Isaac had learned the word 'fuck' and was now using it liberally. Malcolm was sure Leandra would murder him.

Malcolm didn't mean for this to happen. Looking back, it had only been a matter of time since the word came out of his mouth so often as a reflex. But he'd tried so hard to censor himself around Isaac.

Malcolm already felt like he was under a magnifying glass, with his actions being tied to the Fade. Now a little nine-year-old was imitating his every move and Malcolm was really feeling the pressure.

Isaac had become surly with Orsino and the rest of his teachers, though he would never dare show sass to a Templar. And even Malcolm was having a hard time convincing Isaac to do his work. Malcolm even made it a point to start doing more of his classwork in front of him to encourage him, but Isaac would just draw and draw and draw like his hand was possessed.

Orsino finally pulled Malcolm aside and told him to pull Isaac in line before the First Enchanter came down hard on them both. Malcolm knew Orsino was right, but he was starting to feel resentful that his carefree days of slacking off were far behind him.

It was dinnertime and Isaac was in his usual spot beside Malcolm, kicking his feet under the table as he worked on his latest doodle, too engrossed to even eat. More people were crowding Malcolm's table than usual. Murphy and Mandy were gossiping away, and Taylor was helping Melissa, Malcolm's Spirit Healing classmate, who had recently successfully connected with a Spirit and needed to strengthen her bond to it. Technically Malcolm knew the material better than Taylor, but Taylor was eager to get a look at what the ritual entailed and played teacher much better than Malcolm ever could. He could imagine her in front of a classroom explaining the basics of the ritual, using a lot of technical terms that Malcolm was still learning, but he knew it was similar to what he'd been doing with Kindness and Honesty, feeding the proper memories to nourish and shape them.

Malcolm was too busy with his own work of defeating Zelophehad. Knowing it would raise eyebrows, he nicked a demonology and binding spell book from the Circle's forbidden section. He was busy pouring over the tomes, making notes on what he would need to make his own binding spell. The problem was there was power in names, and Zelophehad's name was not in the demonology book. He knew that the spell for a greater terror demon needed incense of bark burned from a flowering vhenedal, consecrated holy water, and purified salt from a dead sea, and even if Malcolm could somehow gather those ingredients he had no way of knowing if it would work against Zelophehad. Plus the ritual required lyrium, much more lyrium than what the Circle allotted Malcolm. It seemed like Malcolm had found a promising solution only to run into a brick wall.

Alas he was too excited at the thought of seeing Leandra to focus on studying. He was flavoring his soup so it tasted of dinuguan, the texture a similar earthy and brown. The taste helped him concentrate on his task but he was hardly hungry.

The cooks, not knowing that Malcolm's spell had become common knowledge, were rather pleased that there was less food waste as people were coming back for seconds and even thirds. There was an unmistakable cheer in the voices of all the mages gathered at the cafeteria tables, the conversations livelier with laughter layering together.

Charlie was busy drawing with Isaac. Every once in a while Charlie would kick Malcolm under the table and he'd remember that he'd have to act lovey with Taylor, but it didn't help that Taylor wasn't bothering to act at all, and treated Malcolm with the usual disinterested disdain.

Isaac put down his pen, and shoved the drawing in Malcolm's direction, his eyes wide and begging for attention. Malcolm looked up from his notes to check out the drawing. He could make out a truck in the sky, flying with rockets. It appeared to be flying away from the Gallows. There were two figures in the front seat, one with swirly hair and pointed ears.

Malcolm smiled. "Is that supposed to be us?"

Isaac nodded and then took the page back and scribbled out the Gallows.

Malcolm ruffled his hair and scooted his bowl in front of him. "C'mon Lil' Dude you hardly touched your meal."

Isaac wrinkled his nose and scooted it away. "Fuck that."

Charlie and Malcolm burst out laughing. Malcolm didn't mean to, but that tiny baby face didn't match that phrase. "Dude, you're going to get me in so much shit." He wrestled Isaac into a headlock, the boy giggling wildly.

Charlie chuckled, going back to the superhero comic he was working on. His drawing skills were more on the mediocre end, but Malcolm recognized a lot of the scenes taken from places in the Gallows. "You just don't know when to quit."

"Malcolm," Taylor groaned, taking off her glasses to rub her sore temples. "You're just going to encourage him."

Malcolm could see that Taylor was right. Isaac was hiding his naughty giggle in his hand.

"Aw, look at you two," Mandy giggled as she latched onto her giant boyfriend's arm. "It's like you're married and have a child together. It's cute."

Both Malcolm and Taylor couldn't contain their shudder which only made the table laugh at their misery.

Charlie's pen stopped moving, his grip suddenly tight.

Isaac started making kissy faces in Malcolm's direction, his fingers waggling near his head in a taunt.

Malcolm couldn't help the irritation in his spine trying to pretend to be Taylor's lover. It didn't help that Charlie was being weird about it, glaring at him every time Malcolm took Taylor's hand like this wasn't Charlie's big idea in the first place. It took everything in Malcolm not to scream out that he loved Leandra, but he already knew the trouble he would get in if it ever got back to the First Enchanter or Knight-Commander. For better or worse, this arrangement would have to do.

Isaac seemed to know this was really bothering Malcolm and wouldn't stop making obnoxious kissy noises.

Taylor looked up to the ceiling. "Control your child, Malcolm."

There was a part of Malcolm that wanted to snap at Isaac. He really needed to study and the kid was giving him a headache. It didn't help that Isaac was taking on his worst traits. He wondered if he ever should have been allowed to be in charge of a child in the first place.

Malcolm forcibly pushed down the irritation, reminding himself how not too long ago Isaac was barely cracking a smile. The fact that Isaac felt good enough to tease him meant that he was feeling better, and wasn't that what mattered? Malcolm smiled wickedly, his fingers wiggling in the air. "Oh, you want to tease us, do you? Does that mean you're ready for retribution?"

Isaac widened his eyes, a grin splitting his face before he stuck out his tongue playfully. That was all Malcolm needed for him to start digging his fingers into Isaac's sides. Isaac's squeals of laughter echoed across the Circle cafeteria, stopping the conversation. Malcolm laughed too, finding Isaac's joy infectious. His bad mood faded away like the sun parting the clouds.

The girls around Malcolm seemed to soften as he played with Isaac.

"Oh," Mandy twirled a pigtail. "He's actually rather good with kids."

Taylor rolled her eyes. "That's because Malcolm is a big kid."

The table laughed as Malcolm scowled. Isaac was holding his sides as he still shook with wild giggles.

Suddenly a gauntleted hand slammed against the table, scattering food everywhere. Matthew, the Templar, flared his nostrils in a snarl, his face red and splotchy. "Shut up!" he bellowed, then pinched his temples, wincing as he glared at Isaac. "That god-awful noise is giving me a headache."

Isaac buried himself in Malcolm's chest, trembling as he clutched a fistful of Malcolm's robe. Malcolm rubbed soothing circles into Isaac's back as he glared at Matthew. "Do you have to be such a fucking prick?"

All the other mages quieted and looked away, their faces tense, their eyes downcast on their hands.

Matthew grabbed Malcolm by the shoulder, yanking him out of his seat and out of Isaac's arms.

Isaac cried out, reaching for Malcolm, but Matthew shoved him back in his seat.

"You," Matthew snapped at Malcolm, "we have business to talk about."

Taylor grabbed Isaac by the stomach to keep him from running off, but he reached desperately for Malcolm, fat tears running down his cheeks as he yelled his name. Charlie grabbed his hands and held them as he pushed himself in front of the ugly sight of Matthew manhandling Malcolm. "It's ok, Lil' Dude. Malcolm always comes back."

Malcolm gritted his teeth as Matthew twisted his arm out of his socket, but he caught Isaac staring past Charlie, and tried his best to slap on a carefree smile through the pain. "Don't worry," he called out. "I'll see you soon."

Malcolm could hear Isaac still screaming for him as Matthew dragged him out into the hallway.

Matthew's grip was vice tight, his arm threatening to break. He shoved Malcolm into an empty classroom and slammed the door shut behind him. "How can you stand that brat? Voidstricken noise machine that is," Matthew growled, rubbing the inside of his ear with his pinky.

Malcolm's hip hit a desk and he braced himself, glaring defiantly at Matthew. "He's a kid. What's your fucking excuse?"

Matthew set his hand down on his gun threateningly, his eyes narrowing. "Knight-Commander did an early sweep and found my stash. I'm going to need a new shipment. Tonight."

Malcolm's stomach dropped. Tonight was supposed to be the rave with Leandra. It would be risky holding lyrium with her around, not to mention he had invited Mara and Gamlen. And he had not planned to be interacting with his boss tonight. Pleasure and business never mixed well. He gritted his teeth as he weighed his options.

Matthew's eyes were bloodshot and yellowish. His skin had turned a sickening pale color and he was sweating, his fingers trembling with withdrawal. He wouldn't be in a negotiating mood.

