Tw for sexual assault, racism, misogyny and male entitlement

"What have you done, Somniari? You've ruined everything!" Scholar kept swatting at Malcolm with his spindly claws, with such angry red energy it appeared he was on fire.

Malcolm gritted his teeth, dodging the swipes. "Look, things got out of my hands. It's not like I asked for this to happen."

Scholar picked up what was left of Honesty, just an oval yellow orb. "Honesty reverted to an egg! An egg! And Kindness has shrunk as well. How many times have I said your actions are tied to them?"

Kindness floated up to Malcolm in the shape of a fat pink baby without a face. It was kind of creepy to look at, especially with its echoing gurgles.

Malcolm snapped, not able to take any more blame. "I didn't mean to lie or be such a dick. But you Spirits don't understand what the human world is like. Honesty can get you in lots of trouble. Kindness is hard when a gun's in your face. I can't always do what you ask."

Kindness recoiled from Malcolm, hiding behind a long leaf two times its size, shivering.

Scholar shoved Honesty in Malcolm's face. "Honesty almost died! Do you understand that? If you hadn't fed it a scrap at the last moment, we'd be down a whole Guardian Spirit and that would just make Zelophehad stronger! At this rate, we'll all be devoured!"

Malcolm put his head in his hands, a headache forming. With all this frustration, he wanted to cry. But he would never do so in front of anyone willingly, so unspent tears quickly turned to anger and he exploded. "I'm trying, okay?! Do you have to give me such a hard time? I'm already having a really shit day!"

The flower he was leaning on withered and died, and Malcolm fell over with it.

Scholar smacked Malcolm's forehead with a stinging swat. "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation, Somniari! Honesty and Kindness aren't strong enough to stand up to Zelophehad at this point. If it weren't for Compassion, this land would be swallowed by his darkness!" He grabbed Malcolm's head and forced him to look at the damage he was causing.

The flower forest was drying and tired. The green was fading, the flowers drooping. Even the rabbits nibbling the grass were sluggish. Tasty tried with Kindness to cheer up the flowers with consoling licks but they did no good.

Malcolm knew he could always lose Leandra. He knew his time with her was borrowed. But he couldn't help but be greedy for more of her. He needed her to breathe properly, to think properly, to sleep properly. He was having a hard time shaping his memories to be filled with joy. Her laugh reminded him that he might never hear it again. The taste of her lips made his heart shatter like shards of glass. He tried to focus on her smile, but all he could see were the tears in her eyes, her disgust with him, and the pain in her voice from his betrayal. He couldn't help but feel like he was broken, like his heart was bleeding on everything he touched.

Scholar cocked his head as he picked up one of Malcolm's curls. "Why are these memories no longer working? Pain is laced in everything."

Malcolm found a growl in his throat. "I'm warning you! Stop poking around. I'm really not in the mood."

"Ugh," Scholar covered his nose. "Everything's bitter and rancid. You've become a toxic fume! What's happened!?"

Tasty licked Malcolm and shivered. "Not…tasty…"

Malcolm rubbed the saliva off his cheek with a scowl. "Watch it, you weird tongue fly, or you'll really feel a bitter taste."

Scholar looked at Tasty, his scolding completely forgotten. "Tasty is a tongue fly? Is that at all related to the elusive tongue?"

Malcolm blinked, almost completely forgetting that he had promised Scholar he would get him one with everything else that was going on. "I dunno. It's shaped like a tongue, though, so Happy Wintersend I guess."

Scholar scratched the underside of Tasty affectionately. "I don't suppose you would consider merging with me so we can continue the taste studies together. Your insight would be quite invaluable."

Tasty bobbed right to left, as if considering Scholar's offer, and then started to glow bright yellow. "Tasty!"

Scholar responded with a glow of his own, vibrating with excitement. "Oh, thank you for agreeing, Tasty. I promise we'll do wondrous work together."

Before Malcolm could ask what was happening Scholar and Tasty merged, melting into a blinding light. At first, the light just danced in a blob, almost like the liquid of a lava lamp nebulously floating. And then a shape started to emerge. It looked like Scholar but he no longer was cut off at the waist but had transparent legs rooted firmly to the ground. A huge mouth split his face with a lolling tongue but he still didn't have eyes or a nose, just a flat expanse where they should be. Scholar, or the being that replaced Scholar, glowed with vibrant red energy, his tongue licking as if tasting the air. And then the tongue swirled and licked his mouth with curiosity.

"This is such a strange sensation," the Spirit said with his tongue still out. "There is something layered with the emotions, a sensation I can't describe. Is this the elusive emotion 'taste'?"

Malcolm shrugged. "I dunno. Eat something I guess."

The new Spirit summoned a bowl of halo-halo and with a hand scooped some up and deposited it into his mouth. "Mmmmmm…that's new. There is a…what is the word that I'm feeling right now?"

Malcolm could all of a sudden feel the combination of sweet milky cream and fruit coating his tongue, easing his nerves for just a moment. "That's flavor. You didn't taste that before?"

"No, not at all," the Spirit scooped bite after bite into his mouth, the cream dripping down his face as he moaned. "This is absolutely delightful!"

Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah I'm happy for you Scholar."

The Spirit continued to gorge, summoning more things to try, a turkey leg, a hamburger, lobster, adobo. "I don't think my name is Scholar anymore, but Tasty doesn't feel right either. I think I'm something new."

"Figures," Malcolm muttered, a twinge in his head. "What are you, now?" he asked, raising his eyebrow, the curiosity burning despite his annoyance.

Scholar, or the being who replaced Scholar, ripped the skin off a turkey drumstick with his new white teeth, looking sharp and jagged. "I don't know. Is there a word you have for one who experiments and cultivates taste?"

Malcolm shrugged again. "I don't know. A chef?"

Scholar stopped feasting for a moment as if drawn to the word. "What's a chef?"

"Well, it's their job to cook food and make it taste delicious."

"What's cook?"

Malcolm palmed his face, feeling like this conversation could take a while, but he knew how Scholar was when Malcolm brought up food. "It's the process of making the meal. Without cooking, you'd have a bunch of raw ingredients and that's not always tasty."

The Spirit nodded resolutely. "Then it will be my job to cook, too. To make things tasty. I will go into mortals' minds and cook them delicious meals so we both may be nourished by the memories." His tongue lolled up and licked a dollop of cream from the bowl of halo-halo. "You may now call me Chef, Somniari. Thank you for the gift of the tongue and name. I shall treasure them."

Malcolm smiled despite himself. He almost understood, though it hurt his mind a bit. Spirits' names and identities seemed to be a lot more fluid than mortals and they changed so fast it was getting hard to keep track. "Well, just stick to your end of the bargain and help train me to defeat Zelophehad."

Scholar- No, Chef smiled sharply at him. "We'd stand a better chance if you summoned Leandra."

Malcolm's eyes widened with alarm. "What did I tell you about that?"

"I'm sensing a broken connection with your Bonded. If it's not fixed, then Zelophehad will have more of a foothold in your mind and it will be only a matter of time before you become his prey. Is that what you want?"

Malcolm yanked at his curls, growling, "I'm doing everything I can to get her back but she blocked my number and won't even talk to me. What am I supposed to do? Stalk her?"

Chef picked up Honesty and plopped them in Malcolm's lap. "What do you think? It was her actions that birthed this Spirit, her connection to you that makes it strong. You've damaged it. If you want to fix it, you must be honest."

Malcolm's shoulders slumped. If Carver and the Spirits were both saying the same thing, then maybe there was truth in their words.

Malcolm's eyes dropped down to the egg, still warm in his lap. A soft thudding like a heartbeat came from inside.

The truth was, he didn't know how to be honest. Living in the Circle, he'd always begged for forgiveness rather than ask for permission. And this time it blew up in his face, and he'd lost the best thing he ever had.

