“Such comradely between students And courts divided! He’s saved you twice now, Miss Sinclair!” Said Hummingdoor with a wide smile and a wink.
Maeve took a moment to survey Madam Florence, who refused to meet her gaze.
“Larliesl,” the short man named Leopold reappeared in his portrait. “He seems to be lurking behind a pillar.”
Maeve had to suppress a smile as her heart swelled. She had not been expecting Grisham to solidify her lie himself. She glanced at Mal, whose face was innocent as an angelic statue.
“Merlin,” said Larliesl under his breath. “Miss Sinclair, I’m off to deal with it myself.” He made for the door.
“It’s rather late, Lar,” said Hummingdoor. “Perhaps these two should be off to bed.”
“Of course,” he replied. “Mr. Peur, please escort Miss Sinclair to her dorm room safely.”
He whisked out of the room hastily.
“Goodnight, Professor,” said Maeve, laying Hummingdoor’s handkerchief on the desk and turned towards the shocked Librarian. “Thank you, Madam Florence. I’m sure your coming to the Library scared him off.”
Madam Florence scowled and stormed out of the room.
Hummingdoor smiled softly. “Goodnight, Maeve, Mal. I’ll ensure your light charm is returned to you by morning, Maeve.”
“Thank you, Professor.” Maeve smiled at him.
Mal held the door open for Maeve. “Goodnight, sir.”
They made their way out the door. They glanced around, ensuring their solitude.
Once in the corridor, Mal spoke as they walked.
“You lied,” said Mal. “You lied brilliantly.”
Maeve nodded and stared at him confidently, her tears dried. “Yes.”
Mal came to a stop and stood with his head cocked, analyzing her. Maeve laughed and began walking towards her dormitory. A small yawn escaped her lips. She continued with dramatic flare, “it must be so difficult to be Malachite Peur,” she teased, laying into his full name,” always having to save poor, weak, Maeve Sin-”
Mal caught her wrist and spun her around with force. She inhaled sharply and looked up at him as their bodies nearly slammed together, ready for him to reproach her. She swallowed and calmed the adrenaline that spiked from his unexpected touch.
“Have I displeased you?” Asked Maeve genuinely, as she wondered how he could possibly be angry with her after she single-handedly pulled them from trouble.
But his face was not angry. In fact, he looked completely in awe.
“No.” Mal’s voice hummed in the empty corridor. “Quite the opposite.”
He stepped towards her, never releasing her wrist, and brushed her hair behind her ear with his other hand. Maeve inhaled quicker than she would have liked for him to notice. His fingers sent ice down the back of her neck, down her spine, and spiraled into her stomach.
“Where is your light charm?” Asked Mal.
“I stashed it as we were leaving.”
Mal looked down at her; his hand still lingered on her face. “You don’t even need that thing.”
“I was frantic, frightened. Weak. Of course I did.”
Mal smiled down at her.
“Clever girl.”
Maeve was stuck. She had never been this close to him.