Malcolm straightened up, adjusting his robe as he grunted. "You know I charge extra for rush orders."

Matthew glowered. He shoved his hands into his pockets and threw a stack of sovereigns at Malcolm's feet. "It's all there. Spend a copper of it, and you're dead."

Malcolm picked up the cash and slipped it into his pocket. "And I always dock travel expenses."

Matthew clenched his fist. "Watch it, knife-ear. I'm not in the mood."

"When are you ever," Malcolm muttered, the slur burning in his ears. He turned to leave but Matthew blocked his path.

"Remember, I know where your girl sleeps, and if you want her to get a restful night, you'll promptly be bringing back my order."

Malcolm froze. Something in him snapped and, without thinking, he grabbed the air, seizing Matthew with a giant ghostly hand and slammed him against the door, cracking the wood with the force. "Don't you dare threaten me!"

Matthew snarled and reached for his gun but Malcolm yanked it away with a wave of his hand. It floated in the air, aimed at Matthew's head, the safety cocking off. Malcolm's fists darkened with energy, fury in his eyes. "If you so much as breathe in Taylor's direction, I will force feed you your own dick. Understood?"

Matthew went cross-eyed as the gun pressed against his forehead, sweat dripping down his temple. "Y-you wouldn't dare hurt a Templar."

Malcolm smiled as he juggled a vapor of black smoke in his hands, Matthew's eyes nervously following the ominous billowing energy. It had a malevolent heavy aura to it. "I have ways of making you disappear. Care to test me?"

Matthew gulped as a fly fell into the smoke and disintegrated to nothing. His eyes fell to his feet, his lip curling. "No," he muttered bitterly.

The bell rang nine times, signaling it was time for all the mages to go to their rooms to sleep.

Malcolm snuffed out the spell, the aura dissipating, and he rolled his shoulders, sauntering up to Matthew.

"Good," he grabbed the gun floating in the air, flipping it in his hand. Matthew flinched as Malcolm shoved it back into the Templar's holster before patting him on the chest. "I'll text you when I'm ready. Meet in the usual spot."

Matthew glowered, swatting Malcolm's hand away. "I'm on camera duty tonight. I'll create a distraction, but you're on your own if you get caught."

Malcolm scoffed. "I never do." And he shoulder-checked Matthew on the way out of the classroom.

He rolled his neck, cracking out the tension he was feeling. Part of him wanted to tell Leandra that tonight would be a bad time, and arrange to see her another night, but he had been counting down the minutes since he last saw her and he was already so impatient. She also agreed to wear that sexy dress, and he knew that if he backed out, she might not agree to wear it another time.

He waltzed to his bedroom, eager to get ready, when he found Melissa waiting outside of his room. She was twirling her hair on her finger, as she leaned on his door, seemingly distracted by the men passing the halls to enter the washroom for the last time or tuck themselves in their room.

Malcolm waved to her as he approached. "You need something, Melissa?" He hadn't talked to her much outside of class and couldn't see a reason why she'd be outside his door.

Her brown eyes widened with worry as her toes tucked together shyly. "Oh, Malcolm," her round cheeks were flushed with a blush. "Are you ok? Matthew didn't hurt you, did he?"

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. He didn't even realize Melissa cared about him. "No, Matthew's more bluster than action. But, uh, thanks. I'm good."

"Good," she echoed, looking down at her feet. She shuffled something in her arms and then Malcolm noticed she was holding the books he had stolen from the Circle's forbidden section and his mouth dropped.

She seemed to notice and handed them over with a smile. "You left these behind. Interesting research."

"Yeah," Malcolm tucked the books under his arms, shifting nervously. "It's…extra credit."

Her mouth made an 'o' and she nodded like that made sense. "Taylor wants to borrow those when you're done. She almost didn't let me give them to you."

Malcolm rolled his eyes. "Of course, she didn't."

Melissa tucked a brown wave behind her ear. "Taylor was really worried. She and Charlie took Isaac to the apprentice quarters. You might want to stop by and see Isaac and let him know you're alright. He wouldn't stop screaming for you."

Malcolm gritted his teeth, his body already turning back downstairs. With all the adrenaline in his system, he almost forgot. "Thanks, I'll have to hurry if I'm going to make it back to bed before curfew." Isaac wouldn't get any sleep otherwise.

He turned his head to find Melissa shadowing his footsteps. When she noticed Malcolm looking at her, she shyly ducked her eyes down and said, "Taylor still has all my spell books."

Malcolm rolled his eyes. "Better be careful or she'll steal them, too."

Melissa pouted her bottom lip, her eyelashes licking her cheek as she looked down. "She'd get better use out of them than I do. I'll be a mediocre mage until I die."

Malcolm shifted awkwardly, unsure what to say. "Hey, you got your Spirit for good or ill. We need every Spirit Healer, mediocre or not." Was that a nice thing to say? It would be a lie to deny Melissa was a mediocre mage. She was the first one there but she was always the last one to finish her work.

But still, she smiled tenderly. "Thanks, Malcolm." She met his gaze, warmth behind her eyes. " I'm glad you're ok."

"Mistress Amell, you know your home is my home, but your parents are beside themselves with grief. I've never heard your mother so upset." Mara's grandfather wrapped his leathery hands around Leandra's, his cloudy green eyes pleading. "Please for my sake, make peace with your parents."

Leandra pulled the white fennec fur coat tighter around herself, skillfully hiding the provocative display of her dress underneath. The kitchen all of a sudden seemed too crowded and small. The little families of wallpaper ducks looked judgmental.

Mara's grandfather was up unusually late, no doubt due to a phone call from her parents, and it took everything in Leandra not to roll her eyes. It was just so devious of them to use Mara's grandfather in some petty attempt to get her to come home.

"Harvel, I'm sorry, but it's more complicated than that."

"What could be less complicated?" He clasped her on both of her shoulders. "I don't know what's happening but, at the end of the day, they are still your parents. You can't just cut them out of your life."

Mara placed her hand on her hip, not caring her midriff was out. "Lolo, you really don't know what you're talking about."

Mara's grandfather glared at Mara. "And I heard plenty about you. Apparently, you've been causing all kinds of trouble in the Amell household."

Mara wasn't afraid to roll her eyes as she adjusted her lipstick with her compact mirror. "Oh, absolutely. I nicked all of Leandra's jewelry, corrupted her innocence, and plan to steal her away to another continent where no one will protest our marriage."

Leandra laughed at Mara's joke.

Mara waggled her eyebrows playfully at Leandra.

Gamlen was slouched in the corner, gazing grouchily off into the distance bitterly ignoring everyone until Harvel snapped his fingers for Gamlen to pay attention. "Boy, don't just sit there. Talk some sense into Mara. And tell her to put on some clothes!"

Gamlen did scowl when he looked at how little Mara was wearing. Her matching top looked like a bra and her nugskin skirt barely covered her ass. Her halla fur shrug only covered her arms but the rest of her was bare. "C'mon Mara, it's cold out."

Mara snuggled up to Gamlen, batting her thick eyelashes. "Then you'll just have to keep me warm, right?"

Leandra looked away when Mara pulled Gamlen in for a kiss, silencing any further protests. She ran her fingers down the front of Gamlen's suit, pulling him flush against her.

Mara's grandfather scowled, rubbing his eyes. "Andraste's Flaming Fanny, you shouldn't be tonguing men you're not married to, girlie! Especially in front of your Lolo."

Mara stuck out her tongue, still cradling Gamlen's face. "Maybe Lolo is up past his bedtime."

Harvel grumbled, waving his hand as he hobbled out of the kitchen into the hallway to his bedroom muttering, "get no respect in this house…"

The kitchen fell into silence as they waited for Malcolm to show up. Gamlen and Leandra hadn't really talked since the blowup with Leandra's parents, though Leandra knew that Gamlen knew everything. Or at least the version that Mara and his parents told him. Gamlen kept glancing at her nervously as if he had something to say but couldn't bring himself to. Leandra couldn't bring herself to look at her brother, for fear if she did, she would blow up at him.

Finally, after five minutes Gamlen said. "So you're really giving it all up for him?" Gamlen looked so confused.

Leandra narrowed her eyes at Gamlen. "You know very well what our parents are doing and you went along with it."

Gamlen shifted uncomfortably. "Leandra, you don't realize how much debt the family's in."

She scowled, hugging herself in disgust. "There were better ways to pay it off. How could you justify this?"

"Like I could change Mom and Dad's mind! I just did what they told me to."

Mara grabbed his hand, her shaped eyebrows knitted together. "But you are going to stop, right? You're not just going to go along with what they say forever?"

Gamlen bit his lip, his eyes dropping. "No," his voice was thick. "Of course not."

Mara smiled, though there was a nervousness behind it as her hand rested on her belly. "Good, cause…I need to tell you something important."