But as he retraced that moment, thinking again and again about what he should have done, he remembered the look of disappointment in Leandra's eyes when she first connected the dots about his drug dealing, how that judgment made him feel insecure and small. "She doesn't want me…the real me anyways," he said glumly.

A chilling voice ran through his head saying a familiar phrase that haunted him. "She might love you, but she'll always love her status more."

Malcolm jumped to his feet.

Honesty rolled away and settled near a rock.

Malcolm's eyes darted in the darkness, searching for Zelophehad's goat eyes watching him.

Then Chef swatted him in the head with a turkey leg, smearing grease in his hair. "Stop it! Stop spiraling! Zelophehad's hooks sink further into you the more you entertain those thoughts."

Malcolm rubbed his sore head, the self-pity and anxiety turning back to annoyance.

Chef reached for Malcolm's head, where he plucked a memory out of a curl. "Here, perhaps this will remind you."

The Fade started to come to life, forming the grand halls of the Viscount's Palace, a swinging crystal chandelier replacing the Black City. Still, it was so hazy it was like a mist, forgotten in the recesses of Malcolm's mind.

Carver appeared in his gleaming ceremonial armor and suddenly Malcolm was surrounded by dancing nobles. The night of the Ball seemed so long ago, he forgot how nauseating the competing colognes and perfumes made him feel. How stuffed he'd gotten gorging himself on shrimp puffs. How his tie felt like a noose. How his fingers still tingled from holding Leandra during their dance. How badly he needed to taste those luscious pink lips. And his heart ached to know that that too could be a distant memory.

Malcolm knew this wasn't the real Carver but still, his eyes glistened. "You were right. I fucked up, man."

Carver put a heavy hand on his shoulder, the ghost still warm like the rays of the sun. "It's not important that you mess up. We all do. It's what you do to fix it."

The shade of Carver melted away with a gust of wind, leaving his words echoing inside Malcolm.

He had almost forgotten that Carver said that. A new determination came over Malcolm. "I know what I have to do."

"Good, because this is getting tiresome," Chef nodded and turned back to his feast, sampling different dishes at the same time. He dipped his turkey leg in the halo-halo's cream and bit into it. "That's disgusting! Marvelous!"

Malcolm shook his head, chuckling, when the Circle's bells started chiming in his ears. He could feel the heave of his stomach as he floated back to his body.

"Wait! Come back! There's so much work to be done. Remember Honesty, the egg?" Chef called out, his voice echoing.

Malcolm gritted his teeth. "I'll work on that later. Real life always comes first. I told you that."

"How convenient for you. I'll tell Zelophehad to wait then," Chef snarled impatiently before his presence faded.

Malcolm's eyes opened to his bedroom.

The barren stone walls were depressing. The metal of his bed had made his joints stiff and he was a little colder than usual having slept without a sheet to cover him. But none of that darkened his mood because today he was destined to see Leandra.

He practically hopped out of bed, eager to get his suit on. He was still hired to be her House Mage, so eventually she'd be forced to talk to him. He didn't know what he'd say yet, but he just needed a chance. Her ribbon was still tied proudly on his wrist, and he touched it remembering that, no matter what, they belonged together.

Did she dream of him last night? He ached to know if he was still on her mind.

There was a line to get into the washroom since now the men and women had to share, meaning nobody could really shower. Malcolm washed his hair in the sink and styled it, making sure not a curl was out of place, not a wrinkle in his suit, and that his tie was straight and proper. He knew it would take everything he had to convince Leandra to talk to him. Still, he was confident enough that her feelings hadn't just turned off overnight.

The Circle was in full lockdown. The Templars were in riot gear, assault rifles instead of handguns, ready to pull any mage aside for brainwave inspections. If the demon was dormant though, it would be a fruitless venture, but still Malcolm knew they had to try.

Usually lockdown meant no one could leave. Even the Circle clinic would be closed to the citizens of Kirkwall. But Malcolm was a House Mage, so that made him the privileged of privileged, and he could hear his classmates' heavy grumbles as he skipped through the halls, eager to make up with Leandra. Besides, they'd checked his brain patterns at least three different times and he was clean.

Malcolm would be eating outside food today so, wanting to save room, he skipped breakfast and decided to report in early to the First Enchanter's office. Today there was to be a party at Leandra's estate, and he was eager to impress her with what he came up with.

It was a pain having to prepare for a magical performance on top of mentoring Isaac and providing healing services at the clinic, and that didn't even include his House Mage exams and backed-up homework. Still, Leandra was on his mind, so his only thoughts were of how to get through to her.

When he opened the door to the First Enchanter's office immediately he knew that something was wrong. It wasn't Leandra's mother there to collect him.

"Merveilleux! You're here so early! And my, how cutting do you look in that suit, mon petit."

Lady de Launcet was wearing a purple frilly dress with so many layers she made a voluminous shape, much like a loofa. She had on a large hat with long feathers in it that waved in Malcolm's face and tickled his nose. Malcolm's whole body clenched as she patted him on top of the head like a dog, mussing up his perfected curls. Her makeup was heavy and caked on and she scooped up his face, leaving two thick lip impressions where she kissed both his cheeks.

Malcolm didn't mean to recoil and push her away but it was instinct.

She tripped backward in her heels.

Malcolm stumbled forward to catch her and suddenly he was holding her, his arm wrapped around her bony waist, his other hand grabbing her arm to steady her.

She blushed and patted her cheeks, seeming to melt into his embrace. "Merci…"

"Hawke, what do you think you're doing!?" The First Enchanter rose to his feet, red-faced.

Malcolm stood her up on her feet and backed away until he hit the door. "I'm so sorry, Messere," he bowed quickly like he was taught, his eyes to the ground, his cheeks on fire. "I was just surprised. I was expecting Lady Amell."

Lady de Launcet tittered, fluffing up her hair. "Don't mind me, mon petit. I like it rough."

Malcolm squirmed under her hungering gaze, feeling very much like prey.

The First Enchanter folded his hands. "Unfortunately Lady Amell dropped her bid on your services, but Lady de Launcet was happy to renew her bid with interest so everything worked out in the end."

Malcolm's stomach dropped, forcing his throat to close up before he screamed.

Lady de Launcet stepped back up to Malcolm, her heady perfume choking him, and patted him fondly on the cheek. "The paperwork is being processed so it'll all be official. Soon, I'll have you all to myself, mon petit."

Mara and Leandra sniffled, sharing a tub of cookie dough ice cream, neither of them in the mood to cook breakfast.

Mara shoved her spoon in the cookie dough, taking a heaving scoop angrily. "What was I thinking? That Gamlen could be a father? He can't even put on his own socks."

Leandra hiccupped a laugh before it became a sob. "And why did I laugh at Malcolm's stupid jokes? Most of them are so idiotic, it's painful." She pointed at Mara, a rant coming on. "Do you know he likes puns? Puns! Ugh! He never took anything seriously. Why would I think he'd take us seriously?" She shoved ice cream in her mouth, still talking. "And he's not even that cute. He's not!" Leandra jabbed her spoon in the tub, taking another heavy scoop even though she hadn't swallowed yet.

Fat tears ran down Mara's cheeks as she scrunched up her face. "And you know Gamlen doesn't even wash his hands? I heard him one time take an explosive shit, like massive, and then listened for running water and it never came. I had to scold him like a child! He didn't even flush!" She swallowed loudly, sticking her spoon back into the ice cream tub.

Leandra wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Gross! Oh, Maker, I can't believe I'm related to that."

"No kidding."

Harvel hobbled out in his Sunday best, though it was a Saturday, a disappointed look on his leathery face. His silver hair was tied back in his usual long braid. "Are you girls still sulking over silly boys?"

"Yes," Leandra admitted.

"No," Mara lied.

They spoke at the same time and broke down in conspiratorial laughter.

"I swear, if I ever see that Malcolm again, I'll shoot him myself. Only way to put down a dirty dog," Lolo hobbled into the kitchen and started rustling through the fridge. "What do they say about men? They think about one thing and one thing only."

