Nathan swallowed audibly. "Y-Yes, Headmistress."
Morgana inclined her head, then turned smoothly, her steps carrying her down the aisle. Conversations resumed only after she vanished between the shelves, whispers rippling in her wake.
Merlin stared after her, his chest tight. She hadn't spoken his name. She hadn't needed to.
She knew.
And somehow, that was worse than if she had called him out in front of them all.
—
By the time the bells tolled evening, the group stumbled out of the library, eyes red and brains numb from too many runes. Nathan groaned dramatically, clutching his books to his chest.
"If I survive tomorrow, it'll be because Adrian forced me to memorize elemental counters and Elara scared me into actually reading."
Adrian muttered, "You're welcome."
Elara didn't reply.
Merlin glanced back once at the darkened windows of the library. His chest still ached where Morgana's gaze had pressed into him.
Tomorrow loomed closer.