Leandra raised her eyebrows, wondering what news Mara had to share, when her phone chirped a familiar tune. Leandra grabbed her phone eagerly and squealed, rushing out of her chair. "He's here!"

Suddenly whatever Mara had to say was far from her mind as she flung open the door to the night air to see Malcolm coming out the back of a cab.

He was dressed in a simple white button-up that opened up to reveal his toned chest tucked into tight black jeans. His golden eyes gleamed brightly into the night, and his shapely lips quirked in a cocky half-smile.

Leandra felt impish, and unbuttoned her fur coat, revealing the dress Malcolm had begged her to wear. Her hair was held high in a ponytail with the Amell ribbon, so he had a full view of her chest, her breasts held together by hot pink straps, the bottom skin peeking out of the cloth like a present. The dress was only made of strips, hugging her curves closely. It covered her more private areas strategically, but every bra she had would have shown through so she went without and her nipples were hardening in the cold night air.

Malcolm froze, his eyes dilating as his mouth went gape. "Fuck me."

Leandra grinned, sauntering up to him with the click of her high stiletto heels until they were face to face. She grinned to see these heels made her slightly taller and grabbed his chin, bringing him to her mouth. "I certainly plan to." She kissed him, thrusting her tongue boldly into his mouth as she took a fistful of his curls.

Malcolm responded eagerly, his hands dipping between her legs to scoop her up by her thighs so she could straddle his growing hard-on. She felt weightless as she drank him up, inhaling his heady musk as she clung to his warmth. He was like a furnace against her. Suddenly her back was pinned against the idling cab as he pressed himself against her, grinding into her as he kissed her.

She relished the feeling of his tongue caressing her, of his hands eagerly feeling the fabric of her thin dress, his fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

Suddenly someone hit Malcolm on the head, pulling him off her. His heat receded leaving her shivering cold.

Mara's grandfather was scowling, his 'Retirement on a Budget' magazine rolled up like a baton in his hand. "What do you think you're doing with Mistress Amell, you hoodlum! Unhand her this instant!"

"Lolo, please!" Mara was trying to pull him away, but Mara's grandfather had a fury in his eyes that would not be deterred.

He kept swatting at Malcolm pushing him away from Leandra with expert swings. Malcolm held up his hands blocking the swats with gritted teeth. "Wait, Ser! I can explain!"

Leandra went red, covering her pebbled chest with her furs as she tried to put herself between Malcolm and Mara's grandfather. "Harvel, please! Malcolm wasn't attacking me. He's my boyfriend."

Malcolm's ears were twitching nervously, as he hid behind Leandra unsure what to say. Leandra pulled him up so he was beside her and confidently wrapped her fingers into his. Mara's grandfather looked at Malcolm and Leandra's intertwined hands and then Malcolm's pointy ears, a sense of understanding coming over him. The old elf crossed his arms, sniffing at Malcolm.

"You don't kiss a woman like that unless you plan to marry her. You understand?"

Malcolm looked at Leandra, a seriousness overcoming him and he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. "I kiss her like that because I do plan to marry her."

Leandra gasped, her heart fluttering as she felt him squeeze her hand.

Mara's grandfather's frown cracked into a smile when he saw how happy those words made Leandra. He covered his mouth with his hand, his lips thinning. "And your parents…You do need to tell them."

"I will," Leandra nodded, her stomach dropping at the thought. "When the time is right." She stepped forward so she was holding Mara's grandfather's hand, too. "But I need you to trust me and keep this a secret for now."

Mara's grandfather looked uneasy and he swayed. "Your parents have been so good to me. If they ask, I'm not sure I can lie."

"Don't lie. Just say it will be better if the news comes from me, because it will." She brought his wrinkled hand to her cheek. "Please."

The old elf's eyes went misty and he patted Leandra's cheek fondly. "You're probably right. And none of my business."

Mara sighed exasperatedly. "I told you that."

Harvel turned his gaze on Malcolm, and he squinted, as if inspecting him.

Malcolm straightened up, not sure where to stare, his lips a wobbly line. Then Mara's grandfather stuck out his hand for a handshake. Malcolm stared at the hand before grasping it firmly.

"My Layla's father didn't approve of her marrying an elf either. She ended up getting disowned by her parents, but she never complained or held it against me. I spent countless ways trying to think of how to get them to accept us." He covered Malcolm's hands with his own, his face falling. "I didn't get that, but Bethann and Aristride would do anything for Leandra. Give them a chance."

Leandra wasn't sure what Malcolm would do but he placed his hand on top of Harvel's smiling tensely. "I'd do anything for Leandra, too."

Mara's grandfather yawned exaggeratedly and said, "oh, excuse me. But I do believe I'm up past my bedtime."

Mara stepped up and took her grandfather by her arm. "Here, Lolo, I'll tuck you in."

As the cab drove from the suburbs of Midtown back to the crowded buildings of Lowtown, Leandra leaned her head against Malcolm's neck, listening to the sound of his heartbeat as their fingers intertwined. Gamlen was ostracized to the front seat and Mara quietly watched out the window, giving Malcolm and Leandra some privacy.

"So…" Malcolm rubbed a circle into her palm with his thumb. "That was Mara's grandpa?"

"Ever since my grandfather died, he's acted like my grandfather." How she wanted every moment to be peaceful like this. "I think he liked you, by the way."

"Did he?" Malcolm twisted his face in a frown. "Think I made a bad first impression, grinding up on you."

Mara laughed. "Believe me, if he hated you he'd have grabbed his shotgun."

But Leandra wasn't laughing. Malcolm turned her head, finding tears dotting her eyelashes.

"What he said about your parents… Something's wrong?" He touched her cheek, still marred with faint scratches.

Leandra buried her head in Malcolm's chest and sobbed as she told him everything. The fight with her parents. The fact they were slavers. That she called off the wedding and moved into Mara's. Malcolm's eyes widened and he shared a look with Mara, who simply patted Leandra's back as she told the tale. He let Leandra cry into his chest, watching the neon street signs cast shades of pink and blue across her skin. By the time she was done crying her mascara had run clear down her cheeks and her eyes were smoky.

Malcolm rubbed soothing circles into her back as they pulled into Lowtown Market. The driver pulled over to the curb, his eyes tired and droopy. "Where do you want to be let off?"

Malcolm fished into his pocket pulling out a wad of sovereigns. "Right here's fine." He paid the man and tipped generously.

Gamlen eyed the wad of cash with a raised eyebrow. "Where does a Circle elf make that much cash?"

Even Mara was staring at Malcolm's hand in suspicion.

Malcolm suddenly looked tense, and he rolled his neck. "I mean, there are ways to make money at the Circle if you know how."

Gamlen squinted his eyes. "Oh? Care to explain?"

Leandra scowled swatting at Gamlen. "Stop! He's a very talented healer and a House Mage. Of course, they have to pay him something."

Malcolm's lips thinned into a line but didn't offer anything else to deny or support the argument. He quickly escaped the cab, tucking the cash deep into his pocket.

Leandra quickly followed him out, wrapping her arms around him from behind.

Malcolm pouted, his shoulders slumping. "Did you have to wear such high heels? I look so short next to you."

Leandra laughed, finding it welcome after confessing so much heaviness. She turned him around, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Oh, don't be so silly. We're the same height."

Malcolm squinted in annoyance. "Actually, I'm taller by a whole two inches, and you usually only wear two-inch heels."

Leandra couldn't help but laugh again at the scowl on his face and, with an impish grin, she patted the top of Malcolm's head like he was a kid. "Awww you're sensitive about your height. That's cute."

"I am not!" Malcolm scowled, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her in close, causing her to giggle as his hands shamelessly cupped her ass. "Keep that up and I'll have to think of a way to punish you."

"We're in public. Keep it PG-13 you two," Mara chuckled as a scowling Gamlen helped her out of the cab.

As a group of five gruff-looking men passed Leandra and Malcolm, one of them threw a beer bottle at their feet, scattering glass everywhere. They leered at Leandra, disgusted sneers curling their lips. One man with dark circles under his eyes and a prominent five o'clock shadow whistled lowly at Leandra. "Want a real man, sweetheart? I bet I can show you a better time than pencil dick."

Malcolm scowled, his fists balling up as he took a step forward. "Need to taste a fist, asshole?"

"Wait," Leandra held him back by his hand, fear in her eyes about how outnumbered he was. She glared at the man. "And you'd think I'd be interested in your smelly unwashed dick?"

Soon Mara and Gamlen flanked Leandra and Malcolm, Gamlen flashing the pistol on his belt, and Mara bringing the hilt of her handgun out of her purse. "You want trouble?" Gamlen sneered, clicking the safety of his gun off.