Mara smirked, sniffling through her tears. "Was that you with Lola?"

"You're damn right! I can't tell you how many times I was chased out of Layla's room with a shotgun, but I still came back."

Leandra and Mara laughed together.

Mara then sighed. "I want a love like you and Lola's, Lolo."

Leandra dropped her spoon, sniffling. "I thought I had a love like that."

Harvel grabbed a carton of eggs and started cracking them in a saucepan without looking. "It'll happen girls. The Maker will take care of you. Just be patient." The sound of sizzling eggs filled the kitchen, the air thickening with its aroma.

Both girls perked up at the smell.

"You think you can make us some too, Lolo?" Mara batted her eyelashes.

"Fine, fine," Harvel waved his head, cracking in more eggs. "Just both of you get dressed. It's Colette's big day!"

Neither Leandra nor Mara felt like they were in the partying mood but they both scooted out of their chairs.

Leandra sighed. "Colette would be disappointed if I didn't show up for her party."

"It'll be good for both of you to get your mind off things. The child was lucky enough to be born on Wintersend after all. Today is a day where we focus on the blessings the Maker gave us. Spring is on the horizon. This hard winter will pass," Harvel said in the same sagely tone he always used. "Now both of you, hurry and get dressed. We don't want to be late for Colette's party."

He shooed them out of the kitchen and they retreated to Mara's bedroom where they both started getting ready.

Leandra felt so glum she wasn't sure what she wanted to wear today. Nothing made her feel pretty. Nothing seemed to fit right, either. She rejected outfit after outfit with increasing dissatisfaction.

Mara was having similar trouble, though it was because of her widening hips and growing belly. It seemed like the outfits were rejecting Mara and she struggled to find something flattering that fit.

Leandra felt guilty and disappointed at the same time. Mara was not one to keep secrets from her, but this pregnancy was a huge burden she was carrying all by herself. "How far along are you? We should do some shopping."

Mara pulled a loose shapeless dress over her head, not her usual style, but all her other outfits betrayed her. "Yeah, soon. I'm three months along so I'm only going to get bigger."

"And how long did you know…"

Mara pulled the collar of the dress over her head, biting her lip. "Only last month. That's why I pushed Gamlen to make our relationship public in the first place."

"Even though it's not his baby?" Leandra asked.

Mara's cheeks burned. Leandra could tell she was anxious, but was it because she was hiding something or just breakup nerves? A chuckle overtook Mara's throat and she quickly changed the subject. "Is that the dress you're wearing? It looks cute."

Leandra looked down glumly down at her ensemble, knowing Mara would just change the subject again if she tried to force it. Leandra had a fur collar that rimmed her neck, and a matching shawl. Her sleeves and the bottom of the lining were the same white fur. The rest of the dress was a bright shade of pink, cinching her waist, and was cut at the knee, both modest and stylish. Her hair was braided back with a pink ribbon. Mara had wrapped the braid around the base of her ponytail to make it extra fashionable. "Ugh, I don't even know if I like this dress anymore. I feel bloated."

Mara laughed pointing at the snug way the dress clung to her belly. "You think you feel bloated. I feel like a balloon filled with gas constantly leaking out. And I'm tired of peeing all the time."

Leandra smiled. "I'm going to look forward to being an Auntie, again. I have to plan your baby shower."

Mara found herself smiling, too. "Yeah, that'll be fun." Mara looked down at her feet. "Look, Leandra. I can't be seen in public wearing my mom's old duster dress." She pulled at the shapeless fabric that did hide her growing belly but did her no favors otherwise. "I really feel like shit, today. Think I can skip the party?"

Leandra's heart fell, not wanting to face her family by herself, but she knew it would just be worse for Mara. She patted Mara's hand. "Of course. You focus on taking care of yourself and the baby."

Soon breakfast was eaten, and Harvel and Leandra were driving back to Hightown. Leandra sat in the front seat as Harvel sped down the Highway back into the city. Soon the high towers of Hightown blocked out the clouds and hid them in shadows.

Harvel didn't need to even look at the road, having memorized every street. He automatically drove to the Amell's lesser estate. Balloons floated in clusters, colored ribbons wrapped around every column, all in a vivid purple color, Colette's favorite. Leandra could already hear the swell of a band playing from the garden.

It wasn't difficult to find a nice spot near the garden entrance. There weren't a lot of cars parked in the lot. Most nobles avoided interacting with Revka and most would prefer to watch the Wintersend parade downtown than join a cursed seven-year-old's party. But Leandra could see her parents' limo parked only a few spots away. Her heart sunk when she recognized the de Launcet's limo parked next to it.

Leandra's hands fell in her head, mortified. "I'm guessing my parents didn't inform the de Launcets that the wedding is off."

Harvel patted her shoulder consolingly. "Guess you'll have to tell them yourself."

Leandra's heart sunk. "It's Colette's birthday…Is it really a good time?"

Harvel touched Leandra's cheek, his fingers rough against her skin. "Will it ever be a good time, sweetheart?"

Leandra squeezed her eyes shut in a grimace. "You're right. Ugh, I hate it when you're right." Her head fell into Harvel's chest. "Can't you do it for me?"

Harvel chuckled, stroking Leandra's ponytail. "Sorry, dear girl. Above my paygrade."

Leandra groaned knowing that would be the answer.

Harvel took Leandra by the shoulders, his already thin lips now a line. "Not too late to take it all back. Guillaume will treat you right."

Leandra looked down at her hands, only considering it for a moment. Then she looked at Harvel's leaf green eyes and said, "I want more than that, now." Her eyes glistened. "Maybe Malcolm wasn't my true love, but…I still want to have that feeling again." She held her shoulders high like she was taught, tucking her chin primly. "I'm not settling anymore."

Harvel chuckled, taking her answer easily. "I guess I can't fault you for that, sweetheart. Just Guillaume's a good boy. Don't hurt him."

Leandra nodded grimacing. "I'll try not to." But she couldn't see how she could not.

The sun was bright and warm through the chill. The trees, though barren, had signs of budding on them. Leandra sighed, knowing what a long day this was going to be.

She walked to the gate to the side entrance where an arch of balloon animals greeted them. Strange colors poked above the high walls. She could hear a child giggling wildly.

"Again, again!" Colette's little voice rang out. "Make it dance! It's so funny!"

As soon as Leandra stepped into the garden she felt like she was dreaming again. Visions from her nights of witnessing Malcolm craft wonders in the Fade flashed before her eyes. Colette's backyard had been turned into a flower forest, with stalks so high they were easily twice her size. They were such bright vivid colors they appeared to be glowing. She recognized that these were plants that the gardener had actually sowed, now somehow as tall as trees.

But how?

Leandra followed the sound of Colette's laughter and froze, her face going red.

Malcolm was playing with Colette. A purple wisp was giggling in his hands, floating and bobbing and weaving, its shape changing nebulously. There was a sound of humming coming from it, and Colette echoed the hum, only for the wisp to repeat it. Colette was mesmerized by the sight of it. Even the adults who were watching from afar had gathered to watch Colette's show.

Leandra's heart ached. She told herself Malcolm was not that handsome, but he was even more breathtaking than she remembered. He looked so refined in a black tuxedo, sleek and suave. His unruly curls had been slicked back with gel so you could clearly see his handsome freckled face. She remembered that defined nose inhaling her like a bouquet, shapely lips that made hers tingle with the memory of his kisses, warm honey eyes that knew how to strip her to down to her core.

She found her heart seizing and she couldn't breathe. Why was he here of all places? She was sure her parents would withdraw their bid as soon as she refused to be their heir.

Colette reached out her hand to Malcolm excitedly. "Can you ask it to make a rainbow?"

Malcolm laughed, the sound still warming Leandra. He appeared to tickle the wisp with his finger. "What do you say? I think we can do better than a rainbow."

