“Yes,” said Maeve. “The ability to sense and manipulate others’ emotions.”
Mal glanced over the first page.
Maeve said, as if it were obvious, “you’re one.”
Mal’s eyes flicked up at her. “What?”
“You have pathokenesis abilities.”
Mal flipped through a few pages, his eyes scanning quickly. He closed the book and looked up at her. “I didn’t know there was a word for it.”
“I don’t want you to use it on me,” she stated plainly, their eyes locked together.
Mal shook his head. “I won’t.”
Maeve didn’t hesitate. “Swear to it,” she said.
Mal’s eyes softened. He stood and crossed around the table. Maeve turned towards him. A small smile was pulling at the corners of his lips as he brushed her hair behind her shoulders.
He spoke lowly. “You think a bright and clever witch like yourself wouldn’t know if I was manipulating your emotions with magic?”
Maeve looked up at him. “I have no idea.”
Mal nodded subtly, his thoughts far from Maeve’s request.
“Thank you for telling me. Now,” he said, his fingers traveled up her neck to her cheek, “when I master this, Maeve, there is nothing we won’t have.”
His hand moved to the back of her neck as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Maeve spoke as he moved away from her back towards the book. “Mal.”
He looked over at her.
“Swear to it.”
Mal’s face twisted slightly, scrunched into a confused expression. “You don’t trust me?”
“I don’t think even you know when you’re doing it,” she answered gently.
Mal’s jaw tightened. “No. Right now I don’t. But,” he tapped a slender finger on the book between them, “I soon will.”
“Alright,” said Maeve. Mal moved to sit back down. “Then swear to it until that day comes.”
Mal gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles turning white. Maeve pretended not to notice.
She spoke again before all nerve abandoned her. “I’m not asking for much, wouldn’t you agree?”
“No,” he said, his voice low, “I don’t.”
Maeve’s mouth fell open slightly. “Why not?”
Mal braced himself on the desk, his head bowed. “Don’t do this, Maeve.”
Maeve laughed nervously. “I am asking you to promise me, with magic, that you won’t-”
“I know what you are asking,” said Mal. “And I won’t do it.”
Maeve fired back quickly. “You understand the implications of your resistance to do so?”