A crowd was starting to gather, their breath tensing as if they were unsure if someone should call in the Guard. The cab pulled back into traffic, disappearing into the array of neon advertisements and moving commercials displayed on the sides of buildings. Wrappers and empty coffee cups and cigarette butts were piled up in the corner waiting for someone to clean them up, and there was a lingering smell of alcohol, fish, and urine in the air.

Malcolm's fingers tensed in Leandra's hands and she looked at him to find his teeth gritted in a line, his fist balled in her hand, his eyes on his feet as he trembled in anger.

The man gave a vulgar laugh, a string of spit flecking out on his chin. He gave Leandra another lecherous look then muttered, "rabbit fucking whore," before strolling off, his friends following.

The crowd looked at each other and started dispersing, pretending to be busy browsing the stalls for hats and sunglasses or enjoying the hot street food that the night market had to offer.

Leandra gave a sigh of relief, as they strolled down the crowded street. "Assholes," she spat.

Gamlen snorted. "It wouldn't have happened if you two wouldn't stop drawing so much attention to yourselves."

Malcolm flinched, his hand loosening in Leandra's grip.

But she wrapped her fingers tighter, throwing Gamlen a nasty glare. "You're such a hypocrite. You and Mara are always sucking face."

Gamlen rolled his eyes. "You know people look at Mara and Malcolm differently. Don't act obtuse."

Malcolm went rigid, his eyes hardening as his lips thinned. If he wanted to say something, he didn't.

Mara threw Gamlen's hand away. "So if my ears actually were pointed, you're saying it would be a problem?"

Gamlen sputtered. "Of course not." He tried to grab Mara's hand to continue walking but she smacked it aside, crossing her arms. "C'mon Mara. Don't give me grief. You know it's not the same."

"And yet your parents will never approve of me because of my drop of elf blood and you know it."

At that Malcolm's shoulders slumped in defeat.

Gamlen's lips thinned and he looked away, his hands dropping to his sides as he avoided Mara's glare.

Leandra could tell that the men's catcalls in conjunction with Gamlen's words were bothering Malcolm. His usual smile was gone, his jaw and ears twitching tensely. She placed her head on Malcolm's tight shoulder, her hair falling down his back. He froze for a moment, but then looped his arm around her so they were linked as they strolled down the street, keenly aware of the eyes on them.

"There's no one else I'd want to be with," she murmured in his ear, delighting in the way it wiggled at her breath.

Malcolm smiled at that and kissed the top of her head as he brushed her bangs to the side, his golden eyes soft and tender. "I love you."

Leandra felt her breath catch in her throat. That was the first time he had ever said it. To hear it at last felt like her life had clicked into place. She cupped his cheeks and captured his mouth in a kiss, not caring that her brother was groaning in complete mortification. "I love you, too," she whispered back against his smiling lips.

Soon enough they were at the long stairs that descended from the Lowtown Market to the dark depths of Darktown. Leandra dragged Malcolm eagerly down the stairs. "Oooh, I've never been to Darktown. I can't wait to see it."

Leandra was relieved to hear a chuckle back in Malcolm's throat. "You better stick close down there." He pulled her so his side pressed up against hers.

"Don't sound so excited. It's nothing special," Gamlen grumbled, hands deep in his pockets.

"When have you been to Darktown?" Leandra asked, crossing her arms.

Gamlen stopped in his tracks, shrugging. "Y'know…business."

Leandra squinted her eyes at Gamlen crossly. "Oh, important business lining our parents' pockets with dirty money?"

Gamlen glared. "You'd fit right in, sis, since you like rolling with filth."

Malcolm flinched, and this prompted Leandra to glare at Gamlen.

"You're such an ass!"

As they got to the bottom of the steps, the sea of tents started, malnourished elves, humans, and dwarves all huddled together around barrels of burning garbage choking the dusty air. Leandra's eyes swelled with pity, seeing children with knobby limbs and swollen bellies clinging to their parents, their clothes rags hanging off their bones, their eyes glassy and unaware of their surroundings.

Gamlen put a protective arm around Mara, his hand hovering near his gun.

Malcolm led Leandra deeper down the corridors, the sea of tents seeming to stretch for miles. Before she knew it her feet brought her in front of a pregnant mother holding two small children no older than three. The children looked so frail, their bones looked like they would break if any weight were put on them. Leandra let go of Malcolm's hand and started digging through her purse, placing a fistful of silver into the woman's knobby hands.

The woman clasped the silvers to her chest. "Th-thank you, Messere."

The open purse suddenly drew every eye in the camp. More hands reached up, voices wavering.

"Miss, I haven't eaten in a week."

"Please, Messere, just one silver."

"My children are so hungry."

Voices cried out all weaving their own sad tales and Leandra found herself passing out her whole wallet until everything was gone. Tears filled her eyes as she realized there was no possible way she could help everyone. "I'm so sorry. That's all I have."

Gamlen scowled, glaring at anyone who dared look at him. "So much for getting mugged, you idiot."

Suddenly a man with a missing hand grabbed the silvers out of the pregnant woman's hand and ran off, and the whole atmosphere changed. It was a free for all to grab the coin. Children wailed as stronger men wrestled weaker men and women to the ground, fighting for whatever scraps they could nab. Malcolm pulled Leandra away as she watched in horror wide-eyed at the scene she'd accidentally caused.

Gamlen blocked Mara with his body, his gun waving at anyone that got close.

Malcolm's hand slammed to the ground and a shockwave of energy stopped the crowd in a hush. Malcolm glared, his golden eyes glowing with rage as he stepped forward, hands sparking with energy.

"All of you scatter, now!"

"Mage!"

Everyone who could fled to the tunnels or disappeared into their tents. The pregnant woman looked too swollen to even lift to her feet. She pressed her spindly hands together, pleading with wide tear-filled eyes. "P-please, Messere. Spare me and my children."

Malcolm gritted his teeth and dug into his pocket, taking out a sovereign and placing it into her flinching hands. The woman widened her eyes and quickly hid it out of sight in her pocket.

Malcolm grabbed Leandra's hand, leading her into one of the side tunnels. "We should hurry before we run into Coterie thugs."

Leandra stared at her hand, her heels clicking in the dark, Malcolm's mage light casting long shadows across the wall. The tunnels were winding, and she had no idea or sense of direction. Puddles pooled on the ground that she couldn't avoid, and she couldn't help but cringe at the smell that would cling to her shoes.

Malcolm and Mara made some awkward attempts at conversation but it wasn't long before Leandra and Gamlen started sniping at each other, so most of the walk in the dark was spent in irritable silence.

Leandra wasn't sure how long they were walking when Malcolm opened a door that said 'Do Not Enter'. The air cleared out to a graffiti-filled subway tunnel separated by two large platforms. The fluorescent lights flickered to a crowd of people smoking elfroot. Malcolm wrapped his arm around Leandra, his hand resting warmly on her hip as he led her, a swagger in his walk.

There were a lot of dwarves, but plenty of humans, elves, and even a few Tal-Vashoth mingling together. They were all dressed in provocative bright rainbow dance clothes, with glow sticks that wrapped around their limbs, and their faces were painted with patterned makeup that looked more like art pieces than nightwear. Leandra felt like she was underdressed in her skimpy party dress and fur coat.

She snuggled closer to Malcolm, noticing that there was a distant drumbeat echoing from deep within the subway tunnels. Malcolm's nose followed a trail of smoke and he turned to Leandra, pulling an elfroot joint from his pocket. "Feel like a hit before we go in? The sound can get pretty intense."

Leandra's eyes widened at the elfroot, her mouth drying up. "I've never tried."

Gamlen scowled. "Stop corrupting my sister. She doesn't need that."

Leandra raised an eyebrow knowing full well that Gamlen indulged in elfroot and indulged in it often.

Malcolm shrugged. "She doesn't have to. I've just been under a shitload of stress with these House Mage exams so if you don't mind." Malcolm lit the joint with his fingers and inhaled. He held it in for a few moments before the smoke exited his nostrils in a plume.

Leandra thought the elfroot smelled skunky and awful, but she was very tired of her family making decisions for her. She crossed her arms. "If you don't mind, I think I might like it."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You would?"

Leandra felt her heart thudding, her stomach shrinking, but she reached out her hand for Malcolm to hand the joint over. "Well, I don't know if I don't try right?"

Malcolm's golden eyes glimmered with mischief and instead of handing it over, he put the joint in his mouth and inhaled deeply. Leandra pouted, thinking he had changed his mind when he grabbed the small of her back and captured her mouth in a kiss. He breathed out, filling her lungs with smoke. Her head felt suddenly floaty, buzzing with energy, but she couldn't tell if it was from the elfroot or Malcolm flooding her system. Suddenly the crowd around her whooped in encouraging cheers as Malcolm's fingers squeezed her ass, smashing her body flush against him. She held onto him, suddenly feeling dizzy and lost in the sensation.