The wisp giggled and then shot up and suddenly the clouds parted. The whole sky was filled with wondrous colors, swirling like a galaxy. The stars seemed to rain down and hang close enough to touch. Oohs and aahs echoed from the crowd as everyone reached up towards the lights bathed on their skin. Suddenly Leandra noticed the stars were actually dancing. They were actually more wisps, helping Malcolm weave the magic humming a haunting tune. The whole world seemed alive with magic. It felt like Malcolm had brought a piece of the Fade into reality.

Colette laughed in delight, clapping her hands as she bounced up and down. Malcolm made the wisps dance around her, and she giggled and swirled her purple polka-dot skirt.

Then Malcolm noticed Leandra watching him at last and he froze. The rainbow aura receded to normal, the wisps popping back into the Fade, the swirling galaxy sky clearing to day.

Leandra could feel her cheeks get hot.

Malcolm started to walk up to Leandra, but Colette yanked him back.

"Awww, why'd you stop? It was so pretty!"

Leandra ducked into the small crowd, trying to find her aunt and avoid Malcolm and her parents. She shuffled her present in her hand, intent on dropping it off at the gift table, only to find Guillaume talking to Jaheem.

Leandra's mouth dropped open. She had no idea why Jaheem would even be at her niece's birthday. She found herself paralyzed as she realized the three men she was romantically tied to were at the same party and she had foolishly let Mara stay home.

Jaheem's eyes turned in her direction and Leandra ducked behind the servants. She held an unwitting and hapless waiter as she tried to make herself small, unsure how she was going to survive today.

"Leandra, how are you?" Lady de Launcet's shrill voice rang through the air.

Leandra's stomach dropped to her knees. She didn't want this conversation. She unhanded the poor servant she was clinging to and curtsied to the Lady.

Lady de Launcet's hat was bigger than usual and its feathers waved in Leandra's face as Lady de Launcet pecked both of her cheeks.

"My, ma cherie, how long has it been since we last saw each other? Don't tell me you've been avoiding me." Lady de Launcet patted her hand.

Leandra forced a smile, though she wanted with all her might to run away. "Of course not. I've just been so busy with rehearsal."

"Of course, but the wedding is in two weeks. We really should touch base. Refine the dress design."

Leandra looked down at Lady de Lancet clutching her. She pulled her hand back. "About that…"

"You don't mind that I snatched your elf from you, do you?"

Leandra's eyes shot up to see Lady de Launcet staring at Malcolm with tiger eyes as she sipped her champagne.

Leandra's face grew hot. So it was Lady de Launcet who took Malcolm's services. The thought made her squirm, but still, she said, "Why would it bother me?"

"Because he's wearing your favor, of course."

Leandra's eyes shot to Malcolm's wrist and sure enough, it was tied, boldly for everyone to see. Leandra's cheeks were now flaming. Had anybody else noticed, yet?

"It's not what you think," Leandra said quickly.

Lady de Launcet tittered behind her hand. "Oh, I know the young. All your urges. It's quite normal to find ways to satisfy them."

Leandra's eyes widened, not sure she heard right. There was an embarrassed warble in her voice as her cheeks flushed. "Aren't you upset for your son?"

Lady de Launcet put her hand on Leandra's and said with a chilling smile. "I won't tell him if you won't." She sipped her champagne, her finger running up the rim of the glass delicately. A droplet of sweat ran down the glass, mirroring the one running down Leandra's neck. "Besides… it seems you're done with the elf, right? Seeing as your family dropped your bid."

Leandra's throat constricted. She didn't even know how to answer that question. Part of her wanted to wrap her hands around Lady de Launcet and wring her wrinkled scrawny neck, but wasn't she right? Leandra had made it clear last night that Malcolm and she were over.

Lady de Launcet seemed to take this as an answer. "Well, whether you are or not, I think it's my turn, no? I don't mind sharing if you don't."

Then Lady de Launcet patted her arm and then sauntered in Malcolm's direction, a hand raised out for him to kiss. "Mon petit, my feet are killing me in these heels. I don't suppose I can trouble you for another massage?"

Leandra found herself following despite herself, intent on stopping Lady de Launcet by whatever means necessary.

Then all of a sudden her mother stepped in front of her. "Leandra," she said stiffly, her full lips red like blood. Her dark eyes were sharp and her hair plaited in a braid wrapped around her head. "What were you speaking with Lady de Launcet about?"

Leandra choked, not able to admit the truth, and said, "The wedding, of course."

She looked behind her mother to see Malcolm reluctantly massaging Lady de Launcet's feet. Lady de Launcet was making moans not meant for children to hear. Leandra cringed, wanting to shove Lady de Launcet to the ground and claw her eyes out so she'd never look at Malcolm again.

Leandra's mother seemed relieved. "I'm glad you came to your senses."

That's when Leandra realized what she said and backpedaled. "I was going to inform her the wedding was off, but I didn't get a chance."

Leandra's mother's eyes widened in outrage. "You would dare embarrass us at your niece's birthday?"

Leandra narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "It wouldn't have been an embarrassment if you had done what I asked."

Her mother gripped her hand, stroking it with her thumb like she was a child. "Little girl, your life was handed to you on a silver platter, and all you need to do is what I tell you. Is that so much to ask for?"

Leandra peeled her mother's hand off, glaring. "I am not your puppet to just string along as you please. It's my life and my choice what to do with it."

And then she stomped away without being dismissed towards Lady de Launcet. She was intent on distracting her from Malcolm with her news of the wedding, only to find Lady de Launcet had fallen asleep on her plush recliner, snoring away.

Malcolm was gritting his teeth at the foot of the recliner next to Lady de Launcet's painted feet, holding his head in his hands, looking like there was a noose around his neck. He looked so out of place, so anxious and uncomfortable. She felt guilty, knowing in a way she placed him here, and despite all her hurt, she wanted to reach for his hand and comfort him.

Her mother sidled up to her with a sneer on her face. "That's Amelia for you, passed out drunk before ten in the morning." She tapped her foot impatiently as she glowered at Leandra. "You know your brother is not suited to be the heir."

Leandra turned away from Malcolm before he could catch her staring. She squared her shoulders. "Have you begged the Maker for forgiveness for all the lives you ruined? Have you even stopped?" she whispered, seething.

Her mother narrowed her eyes. "Only the Maker can judge me, and I think it's clear he has shown his favor." She raised her chin high, not a hint of shame in her voice. "Grow up and realize that there are only the strong and weak. There is a design, Leandra, a system which we all adhere to, and everyone must play their part, especially you. Even maggots are useful on the food chain if they know their place." She grasped Leandra's arms firmly, her talons digging in and leaving marks.

"Do you even hear yourself?" Leandra's face grew hot, trying to yank her arm away but her mother's nails just dug in.

"Do you? I have no idea what you're thinking, young lady. Have you lost your mind?!"

That's when a squeal cut through the banter. "Auntie! Auntie! You came!" Colette tackled Leandra, taking fistfuls of her skirt. "Did you see what Uncle Guillaume got me? A mage! A real live mage! Didn't he make the garden so pretty?"

Leandra's mother removed her talons, her nails leaving half moon circles on Leandra's arm. She smiled thinly at the girl. "Ah, Colette. You're seven now, yes?"

"Yes, Great Auntie," Colette curtsied politely, suddenly timid.

Her mother patted the top of Colette's head. "Ah, what a big girl you are now. Don't grow up too fast."

Colette giggled. She wrapped her tiny hand in Leandra's and pulled her in Malcolm's direction. "C'mon you should meet my mage! He can make eggs taste like cookies. And make music come from nowhere! And he can make pretty lights with his hands. He's so cool and funny, you'll like him, Auntie!"

Leandra's stomach dropped, her feet dragging as Colette pulled her in front of Malcolm.

He looked up, and soon that stunning smile was back, taking her breath away. He stood up and bowed to Colette, meeting her niece's gaze with that mischievous lop-sided smirk. "Hey, birthday kiddo. Did you want something else?"

Colette bounced up and down. "Can you make the fire dance in your hands again? I want to see it turn into a kitty this time."

