His classroom was decorated with black and silver lanterns and midnight blue sheer curtains swooping across the wide hall.
Maeve was seated at a table with Abraxas, Mal, and the rest. Dinner had been served, and the boys were arguing about a section of the Astrolgy assignment from that morning.
“Well, what did Maeve put?” Asked Kash.
“I already took that class last year,” said Maeve.
Kash frowned.
Hummingdoor appeared next to their table.
“I trust you’ve all had a marvelous night?” Asked the Alchemy Master drunkenly.
“Always the best, sir,” said Mal.
“We’ve missed our meetings with you, sir,” said Abraxas.
“Oh yes, I have as well,” said Hummingdoor. “Summer is lonesome here.”
“Well, you appear to be much better,” said Mal, smiling.
“Oh, you know Madam Kensington,” said Hummingdoor. “She wasted no time fixing me up! Though I was hoping I would need a trip to London to the Circle Healers. I’ve heard the staff there is easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean.”
The table chuckled.
“Trust I’ll see you boys in my office next week then? As usual?”
“Of course, sir,” said Abraxas.
Hummingdoor beamed and sloshed some of his drink to the floor.
“Oh, and Maeve,” started Hummingdoor as an excited breathe rose in Maeve’s chest. “You look wonderful.”
Hummingdoor clapped his hands together and bounced away. Maeve sunk back into her chair and let a small sigh escape her lips.
“I am still not included,” said Maeve, under her breath.
Mal didn’t miss it. “What?”
“I said I’m still not included,” she repeated loudly.
Mal’s eyes grew. “Are you joking?”
“No,” said Maeve. “You heard him. It’s still your little Serpentine boy’s club.”
“Do you need to be included in that?” Mal asked her.
“You tell me,” she retorted sharply.
His eyes narrowed, and his head cocked to one side. “What’s the matter with you?”
“It’s obvious,” said Roswyn. “She’s all turned around about things now.”
“What’s that mean?” Shot Maeve.
Abraxas downed the rest of his drink quickly.
“We were all there at your house this summer,” said Roswyn nastily.