A screeching came down the railways, interrupting their kiss, and soon a beat-up subway train squealed its way onto the platform. The car seemed to be held together by duct tape, wires sparking at the connections. Graffiti caked every inch of the car, competing tags and art layered over together in a cacophony of color. The crowd poured into doorless openings taking whatever seats were available. Malcolm grabbed Leandra and pushed his way to the front, snagging an empty seat, and pulled Leandra into his lap, the joint smoking from his lips.

Leandra yelped in surprise, feeling awkward and shy as her dress rode up, but pleased when she felt Malcolm hardening against her back. The elfroot was making her feel giddy and she couldn't help but wiggle a little, feeling him twitch as she settled in, a mischievous smirk on her lips. Mara took the only empty seat next to Malcolm, her hand resting on Leandra's knee. Gamlen was left holding the railing standing.

Gamlen scowled as he looked at Malcolm and his sister. "You can sit in my lap," he told Mara.

"No thanks," Mara sang. She batted her eyelashes innocently, which only made Gamlen glower deeper.

The subway screeched from its stop, slowly rattling into the tunnels. Malcolm tried to hand the joint over to Mara but she immediately blocked it with her hand, saying "I don't smoke anymore. Had a real bad high last time."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "You sure? This is a royal strain I nabbed from the Circle's stockroom. It's pretty dank."

Mara shook her head, her spiky pigtails bobbing. "I'm pretty sensitive. I'll pass."

Malcolm shrugged and handed the joint to Gamlen who took it from him with a snap and inhaled irritably.

Leandra glanced at her friend, thinking it strange that she was abstaining when she had never before. Mara noticed Leandra was staring and shrunk sheepishly.

Gamlen put the joint back to his lips, inhaling greedily. "More for me."

Leandra rolled her eyes and leaned back into Malcolm. The railway plunged into darkness as they entered a tunnel. Suddenly she felt Malcolm's hands wandering over her dress, his breath tickling her ear. She was flooded with warmth, the pulsing sound of a beat getting louder and louder until it seemed to thrum from within her. Leandra held her breath, feeling his fingers inch lower and lower.

Then, too soon, the train arrived at its destination, the wheels screeching to a halt. People poured out of the train car and into what looked like another abandoned train station, since turned into a club. It was dark, the air thick with smoke and fog only illuminated by the ravers writhing with their glow sticks as they grooved to an endless hypnotic beat. At the center of the stage was a DJ, who was swimming in the air as lasers danced around her. Mages casting ambient colored fire as they swirled rhythmically around the platform, their bodies glowing with neon paint. Where ticket sellers used to be, were dwarven bartenders serving drinks and drugs of all kinds in colorful martini glasses.

As Leandra stepped out into the club, she had a feeling that she had traveled to another world. Apostates were using magic openly, humans were kissing dwarves and elves and even Tal-Vashoth. There was this sense of infectious joy in the air, like the world's troubles couldn't touch this place. The room was hot, the strobing lights giving them only moments of light before plunging them into momentary darkness, and Leandra had a sense that she was already losing time. Drinks flowed like waterfalls, people snorting dust-like substances off of each other's bodies. If Leandra's parents could see her now, she was sure they would both faint.

Malcolm placed his chin on her shoulder, his cheek touching hers as he wrapped around her possessively. "Want a drink, babe?"

Leandra turned her head to capture his lips in a sweet kiss, feeling the thrill of the taste of elfroot on him. "Mmm, let me drink you."

Malcolm chuckled, his voice husky. "Keep that up and I'm going to take you to a corner and peel this dress off of you."

Gamlen pulled Malcolm off Leandra with a jolt of his shoulder. "Keep that up and I'll kick your ass to Thursday."

Mara swatted Gamlen with her purse. "You said you'd butt out, tonight."

Gamlen growled. "You can't expect me to do nothing while that elf puts his hands all over my sister."

Mara's nostrils flared, and she shoved Gamlen away. "If that's how you feel then you forget putting your hands on me, tonight."

Gamlen's eyes widened in outrage. "Mara!"

Mara threw up her hands in exasperation. "I'm going to see if they serve soda in this dump." And she disappeared into the crowd, Gamlen chasing after her still smoking the stolen joint.

Malcolm's shoulders slumped as he rubbed the back of his head, his eyes on his feet again.

Leandra wrapped her arms around Malcolm. "Ignore my stupid brother."

Malcolm wrapped his fingers in hers, his grip weak. "Is it stupid that I still want him to like me?"

Leandra could feel her heart breaking. She wished she had been born to a kinder family who would have welcomed Malcolm instead of scorning his existence. She grabbed his hand. "I know you've been holding back with my brother. Don't. He's either going to have to learn to accept you one day, or he'll learn to live without me."

Malcolm seemed surprised by how resolute she sounded, and she surprised herself at how sure she felt. Her brother was irritating her so much that it seemed better to get it over with and cut the whole family off and be done with it, rather than try to force whatever this was.

Malcolm cupped her face, his golden eyes glowing in the darkness. "Don't say things you'll regret."

Leandra bit her lip, all of her resolve gone. Suddenly the music seemed too loud and the smell of elfroot was nauseating. She glanced over at Mara and Gamlen at the bar and they were yelling at each other. Leandra's heart twisted. There had been something off about Mara all night. Instead of joking with Malcolm, she had been snapping at Gamlen, and though she had done it in defense of Leandra and Malcolm, Leandra realized she hadn't heard Mara laugh all night.

A low whistle interrupted Leandra's thoughts. She turned to see a dwarf with a brand over his eyes splitting his face in two. His skin was russet brown and his beard red and curly with tiny micro braids. His coily hair was coifed neatly on his head, his ears studded with several heavy gold piercings. "Damn, Hawke, what divine creature did you bring into my fine establishment?" The dwarf grabbed Leandra's hand without asking and placed a bold kiss on her knuckles, lingering a tad too long on her skin. "Welcome to the Pulse. If you need anything, anything at all, do let me know."

Malcolm stepped in front of Leandra blocking her body from view with his own, a hostile edge in his tone. "Cross. I thought I told you I'd meet you in your office."

"And deny me the chance to introduce myself to this fine woman? I think not." He winked one of his grey eyes at her. "If you need a place to sit, my face is open anytime."

An embarrassed blush bloomed on Leandra's cheeks as her voice stuttered in her throat. She suddenly had a need to cover herself, because she did not like the way Cross' eyes leered at her curves.

Malcolm's fists clenched in Leandra's hand. "Say that again, and I'll rip out your tongue and shove it up your ass so you can taste what you sound like."

Leandra stepped back, unsure if Malcolm really meant what he said. She found herself a little frightened, but the dwarf laughed as if Malcolm had said something amusing.

"Woah, touchy. Must be your girl, then." He held up his beefy hands in a peace-making gesture. "Fine, I'll behave. Just wanted to say I packed up the special order-"

Suddenly Malcolm leaped forward and clapped Cross on the mouth. "Not here!" he growled.

Leandra's ears were burning. Special order? What about it did Malcolm not want Leandra to know about?

Cross shoved Malcolm off, scowling. "Who do you think you are putting your hands on me, boy? I'm the hand that feeds you."

Malcolm's voice was dangerously quiet but Leandra still heard. "And if you want that beneficial arrangement to remain fruitful we'll take this conversation somewhere else."

Cross rolled his neck, glaring at Malcolm. "To my office. I have a guest to introduce you to," he crooked a meaty finger for Malcolm to follow him, but Malcolm lingered behind.

Malcolm turned to Leandra. She furrowed her eyebrows, puzzled. "What was that about?"

"Business," Malcolm simply said. "I'll take care of it and be right back."

He kissed her on the cheek and then followed Cross down a dark hallway.

Leandra was left rubbing her arm, confused about the conversation, when Gamlen and Mara appeared behind her. And it appeared they had overheard.

Mara crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing in disgust. "I knew he was too good to be true."

Gamlen seemed to be positively beaming, a smug smile on his face. "No, you didn't. But I did."

Leandra puzzled at Mara, not understanding what was happening. "What?"

Mara's lips were thinned in a line as she brought her mouth to Leandra's ear so she could be heard clearly over the beat. "This is a Carta club. Look at the bouncers, they have military-grade gear. The security system is off-market, and there are traps rigged in the floor and walls." Leandra looked around, seeing that the dwarven bouncers did indeed look like soldiers, a little over-geared with assault rifles and body armor. There were some deep grooves in the tiled floor but it was too dark to make out any real details. She glanced at the walls, noticing shiny-looking security cameras dotting in even intervals watching each exit, but she wasn't sure how Mara could tell what was what. It was so dark that the only light was illuminated from the raver's glow sticks making trails of light as they danced.

People's faces were shrouded in shadows, but dwarves still clearly heavily outnumbered humans and elves three-to-one on the dance floor. The only people in some form of uniform were small folk. Leandra tried but couldn't find a single elf or human on staff.

Her heart was sinking. "So this club belongs to the Carta? What does that matter?"