Malcolm chuckled and twirled his hands, and soon a flame grew there, sizzling. The shape grew into a round body, and then a head, and then two pointed triangle ears and a tail. Soon a fiery tabby was grooming its flaming fur, a purr rumbling from its throat.

"Wow," Colette breathed excitedly. "Can I pet it?"

Even Leandra was in awe. It looked so real, but it was definitely on fire, a warmth radiating from it.

"Sure, it's just light refracting." Malcolm knelt down and the cat turned to face Colette, its eyes fixated on her with a mrrp.

Colette stuck her tongue in her cheek. "What's refracking?"

Malcolm's eyes were steadily on Leandra, watching her every move, a soft smile on his lips as he talked to her niece. "It's how light bounces off of particles in the air, like rays of the sun."

Leandra still felt hot under his gaze, still remembered how his touch set her alight, still craved it like a drug, but she felt so betrayed. She wanted to snatch Colette away from him and smack him senseless, but she just squeezed Colette's hand.

Colette's little fingers brushed through the cat's fur. "Oh, it's so warm. Like a real kitty."

The cat jumped on Colette's shoulders and rubbed Colette's head, causing her to giggle. Leandra knew she should be mad at Malcolm but his magic was a wonder and seeing him put a smile on her niece's face still warmed her heart, as much as she didn't want it to.

"My that's quite the magical control. I've never seen anything like it."

Leandra turned, her cheeks automatically flaming to see Jaheem standing there holding her aunt's arm.

"Yes, Colette is having a very good birthday thanks to Guillaume and his House Mage. I do have to thank him when I see him." Revka patted Jaheem's arm rather fondly.

"Aunt Revka," Leandra raised an eyebrow as she kissed both of her aunt's cheeks. "It's so good to see you."

"Leandra, dear, I have to introduce you to someone," she pulled Jaheem forward. "This good man is a lawyer, and says he might be able to help me to petition the courts to have Robert and Anna placed in Kirkwall's Circle."

Leandra's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the news.

"Actually, I've been fortunate enough to meet Lady Amell before." Jaheem's dark cocoa eyes sparkled as he brought Leandra's fingertips to his lips and kissed her hand. He held onto her hand as he said, "Your aunt also added her name to my petition for Circle reforms along with Lord de Launcet. I'd say it was a rather productive day."

Guillaume had changed his mind? Jaheem certainly couldn't be talking about Reynaud de Launcet. Leandra's stomach squirmed in unexpected guilt.

Revka patted Leandra's arm. "My girl has always been a brave one."

Jaheem grinned, his eyes staring at Leandra intently. "I believe we still need to make an appointment for lunch, no?"

Malcolm's eyes zeroed in on Jaheem's hold on Leandra's hand with a clenched jaw. Suddenly the cat on Colette's shoulders growled and disappeared back into the Fade.

"Aww, why'd it go away?" Colette whined.

Leandra knew that the luncheon was just business, but she couldn't help but be pleased with Malcolm's jealous glare. His gaze narrowed sharply at Jaheem, as if he was trying to set the other man aflame with just his eyes.

Leandra raised an eyebrow and put a coy smile on her face. "Maybe we should upgrade it to dinner, after all."

Jaheem's eyebrows shot up. "My lady?"

"Maybe tomorrow night?" Leandra brushed her fingers up Jaheem's arm, pleased at the way the man's breath hitched. "I was thinking we should get to know each other, and dinner would be a much more intimate setting, right?"

Leandra watched in the corner of her eye as Colette pestered Malcolm for her attention, but Malcolm was just focused on Leandra's hand, his neck muscles tensing, his lips curled in a snarl. She felt vindicated. Only right he should taste his own medicine.

But Jaheem's warm chuckle reminded her that Malcolm wasn't the only player in her little game. "My lady, I would like nothing more than a chance to bask in your presence a moment longer."

Revka chuckled nervously, patting her cheeks. "My, did it get warmer in here?" She took the present from Leandra's arm and took Colette's tiny hand. "C'mon little bird, let's let the adults have their private discussion."

Leandra blushed, forgetting that her aunt was also watching. She was surprised her aunt didn't scold her.

Colette grabbed Malcolm's hand. "Come with me. I want to see the cat again."

Malcolm was reluctantly led away, his eyes darting urgently back to Leandra.

The music of the band began to swell, and couples started pairing off. Leandra could feel a nervous flutter as a mischievous glimmer glinted in Jaheem's eye.

Jaheem extended a hand. "I don't mean to be so forward, but would you like to dance?"

She glanced at Malcolm. Colette was yanking at his arm, begging for his attention, but his eyes were fixated on Leandra in desperation, pleading her to say no.

She put on her brightest smile and took Jaheem's hand. "I would love to dance."

She felt Malcolm's eyes follow her to the dance floor, her fingers intertwined with Jaheem. Jaheem took her hand and settled her in his arms, pulling her close, a bright white smile such a contrast against his stunning deep skin. He smelled like spice and citrus, comforting and warm, but she couldn't help but compare Jaheem's scent to Malcolm's clover musk, how she didn't feel dizzy drunk in his arms.

Jaheem was wearing bright silk, his suit adorned with gold jewelry, the same piercings studding his nose, ears, eyebrow, and lip. She could feel the many rings on his fingers, and he jangled when he danced.

Jaheem was so much larger than Malcolm. He towered Leandra, his hand easily covering the small of her back, but his touch didn't leave the same tingles. He guided her along the dance floor with quick precise footsteps, whirling her around with grace.

"I'm surprised you changed your mind. You seemed so reluctant before." His large hand squeezed hers, dwarfing it.

Leandra still found a blush blooming on her cheeks under his intense gaze. Jaheem was such a handsome man, his jaw so square and rugged, his coily hair so neat and trimmed, with patterns buzzed into the sides of his head. And he had a stable job, was ambitious and reliable too. All the qualities she thought she wanted. It would be so much easier if she could let herself fall for him.

Leandra couldn't admit she was using Jaheem to get over another man, so her eyes dropped down guiltily. "You seemed to have persuaded me, Ser."

"Glad that I have," Jaheem hummed, he pulled her a little closer, her breath catching. "Would it be too much to ask if we extend the night? They're debuting a new exhibit at Kirkwall's Historical Museum on ancient dwarven runes and artifacts, and I think you would find it fascinating."

It did sound like an interesting evening out, though perhaps a little dull compared to being fucked senseless in the bathroom of a Carta nightclub. But she so wanted to get over Malcolm so she bit her lip. "I guess that will be fun."

Jaheem raised a thickly shaped eyebrow. "If you prefer something else, I'm happy just to spend time with you."

She glanced at Malcolm. He was glaring at his wine glass pretending to pay attention to it, but it was clear from the way his pointed ears were swiveling that he was eavesdropping on their conversation.

She pretended to ignore Malcolm and nestled closer in Jaheem's arms, reaching up to touch his cheek, tracing a line of stubble. His cocoa eyes dilated with delight, her heart still fluttering at his response. She smiled sweetly. "No, it sounds like a perfect night out."

She heard the sound of something breaking, and she turned around and Malcolm had shattered his wine glass with his fist. Blood and wine bled from his hand as he scattered the shards with a shake of his fist. "Fuck!" he growled.

Colette ran up to Malcolm, hiding a naughty giggle in her hands. "Oooooh, you said a bad word."

Malcolm rolled his eyes. "C'mon, kid, cut me some slack."

Colette pointed at him as she wiggled her hips haughtily, her long skirt swaying. "I'm telling unless you give me a piggyback ride."

Malcolm's hands flashed with blue light and he grabbed a napkin from a passing server's tray and wiped his hand clean, a grimace on his face. "Fine, fine you win." He knelt down, rotating his back to her. "Alright, all aboard."

