“The Black-fanged Fire Ground Viper,” said Elgin, “often referred to by Bellator as ‘little viper,’ due to its small and innocent appearance, yet venomous nature and deadly bite. . .”
Mal leaned towards her, his lips close to her ear. “Perhaps that’s what I should refer to you as,” whispered Mal, “little viper.”
This caused an involuntary twist inside Maeve’s stomach. She attempted to act unaffected. She bit her bottom lip as his nose brushed against her cheek.
She resisted the urge to grab the back of her neck as warmth slipped from her skin and that reoccurring eerie feeling slipped into her spine. The sensation came and went quickly. But there was no doubt in her mind: it was the same Magic from the night she last jumped minds.
She didn’t mention it to anyone. Not even Mal. And certainly not her Father, whom she knew would react dramatically.
On the final dueling event of the term, and the Dueling Hall was filled with students celebrating the end of another school year. Maeve dueled Lavinia and won. Lavinia swore rather loudly upon defeat, for which Larliesl took ten merits from Volaticus. And then an extra five when it occurred to him that she was Head Girl.
Maeve and Abraxas were seated in two large armchairs near the middle of the Hall, drinking lemon fizzles. They were currently cackling at two second-year twins, who hit one another simultaneously with the Lingualigatum Spell. This effectively glued their tongues to the tops of their mouths, making each spell they cast after that absolutely ridiculous.
Professor Larliesl called their duel a draw and sent them to the Healing Wing.
It was Mal and Jake Pile’s turn to duel and close out the evening. Larliesl called them to the stage. Mal took his place, but Jake was nowhere to be seen. Larliesl called for him again. And once more.
“He was ‘ere earlier, Professor. I know I saw ‘em,” said Freddy Jones.
A few other students agreed they had seen Jake only moments ago.
“Drat,” said Larliesl.
“If I may make a suggestion, sir, “said Mal charmingly. Larliesl waved his hand, signaling for Mal to continue.
“Sinclair,” said Mal matter-of-factly.
There was a collectively excited gasp from the room.
Maeve’s head whipped to Mal, who stood smiling handsomely at her.
“OH!” Larliesl nearly jumped. “Miss Sinclair?” He called for her.
“Here, sir,” Maeve called back, her eyes still on Mal.
A smile tugged at her lips. She was disappointed in herself for not having seen this coming. She stood and walked towards Larliesl.
“Would you mind?” Larliesl asked her, extending his hand to help her up onto the circular platform. She met eyes with Abraxas, who gave her a wink.
Maeve tossed her hair behind her shoulder and locked eyes with Mal. “It would be an honor.”
News traveled quickly about their duel. So quick, in fact, that by the time Maeve arrived in Volaticus Tower, she was bombarded by questions from students that didn’t even attend the duel. Arman had slipped through the doorway of the dueling hall just in time to silently watch them.
“No one has ever dueled with him like that! I thought for a moment you might win,” said Lavinia.
“I really should get to bed,” said Maeve, trying hard not to smile.
She entered her dorm room just in time to see Violet roll over away from her with a huff. She tucked herself into the sapphire velvet sheets in her dorm room. Her cheeks hurt from grinning. Mal had orchestrated the entire duel flawlessly. It was like a dance. He even allowed her to show off.
A green light emitted from her bag on the nightstand. She grabbed the small piece of parchment hastily as, letter by letter, a message from Mal appeared.
Beautifully done, Little Viper.
Maeve held the parchment close to her chest and fell back into the pillow as she bit her lip with a smile.
Chapter 19
“Did you hear?” Asked Abraxas. “Jake Pile’s in the hospital wing.”