Mara didn't answer. "Who was that dwarf talking to Malcolm?"

Leandra bit her lip. "His boss, I think? I'm not sure."

Gamlen guffawed in a smug laugh. "That settles it. Your new boyfriend's either a lyrium or drug dealer. Mom and Dad are going to flip."

Leandra couldn't believe what she was hearing. "That's not true," she said automatically. She wanted to cover her ears, but she couldn't erase what she just heard.

"Think about it," Gamlen dragged on, seeming to enjoy the distraught look on Leandra's face. "No elf is walking around with a pocket full of sovereigns they earned legitimately. That's just life."

Leandra swatted Gamlen on the shoulder crossly. "You've never liked Malcolm. You're just making things up to get me to doubt him."

Gamlen smirked, his blue eyes glimmering in a dare. "Well, if you're so sure why don't you drop in on their conversation? I'm sure everything will get cleared right up."

Leandra's mouth opened to protest, but she found doubt in the back of her throat closing it up. Her eyes fell on Mara who looked strangely determined.

Mara grabbed her arm. "If you go, I'll cover you."

Leandra bit her lip, unsure if she really wanted to know. She had just upheaved her whole life for Malcolm, and the answer scared her.

But still, she wrapped her fingers around Mara's and started marching to Cross' office.

As they moved away from the dance floor, the room got even darker, the beat echoing off the wall in a reverb. They entered a hallway where foundation cracks lined the columns. At the end was a plaque stuck out that said 'Security Room' in bold black writing. A lone square dwarf guarded the door with a shotgun loaded in his hand.

Leandra wanted to turn back but Mara grabbed her by the arm and sauntered up to the dwarf with hooded eyes. "Why aren't you a cutie? I don't suppose the bathroom is this way?"

The dwarf shifted nervously, lowering the barrel to the ground as his eyes fell on Mara's bare midriff. "Wrong hallway, miss. You want the other end of the room."

Mara made a dramatic heavy sigh. "It's so dark and scary out there. And my hand is so heavy. I don't suppose you'd hold it and show me where it is." Without asking she slipped her hand in his meaty palm and trapped it in hers, batting her eyelashes sweetly at him as she gently led him away.

The dwarf seemed mesmerized by Mara and shuffled away aimlessly. Mara caught Leandra's eye over her shoulder and encouraged her through with a nod of her head.

Leandra's heart was in her ears, the music seeming to fade as her hand clutched the doorknob.

She opened it slightly, peeking inside the room to see an office much nicer than the rest of the club, with wood paneling on the walls and antique dwarven furniture decorating the office. Liquor bottles lined the cabinets and several glasses had been poured out. Malcolm sat at a large octagonal table, his back to her, rigid and tense, gripping a backpack in his hand, his glass untouched. Cross sat across from him with another man in heavy blue and silver armor, two griffons emblazoned on his chest. He had reddish brown hair that was balding at the top and a full shiny beard. His eyes were focused on Malcolm, an urgency to them.

"Are you sure you won't consider being recruited? Would it not solve all your problems with the Circle?"

"I reckon the Grey Wardens are bound to give me more problems than solve them," Malcolm clutched a strange backpack in his hand. "You really looking in the slums for recruits? Thought Grey Wardens only took the best."

The Grey Warden steepled his fingers together. "We need a mage of uncanny ability for this mission. We came to Kirkwall for its…reputation for uncontemporary magic. This mission is important but might not be granted sanction by the Chantry, you understand."

Malcolm shook his head, his curls falling to one side. "Sounds like it might entail blood magic."

The Grey Warden's blue eyes hardened and he leaned forward nodding his head in confirmation. "And some demon summoning. But you'll be protected in the ranks of the Grey Wardens."

Leandra's breath caught in her throat. What kind of mission would be so necessary that required the summoning of demons? She had always respected the Grey Wardens, but now she was scared for Malcolm. He couldn't possibly go through with this.

Malcolm scooted out of his chair, his back tense and rigid. "Yeah, I like my life too much to waste it in the Deep Roads, smelling rot and puke. Good luck finding another sucker, though."

Leandra breathed a sigh of relief. She knew her Malcolm would do the right thing.

The Grey Warden's lips thinned in a frown but didn't say anything more.

Cross scowled. "In that case, I expect you here in two nights for the next shipment. No excuses this time."

Leandra's heart dropped. There was that phrase again.

Malcolm slung the backpack over his shoulder and Leandra realized that he was heading for the door. She backed away, but she moved a little too quickly and tripped in her heels, and fell onto her butt, hard. She groaned, rubbing it, when Malcolm opened the door, finding her sprawled on the ground.

His voice was panicked and strangled. "Leandra?"

She immediately straightened her spine, picking herself up with as much poise as possible. She crossed her arms, her face going indignant. "What shipment is he talking about? What's in the backpack?"

"It's nothing you have to worry about." Malcolm grabbed Leandra's hand trying to pull her further down the hall, but she slapped it away.

"Then show me," she reached for the backpack but he pulled it out of reach.

His eyes darted to Cross, who was smirking smugly, and the Grey Warden, who looked confused.

Malcolm was sweating, with a nervous energy to him. He gritted his teeth and glared. "Do you trust me?"

Leandra paused, realizing that sneaking in on his private meeting was a violation of his boundaries, and yet her instincts were screaming at her that he was hiding something. "Of course, I trust you. And you know you could tell me anything."

Malcolm stared at Leandra, his throat gulping hard. Slowly, he dragged the backpack off his shoulder and reluctantly zipped open the pouch. It wasn't lyrium or drugs at all; dirty magazines, candy, thick circle textbooks, some different brands of cigarettes, and all kinds of snacks. "It's just stuff we can't get at the Circle. It doesn't look like much but people will trade me whatever I need for porn and the taste of a blondie."

Leandra's shoulders slumped, hanging her head in shame. "I'm sorry, Malcolm. Mara and Gamlen got it in my head that you were a dirty drug dealer."

Malcolm stiffened his face cracking but he covered that up with a chuckle, zipping up the backpack quickly. "You know me better than that, babe."

Leandra couldn't tell how relieved to know this was just a huge misunderstanding. She felt like a weight had been lifted off of her.

The square dwarf waddled back in scowling, and pointed at Leandra, as if he just remembered she existed. "You-"

"I'm sorry," she bowed quickly. "I made a mistake."

"It's fine, Jarkel," Malcolm grabbed Leandra's hand. "She's with me."

Leandra dropped her eyes to the ground and followed Malcolm out of the hallway and back to the dance floor, the guilt eating her alive. Mara and Gamlen soon rushed in on Malcolm as if they were about to yell at him but Leandra intercepted them with a fierce glare. "You were wrong. About all of it." She felt so foolish.

Mara raised an eyebrow as Gamlen guffawed. "Then what's in the bag? Let me see."

Leandra slapped his grasping hand away. "I already looked and it's nothing like you said. I'm so mad at both of you for making me doubt Malcolm."

Mara had the sense to look guilty but Gamlen scowled as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're blind, sis."

Leandra grabbed Malcolm's hand, her cheeks burning in shame. "I'm not listening to you anymore. You've done nothing but try to ruin the night. Malcolm and I are going to go dance without you." Then, fuming, she led Malcolm deep into the crowd until Mara and Gamlen disappeared. Suddenly they were surrounded by a sea of people they didn't know all bouncing to a beat, their bodies illuminated by brightly colored lights.

The music was hypnotic, so loud it was beating in their heads like a heartbeat. The lights on the dance floor were low and gave them plenty of privacy. There were so many bodies writhing on the dance floor that they had to press right up against each other.

The DJ danced under the bouncing mage lights, the lasers weaving in chaotic, mesmerizing patterns. A new song started to rise from the death of the previous one.

Leandra could see Malcolm was still hurt, his body stiff as he awkwardly held onto his bag, his eyes shifting out into the dark for Gamlen and Mara's judging eyes. She cupped his face in her hands, capturing his mouth in a tender, apologetic kiss. She stroked his cheek as she started to sway to the beat, the bag thumping against her side. "I'll never doubt you again," she whispered into his pointed ear.

His ears drooped at her confession and he stiffened, an uncertainty in his golden eyes, but she pulled him in for another kiss. His taste was dizzying. He relaxed into her, sighing as his arms wrapped around her, holding her in the darkness. The music picked up to a sweet refrain.

"Let's make this fleeting moment last forever

So tell me what you're waiting for.

I'm going to keep it frozen here forever

There's no regretting anymore."

Leandra pressed her body against Malcolm, her hands rubbing down the front of his shirt and around to his ass where she squeezed and pulled him flush against her. He raised an eyebrow in surprise as she ground her body into him to the beat of the music.

"All alone just the beat inside my soul

Take me home where my dreams are made of gold

In the zone where the beat is uncontrolled

I know what it feels like

Come on, make me feel alive!"