Colette squealed in delight and hopped on his back. Malcolm made an "oof" sound and almost fell over but managed to catch himself before they both plummeted to the ground. Leandra wanted to look away, but her heart was melting as Colette's overjoyed giggles rang through the air and Malcolm galloped around the garden, making whinnying noises like a horse. He just seemed so natural with kids, even if he was going to get her niece in trouble with that foul mouth.

Leandra realized that she had been staring at Malcolm for a long time and Jaheem turned his head to see what she was looking at.

A stunning smile shined on Jaheem's full lips. "Your niece is rather adorable."

Leandra's cheeks burned, grateful that Jaheem had not noticed who she was truly ogling. Then Malcolm's eyes met Leandra's across the garden, and she immediately looked away before she could be pulled into his honey gaze. She closed her eyes and willed herself to enjoy the man in her arms, and ignore the other man that had shattered her so completely. She placed her head on Jaheem's chest and listened to his heartbeat, inhaling his spicy citrus scent. His arms surrounded her, heavy and muscled, swaying her to the beat of the music.

"Leandra?"

She heard Guillaume's strangled voice cut through her thoughts. She turned around to see Guillaume with a heartbroken expression on his face, watching the intimate way Jaheem held her in his arms.

She broke apart from Jaheem, her gut twisting with guilt. "Guillaume." In her jealous fit, she had forgotten another man was still caught in the crossfire.

Guillaume stormed off, disappearing inside the mansion.

Leandra picked up her skirt and chased after him, leaving Jaheem on the dance floor. She knew she went too far. She only meant to make Malcolm jealous. How could she forget another pair of eyes would be watching her?

Guillaume was halfway into the living room before Leandra caught up with him. She caught him by his hand, pulling him to stop. "Guillaume, wait! Let me explain."

He turned around his expression fierce for the first time she had ever seen, and she flinched.

"I asked you if there was someone else and you lied to me!" He threw her hand away.

Leandra took her hand back, twisting her fingers as her eyes fell to her feet. "It's not what you think between Jaheem and me, I swear."

"Oh, so it's just Jaheem, now? Since when did you two get so familiar?"

There was a crowd gathering at the back door, eavesdropping in on the fight.

Leandra looked down at her hands, at a loss for words. For once she didn't know what to say to make things better. "It's complicated." She looked down at her fingers. "I wanted to break off the engagement for a while… My parents were supposed to tell you..."

Guillaume sucked in his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut. He then glared at Leandra, his amber eyes burning. "I've loved you since I laid eyes on you, but..." he grimaced. "If your feelings changed or were never there, you could have told me that. We've been friends since childhood. I would have understood." He stepped forward, his voice raising at her for the first time. "Did you not think you owed me a face-to-face conversation to end our marriage!? You snuck around and broke my heart and now you hide behind your parents!"

Leandra's cheeks burned, truly ashamed of herself. "I'm sorry, Guillaume. You deserved better."

"I did." He then grabbed his cravat and threw it on the ground. "You are not the woman I thought you were," he growled. Then he left the mansion with a slam of the door.

Leandra's gut sunk into a pit. She wished the floor would swallow her up.

Guillaume's car engine turned in the driveway and he sped off down the street. Whispers of gossip swelled behind her back. Leandra's stomach dropped knowing it was only a matter of time before this got back to Lady de Launcet and her parents.

She turned around to see that Malcolm and Jaheem were standing on opposite sides of the living room, the other two people she didn't want to see.

Malcolm was glaring at Jaheem, arms crossed, seeming to size him up. His jaw was tense and twitching, and he kept tapping his finger on his arm.

Jaheem hadn't even noticed Malcolm. He stepped up to Leandra and took her hand, rubbing her palm with his thumb soothingly.

"I'm so sorry for causing such distress between you and your fiancé, my Lady. It was not my intention." But the way he kissed her knuckles tenderly and the sparkle in his eye told her differently.

A low rumble sounded from Malcolm's throat.

The guilt squirmed in her stomach, fresh from her betrayal of Guillaume, and she quickly took her hand back. "He's not my fiancé anymore," Leandra said glumly.

"Indeed," Jaheem said in a tone that wasn't at all disappointed.

"My lady," Malcolm spat in an impolite tone and bowed curtly. "I see that you are stressed. I would be happy to perform a private Cleansing to help ward off any demons feasting on your pain."

Leandra's throat went dry. There was no way she wanted to be alone with Malcolm again. She couldn't resist getting close to his heavenly musk. "I'm quite alright," she chuckled nervously.

Jaheem touched Leandra's cheek with his large hand, turning her head with a finger. "He's right, you know. Intense emotion will attract Spirits and Demons. Better safe than sorry. It would be a shame if anything happened to you." He said it so tenderly and genuinely that she couldn't help the way her breath caught, which only brought the rumble back in Malcolm's throat.

Seeing no polite way to say no, Leandra hesitantly nodded. "I guess it couldn't hurt." But she knew those words were a lie. Being alone with Malcolm would only hurt.

Jaheem brought her knuckles back to his mouth, his full lips placing a soft kiss. "I'll eagerly await your return, then."

Malcolm's fingers suddenly wrapped around her other wrist, his grip tight. "I sense darkness in your energy. Best be quick before it festers."

He started yanking Leandra away, almost tripping her in her heels. He managed to get her a few feet down the hallway before she yanked her hand back with a fierce whisper. "What do you think you're doing putting your hands on me?"

Malcolm turned around, his nostrils flaring, and pointed at Jaheem. "What is he doing putting his hands on you?!" His voice was not a whisper and it drew the stare of both Jaheem and other eavesdroppers coming in for more juicy gossip.

Leandra scowled, grabbed Malcolm's wrist, dragged him down the hallway, and shoved him into Colette's room. The dolls were in piles all over the floor, crayons and coloring pages scattered everywhere. She slammed the door shut, huffing. She was embarrassed, mortified. She had ruined her marriage. Everyone would call her a cheater and while they were right, she couldn't see it as anything but Malcolm's fault. She would have never done any of that if Malcolm wasn't there driving her absolutely crazy with his presence.

Malcolm's shoulders were shaking as he pointed back towards the living room. "Who the fuck was that fuckwad!?"

Leandra smirked at the way he bristled. She couldn't help but feel vindicated at the rattled state she left Malcolm in. She could hear his heavy breathing, how his hands were clenching and unclenching, the grit of his teeth.

She turned her nose up at him. "You lost the right to ask me that when you lied to me."

Malcolm's shoulders dropped, a guilty look replacing the anger. "Look…that was shitty of me. I shouldn't have lied. I'm more sorry about that than I've been about anything. I promise that will never happen again. Just, please, give me a chance to explain my side."

"So you can feed me more lies?" Leandra huffed, her fists clenching.

"No," Malcolm held up his hands. "No more lies, I swear. Ask me anything."

Leandra squared her shoulders. She already knew her first question. "Who's Taylor?"

That's when Malcolm's jaw dropped. His shoulders hunched sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck. "I know how this looks-"

"I can't stand the sight of you! You lied to me about everything!" Leandra snarled and picked up one of Colette's dolls and threw it at him.

Malcolm jumped out of the doll's path and it landed on the wall with a thud, but Leandra just started throwing more toys at him.

"No, Leandra, please listen. I almost got caught sneaking out after visiting you and she had to cover for me. I know how that sounds, but Taylor and I are just friends! She'll tell you the same thing! Ow!"

A plastic mini kitchen pot from Colette's kitchenette hit Malcolm in the forehead.

"Oh, like I'd believe a word out of your mouth! You're a playboy and a drug dealer and I want nothing to do with you!" But even as she said those words, she could feel her resistance start to weaken at the smell of his clover musk. At the softness of his pleading golden eyes. At the fragile tremble in his voice. Her eyes filled with tears as she tried to convince herself it wasn't love she was feeling in her heart. "I wish I had never met you!"

Malcolm's eyes glistened. "Leandra, you don't mean that."

She couldn't stand the sight of him hurt, so her eyes dropped down to his wrist where he was still wearing her ribbon. She snapped, holding out her hand. "Give my favor back. It doesn't belong to you anymore."

