expression turned to delight.
The magic circle in her hand vanished. She turned and ran toward the figure descending from above.
The apprentices practicing magic nearby merely glanced up at him, then returned their attention to their spells.
Clearly, the Sorcerer Supreme's new "special" student was no secret here.
"Anthony!"
Homelander had barely landed, with no time to strike a pose, when a warm body slammed into his arms.
"Why are you here so soon? Didn't you say you were coming next week?"
Wanda carried herself very differently now. She was confident and composed, with a hint of the otherworldly air of a practitioner.
"I missed you, so I came to see you."
Homelander smiled, wrapped an arm around her waist, and gave her cheek a squeeze.
"Looks like The Ancient One's treating you well. You look good."
"Of course she is. I've learned to draw circles!" Wanda traced a circle with her finger as if showing off a treasure. A sparking portal appeared out of thin air, revealing Homelander's office on the other side.
"Great. Nicely done!" Homelander said encouragingly. "But call before you come over next time. Don't just open a hole in my office."
"Want some milk?" Wanda winked playfully. "I'll warm it up for you."
"Next time." Homelander declined gently. "I need to see your teacher now. There's a bit of trouble."
Seeing the seriousness on his face, Wanda stopped joking.
"She's in the meditation chamber. I'll take you."
They arrived at the meditation chamber.
The Ancient One stood there with her hands behind her back, watching him quietly.
Homelander stepped forward and got straight to the point.
"Master, do you know about