Malcolm turned Leandra around, cradling her close so her ass fit into his hardening crotch like a puzzle piece. He brushed her hair off her shoulder, as he whispered in her ear, "this dress is driving me crazy."

Leandra smiled at him, her eyelashes thick against her cheek. She liked the way his eyes felt on her. "I like driving you crazy." She leaned back into him turning her head to kiss him, as his arms wrapped around her, cradling her close. She let his hands slide down her stomach, feeling the open skin peeking out from the ridges of her dress. The beat moved through their bodies, his fingers sliding down her bare legs to savor the smoothness of her skin. His fingers teased the edges of her dress, lifting her skirt slightly leaving a trail of goosebumps as he caressed her.

Malcolm's breath was hot in her mouth, his tongue eager, and her body throbbed against his. Malcolm's smell was heady, and she was dizzy drinking it in. She rubbed her ass against his erection, her hands leading one of his up to her breast where he could feel her, uncaged without a bra. His thumb ran over her hardening nipple as he kissed a trail from her ear to her shoulder, his pants tight and constrained as his erection grew. How she wanted him to take her right in the middle of the dance floor, and she didn't care who saw.

It seemed Malcolm's control was slipping in her presence. He slipped his hands under her dress, groaning to find her bare ass greeting him. "You're killing me," Malcolm hissed.

She gasped as his fingers hooked into her folds, daring to slip in.

"Should I return the favor?" He grinned wickedly.

Leandra bit her lip, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was looking but everyone seemed to be in their own worlds, moving to the beat of the music, or in their own throes of passion. Leandra's heart was in her throat as she took Malcolm's hands and guided his fingers in.

Leandra's eyes fluttered close as she enjoyed the blissful sensation of him filling her.

Malcolm grinned against her cheek. "You're already soaked," he chuckled, his voice low and husky.

Suddenly she was warmer, her skin tingling as his fingers crooked to that special spot, his thumb settling on her swollen clit. Her legs shook against him and she whimpered into his mouth as his fingers started to pump in and out, his thumb rubbing her nub. She leaned her weight into him for support and he held her hostage, grinding his erection into her ass as his tongue thrust into her needy mouth.

Soon his hand was soaked and she was dripping down her thigh, her nails digging into his arms, as she bit in her moans. It was like a dare, to see how far he could push her. She melted into him, her breath short and ragged as soft moans escaped her throat.

She pulled away from his mouth, panting. "Malcolm." Her voice was a whine as her hand reached back to fist his erection. "Fuck me, right now."

Malcolm groaned, his cock twitching in her hands. Feeling impish, she turned around and pounced on him, wrapping her legs around his waist. She reached for his shirt buttons, her mouth seizing his in a fierce kiss. Malcolm was almost knocked over, but he grabbed her thighs, steadying himself. He stoked her lust with aching kisses as he shoved her through the crowd, blindly trying to find a discreet corner.

Their hands explored each other shamelessly. Leandra slid his shirt down his shoulders so she could leave love bites on his chest. She was well aware he was hiking up her dress. She could hear the sound of his pants unbuckling. Eventually, they kissed their way into a bathroom, evacuating those present with annoyed groans.

As soon as the last girl left, Malcolm locked the door behind her, his pants already at his ankles showing off a simple pair of white boxers. When he turned around, Leandra was on the stained graffitied bathroom counter, her coat and heels abandoned on the filthy floor, her dress shoved down her waist so her peachy nipples were perked up to greet him.

Malcolm's eyes zeroed in on her breasts. "Fuck," he groaned and he tossed his bag aside. There was a cracking sound as it hit the floor, but it was blissfully ignored as his feet moved towards her in a trance. His fingers reached out for her.

Leandra untied the ribbon holding her ponytail together so her hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, framing her body like a classical painting. She looped the ribbon around Malcolm's wrist and tied it tight.

Malcolm held up his wrist, the ribbon now dangling from it. He raised a thick eyebrow. "Dressing me up now?"

Leandra used the ribbon to pull him closer, settling him so he was between her spread legs. "It's tradition. The women in my family give this ribbon to whoever their heart belongs to." She fingered the Amell crest on the ribbon. "Wear it and everyone will know that I'm yours."

Malcolm's eyes glimmered, his smile turning wolfish. "You're mine, now?"

She looped her arms over his shoulders pressing her breasts against his bare freckled chest. "And you're mine."

Malcolm's head dove to her neck, a chuckle on his breath. His hands kneaded her breasts, the sensation blissfully soothing. "And these are mine, too?"

Leandra tipped her head back, enjoying the feeling of his hands on her skin. "All yours," she smiled in rapture as his tongue wrapped around her nipple and sucked. Suddenly his fingers traveled down her belly and crooked in between her thighs, sliding into her wetness. "You know I won't be satisfied until I can claim every inch of you…"

She gasped as his fingers buzzed between her thighs, a delightful tension running through her body. "You can have it. Every inch."

Malcolm left a trail of hot kisses from her breasts down her stomach, spreading her wide on the dirty counter until she was splayed out for him. With a wicked grin, he licked a solid line from her slick entrance until he came to the top of her swollen nub. His tongue flicked against it before he wrapped his lips around it sucking loudly. "Good, cause I want everything and I'm not sharing."

Leandra's whole body tensed in shock, her hips bucking into his mouth as he worked her. A whine overtook her throat, echoing off of the bathroom walls, only the graffiti as a witness. She could feel herself melting against the mirror, cold against her back. Malcolm's tongue felt so warm, even better than she remembered. Soon all her troubles, all her doubts, and all her tensions relaxed on a rising wave of pleasure. He knew how to tune her body, his fingers stretching her deliciously as he held her at the mercy of his magical tongue. Soon she was begging, pleading, praying for him to give her some release.

"Oh, Maker fuck me! Please, Malcolm! I need you inside me!" His tongue and fingers were suddenly not enough. She needed to feel every inch of him against her skin.

He shuddered against her, his mouth leaving her warmth and so she was left cold and aching. She looked down to see Malcolm reaching into his pants for his wallet where he fished out a condom and started unwrapping it, the wrapper crinkling.

Leandra found a sly smile on her lips. "You remembered this time."

Malcolm's boxers dropped to the ground, revealing his hard cock, the veins throbbing. Leandra found her mouth going dry in want as he settled himself between her thighs.

"Of course. I won't make the same mistake twice." He reached to put the condom on, but Leandra took it from him, and with gentle hands rolled it on for him, enjoying the way his cock twitched. Then she hooked him with her legs and guided him inside her.

Leandra moaned as Malcolm pierced her, stretching her in that delicious friction she craved. She rolled her hips, grabbing his curls as she pulled him in for a kiss, his tongue leaving her in tingles, her own taste becoming familiar. Malcolm grabbed her hips, thrusting hard, as he pinned her to the counter. Soon the friction was back, pressure building inside her.

"Malcolm," she cried, nails digging into his back. Leandra was caught off guard as her fingers dipped into the old scabs and scars across his skin, and she absentmindedly traced their jagged edges with her fingertips, silently wondering what happened.

Soon his throaty groans joined hers, their bodies slapping together, the counter slick with her juices. He lifted her hips, tipping them as he slammed into her, his pace desperate and savage. His gaze was tigerish and intense, raptly observing how she came undone. He caged her in and, trapped in his grasp, she knew she was completely at his mercy. She could feel herself burning inside, every sense coming to life in euphoria. All she could smell was the sweat on his skin. All she could hear was the sound of his moans. All she could feel was this delightful pressure stretching her taut.

"Malcolm, please more! I need more!"

He grunted, responding eagerly to her begging, his ramming thrusts jolting her to life. He was everywhere, consuming her, lighting her up. She was prey and he was devouring her whole. He took fistfuls of her ruined hot pink dress, balling them up in his hands as he pounded into her, and repeated her name like a mantra. Each thrust gave a wave of bliss riding higher and higher until Leandra no longer recognized her own name on his lips.

Leandra's back arched, her hair sticking to her sweaty skin as she felt a tidal wave of pleasure overtake her. Her hips burned almost painfully, squeezing Malcolm. She convulsed, clutching onto Malcolm as a liquid fire burned through her shocking her so she was more awake than ever. Her mind and body buzzed, floating as her orgasm curled her toes and rocked her senseless. She screamed Malcolm's name as her nails broke his skin.

Leandra could still feel Malcolm pounding into her as the crest of her orgasm slowed, only for the pressure to start rising again as he buried his head into her neck, his body covering her like a blanket. He continued his furious pace, his jaw clenched tense and tight. Suddenly with a grunt he pulled out, flipped her around, and shoved her face against the counter so she could see herself in the mirror. There was a wild expression on her face she didn't recognize, her mouth open and panting, her dark eyes hooded and fierce with lust. She looked absolutely a mess, her makeup melting off of her face, her skin shiny with sweat, her hair frizzy and sticking. And yet seeing Malcolm take control of her, seeing him dominate her, refired her arousal so it dripped down her thigh. Malcolm grabbed her ass hanging in the air and thrust in hard, his eyelids fluttering closed in bliss as he reworked his pace.