Malcolm held his wrist away from her. "No. You belong to me and I belong to you. We made a promise!"

"A promise built on a lie!" She stormed forward, trying to snatch it from his wrist but he grabbed her hand.

His honey gaze was drawing her in. "Not all of it was a lie. What I feel about you, what you mean to me, I meant every word." His words seemed so genuine she could feel her resolve start to crack. He laced his fingers in hers, his hand feeling like home. "I made a mistake because I was scared of losing you and I lost you anyways."

Leandra pulled her hand back, the tears beginning to stream down. "Let go!"

But he captured her waist, pulling her close, his smell dizzying as he surrounded her in an embrace. "Please, tell me what I can do to make this right. I'll do anything, and I mean anything! I can't live without you!" He was trembling, holding her so hard she thought she would break.

She could feel his magnetism lulling her into a kiss, his scent was so intoxicating it was hard to think. Part of her wanted to let herself fall, let herself just believe in him again and forget all the pain of last night. But the memory of his lie was so fresh that she was sure that this was just another lie.

As soon as she felt his breath on her lips, she woke up and slapped him, marking his face with her hand print.

Malcolm stumbled backward.

She shoved him further away, the spell broken. "Don't touch me! There's nothing you can do. What I want you to do is leave me alone! What I want is to never see you again!"

Malcolm held his cheek, gritting his teeth. His eyes fell to the floor, his voice slick. "Do you love him then? Were… Were you just stringing me along?"

Leandra snorted, happy one of her blows finally hit. "Like you're one to talk! How many girls are you juggling?"

Malcolm's eyes met hers, a fierceness so intense she flinched. "Leandra, there's only you! There's only ever been you!"

Unwanted tears streamed down Leandra's cheeks. How she wanted that to be true, but she couldn't believe a word he said. She tried to slap him again, but he blocked her wrist with his arm. "Stop lying!" she cried.

"I've said nothing but the truth!"

She gritted her teeth and dove for the ribbon dangling on Malcolm's wrist. "Give that back!"

Malcolm stepped back and hid his wrist behind him. "Never. You're going to have to take it."

Leandra growled and tackled him and they both stumbled onto the floor, Leandra on top of him struggling to rip it from his wrist. This was a mistake. Soon they were wrestling, her body pressed up against his as grasping hands reached around him to take her favor, but he was increasingly resistant.

"You broke my heart, you bastard!" Leandra clawed at Malcolm, but he kept squirming, rolling to keep the ribbon firmly out of reach.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I'd never do that on purpose!" Malcolm was definitely stronger but he didn't want to hurt Leandra. "I swear on my life I didn't mean to hurt you!"

Leandra, though, was using her full strength and kept up her relentless assault, and soon she threw her weight on top of him and pinned his hips to the ground with her own. "Liar!"

She felt him immediately harden against her, causing an unwanted lust to stir in her groin, and they both stilled, the fight for the ribbon forgotten.

More of Malcolm's curls were falling out of his mane and into his golden eyes, his wrists pinned in her hands. She breathed heavily, his clover musk dizzying her again and she could feel a rush of liquid slicken her. A full-faced blush bloomed all the way down to her neck as she realized the compromising position she had been caught in, a stutter stealing the words in her throat.

His golden eyes gleamed at her, an arrogant lop-sided smirk on his lips. "You don't love him, you love me. I can see it on your face."

How that hardness beneath her made her want to pull his mouth to hers, strip him down, and ride him on the floor until they were both spent, but she also didn't want to prove him right.

"Oh, you think you're so irresistible, do you?" She grabbed for the ribbon again, but with a twist of his body, he flipped her over and pinned her wrists on either side of her head.

It scared her just how easily he could overpower her. She found herself getting wet despite herself, an unexpected need trembling in her body at his body pressed up against hers.

"This is just a hiccup in our relationship, babe. You're going to take me back," he said with such certainty that it infuriated her. He released one of her wrists and grabbed her chin, his voice so tender her heart skipped. "Please…talk to me."

She wanted to push him off but, with his hardness pinning her, visions of last night flashed before her eyes. She couldn't think straight. A needy ache pitted her belly. She was left breathless by his closeness, his touch still bringing her to life. Her heart twisted, needing him despite Mara's warning ringing in her ears.

Leandra found herself being drawn to Malcolm's lips. She tried to resist but she was on a slippery slope quickly sliding down, her heart plunging into his depths. His breath ghosted hers, their lips brushing when the door flung open and a pealing squeal filled the room.

Malcolm jumped off of Leandra, both of them stumbling to their feet as quickly as possible and adjusting their clothes.

Colette didn't seem to notice anything was amiss as she tore into the room like a tornado. "Malcolm! Auntie! Look what I can do!" She cupped her hands and suddenly a little purple wisp appeared, giggling with her. "It came to me! It wants to play with me!"

Leandra's stomach pitted with fear. "Colette?"

"Colette? Colette? Where did you run off to now? It's time for your cake and presents," Revka called out behind Colette only to stop at the sight of her daughter playing with a wisp in her hands.

Colette ran up to her mother. "Look, Mama! I'm a mage just like Isaac, Anna, and Robert!"

All of the color drained out of Revka's face as she choked on her words, tears filling her eyes.

The purple wisp's hum turned into an angry buzz.

Malcolm stepped forward with his hands in the air. "Hey, kiddo. That's real neat. Do you think you can ask it to go back, now?"

The wisp buzzed angrily as Colette stamped her foot. "It came to play with me, not you!"

Malcolm's eyes widened. "Let's take a deep breath, now."

But Colette was getting more agitated making the wisp buzz like an angry bee. "Don't take away my new toy! It's mine! Mine! Mine!"

The wisp was starting to vibrate angrily, flashing at Colette's high energy. As Colette's tantrum worsened the wisp sparked, spitting lightning.

Colette screamed in fright, throwing the wisp in the air. The wisp lashed out with angry arcs, screeching, morphing, corrupting.

Revka cried out and clung to her daughter, pulling her away from the wisp.

Leandra cowered behind Malcolm, unsure of what to do.

Malcolm plucked the wisp out of the air and started cooing at it. The wisp kept shocking Malcolm's fingers, agitated by Colette's screams but Malcolm gritted his teeth and took the stings. Soon a crowd was forming outside of Colette's door watching Malcolm comfort the wisp.

"Hey, hey, hey, I know you're scared." He started shushing it like a baby as he rocked it in his hands. "Go back to the Fade where it makes sense to you."

The wisp made a sniffling sound, but then with a hiccup, it blinked out of sight.

Colette started to wail with big fat tears as she reached for the air. "My toy! My toy is gone!"

Revka clung to her child, shushing her, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Hush, little bird. Hush."

Leandra cringed knowing that Colette was in a mood now, and picked up a dolly near her feet. "How about Miss Suzie?" She knelt down and tried to hand it over.

Colette smacked it out of Leandra's hands and threw her head back in an ear-splitting scream. "Bring it back! Bring it back!"

As Colette screeched her head off, Lady de Launcet came in with stumbling footsteps, grogginess in her eyes. She gasped at Colette's burned purple floral wallpaper and scorched toys. "What in the Maker's name happened here?"

Malcolm stepped forward, bowing apologetically. "I lost control of a spell entertaining Colette. It was all my fault."

Leandra's heart lurched. Malcolm was still protecting her family even after everything. She wanted to say that changed nothing about how she felt about him, but she could feel him pull her deeper into his orbit.

Lady de Launcet fanned herself. "My, I should punish you for that, mon petit. I gave you as a present and you ruin the furniture. How rude of you."

Leandra glowered as Lady de Launcet pulled out her checkbook from her purse. The Lady uncapped her fountain pen and started filling out a page. "I must repay you for my ill-mannered House Mage. Just how much do I owe you, dear Revka?"

Revka shook her head, holding Colette's sobbing shoulders. "No need for that, my Lady. It was an accident."

