Roswyn and Abraxas continued talking. He watched them silently.
Her arms felt heavy.
Other Serpentine students gathered there as well, most of them asking Mal what was happening.
Headmaster Elgin’s voice rang out over the common room, and presumably the entire castle.
“All students must report to the Great Hall at once.”
Hummingdoor waltzed through the doors of the common room a moment later.
“Mal, my boy good,” he said hurriedly. “I’ll need your assistance ensuring all students are accounted for. Miss Sinclair,” he looked to Maeve. “Larliesl will need yours. To the Grand Hall, dear.”
She had never seen Hummingdoor without his bubbly smile and bright eyes.
Maeve looked to Mal, not wanting to leave him. Mal gave her a nod of assurance. Maeve pushed off the arm of the chair and made her way up the stairs to the first floor. Her lux charm flittered light before her, but it was dull.
“Maeve,” called Larliesl.
The Professor appeared in front of her from a dark side corridor.
“What’s happening, sir?”
Larliesl shook his head and looked behind her. “Where’s Mal?”
“He’s with Hummingdoor,” she said.
He sighed. “You shouldn’t be separated,” he muttered gravely.
“Sir?” Maeve asked.
Larliesl wouldn’t look at her.
“Sir,” said Maeve sharply, her voice breaking.
Larliesl’s eyes snapped to her, and then softened slightly. “Apologies, Maeve,” he said. “I know you’re scared.”
She clenched her jaw.
Larliesl took her arm in his and led her towards the Grand Hall, a waft of fire he created guiding them.
The Grand Hall was filled with huddled students. The castle’s lights were completely depleted it seemed. The only light was what they created themselves, and the moonlight that shot through the stained glass windows. Some students carried a lit taper candle, others had a continuous flame bouncing off their hands. The younger students held their lux charms, the tips emitting a soft white glow.
Headmasters Elgin and Rowan stood at the far end of the hall, under the Vaukore crest.
Maeve spotted Mal and Roswyn. Abraxas was holding Julius, his silver cat. Spinel was at his feet. He trotted over to Maeve. She bent over and scooped him up, and held him close. He brushed his face against hers with a soft purr. She rubbed the back of his head in appreciation.
Larliesl nodded towards Mal. “Stay together,” he told her, and disappeared into the swarm of figures.
Maeve watched him go. He hadn’t asked for her assistance at all. He had only been concerned that she wasn’t with Mal.
Maeve pressed towards them and arrived at their side.
“Did Larliel say anything?” Asked Mal.
Maeve shook her head.
“Nor did Hummingdoor.”