The new angle plunged him even deeper than before, and then he lifted her leg and she felt herself splitting in half. He kissed the back of her neck, his fingers digging into her thighs as he fucked her mercilessly. She watched her breasts bounce in the mirror, his hips grinding into hers.

"Tell me you're mine, again," he demanded.

There was a fragileness in his voice, like he didn't quite believe it was true.

She arched her back, this angle's friction building her crest of pleasure even faster than before. She broke, her body melting into a puddle under his expert touch. "I'm yours," she cried, her composure coming apart once again as another climax crashed into her, taking her breath from her lungs. An involuntary scream overtook her, ending in a mewl as her body curled in on itself, tensing wildly.

Malcolm's body went rigid as she squeezed against him, but he continued to pump his hips until she was shaking in aftershocks.

Finally, he broke at last, his fingers digging into her hips in a bruising grip. "Fuck!" he swore as he convulsed inside her, hot seed filling her. He was paralyzed for a few seconds, enraptured by pleasure until his legs collapsed against her, pinning her to the counter. He smiled contently against her neck, and sighed as he placed a soft kiss there. "Mine… All mine."

She hummed, depleted, ecstasy running through her veins, a tired smile on her lips. Her body was still floating in a high she wasn't sure she could come down from.

She felt him slowly slip out, her insides jolting in tingles as he moved. "Fuck," she heard him repeat.

Her eyes fluttered open to find Malcolm peeling off the condom, his seed dripping out of a hole.

Leandra's heart froze. "Fuck," she collapsed into the counter. This was not happening. "The Maker is conspiring against us."

Malcolm's lips were in a thin line as tossed the condom into the trash, nervousness in his eyes. "Well, uh…you're on the pill, right?"

Leandra twisted her face with an offended frown. "Only loose women need to go on the pill."

Malcolm raised a confused eyebrow. "Oooookay…but this is the second accident. We're just asking for trouble if we don't play this smart."

Leandra crossed her arms over her breasts, scowling. "Are you saying you won't step up and be a man if I get knocked up?"

Malcolm's eyes widened in offense. "Of course, I'll step up. But a kid's a huge responsibility. I want us to be ready, and we're still getting to know each other."

Leandra's eyes fell to the ground, her eyelashes heavy. Of course, Malcolm was right. They were moving so fast. These stolen moments were so far and between she found herself wanting to skip steps, but how easy to forget they had barely known each other a few weeks.

She hugged Malcolm, feeling his heartbeat on her chest. "I still have a morning after pill. I'll take it tonight, and hopefully we'll have nothing to worry about."

"Even if there is, I'll be here for you," Malcolm said.

Leandra smiled, pressing her forehead against his. That was all she needed to hear.

She held Malcolm there for a second, feeling at peace when suddenly she noticed something strange was leaking out of Malcolm's backpack, making a puddle on the dirty bathroom floor. It was a blue liquid that shimmered, bringing with it a faint scent of rain.

Wordlessly, with a sinking heart, she pushed Malcolm away and kneeled down to touch the blue glittery substance. It reacted to her, sparking her with a feeling that unmistakably had magic. Tears pricked her eyes as the betrayal sunk in like a hot knife.

"Leandra-"

But she cut Malcolm off with a glare. "You lied to me!"

Malcolm's golden eyes were wide and pleading, his pointed ears drooping with guilt. "Leandra, it's not like I have a choice-"

Leandra wiped her eyes but more tears replaced them. "Don't give me that! Of course, you have a choice!"

His shoulders hunched up and he flung his hand at her in desperation. "You think I want to be selling dwarf dust to Templars? Do you think it's fun being subjected to their tantrums? Money gives you options, options I don't have the luxury to enjoy."

Leandra twisted her face in a snarl. "Oh, so I'm spoiled now?"

"Spoiled, no. Privileged, yes."

Leandra snapped. She couldn't see the difference in those words. Her ears burned and she angrily strapped on her heels. "I gave up everything for you; my status, my money, and you don't have the decency to be honest with me!"

Malcolm's shoulders slumped. "I wanted to be honest, Leandra, but…" he gritted his teeth. "I saw the way you looked at me. I didn't want that to change."

The tears dripped off Leandra's chin and hit the floor. "But it did change."

Malcolm flinched, his eyes glistening. "Leandra? Don't say that. You know me."

Leandra grabbed her coat from the ground and started to angrily adjust her dress back to its proper place. "Do I? I feel like you're a stranger to me right now."

Malcolm's face cracked, as he reached out for her. "Leandra, please-"

But she smacked his hand and shoved him away. "Don't touch me! My brother was right about you."

He flinched and his shoulders slumped, his hands falling to his side.

The dress was horribly ripped and crumpled, so Leandra flung her coat over her frame, zipping it up so she was completely covered, and fled the bathroom. She thought that would be the end but, a few moments later, Malcolm chased after her, haphazardly still throwing clothes on, the backpack still dripping off his shoulder.

"I love you," he said resolutely. Like a fact.

It only felt like a stab to the heart.

Leandra hurried her pace, her eyes darting around for Mara and her brother. She couldn't see anything in the sea of rainbow lights. "That doesn't matter."

"You love me." Another fact.

She winced and closed her eyes, her chest caving in as her heart split to pieces. She was blinded by tears. Nothing made sense anymore. She shook her head, feeling dizzy, and repeated, "that doesn't matter!"

Malcolm stopped her by the arm, his fingers digging in desperation. "Of course that matters." He wrapped himself around her, his grip tight and trembling. " I'm not giving up on us. Please, don't run away from me!"

She banged her fists against his chest, trying to break free but her fists just bounced off. "Let go, you liar! I have nothing to say to you! Just leave me alone!"

Malcolm just absorbed hit after hit, too afraid to let go. "Please, Leandra, talk to me. Please, just talk to me." His voice was thick, as he tried to get her to look into his eyes.

Suddenly Gamlen pulled Malcolm off Leandra and clocked him straight in the jaw.

Malcolm flew, landing on his back, contraband spilling from his backpack.

Gamlen rubbed his sore fist, shaking it with a smirk. "I've been wanting to do that all night."

Mara pulled Leandra into a hug, pressing her head to her chest. "Babe, what happened? What did Malcolm do?"

Leandra clung to Mara, sobbing heavily. "J-just get me out of here."

Malcolm groaned, stars in his eyes as he rubbed his jaw.

Gamlen stepped on his neck, digging his heel into Malcolm's throat and cutting off his airway. He squinted his blue eyes in a glare. "If I ever see you near my sister again, I'll kill you. Understand?"

Malcolm gritted his bloody teeth but couldn't say anything more.

Gamlen kicked off him, leaving a shoeprint on his shirt, and grabbed Mara's hand, whistling sharply. "C'mon. We're leaving."

Leandra left with her brother and Mara, too scared to look back.

—-

After everything was said and done, Malcolm still had to deliver what was left of the lyrium to Matthew. He would no doubt be angry that several of his vials had been broken, but Malcolm figured he could talk his way out of getting a broken arm by offering something like free delivery.

The problem was, Matthew wasn't responding to Malcolm's texts, nor had he shown up at the drop-off. Malcolm waited for over an hour for him to show, rubbing his sore jaw, not bothering to wash the taste of blood out of his mouth. The night played over and over in his head as he puzzled for a way to get Leandra back.

He fiddled with the ribbon still wrapped on his wrist. Leandra hadn't asked for it back, and Malcolm took it as a sign that there was still hope. Though he had irrevocably blown it with Gamlen and undoubtedly fell out of Mara's good graces. He knew he shouldn't have lied, but he knew his lyrium dealing wasn't going to win him any favors with anyone. If he only had the chance to explain himself… to redeem himself…

He felt it was too soon to fall into despair, not when her taste still lingered on his tongue. But it was hard not to feel bitter and ragged.

He tiptoed invisibly through corridors back up to his bedroom when Matthew failed to show, grumbling about the temperamental nature of the Templar. When he got to his room, though, he knew immediately something was wrong. The door was left ajar and there was a strange sulfury smell wafting in the air. He heard the sound of flapping wings from far away and a faint tik-tik.

Malcolm pushed open the door to his room to find Matthew his body sprawled out, his limbs deforming at odd angles, his cheeks sunken and deflated so he was just mummified bone and skin, a look of terror frozen in his eyes as his mouth gaped unnaturally wide. There was a huge hole in his abdomen where it looked like something had sucked out his organs through a huge straw, his skin sinking into a cavern where his stomach should be.

Malcolm dropped the backpack in horror, gagging as bile threatened to overtake his throat. After the shock wore off, he swallowed hard. With shaky hands, he reached into his pocket and called Carver.