Lady de Launcet ripped out the check and waved it in front of Revka's face. "Nonsense, ma cherie. I know Bethann doesn't give you much allowance. Surely, you can use the money."

Revka pursed her lips but took the check from Lady de Launcet's waiting hands. "You're too kind, my Lady."

"Quite right. Generous considering how your niece embarrassed my family with her infidelity." She threw a nasty glare at Leandra. "You're lucky to see a copper after our humiliation." Lady de Launcet then snapped her fingers at Malcolm. "We're leaving, mon petit."

"Malcolm," Malcolm growled, his shoulders hunching.

Lady de Launcet raised a painted eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"My name is Malcolm," he repeated.

Lady de Launcet squared her shoulders, sniffing. "Very well, Malcolm. Do come along."

Malcolm glanced at Leandra one last time with a yearning that left her aching. "This isn't over." And then he followed Lady de Launcet out of the door.

The party ended without cake or presents.

—-

Malcolm was seated as far away from Lady de Launcet in her limo as he could manage. Her husband was unfortunately taking another limo with a friend, which left Malcolm very much alone with Lady de Launcet. She kept filling the silence with idle chatter and Malcolm was having trouble keeping up with the conversation. He was still in his head about Leandra. He couldn't say his last meeting was a total failure, but he'd be lying to say it was a success.

Lady de Launcet kept scooting closer and Malcolm kept scooting away until she had him cornered by the window. He felt like an animal caught in a trap as she caged him in. Her heady perfume was nauseating and coated the air like a fume. She leaned into his arm, a coy smile on her face. "Your performance was quite magical, mon petit. I was quite impressed."

"Malcolm," he reminded her, staring pointedly out the window. He gripped his thighs, his knuckles whitening. There was a sinking feeling in his stomach. She was supposed to take him back to the Circle, but they never took the bridge back down to Lowtown. Instead, they were winding deeper into the Hightown's towering mansions.

"Of course, Malcolm," she hummed his name as if it were a good song.

They pulled to a rather regal mansion, quite a bit taller than the others, with deer statues and gargoyles lining the columns. The hedges were sculpted into majestic animals and looked like they required constant maintenance. The house was white and looked like it was power washed clean every day. Even the concrete was spotless.

Malcolm's stomach squirmed. "Where are we?"

"Why your new home, of course. I was able to expedite the paperwork for a price, but you're worth it, Malcolm." She pinched his cheek fondly. "We'll go shopping for a new wardrobe tomorrow. Won't that be fun?"

Malcolm shied away from her touch, rubbing his cheek, still sore from Leandra's slap. "Uuuh…" He was panicking. He thought he would have more time to think of a way out of this, to let the woman down easy, but it seemed like she wouldn't take no for an answer.

She took her brooch from her dress, a diamond-encrusted stag, and pinned it on Malcolm's tux with a smile as sharp as a knife. "Wear this so everyone will know you're mine."

Leandra's words from last night burned in his ears. Malcolm pulled at the brooch on his tux, his heart pounding. "Excuse me?"

Lady de Launcet tittered and then pulled at the ribbon on Malcolm's wrist. "Oh, please, I know this is not the first time you've been claimed." She caressed Malcolm's chin with a pointed nail. "But while Leandra might be young and pretty, you'll find I'll take care of you much better. Besides, you might find you like a woman with experience."

Malcolm's throat closed up, inching away from her. "I'm not your property," he sputtered.

Lady de Launcet stroked the curls out of his face, mussing them back into his mane. "Aren't you? I paid a very generous price for your services and I do intend to collect." Then she pounced on him, seizing his mouth in a kiss.

Malcolm gagged as he tasted the heady champagne on her tongue. His stomach lurched as he felt her hands start to unbutton his tux. Without thinking he shoved her off, screaming, "I'm Leandra's!"

Her head hit the window on the other side of the door with a thud and she cried out, sprawled across the seat.

Malcolm froze, realizing what he had done.

Lady de Launcet narrowed her eyes, rising in her seat. "You stupid knife-ear! Do you think Leandra loves you? That slut has already moved on to ride the next dick. Face it. She dropped you like a pile of nug shit!"

The slur burned in his ears. "Don't call her that, you musty bitch!" Malcolm tore off the brooch from his tux, ripping a hole in it and threw it back at her. It bounced off her stomach into her lap.

"Oh, how chivalrous," Lady de Launcet snatched the brooch and threw it at his head. Malcolm ducked and it flew past his head and cracked the window behind him. "You'll regret this! I'll have the First Enchanter make you into a drooling idiot! You better beg for my forgiveness, right now!"

Malcolm's shoulders were up to his ears and he fled the car, not knowing what else to do. His heart pounded in his ears, realizing he was fucked no matter what, but he still had his Ferelden pride. "Fuck that!" He slammed the door in her face.

She kicked open the door and stormed after him, her heels scraping the pavement. "Where do you think you're going!?"

"I'm walking back to the Circle. Better than staying with you," Malcolm called over his shoulder.

"You rotten knife-ear! I'll have you flogged, quartered! You'll never see daylight again!"

Lady de Launcet continued to hurl insult after insult, threat after threat, until he turned the block and her screeching voice finally started to fade away.

Malcolm only managed to make it to the bridge to Lowtown before Carver picked him up in his patrol car, a grim look on his face.

Malcolm slunk into the front seat, knowing that he had fucked up.

"Before you get on my ass, it was an accident."

Carver gritted his teeth. "You accidentally assaulted Lady de Launcet and called her a 'musty bitch'?"

Malcolm scoffed with disgust. "She assaulted me, man! Put her nasty mouth on me and everything. I had to shove her off." He wiped his mouth, still feeling her slime on him. "Besides, she is a musty bitch."

Carver grimaced, not arguing but his jaw was still tense. "I'm sorry she did that…"

Malcolm gritted his teeth and looked out the window muttering curses under his breath.

"So…you want the bad news or the bad news?" Carver asked grimly, turning the wheel back towards the Docks.

Malcolm's shoulders slumped, his cheek still bruised from Leandra's slap, Lady de Launcet's red lipstick smeared across his mouth. "If you're telling me I'm fired, that can only be good news. I was never going to be a good House Mage, dude."

"Not just fired…" Carver pointedly avoided looking at Malcolm as sucked a breath in through his teeth. "I'm to flog you and take you straight to the dungeons, where you'll serve your time indefinitely until the Knight-Commander deems to let you out."

"If he lets me out." Malcolm's head hit the back of the seat with a sigh. He loosened his tie so it would stop choking him, his back already twinging at the thought. "Still, better than kissing Lady de Launcet."

Carver shuddered. "Agreed." He placed a hand on Malcolm's shoulder, his brown eyes soft and apologetic. "Don't worry, man. I'll do everything I can to get you out as soon as possible."

Malcolm sighed and stared down at his hands, the weight on his shoulder a comfort even knowing those hands would be bringing him pain soon. Leandra hadn't forgiven him, yet, but their last meeting confirmed that her feelings were still there. She still loved him.

But who was that other man? He knew in his heart that this date was just to mess with him, that another man couldn't possibly hold the sway on Leandra's heart that he did, but he couldn't help but compare himself to this intruder. He was a man's man, with height and muscle mass, stubble in his jaw, and strength behind his gait. He was also a respectable lawyer, moral and good, the farthest thing from a lousy lyrium dealer. He was someone she could bring home to her parents one day.

A seedling of doubt started to root within Malcolm. Maybe she would prefer someone who wouldn't get dwarfed every time she wore heels? What if she preferred a man that could grow chest hair and a beard? What if what he did was so unforgivable, Leandra wouldn't take him back? What if that was the last time he saw her? What if he was wrong about everything and she moved on? It wasn't like they'd ever had a future together.

Malcolm took those thoughts and crushed them like chalk, Chef's warning about indulging them burning in his ears. Despite what faced him at the Circle, he chose to focus on the glimmer of hope on the horizon, though even that was so fragile it felt like a bubble on the verge of popping.