“When I look at those stars, I don’t see a reverent and ancient symbol of Magic. All I see is a cage. An hourglass about to run out. Those three stars represent the three types of Magicals. Only one remains. As if we too are destined for death.”
“You truly believe that Shadow Magic and Aterna Magic have ceased to exist?”
“What else would they be? The Shadow People were wiped out a century ago in the Great War. And according to my father, the Immortal people placed all their Aterna Magic in their High Lord. None of them have practiced so much as a summoning spell for thousands of years now.”
Mal hesitated for a moment, as though he thought what he was about to say should have occurred to Maeve long ago. And perhaps it should have.
“There are seven realms. That we know of. One of them has been sealed for three hundred years. Two of the others are closed to us. You honestly think you know what Magic lies in those realms? In the Dread Lands?” Maeve had no reply. Mal stood tall. “You’re far too clever to believe everything you’re told.”
On a Saturday afternoon, and Maeve and Malachite were dueling. When Maeve declined to go to London with Violet, she received yet another nasty comment about how she and Mal spent too much time together. Lavinia overheard their conversation and gave Maeve an enthusiastic thumbs up, followed by a wink. Maeve rolled her eyes.
Mal was in a particularly lighthearted mood as they lazily shot spells back and forth, discussing magic.
“Your father had you practice a Dread curse as a child?” He laughed.
“Yes,” said Maeve.
“They’re illegal.”
Maeve shrugged as he blocked her jinx. “I’ve told you before. My father isn’t really one for the rules. At least, not the ones in his interest to break.”
Mal looked intrigued. “I have a favor to ask.”
Maeve shifted her head to one side.
“I want to see you create a false memory.”
Maeve’s brows pulled together. “You mean. . .”
“In your mind,” he finished.
Maeve laughed through her nose. “You think I’m going to let you in my mind?”
Mal smiled.
Damn.
“I’m so curious. Besides, I’ve never been in a Pureblood’s mind.”
“That’s because Purebloods have built in mental shields.”
“I know,” said Mal plainly.
Maeve watched him carefully for a moment as her eyes narrowed. “Have you been in many minds?”
Mal didn’t answer. “Are you going to let me see or not?”
“Are you going to answer?”
Mal’s expression was unreadable. “You already know.”
Maeve nodded, thankful he couldn’t force his way into her mind without her permission.
“Alight,” she relented under his pressing gaze. “I’ll show you.”
A smirk flickered across his face. Maeve held up her hand.
“But if I tell you to get out,” she said gravely, “you get out. Deal?”
